The St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Bears had successful basketball seasons with the senior boys capturing the bronze medal in the Chinook's Edge Northern Athletic Association (CENAA) and the junior Bears boys going undefeated.
St. Marguerite Bourgeoys senior boys Bears coach John Groenen was pleased with his team's efforts.
ìWe placed third in CENAA behind the Innisfail junior Cyclones and the Spruce View Vikings,î said Groenen. ìIn our bronze medal match against Destiny Christian School we probably did not do as well as we could have being hit with player injuries yet still brought home some hardware. It was the highlight of our season.î
He noted their season record was seven wins and five losses and his team played well in playoffs.
The senior girls Bears went to zone playoffs with a four-win and eight-loss record and lost both games.
ìThe Grade 9 senior girls team did well with only three Grade 9 girls as part of the team against some tough opposition,î said Groenen. ìThe rest of the team was grade 7 and 8 girls who will play together next year. Another year of maturity will make them a stronger, more competitive team.î
In the St. Marguerite Bourgeoys junior Bears program, both the boys and girls teams played four games and played in an invitational tournament.
ìThe junior boys Bears had a remarkable season,î said assistant coach Eric Tetrau. ìThey finished with a record of three wins and one tie.î
Tetrau added his team had just started to play organized basketball, and their coaching started with basic skills like dribbling, passing, pressing (defence), shooting, and layups. Of his 13 players, only three were returning with previous experience, making the winning season more satisfying, said Tetrau.
The junior girls Bears compiled a two-win and two-loss record, having a fine season as well, said Tetrau.
