By Tina Comeau
THE VANGUARD
It was disappointing for the Drumlin Heights girls’ basketball team last year when a winter storm prevented them from traveling to and competing at provincials.
This year, however, the Eagles have gotten another shot. The team has qualified for provincials after winning the regional championship in their division.
Based on their school’s population Drumlin is classified Division 4, although during the season they’ve also played teams from higher divisions.
Provincials will take place Feb. 28 to March 2 in Oxford. Eight teams will be competing.
The Drumlin team qualified after winning regionals by defeating teams from North Queens and Lockeport.
Coach Jamie Benham says the year started out on a challenging note for the squad, which is small in numbers and had to contend with many injuries.
“We had three girls out for a couple of weeks, so we only had eight girls,” he says. “For a while we were just scraping by but after Christmas everyone was healthy again.”
The majority of the team is made up of Grade 11 students, with one student from Grade 10. There are also three Grade 12 students on the team, two of whom Benham has coached since Grade 7.
One of those players is Ally Greene who is thrilled that the team will get another shot at provincials.
“I've never been more proud to be a part of this team. Winning (regionals) two years in a row, and this one being my last, means more to me than anything,” she says. “Huge thanks to Mr. Benham for all his hard work. Seeing his face light up after winning in his hometown was just as rewarding as winning the banner. I’m looking forward to provincials this year, knowing some of the teams we may have to face. I can't wait.”
