Don’t look now, but John Paul II Collegiate’s boys junior basketball team has been winning again.
They took home gold at the Melfort Junior Invitational Tournament on Friday and Saturday. Eight teams took part and the Crusaders beat St. Brieux Crusaders 83 to 31 and demolished Weyburn Eagles 81 to 16 to get to the final. They beat the host Melfort Comets 54 to 31 in the finale Saturday to claim the title.
According to head coach Nate Jurgens, the final was a close game until the Crusaders pulled away in the second half.
“Our boys were able to out-battle them in terms of effort and hustle, and I think they did a great job communicating as a team on the floor,” said Jurgens.
The Crusaders junior team went undefeated last year, winning 20 games. This year they have an almost brand-new roster, with just three returning veterans while the rest are new players.
So far the team has done well, said Jurgens, with a focus on improving their abilities and doing their best on the floor.
