The Eckville Jr./Sr. High Senior Aces basketball team grabbed their first win of the season over a young and inexperienced Spruce View squad.
Athletic Director Cody Magneson, who subbed in for head coach Merle Sarri, was pleased with the success of the guys.
“The boys came out strong and played hungry,” he said.” They knew they needed to win it and came out with victory.”
The win is a much needed, as the Aces have had difficulties closing out games.
“They usually play a good three quarters then inexperience catches up and the other team pulls ahead in the fourth,” Magneson said. “They’re always in it - it just takes a lot of practice and mental preparation to win. You have to be calm and relaxed.”
He added that basketball is “a weird game where with 2-3 minutes left – there is actually a lot of time. You can always make up 10 points in a minute or so with 2-3 minutes left. You can always come back.”
The Ace’s main competition for the final playoff spot will come from Penhold and Koininia out of Red Deer. Coach Magneson believes this very athletic squad has the opportunity to gel with one another and surprise other teams.
“Right now the boys are fighting for the last playoff spot and hopefully they can beat one of the last few teams to get in there,” he said. “There’s still a month left and they have tremendous athletes on their team. They need to work hard in practice and come together in their own time. In the playoffs, anyone can upset anyone.”
Coach Magneson added Coach Merle Sarri, who graduated from Eckville Jr./Sr. High four years ago is focusing on bringing a team games to the Aces.
“We have a young coach and he’s doing a wonderful job,” Magneson said. “I am proud of the guys for getting their first victory of the year.”
reporter@eckvilleecho.com