High school basketball starts tonight (December 5), and the senior girls St. Martin de Porres Kodiaks are ready to hit the court for their first game.

Head Coach Tammy Paulence is returning for her second year with the team, and she's looking forward to big things. Paulence said this year's team is good, but there will be a focus on development with only one senior and four grade elevens returning to the team. In total, eight of the fifteen players are in grade eleven, with another six in grade ten.

Even though the team is young, Paulence said she's already seen exciting flashes from grade ten players like Jaime McKinnon and Brianna Caouette. At a tournament over the weekend in Chestermere, McKinnon was named team MVP.

"Definitely these girls that we have right now know how to read the court, and their athleticism is just showing up. I mean, we've already won more games than we won all season last year."

Last year was a struggle for the Kodiaks, who won only one game during the season. Even so, Paulence said that group of girls was the best spirited team she's ever coached, and they never let the adversity get them down. With five players from that squad back this year, Paulence hopes that same attitude will define the team.

"I already saw them bonding on the weekend and I'm hoping that that's going to carry through. We have some new faces to the team as well, so are they going to fit in with this group of girls? So far it looks like they are, which is exciting to see too."

The team is already off to a good start, having won three of four games and taking the silver medal at last weekend's tournament. With the regular season starting tonight, she's certain the Kodiaks will improve on last year's record.

"I would hope that we could make it to Divisions and obviously everyone would love to be in that final silver-gold game for sure. Can we do it? I think we could, but I haven't seen what the other teams have yet."

Paulence said a focus this year will be defense, as the team gets used to new rules introduced for this season. Another interesting challenge will be finding a working offense, as the team is on the shorter side with only two real post players.

The Kodiaks kick off their season in the Calgary Senior High School Athletic Association tonight when they face the Forest Lawn Titans at 5:30pm in Calgary.

 

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