By TREENA MIELKE
Bluffton Stingers girls’ basketball team proved their sting was deadly when they defeated Crestomere 50-37 in the final game of a CWAJHAA tournament recently.
Eight teams from schools throughout the Central West Alberta Junior High division competed in the tournament held at St. Matthew’s Catholic School in Rocky Mountain House on March 13.
Coach Dan Walker is, understandably, incredibly proud of his team.
“The girls nailed it,” he said. “The final game was the best junior high girls’ game that I’ve ever seen played. It was aggressive, but clean and a high percentage of shots went in. The work on both sides was fantastic.”
Team work was the key to the win, giving the Stingers the final edge over their opponents, he said.
“Every girl in that game was unbelievable. It made me pretty proud, pretty fired up.”
Sylvia Von Gunten, a 15-year-old Grade 9 student and co-captain of the Stingers, said her team is dedicated to playing well.
“And we have the best coaches in the league.”
Ashley Went, a 14-year-old Grade 9 student who is also captain, said the Stingers lost only four games all season.
“As a team we are really close. Everyone is equally dedicated.”
Walker, who coaches the team with assistant coach Darci Cole, said three of his Grade 9 players will move on to Rimbey Junior/Senior High School next year, but he is confident the team will continue to do well.
“Three years ago we came in second and we won it last year.”