The Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) Elecs senior girls basketball team claimed bronze in 10th Victor Elias Memorial Shoot for a Cure Invitational basketball tournament that was held at the school’s gymnasium last Friday and Saturday.
ECS and the Lumsden Angels opened the anniversary tournament with a cancer awareness ceremony. The previous years' tournaments beneficiaries or their relatives were invited to come out to participate in the event. All proceeds from the tournament this year will go to Bill Mann.
“The tournament was a success. We had a wonderful turnout for our pink game on Friday, along with an inspiring and emotional ceremony for Bill Mann and the beneficiaries we have helped in the last 10 years,” said Elecs coach Jessie Smoliak.
After pink balloons were let go in honour of those whose lives were affected by cancer, the basketball began. The Elecs came out strong in their pink game, winning the first game against Lumsden 97-79.
They advanced in the tournament and played the Notre Dame Hounds in the semi-final, losing the game by two points, 71-69, and then played Weyburn for the fourth time this season.
The ECS team was down 20-16 after the first quarter, but up 29-26 at half-time. The teams were tied 44-44 after three and 64-64 after regulation. After all, Elecs ended up winning 74-67 in overtime and claimed third place in the tournament.
Smoliak noted that all three teams they faced in the tournament were competitive.
“Our tournament had all 4A/5A teams so it was a competitive tournament, especially before playoffs. The grade 12s played really well, but everyone had moments of greatness, which was nice to show to our home crowd.”
Winston Knoll was the winner of the tournament, with Notre Dame Hounds taking the second place.
Smoliak said that successful free throws seemed to be what the ECS team was lacking over these two days.
“We didn’t make our free throws and missed a lot of lay ups in the semi-finals which would have helped us get to the final against Winston Knoll. If we could have made even half of our free throws that would have been a game-changer,” said Smoliak.
The tournament was also a celebration of the senior players as this was their last home tournament.
“At the end of our last game, my assistant coaches and I recognized our grade 12s along with their parents for their dedication and commitment over the years. Speeches, roses and photos were given out to Talissa Gervais, Taylor Haux, Sarah Dacuycuy and Shanelle Rioux,” said Smoliak.
The last four games of the tournament, each Grade 12 player received a flower for their commitment to their team, just adding a touch as this tournament would be the last seasonal tournament before playoffs begin on the weekend.
“A very exciting and emotional weekend but so worth the time that was put in to make this tournament a success! Thanks again to everyone who supported, donated and volunteered at the tournament,” said Smoliak extending her gratitude over to Shelia Kobitz, Kristy Jones, Dyan Haux and Kerri Lawson, who were tournament organizers, as well as to the team that has supported the idea of this tournament from the beginning of the season, and to Tanis Savill, Christa Kurtz, Simone Saigon and Melissa Holman, who organized the canteen, and also to this year’s champions Winson Knoll that gave a generous donation.
The ECS Elecs will head out to Yorkton for regionals next weekend.
For more on the ceremony and this year’s beneficiary, Bill Mann, see this week’s edition of Southeast Lifestyles.
