They're young, but ready to go.
The Muenster Cougars junior boys' basketball team hosted the Annaheim Rebels in a Horizon School District league game on January 25.
Annaheim, made up of 10 Grade 6-8 players, were definitely the underdogs as this is the first basketball team at the school in 30 years.
The Cougars were taller and did have more experience, but the younger Annaheim team didn't quit trying.
The Cougars got on the scoreboard first, thanks to a free throw, but the first quarter was a low-scoring affair. Muenster led 15-3 after nine minutes of play.
Both teams improved their shooting in the second quarter and Annaheim's defence kicked up their play a notch forcing several turnovers.
At half time, Muenster was winning 29-13.
The third quarter saw Muenster take control of the game, using their height to control rebounds at both ends of the court. Annaheim's shooting also took a turn for the worse as the ball just wouldn't drop for them.
The Cougars were leading 39-16 at the end of three quarters of play.
The fourth quarter saw Muenster's defence keep control of the game, forcing the Rebels to rely on outside shots. Once again, Annaheim couldn't get the ball through the hoop despite their best efforts.
The Cougars won 49-19.
Jackie Bay, filling in for regular Annaheim coach Cam Baumann, said the team has improved dramatically since the beginning of the season.
"I watched them play Muenster a couple of weeks ago and there is a big difference," Bay said. "They have determination and they never give up."
Muenster coach Marilee Sterner revealed that her team wasn't long on experience either.
"We are still growing," she said. "Some of our players are very athletic and a number of them play hockey so they bring a very good defensive perspective and positioning skills to the team."
Seven of the eight Cougar players are in Grade 9, and three of them haven't played basketball before, Sterner noted. The eighth player is in Grade 7, leaving Sterner to worry about whether there will be a team next year.
But, Sterner does see a big improvement in the team over the season and in the players from last year. The team is stronger than she had anticipated, but still has room to improve.
As well, the team is having fun, she noted.
