The JPII senior boys volleyball team has been a force as the season has progressed. After a dominating effort in its home gym at regionals, the team will now look to repeat the feat once more on the provincial stage. (submitted photo/Shelly Fransoo)

By Martin Martinson

rolling at home

JPII senior boys clinch regional championship, will host provincials

Nov 18, 2019 | 3:04 PM

The John Paul II Collegiate (JPII) Crusaders senior boys volleyball team gave their hometown crowd a weekend to remember as the team clinched their title as 4A Boys West regionals champions.

The tournament was a five-team round robin that saw JPII dominate large stretches en route to a perfect 4-0 record on their way to the first place finish.

Assistant coach with the senior boys, Shelly Fransoo said the team is clicking right now, coming together to peak at just the right time.

“As our season is coming to a close we are really starting to see the team trust each other,” Fransoo said. “They are gelling. We have a relatively young team with a number of Grade 10’s who have found their spot on the court, and some excellent leadership from our senior students. It is just clicking here at this precise moment and hopefully we can carry that forward in the next week.”

With the victory, the team will now advance to provincials, which will also be held at John Paul II.

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Featuring 10 of the top teams from across Saskatchewan, the senior boys will play three games Friday afternoon kicking off the tournament at 12 p.m. against Humboldt.

Fransoo said as long as the team continues to play their game the way they have as of late, the Crusaders can not only compete for a championship at the provincial level but hold their heads high no matter the final outcome.

In addition to making their coaches proud, the senior boys’ success on the court has also generated buzz along the hallways at the high school. Fransoo said it has been special to see the response of fellow staff, students and community members pitching in to help the team host the tournaments and show support for the group.

“I cannot express how happy I am with everyone I work with and the extended community,” Fransoo said. “Everyone is just so willing to help out with the organizational process; every time I turn around, there is someone looking to help out. It has been tremendous and I am humbled by the willingness of people to help with the organization of this tournament.”

In addition to their opening game Friday at noon, the Crusaders will also play at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. opening day. Saturday the team will return to action at 10 a.m., with the playoff rounds to follow.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1