This past weekend was Macie and Wades final tournament for U11 at the Battle at the Bridge.
It has been a well run tournament that brings teams from Calgary, Okatokes, and even Sift Current SK.
Macie's team was coached by Debbie Steed, and Mandy Baker and Wades team by Brant Hansen, and Kalinda (his mother)
Overall Macie's team only lost 2 games this season, both to Raymond teams. This final tournament her team with the three best teams pooled on one side and the the 3 lower teams pooled on the other side.
Macie's first game was against a WIN a Calgary team who was very well rounded team. Macie found herself in foul trouble early in the first and the team was down by 13 points.
From Macie:
"it was a mental and physical challenge but Coach Debbie said that we can't give up" It was hard for our team but deep down inside I knew we could win. After I got my 3rd foul, i had in the first i had to sit out until the second quarter. Our team worked really hard to not get further than 13 points behind. Maddie Baker scored several baskets to keep us in it. When i back in the game in the second, i picked up my game by not fouling and making most of my shots. I was really stressed cause i really wanted to win. In my head i was like we have to win this game and i was able to keep composed and continue to make shots and defend effectively with out fouling.
By the 4th Quarter we were down by a few points and i knew i had to keep making my shots. we tied the game and pulled 4 points ahead, but they kept battling and tied it back up and then pulled ahead by 4 points with under 2 min to go. I was able to make 2 quick baskets to tie it at 40.When the WIN guard was bringing the ball down the court she picked her head up for just a second, and I instantly poked the ball to steal it and go in for a lay up. She ended up fouling me on the shot, to put me at the line with under 30seconds to go. My heart was racing and I knew I had to make 1 shot to get us the lead. I made my first shot and missed my second. The WIN team brought the ball back down the court and had a turn over with 20 seconds left. Maddie was brining the ball out of our zone very slowly to run the clock and then she stopped and picked up the ball. I went to help at the half court line but ended up going over and back and losing possession with 9 seconds left. Coach Debbie told us to get in the key to defend the net. So we all went to the Key. The WIN team got possession and took the shot and missed giving us the win.
Macie scored 30 points had many steals and rebounds to help lead the team to a 41-40 victory. After the game parents from the other team congratulated Macie for her excellent playing, and one girl even compared her to Delaney Gibb. This had to be the game of her life so far. She played outstanding, not giving up or fouling out.
The Girls were able to win their next game and make it to the final against an Okatokes team. The final game was not easy but Macie, Jenessy and Emma played their hearts out and were able to win the tournament.
Final thoughts from Macie: It was a hard tournament. Everyone had to play their best. It was an amazing feeling to win the final game and bring home the medals for a second year in a row.
Wades team was able to win his final game for 5th place. Those boys played hard against some really tough and tall teams.
Each of the team grew so much this year, and saw big growth from a few players.
The summer will be a nice break but I am sure that there will be some basketball played all summer long.
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