Submitted by:
Shayne Yaschyshyn |

On Friday January 27, 2017 the SVRSS Varsity Girl Tigers motored to Brandon to participate in the Neelin Invitational basketball tournament.



File Photo | Courtesy of Rob McDonald

On Friday they came up against a very fast and structured opponent from Weyburn Saskatchewan which is a “AAAAA” school. The Tigers struggled against a very regimented press that provided their opponent to take an early lead of 24 to 9 after the first quarter. The second quarter continued to favour the Weyburn squad and at half time the Tigers were down 46 – 13. The Tigers regouped at half time and battled back in the third quarter to reduce the deficit to 26 but that would be as close as they would get. Make the final 77- 43. “We came out sluggish and their pressure was something we had not experienced this year and caught us off guard” commented coach Shayne Yaschyshyn.

That loss relegated the Tigers to the consolation side on a draw that would require the Tigers to play 3 games with only an hour off if they were to get back to their winning ways.

After an enjoyable breakfast at the hotel the Tigers hopped onto the yellow taxi that was expertly operated by our driver Rick‎. A quick trip to the Crocus Plains gymnasium to play against the current “AA” number one ranked Boissevain Broncos. After the disappointing game the night before the Tigers came out strong and got an early lead with strong pressure. The stingy Tigers defense kept the Broncos from making any easy buckets and the fast break offense coupled with timely 3 point scoring provided a well deserved 78-49 win for the Tigers. “We played on all sides of the ball and controlled this game from start to finish” commented Yaschyshyn.

This win would put the Tigers against the “AA” number 2 ranked Souris Sabres. With only a 1 hour break between games the team rehydrated ‎and once again were ready to play for the drones that had arrived to watch the girls play. This games was a hard fought game that was very physical on both teams. The Tigers opened up the game with the lead and were up by 10 after the first half. In the third quarter the Sabres came out strong and cut the lead to 6 for the Tigers. In the fourth the Tigers got a second wind and played their brand of game. Their hard work was rewarded with a 69 – 59 win. “This was a very scrappy game with a team that plays from their heart similar to how we play” said Yaschyshyn “either team could have won the game”.

That win put the Tigers into the consolation final immediately following the game at Vincent Massey High School. The Tigers motored across the city of Brandon for their final contest of ‎the afternoon and third game of the day. A very tired team started the games strong, getting an early lead on Inter-zone rivals the Neelin Spartans. After holding the lead for the entire game the Tigers became the 2017 NIT Consolation Champions with a 56-28 win. “The team really showed strong character by playing three really great games today after our disappointing showing against Weyburn” commented Yaschyshyn, ” we play with heart and pride which produces some great results”.

After the game a celebratory meal provided by Ronald McDonald in the yellow taxi‎ was enjoyed by all. The team then motored back to the Swan Valley.