Dragons win Junior A Boys Post Season Volleyball Tournament

SWJHAA 2013/14 Junior A Boys Volleyball Champions:  St. Michael's Dragons
T. Lucas photos and videos

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

The Junior A Boys Post Season Volleyball Tournament was held in Pincher Creek at St. Michael's School in the Dale Wentz Memorial Gymnasium on November 9, 2013.  Six teams came to challenge for the Banner:  Piikani Redskins, Claresholm Cobras, Crowsnest Panthers, Fort Mcleod Flyers, Livingstone Sabres, and the host team St. Michael's Dragons.  Each match was the best two out of three sets with a cap of 27 points on a set.  Medals were given out for first and second place teams.

The Gym was split into two simultaneous games for the first four games. For the first round it was  Piikani versus Flyers.  Piikani had a slow start with the Flyers getting the first set by a wide margin.  The second set they made a better showing scoring 23 points before the Flyers took the set, and the match.

On the other other court the Sabres played the Cobras. The Sabres took the first two sets 21 - 25 and 22 - 25.

Dragons vs Sabres

The next rounds had the winners of the first two games facing first and second place holders the Dragons or the Panthers.  The Sabres faced the Dragons.  The Sabres have some good players including #12 Johnathan -  good serve, and Logan who would hustle to get the ball.   The Dragons took the first two sets 25 - 20, 25 - 13 and won the right to advance to the championship game.  Sabres Coach Coady MacDonald said that he had two players, Keegan and Joe, that came up from grade 6 to fill in ranks.  "They've played well all season, and improved really well.  It was a great season for the team, with big improvements across the board.  They have great attitudes and great work ethic."

Panthers vs Flyers

On the other court the Flyers and Panthers vied for a spot in the final.  This may have been the most evenly matched teams in the day, making for a great game to watch.  The Panthers took the first set by two scant points.  The second set was another hard set, ending with Flyers winning by a single point at 27 points.  Michael on the Flyers kept making good serves.  The third set the heart seemed to go out of it for the Flyers.  The Panthers pressed on taking the final set by a wide scope, taking them into the final match.

Going into the day the highest ranked South Western Junior high Athletic Association teams were the Dragons and the Panthers.  That is exactly who faced each other in the last game.   Expanding the court to cover the whole gym, the game was on.  "They have worked so hard, and everybody has come so far," said  Panthers Coach Matt Hennig before the final game.  "This tournament is what we've been working toward.  The Dragons are a good team, so this should be a good game."

Dynasty working the room with a friend

Dragons mascot Dynasty put in an appearance at this time, working the crowd to get the cheering to a frenzy of support.  The Panthers have good players.  Justice is their setter and he is fast and consistent.  Ty was playing good throughout the day and Simon showed some real aerial acrobatics to get the ball over the net.

Dragons vs Panthers

The Dragons line up is very strong though.  Tom, Mitchell and Calvin are all very competitive in a variety of sports, and Dexter and Tyler have shown real growth throughout the season.

The first set was a see-saw of points early in the game with either team leading by a single point.  Then the Dragons ran with lead.  The Panthers lost steam and were outpaced with the Dragons taking the first set from the disheartened Panthers.  The Panthers went into the second set with a better attitude and it showed in their scoring.  Both teams put up a great  effort and the last set of the day ended 25 - 22 for a Dragons win in two sets.  Both teams could be proud of their showing end of the season.  The Dragons were ecstatic with their win.

Silver: Crowsnest Pass Panthers