Both Hazelton Secondary senior basketball teams took home the silver in last weekend’s zone tournament.
The boys lost to Bulkley Valley Christian School in overtime 67-63 in a game full of ups and downs.
Despite missing the provincial tournament by five points the team’s coach is OK with the result.
“I am so extremely proud of the senior boys Spartans,” head coach Tamara Stoney said. “Words cannot express. We left it all on the court.
“There are many things that could have went more our way but we could not have played with more heart.”
One of the Spartans’ leaders, Colton Murrell, suffered a bad sprain in his right ankle, but came back into the game to help his team push on.
He may have suffered more than a sprain, according to his father, Jeremy.
“I learned that my son has the heart and determination of a champion,” Jeremy said. “He possibly played the last minute and a half on a broken foot. He wanted to help his team win so bad and they almost pulled it off.”
In the game that earned the boys a spot in the final, which was against Houston Secondary, the team showed relentless effort on the defensive end, leading to a lot of forced turnovers and easy baskets.
Murrell led the team with 36 points, while providing the anchor on the defensive end and getting some key blocks whenever Houston would attempt to make a push to close the scoring gap.
Ryan Wright had 15 points and Richard Hillis, Grade 9, chipped in with 13.
The coach of the senior girls’ team, Michelle Stoney, knows her team gained some necessary experience which will help them next year.
“We lost by a lot because of [Houston Christian’s] height and experience,” Michelle said. “It was a pleasure watching our athletes perform to their fullest potential and play with heart on the court.
“I left feeling extremely proud of everyone of you young ladies and gents and I’m thankful to have been there to support you all.”
Colleen Derrick led the girls in scoring with 13 in the first game against G.M. Dawson Sigrid Palenius had 11 points., Alisha Wilson and Samantha Johnson finished with 8 points each.