The JPII Crusaders junior girls, pictured here with their Battle West District gold medals. (Facebook/John Paul II Collegiate)

By Martin Martinson

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Crusaders junior girls take home gold at Battle West Districts

Feb 15, 2024 | 10:00 AM

The John Paul II Collegiate (JPII) junior girls basketball team recently took home a gold medal at Battle West Districts, to cap their season on top.

Winning both of their games en route to the championship in their home gym, the Crusaders’ girls topped Wilkie’s McLurg in the semi-final, 32-29 and their cross-town rivals from North Battleford Comprehensive High School (NBCHS) in the final, 38-35.

“The girls played tough,” said head coach, Kristina Binette. “They were relentless on defense and made some nice offensive plays. They worked hard and had fun.”

The district’s gold caps what Binette called “a steady climb” for the team throughout the season, building on a silver medal showing at the Hot Hoops tournament in Lloydminster as well, from earlier in the season.

“We’re a young team so the basketball IQ and skills improved drastically over the season,” she said. “The girls were eager to learn about the game, they worked hard, showed great sportsmanship, and had lots of fun. Can’t ask for anything more than that.”

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Looking ahead to next year, the JPII junior girls program should again be a threat to contend at the district level, with as many as seven players eligible to return to the team next fall.

Across town at NBCHS, the Crusaders’ junior boys team also capped off their season with some year-end hardware, taking home a Battle West District silver medal.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1