The Princess Margaret Mustangs senior girls basketball team earned the consolation trophy at the AA provincials championships in Langley last weekend.
The Mustangs defeated Victoria’s Lambrick Park 52-44 to take ninth place led by Megan Admussen-Blair, who scored 16 points and Danielle Ruocco finished with 14 after giving her team a needed lift with timely baskets. Caitlyn Neary and Jaquelyn Ford scored key baskets while Kenzi Haberstock was named player of the game for her efforts in keeping Lambrick’s big post in check.
The Mustangs opened the championship by dropping the opening game to Vancouver’s Notre Dame 65-46.
“We were a little unfortunate to have to play Notre Dame in the first round as they were a top four team all year long,” said Mustangs coach Dave Killick. “They had a couple of injuries late in the season which dropped them to the No. 8 seed.”
Admussen-Blair was the Mustang’s leading scorer with 15 points while Taylor Corrie chipped in 13. Ruocco and Reiley Terbasket knocked down six points. Terbasket was named the Mustang’s player of the game. The Mustangs followed up the loss by winning their last three matches. Their first game against Terrace’s Caledonia Kermodes ended 53-38. Admussen-Blair and Ruocco provided most of the offence with 23 and 19 points, respectively. Haley Lehr played a key role with strong play in the paint while Admussen-Blair was named player of the game.
The Mustangs then defeated the Vernon Panthers in a valley semifinal rematch. Terbasket was the offensive star with 18 points while Admussen-Blair chipped in 14 and Shinaaz Johal had a solid game knocking down 10 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Corrie was a leader at both ends of the court and was recognized as player of the game.
“We played pretty well and were pleased after losing our first game to win the next three,” added Killick. “The last game was pretty emotional as it was the last game for our six grade 12’s.”
The Immaculata Mustangs (of Kelowna) defeated Little Flower Academy (Vancouver) 68-55 to capture the provincial crown while Maggie was named the most sportsmanlike team of the tournament.