The Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) senior boys Elecs basketball team fell short of qualifying for Hoopla at regionals in Regina on March 20 and 2.
They lost to the Regina Riffel 83-75 on March 20, but defeated Balgonie 56-55 the following day.
Throughout the game against Regina, coach Shane Ross said that his team was leading for the majority. In the last couple of minutes of the fourth quarter Riffel’s experience was an advantage as they ended up winning by eight points.
Matt Haux scored 19 points to lead the team in scoring and has been doing that for the Elecs all season long, according to Ross.
Despite the loss, Ross said is team fought hard for the full game, and was impressed with the way the Elecs competed as Regina’s team consisted of many Grade 12 players.
“The guys just really stepped up and made the most of the last weekend all together, and set the tone in the first game,” he said.
In the consolation game against Balgonie, Estevan was up 31-21 at the half. But in the second half the team had to rally as they were down by eight at one instance during the game, Ross said.
Haux again led the Elecs in points by shooting 15.
Ross praised the composure of his team as they were able to hold on to their lead late in the game.
Overall Ross was also impressed with the intensity his team played with as they started a rivalry with Balgonie earlier in the season.
Going forward Ross believes the team will keep improving, as they had only two Grade 12 players. They were competing against that contained eight Grade 12’s.
He expects the Grade 10 players to play very well next season, since, they held their own this season.
Ross’s goal for the team next season is to win 75 percent of their games.
“It’s only looking up and we have high expectations … and we’re moving from that underdog spot,” he said.
