‘I think our chances are pretty good’
West Kings girls team hosting basketball tournament
The West Kings girls’ basketball team was anxious to hit the court Jan. 19.
The senior girls’ team hosted a tournament Jan. 19 and 20, and it was a big deal for the team, said George Humphry, who has coached both the boys’ and girls’ teams for the past 27 years, was pleased with his players.
“This is the first time we’ve had the tournament here for three years – there was a storm, and then the strike last year. This was the first time we’ve been able to have this for the girls’ so everybody was quite excited,” Humphrey said.
“It’s nice to host. We’ve got the cafeteria going out there, the referee’s room is going with free food for them. It takes a lot of volunteers, but if you have good hospitality people will want to come back. Good hospitality, and treating people right is really important.”
He’s also pleased with his own team’s performance.
“It’s been going pretty well overall, we’re about 80 per cent wins this year,” Humphry said.
“Katharine (Richter), our captain, is one of the best captains we’ve ever had. She’s really good at what she does. And Kelsey Jordan is our other co-captain, she got player of the game, she’s good at what she does, too.”
Grade 12 student Katharine Richter was also happy with the team’s performance.
“For me, when we switched to the man defence and really put a lot of pressure on their team, we were able to really shut them down for the game,” she said.
Humphry is looking for his players to come out strong in regionals, which are set for midfebruary.
“I’d say we’re going to come out of there one or two,” he said. “The team to beat is the team we played but they were missing their point guard. I figured we’d West Kings Wolverines Julie Litsas (5) passes the ball during first half action against Central Kings Gators Jan. 19. West Kings Wolverines Kelsey Jordan (3) reaches for the ball during play against Central Kings Gators Jan. 19.
be closer – maybe five points They’re
but they are a really good team. the team to beat down here.”
Focusing on building a strong team of strong players – both on and off the court – remains Humphry’s priority.
“We push putting nice young ladies out in society,” he said. “Winning is nice, but manners, respect for another player, good sportsmanship – that’s what we push.”
But, he adds, work on the team’s offensive play will also be on the agenda in the coming weeks.
“We do a five-out routine here, and every time they pass the ball you’ve got to cut through,” he said.
“They do a 45-degree slant and you’ve got to cut through. That’s key to the offence.”
For Richter, focusing on the offence will be key.
“I think we’re doing really well, we just need to finish some things up, work on our offence and different plays,” she said.
Richter is also feeling confident about the team’s chances about winning a spot at regionals to compete at the provincial level. This year’s provincial D-2 tournament for the western area will be held in Shelburne March 1-3.
“I think our chances are pretty good – we’ve been working really well together so far this year so I’m feeling pretty good,” she added.