MCHS Wolves win basketball zone finals

By Grant Cree

“We’ve had a pretty successful basketball season,” said Kent Lessard, Athletic Director with Morinville Community High School (MCHS) Wolves basketball teams. “We had the senior boys and senior girls’ teams win their zone championship, beating Westlock in the final in both situations. And the Junior High Boys team also won the Zone banner.”

The teams competed on the weekend of March 11 in the St. Albert Physical Education Council (SAPEC) finals. “Three of the four teams brought home championships, which was pretty impressive and a good year for us,” said Lessard. The Zone stretches from Jasper and Athabasca to White Court and Drayton Valley.

“We have a really dedicated group of Grade 10 to 12 students at our school,” said Lessard. “We had some excellent initiative and leading the way for their other teammates, so it made a big difference for us.” He praised all the players who consistently showed up to lead by example.

The MCHS teams persevered during the 2021-2022 school year despite the challenges of COVID restrictions. “This year, when things started opening up our senior girls’ tournament, we weren’t allowed any spectators,” said Lessard. “But one of the good things that have happened over the COVID is that a lot more gyms were doing livestream of their games.”

The online viewership resulted in even more spectators having access to school sports competitions. “I think there’s some great entertainment,” said Lessard.

“They go out there and work their tails off, and they still managed to do well in school and maybe have part-time jobs.”

Lessard hopes to get the local community excited about school sports, which he described as affordable and enjoyable forms of entertainment. He plans to continue using livestream technology to help connect with fans. 

“The one thing I’d like to continue to improve on is some play-by-play,” said Lessard. He wants to invite student-athletes to go on camera during school games to add value with sports context and personal commentary. “I think next year we’re going to try and add some of that.”

Despite the MCHS team’s recent victories, Lessard emphasized the importance of youth sports. “I think it’s a really valuable opportunity for kids to go out there and get some exercise and work with their teammates.”