Several of Kelowna’s Junior Heat teams spent last weekend at Basketball B.C.’s Club Championship tournaments on the Lower Mainland, while others were in Calgary or Washington.
Here’s a look at the results:
• U17 girls at B.C championships—Junior Heat defeated Vancouver Panthers 62-19, beat Athelite U16 57-20, and the Junior Heat U16 team 59-35 to go unbeaten. Jordan Korol scored 44 points over the three games, while Hannah Friesen had 23 points and 24 rebounds.
• U17 boys in Calgary—Junior Heat defeated Cardston Cougars 81-70, Medicine Hat 95-52, and the CYDC Elite 80-63 in the championship game.
” This was a great weekend in Calgary,” said coach Dino Gini. “I love coaching this group. They know what I expect from them.”
• U16 girls at B.C. Club Championships—the Junior Heat out lasted AthElite U15 56-53 in double overtime, defeated Vancouver Panthers 54-22, and lost to the U17 Junior Heat 59-35.
“The girls have more potential than they showcased this weekend and we will be working hard the next few weeks to overcome these mental lapses,” said coach Kim Whelpton. “Our plan is close out the club season with some great team performances as we look ahead to competitions in Kamloops and Edmonton in July.”
• U16 boys in Calgary—Junior Heat beat CYDC U17 Foote 93-60, defeated CYDC U16 Finley 85-72 and lost 74-66 to Calgary Selects. Colin McGrath connected for 47 points in the two victories.
“We showed great intensity on defence as we continue to understand more of what it takes to compete against older and more experienced teams whether it be in the United States or Canada,” said coach Andrew Gini.
• U15 girls in Renton, WA—Junior Heat girls lost 50-25 to ESA Purple Bea, defeated A Plus 22-21, lost to Hoopaholics 56-25 and defeated Juanita Rebels 45-39.
Lyndzie Caron scored 38 points over the weekend, including 19 in the final game.
“The fourth game was by far the best game of the tournament and we are happy as coaches that each weekend seems to build their confidence as a team and their play as individuals,” said coaches Roz Huber and Stew Walline.
• U15 boys at B.C. championships—Junior Heat beat Team Excel (Richmond) 68-15, AthElite U14 47-35, then lost 51-47 to Vancouver Sports Club. Mitch Glutek had the high single game output with 22 points.
The Heat will be back in action with the Northwest Premier Showcase in Seattle, Washington July 11 to 13.
• U13 boys in Seattle—Junior Heat lost 42-19 to B Hoopstar (Bellingham), A-Plus (Seattle) 63-29, and 66-15 to ESA (Seattle).
“Overall, it was a great experience for the team playing against tough competition, which will surely help in future games,” said coach Jay Johnstone.
