NACI Varsity Girls are Zone Seven champs

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Published on Friday, February 26, 2016

By Eoin Devereux

The Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

The NACI Tigers varsity girls basketball team has turned winning into a habit, as they have claimed their second straight Zone Seven Championship. The Tigers cemented their latest title banner on Thursday, Feb. 25, by defeating the Elton Sabers 52-45. 

The game started off slowly for the Tigers, as Elton was able to jump out to an early 17-11 first quarter lead. In the second however, Neepawa started to find its shooting range, while stifling the Saber’s own efforts. That allowed the Tigers to overtake Elton on the scoreboard and hold down a 29-23 lead at the half.

Holding on to a tenuous six point lead, the Tigers were able to open things up in the third, making the best of their opportunities on offence, while also neutralizing the Sabre’s size advantage. This led to a 41-34 lead for Neepawa with one quarter remaining in regulation.

In the fourth, the Tigers attempted to pull away but found themselves giving up a few possessions due to turnovers. Fortunately, Elton couldn’t take full advantage, missing several opportunities in the paint and ultimately allowing NACI to hold on for the 52-45 win.

The scoring for Neepawa was by committee, with Dani Hanke leading the score sheet with just nine points. Dana Friesen, Jayme Kulbacki and Lina Gordon also added seven points apiece. 

The varsity girls team now advances to the regionals, which will be held in Neepawa on Saturday, Mar. 5. The other teams that will compete in the event will be finalized with the next few days.