The Kwalikum Kondors senior girls basketball team beat Ballenas Whalers 60-24 to clinch the recent Duncan Christian Welcome Back Invitational Tournament.
The Kondors were unbeaten in the tournament, beating Brooks Thunderbirds 53-17 and Ladysmith 49ers 42-38 to advance to the final.
“Our defence was incredible and we worked together as a team,” said Chloe Elston, who co-coaches the team with Shaelyn Peachey. “That is what led to our success.”
Olivia Pinichelli was named the tournament’s most valuable player while Liesl Domes was named to the tournament all-star team. Kondors who earned players of the game honours were Peyton Yochim, Domes and Selam Cooper.
The other members of the Kondors team are Pyint Johdee, Erin Buik, Brooklyn Urquhart, Quiana Jack, Selam Cooper, Ashley Son, Alexis James, Kokeb Cooper and Juliette Sottiaux.
The Whalers beat the host team Duncan Christian Chargers 54-21 to advance to the final. Despite finishing second, the Whalers are pleased with their result and hope to develop their game as the season progresses.
“The senior girls are a pretty inexperienced team this year,” said Bryan Spray, who co-coaches the team with Brittany Parker. “So our focus is really to teach the game and improve as much as possible before the playoffs.”
With very few teams in the North Island League, Spray has entered the Whalers in other tournaments that include the Totem tourney in Port Alberni Jan. 7-8.
The Whalers team is composed of Maria Dennill, Samantha Mahony, Ellie Dugas, Miranda Sepos, Alicia Pascual, Sydney Easthom, Anna Tulia, Sarah Simons, Guiann Ocampo, Grace Blackthorne, Katie Theriault, Maddie Dabbs, Nina Boquist, Taia Matchett and Giorgia Chervatin.