They may not have had the most stellar season, but they had fun as they learned to play and love the game. After all, isn't that the most important aspect of their season?
The Yorkton Regional High School (YRHS) saluted its basketball teams at the annual awards banquet at Melrose Place Monday night in a ceremony which recognized those who went the extra distance with their performances both on and off the court.
The coach of the junior girls, Chad McDowell, wasn't able to attend the ceremony and had senior boys' coach Jason Payne read his team message.
McDowell thanked his team for their efforts during the past season. "I hope you all continue to be active in sports and I hope you share my fondness for this past season," McDowell wrote.
Nicki Zulyniak claimed the Academic Award.
Kylie Siedler-Morgan was named the Most Improved Player.
Hayley Lepowick was presented the Spirit Award.
Victoria Derbowka was named Rookie of the Year.
Mandy Brazeau won the team Most Valuable Player Award.
Junior boys' team coaches Perry Ostapowich and Tom Schlamp presented the junior boys' awards.
In his opening remarks, Ostapowich explained the junior boys program consisted of a Grade 9/10 team. The Grade nine players also formed a separate team as well.
The team was hard working and a lot of fun to coach. The junior (9/10) team went to two tournaments in Weyburn and Moose Jaw where they placed second.
The Grade 9 team had an undefeated season with a 10-0 record in their age division, winning the East Central District title in Kam-sack where they beat Meville by two points to capture the junior boys' crown.
The junior boys' coaches'/Leadership Award went to Darein Kequahtooway.
Ryan Lebo was named Rookie of the Year.
Shayan Eftehari and Grey McKen shared the Grade 9 Scholar Award as both had 89.4 per cent averages for the first semester.
Derek Barr's 84 per cent average earned him the Grade 10 Scholar Award.
Layne Hull was named Most Outstanding Player.
Senior Lady Raiders head coach Donna Kriger expressed her appreciation to players' parents for their support and encouragement of the players. "I know that when you have a child playing high school sports the commitment they devote to a program is matched by your commitment to that program as well," Kriger states.
She recognized the assistance of Darren Wandy and Jason Payne to the senior girls' team as all three coaches currently work at YRHS.
Kriger heaped grateful praise on the contributions of two people who were instrumental in her team's season. The first, Tony Hayden, a long time coach produced some excellent teams and athletes in his 43 plus years of coaching. "It has been pretty special for us to spend the season with you, Tony," she says.
Team manger Heather Taylor was instrumental in team logistics. Taylor looked after team money, booking hotels and transportation and setting up game dates.
"Without these two people it would be insurmountable to pull off looking after a basketball team, not being in that building," Kriger says.
The senior girls' season started in Regina with seven rookies. "We got pummelled," Kriger admits.
The team was determined to improve and beat Melville before the season ended.
The Prince Albert Tournament saw the team hit bottom. "We had nowhere to go but up and up we went," Kriger states.
The turn around began in January at the Moose Jaw tournament where the Lady Raiders earned 3-1 record and won the consolation side in the 16 team tournament. They beat Melville in overtime and downed the 2A gold medalists in the consolation final.
Following P.A. the senior girls won another consolation title in Melville and a championship at the Sacred Heart tournament.
The girls' advanced to regionals in Prince Albert where their season ended after a loss to the top seed P.A. Carleton.
The 11-17 record might not seem outstanding to many, Kriger admits, but when you consider the Lady Raiders were 10-3 from January on, it was an amazing season in her mind.
Senior Lady Academic award winners were: Garde 9, Rachel Machnee; Grade 10, Brandey Blahut; Grade 11, Raelene Nagy; Grade 12, Kyla Bassingthwaite.
Raelene Nagy also claimed the Top Scorer title and the Ironwoman Award.
Rebecca McLaren and Robyn Bendfeld were named Rookie of the Year.
Kyla Bassingthwaite received the Most Improved Player Award.
The Coaches Award was presented to Rebecca Kriger.
Brandey Blahut was named Most Valuable Player.
Senior boys' coach Jason Payne began by thanking people instrumental in making the senior boys' program the success it was, including his family, the school board, school administration and the coaching staff. The board recognizes the importance of athletics and provides the funding to support the programs.
School administration provided the time to allow travel and participation in in tournaments.
This year the Senior Raiders competed well against the top teams in their division, Payne reports, finishing the season with a 19-11 record, narrowly missing winning the conference.
The Raiders fell to Evan Hardy in the regional final game to end their hoopla hopes.
"I was blessed with 13 kids who worked their butts off every single day at practise. They did everything we asked of them and more," Payne declares.
"If we grow like we did last year then we'll have some pretty good things to be talking about at our banquet next year," he closes.
Daniel Mandziuk claimed the Scoring King title with 396 points for the season and the Assist King title with 115 assists for the season.
Ben Redl, who pulled down 284 rebounds, was named Rebound King. Redl also earned +411 points to capture the Player of the Year Award.
Dalton Bakke was named Rookie of the Year.
The Defensive Player of the Year was Stephen Hutton.
The Academic Award was presented to Tyler Boychuk who achieved an academic average of 91.2 per cent.
Tanner Kardynal was named the Most Improved Player.
The Coaches' Awards went to Jordan Scheffler and Chase Ruttig.
Three Ironman Awards were handed out to Kostas Karachalios. Jordan Scheffler, and Stephen Hutton.
Grade 12 plaques were presented to graduating players. Chasse Ruttig played 64 games, amassing 199 points and 99 steals. Jordan Scheffler played 75 games, earning 117 points and claiming 113 rebounds. Jonathan Machnee played 42 games scoring 211 points and corralling 272 rebounds. Dalton Bakke played 30 games, running up 94 points and claiming 114 rebounds.
