Whitehorse Daily Star

Image title

Photo by John Tonin

FIGHTING THROUGH CONTACT – F.H. Collins Warriors guard Maren Bilsky, right, powers through the defence of Vanier Crusader Christine Miral during second-half Yukon Championship action Thursday at Porter Creek.

Warriors complete unbeaten season

The F.H. Collins Warriors had the chance to complete a triple crown on Thursday evening at Porter Creek.

By John Tonin on March 13, 2020

The F.H. Collins Warriors had the chance to complete a triple crown on Thursday evening at Porter Creek. The team won the Jamie Shaw Memorial Tournament in December and followed it with the Superhoops crown in February.

Standing in their way was the Vanier Crusaders, a team they had become familiar with throughout the season. The Warriors did what worked so well for them all season – pressed and got out on the break.

They built an early lead and didn’t look back winning the Yukon Championship 92-44.

The girls’ basketball season had a different feel to it as the Porter Creek Rams folded only leaving the Warriors and Crusaders.

Tournament MVP Maren Bilsky said even though they played the same team, it was still a special moment to walk away as Yukon champions.

“I feel amazing, there is no other way to say it,” said Bilsky. “I love my team, of course love my coach, we came so far. Even though we played against one team I thought we did amazing.”

Since the two teams had played each other so much, Bilsky said there was plenty of familiarity.

“We know all their habits which made it a little bit easier,” said Bilsky. “At the same time, they know all of yours so you are learning all the time.”

Using there press defence, the Warriors jumped out to an early lead in the opening half. Bilsky said that was the plan heading into the game.

“Pressing is one of the most underrated things in the entire game,” said Bilsky. “Fakes and pressing. A press can give you the biggest jump in score and that’s all you need to keep on going.”

Bilsky captured the Yukon Championship in her Grade 12 year. For next year, she has committed to suit up for Comosun College. She described what it was like playing her final competitive high school basketball game.

“It was a little bittersweet,” said Bilsky. “I’ve grown up, played all my games here and played with the Yukon team my entire life. Now, going to Victoria it’s going to be a little different but I’m excited.”

The possibility of winning the three major titles basketball has to offer did not cross the team’s mind said Bilsky.

“I realized after we won this tournament that we haven’t lost a game this season,” said Bilsky. “It’s not like its been easy. It’s been a lot of hard work, and a lot of running, a lot of mornings. It was 100 per cent worth it.”

Both teams employed a press defence to begin the game but it was the Warriors who were able to break it and score easy baskets at the rim. Emma Boyd was the beneficiary of some crisp passes and scored with ease under the basket.

The Warriors took a 35-11 lead heading into halftime.

For there part, Vanier didn’t show any quit and continued to attack the basket and had some success there. However, on there missed shots they weren’t able to corral rebounds for second chance opportunities.

Alyssa Cuenza, Nicole Farkas, Jaelene Minguito, Boyd and Paige Seeley were named to the all star team.

Be the first to comment

Add your comments or reply via Twitter @whitehorsestar

In order to encourage thoughtful and responsible discussion, website comments will not be visible until a moderator approves them. Please add comments judiciously and refrain from maligning any individual or institution. Read about our user comment and privacy policies.

Your name and email address are required before your comment is posted. Otherwise, your comment will not be posted.