The Yorkton Regional High School (YRHS) junior boys hosted a six team basketball tournament over the weekend.
In pool play the junior Raider boys lost their opening game to Moose Jaw Peacock 63-45 and won the next game 52-47 over Western Christian Academy to advance to the B final.
Western Christian Academy won the C-side 56-52 over Weyburn.
Thom Collegiate won the B-side over YRHS 62-57 to finish third overall.
Moose Jaw Peacock claimed the tournament title downing second place runners-up Regina Centennial.
Tournament coordinator, YRHS junior boys' coach Perry Ostapowich says all Grade 9-10 competing teams were from Regina, Moose Jaw, Weyburn and Yorkton. The competition was excellent, Ostapowich suggests.
The goal in the Raiders final game was to work on defense and the players did an excellent job on defense, Ostapowich reports.
The Junior Raiders worked hard during the entire tournament. "We were able to work in some of our systems. With a junior team like this fundamentals are always the key," he states.
"The boys did very well and (assistant coach Eric McDowell) and myself are very proud of them," Ostapowich says.
Currently the team has 15 players with 11 available for the tournament, Ostapowich reports.
Defense was the team's strength during the tournament. The boys worked very hard. They hustled and really controlled the defensive boards.
Eddie Schramm did very well under the basket both offensively and defensively. Alex Popoff did a very good job of controlling the offense from the top and getting the ball in. The boys really worked on establishing their systems, Ostapowich reports.
The home tournament was the first outing for the team this season.
"We're really looking forward to the season. The kids are working hard. We have some height this year and we have some guards who are coming along very well," Ostapowich closes.
