The Dynos Sr. Girls basketball team was on the road this past weekend, participating in the Sr. girls basketball tournament in Brooks on January 6 and 7. The Dynos were missing a few players and had a tough time advancing through the tournament.
“We only had five girls on Friday and six on Saturday,” said Ryan Hatch, head coach of the girls Dynos. “The girls were really tired by the end.”
Quite a few players were unable to play because of a flu that’s been working its way through the team.
Because school had not yet resumed after Christmas, the girls did not have a chance to practice prior to the tournament. Many of the other teams had already returned to school.
Seven other teams from Brooks, Camrose, Canmore, Medicine Hat, Mount Baker, Taber, and Wetaskiwin participated in the tournament.
“Some of these teams are quite a bit bigger than us, they come from town’s with a bigger population,” said Hatch. “It’s a good tournament to get us back playing after the Christmas break.”
On January 6 the Dynos took to the court against Wetaskiwin, who finished in third overall, and were defeated. The Dynos only had five players, which meant no substitutions were available.
“They did awesome until they got to the fourth quarter and then they got so tired. They couldn’t foul, because we only had five girls. They couldn’t be as aggressive,” said Hatch.
The next day the girls battled for seventh place against Medicine Hat, but late into the game fatigue set in again and the Dynos barely lost.
“They played really hard, they did pretty awesome. It helps our girls, makes them play and push themselves harder,” said Hatch.
The girls Dynos will be back in action this weekend, participating in a tournament in Chestemere on January 13 and 14. Many of the same teams will be in this tournament as well, giving the Dynos a chance to play with their full strength.
“Hopefully we’ll have our full squad there,” said Hatch. “It will make a huge difference.”
