he Warman Wolverines and Osler Valley Christian Academy (VCA) Lions squared off in the championship game.of the Warman Invitational Basketball Tournament last weekend.

The Lions came away with a 56-50 win in a well-played and competitive game.

The two area teams had qualified for the championship game by winning their respective pools.

VCA defeated the Clavet Cougars and the Swift Current Comprehensive High School Colts to earn top spot in Pool A.

VCA’s Davis Laskowski challenges his cousin Keiren’s three point
attempt as Warman and VCA met in the championship game

Warman qualified as Pool B winners after defeating North Battleford’s John Paul II Crusaders and Meadow Lake’s Carpenter High School Spartans.

Warman coach Blaine Donauer was pleased with tournament. “There was a lot of good sportsmanship,” said Donauer. “It made it fun.”

This was especially evident  in the championship game.

“They are our rivals but at the same time they are our neighbours, which is a unique combination.”

On his team’s play Donauer liked what he saw.

“Every game we are getting better,” he said. “Everyone is young, kind of raw after having not played for two years,  I’m proud of our guys. They played their heart out. VCA is a great team; well coached. They have a lot of guys who have played together for a long time and they made their shots. Our offense just didn’t get going.”

VCA Lions

VCA coach Wes Peters  also felt his team is showing steady improvement. The previous week the team lost to Clavet in the finals of a tournament played in Waldheim.This week they defeated Clavet in pool play.

“We are getting better as we go,” said Peters.

Peters felt the play of his defence and making the most of shooting opportunities were the keys to the win in the championship game.

“Our defence playing really tight and by not giving a lot of room is helping us and we have a couple snipers who can shoot threes,” said Peters.

VCA’s Davis Laskowski led all shooters with 21 points, including four three-pointers.  Dallas Pauls led the Wolverines with 18 points.