Valley Journal Advertiser

Valley girls win D1 U18 title at basketball tournament in Halifax

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A varied collection of Annapolis Valley high school girls’ basketball players came together this holiday season to capture the U18 title in the annual SLAM Christmas Classic Basketball Tournament in Halifax.

Eight local players from Grade 9 to Grade 12 entered the division one (D1) tournament together as the Junior Axewomen and went undefeated, ending with a close 61-59 win over the Colchester Tigers in the championsh­ip game Dec. 30.

“This event served as a great developmen­t opportunit­y for the players that competed, lots of floor time and freedom to simply play. We went on a number of scoring runs at times, which helped cover up many of the performanc­e mistakes that come with high-tempo freedom,” said head coach Fred Cumby.

“When we combined a highcompet­e level with our skill level, compliment­ed with sound decision making, I felt we put on an entertaini­ng show for those in attendance.”

Leading to the championsh­ip game, the Axewomen defeated the Tigers 57-56 in the first game, and went on to defeat the Bedford Eagles 76-37, and St. Margaret’s Bay SLAM 75-43 to face the Tigers again in the finals.

Awards for Player of the Game went to Lauren Hainstock in the first and third games, Aidan MacLeod in the second, and Brynna MacKenzie in the final. Heart and Hustle awards went to Olivia Andrews in the first and final games, Brynna MacKenzie in the second game, and Danielle Cumby in the third.

The players came from Horton High School, Northeast Kings Education Centre and Avon View High School, and many had never played together before.

The team was simply formed to give the girls a chance to sharpen their skills and build on their performanc­e over the holiday break.

“We started the tournament not really knowing each other and what we could do on the court,” said Grade 9 NKEC student Lauren Hainstock.

“But we really came together quickly and played well as a team.”

“I think as individual players we all have our talents and moments throughout the game,” added Grade 9 Horton student Brynna MacKenzie.

“But in the end, it really came down to how well we could play together. I think that really showed in the championsh­ip game.”

Playing in the U18 division, many of the younger players on the Axewomen faced older and more experience­d players. However, the competitio­n level was not a challenge for these players that have been on the court since elementary school.

“I loved playing with some new girls because it brought new skills to the team and really helped with our success,” said Grade 9 Horton student Danielle Cumby.

The SLAM Christmas Classic Basketball Tournament brings together more than 1,000 players from across the province with seven different locations hosting 168 games from Dec. 28-30.

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 ?? CONTRIBUTE­D ?? This Valley squad, consisting of players hailing from both Kings and Hants counties, recently came out on top at the annual SLAM Christmas Classic Basketball Tournament in Halifax. Pictured are, from left, back row: Coach Rick MacKenzie, Sarah Parsons, Lauren Hainstock, Olivia Andrews, Coach Fred Cumby, Aidan MacLeod, and Kerensa Johnson; front row: Tannis Palmer, Vanessa Vaughan, Brynna MacKenzie, and Danielle Cumby.
CONTRIBUTE­D This Valley squad, consisting of players hailing from both Kings and Hants counties, recently came out on top at the annual SLAM Christmas Classic Basketball Tournament in Halifax. Pictured are, from left, back row: Coach Rick MacKenzie, Sarah Parsons, Lauren Hainstock, Olivia Andrews, Coach Fred Cumby, Aidan MacLeod, and Kerensa Johnson; front row: Tannis Palmer, Vanessa Vaughan, Brynna MacKenzie, and Danielle Cumby.

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