The Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) Elecs senior girls basketball team’s first appearance at the Hoopla provincial tournament in 12 years saw them win one of three games. “I’m very, very proud of my girls,” said Elecs coach Jessie Smoliak. “I thought we represented rural basketball very well in the 5A category.” The Elecs and Prince Albert Carleton were the only rural teams entered in the 5A division at Hoopla. Regina and Saskatoon each had three teams. Estevan opened the tournament with a 62-55 loss to Regina’s Michael A. Riffel Catholic High School Royals. ECS defeated Riffel early in the season, but Smoliak stressed Riffel was a different team at Hoopla. Even though the Elecs trailed throughout the game, they managed to keep it close. “The first game being at Hoopla, with that kind of competition, the nerves kind of got to us, and we got into a little foul trouble,” said Smoliak. Not only were they nervous against Riffel, but they also struggled to gather up rebounds. Smoliak believes that was a factor in the game. ECS dropped down to the consolation round, and responded with a 65-63 win over another Regina team, the Miller Comprehensive School Marauders. Both teams shot the ball really
well in the game, Smoliak said. “We had to shoot them outside, so we went to a zone defence,” said Smoliak. In the last two minutes, Khrystal Montebon substituted for Sammy Wade, and Montebon hit a key three-point shot to give the Elecs the lead and some momentum. Mackenzie Park and Ruth Peacson came off the bench and played great defence, which Smoliak said allowed the starters to rest. “We got the lead, kept the lead and won by two,” said Smoliak. They lost 62-58 to Regina’s Campbell Collegiate Tartans in the consolation final. “We were up the whole game until the last two minutes, and it was unbelievable for them,” said Smoliak. They lost the lead late, and couldn’t get it back. Down by two, the Elecs tried a three-pointer to regain the lead in the final seconds, but didn’t make it, and then fouled a Regina Campbell player, who made both of her free-throws for the four-point spread. “As any coach could ask for, the team played so well,” said Smoliak. At the start of the year, Smoliak said the goal was to get to Hoopla. Once they arrived at the tournament, they set a goal winning their first game and finishing in the top four. And while they came up short, Smoliak is thrilled they were able to reach the consolation final. The Elecs were the
only rural team to win a game at either 5A boys or 5A girls provincials. Seven of their nine players this year are eligible to return next year. Kalee Donovan and Kourtney Kobitz are their only graduating students. Those two played huge roles, and they will be tough to replace, but Smoliak hopes this experience will pay off for their seven returnees. “I’m really hoping we can compete next year, and be back and Hoopla, because I really think my girls got the feel of what Hoopla is all about, and now we know what to expect for next year,” said Smoliak.
