Sports | DrumhellerMail

Another Raptor clinches playoff position

Another Raptor team has clinched a spot in the playoffs.
   The Encana Atom Raptors hosted Siksika on Sunday, February 5, and came out with a 10-4 win. The victory assures the Encana Raptors will be heading to the playoffs at the end of the month.
   “It’s been a great year and all of the kids are excited,” said Kelly Boyko, assistant coach. “Depending on how our last couple games go it may change how we finish in the top four.”
   The other Raptors have been working hard as well.
   The Canalta Novice Raptors had a couple setbacks two weekends ago. The team had been making a break for a playoff position, but after two losses, one against Vulcan, and a close loss against Nanton the next day, the Canalta Raptors have fallen behind.
   A 9-0 win over Fort Macleod on February 12 gave the team a huge boost. The Canalta Raptors have only two more games this season.
   The McDonald’s Novice Raptors were dealt a big loss on February 4 in Banff. The team tied against Cochrane a week later.
   “The kids put a lot of effort in,” said Kit Clark, head coach. “They did well, but unfortunately the score doesn’t really show how the Banff game went.”
   The DMHA Novice Raptors had a critical game against Brooks, who were tied for first place with the DMHA Raptors, on February 4. Unfortunately, the DMHA Raptors lost by a heartbreaking 4-3.
   “We were losing 4-1 and we stormed back and even pulled the goalie, but it wasn’t meant to be,” said Tony Pliva, head coach.

The next day the DMHA Raptors got back on their feet and redeemed themselves with a 9-6 win over Siksika.
   The DMHA Raptors have only one more game left in the season. They play Brooks again on February 19.
   The Yavis Atom Raptors participated in a tournament in Bowden February 3-5. The team went on to win the D final against Stettler. On February 11, the team defeated a tough Oyen team 4-2.
   “It was a great victory for the boys, since they are having a tough time in league. They never give up no matter what the score is. The parents and coaches are very proud of the effort the team brings every game,” said manager Jackie Watts.
   The NGC Pee Wee Raptors won 7-6 against Airdrie on February 4. Unfortunately, the win doesn’t significantly help their chances at securing a playoff spot.
   “We were borderline for a playoff position and now we’ve dropped back down,” said Christy Telford, manager for the team. “It’s going to come down to the wire to see if we have a playoff position.”
   The Bertram Drilling/Sports Room Midget Raptors have moved up in the standings thanks to a series of wins over the past two weeks against Oyen, Blackie, and Vulcan.
   The team has also begun their provincial playdowns. On February 9, the Midget Raptors faced Redcliff, but lost 7-3. Four days later, the Midget Raptors dominated Redcliff 9-2 in a rematch.
   The Boston Pizza/Western Chevrolet Bantam Raptors were dealt a 7-4 loss at the hands of Sundre in provincials on February 2. Unfortunately, at a rematch on February 8 the Bantam Raptors were unable to tame Sundre, losing 2-1.
   The Bantam Raptors mended their wounds by decisively winning several of their regular season games. On February 3, the Bantam Raptors beat High River 5-1 and two days later Claresholm 3-1. The next weekend, the team won 5-1 versus Medicine Hat and tied Cochrane 3-3.
   This weekend is the last of the regular season for the Raptors and may be the final chance for some teams to get a position in the playoffs.

Above the crowd

Kyle Smith rises above the competition for two points as the DVSS Dynos took on Prairie Christian Academy (PCA) in league play Wednesday night at home. The team continued to struggle at the free throw line going 7 for 22, and were hampered playing without their starting shooting guard. The Dynos also lost their point guard early in the second quarter. The team struggled all night on the offensive end as they turned the ball over 29 times, allowing PCA to capitalize especially in the 4th quarter. The Dynos did manage to fight back from a 10 point deficit early in the fourth to tie up the game at 43, but some key turnovers and missed free throws allowed PCA to regain the lead and finish off the game strong, while the Dynos struggled to score. PCA was able to get the best of the Dynos with a 72-56 win.

Dynos back on track following tournament championship

The Dynos had something to prove, and did it in style, capturing the championship at a prestigious Calgary tournament.
   After back-to-back disappointing losses last week the DVSS Dynos senior boys basketball team was looking to turn things around. The Masters Academy College Tournament last weekend was just the place to do it.
   On Friday afternoon, February 10, the team played against one of the host schools, Masters College. The Dynos came out strong taking a 25 to 2 lead after the first quarter. After the commanding start it allowed the Dynos to get everyone into some game action. The final result was the Dynos winning 64 to 29.
   Saturday morning the Dynos faced the high scoring, number 4 ranked team in 1A boys basketball, the Heritage Christian Hawks from Calgary. The Dynos had another strong start and never looked back, defeating the Hawks 80 to 61. Kyle Smith led the way with 20 points, while Jordan Britton contributed 18 points and 13 rebounds.
   In the final, the team played St. Martin de Porres Grizzlies from Airdrie, where the team dominated from start to finish, especially in the fourth quarter, where the team outscored the Grizzlies 35 to 11, giving the Dynos a 95 to 54 victory and the tournament championship. This time Smith had 28 and Britton had 23. Cody Gouin had 16 points, on 8 for 12 shooting.
   Next up for the Dynos is the Acme Redmen this Wednesday. The girls start at 5 p.m., with the boys game to follow at 6:30 p.m.
This game is crucial for the Dynos as they need this victory if they wish to return to the league championship for the 6th year in a row, and they're hoping to fill the stands with supporters to cheer them on.

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