Holy Rosary High School hosted the 3A Northeast Zone Championships over the weekend, giving its senior basketball teams a home-court advantage. The tournament determined which teams would advance to the Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association (ASAA) Provincials next weekend.
The Holy Rosary senior girls won the championship, while the boys’ team finished second. Both teams secured spots at Provincials.
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Home court advantage
Head coach Ashley Fullerton said hosting the tournament at Holy Rosary gave the teams an extra boost.
“Oh, it’s so awesome. We always want to give our kids at Holy Rosary the home-court advantage,” said Fullerton. “So every chance and opportunity we get, we always hop on it to help our Raiders out.”
Furthermore, playing in front of friends and family added pressure but also motivated the players.
“You always want to perform well for a home crowd,” explained Fullerton. “The kids feel the pressure, but it really hypes them up. Having people in the stands cheering for them the whole time really gets the crowd, the bench, and the court just electric. It makes them play a lot better.”
Stiff competition was expected
Both Holy Rosary teams entered the tournament as top contenders. Heading into the weekend the girls held a #1 rank in the zone and the boys held #2. Meanwhile, Fullerton said Holy Trinity from Fort McMurray was a tough competitor on the boys side.
“Our boys are ranked second, and the girls are ranked first heading into the weekend,” she said. “Holy Trinity boys have a crazy basketball program. Their boys are hosting Provincials next week, and they are probably going to be number one this weekend as well.”
Focus was important
Holy Rosary senior boys’ player Carter Hummelle said playing on home court was special.
“It’s kind of surreal, having the chance to host zones,” said a nervous and excited Hummelle. “It’s really fun. You get to play in front of your friends, family, and just gotta show it in front of your hometown.”
However, he admitted there was extra pressure.
“It gives a little bit of pressure to perform under the circumstances of having your family here,” he said. “Just having that home-court advantage is a lot to have on your shoulders.”
Meanwhile, Hummelle was hopeful about the team’s chances against Holy Trinity.
“I’m hoping we can get the chance to go to Provincials,” he said. “Even though there’s a big, big, big team in our zone with Holy Trinity, I feel like it’s going to be a really good game. I’m hoping we get to play them in the finals, and I’m hoping our team plays to our best abilities all weekend.”
However, with the Northeast Zone Championships complete, both Holy Rosary teams will prepare for the ASAA 3A Provincials next weekend. Fullerton thanked those who helped make the event possible.
“An event like this doesn’t just come together overnight,” she said. “We’ve been working on it for a couple of months now, but the amount of support we have from our students, admin, coaches, and staff members is just absolutely crazy. We wouldn’t be able to put on such an awesome event without them.”
The girls are off to Sylvan Lake and the boys travel to Fort McMurray this upcoming weekend for provincials.
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