BC Sports Hub Top 10 Teams: Girls 2019
As we wrap up our The Hub’s Top 5’s for the gals, we leave you with the notorious Top 10 Teams from the 2018/19 season. Again, the order of these teams were chosen 100% by the fans and players (with some guidance from our picks, too).
At any rate, it’s always difficult to fit only 10 teams into this list, especially when each team brings something unique to the court—and not to mention, each squad boasts star athletes that are unparalleled in their own craft.
But that’s the fun in sports: without a lil healthy competition, we’d all be on the same level and playing for mere participation ribbons. And honestly, where’s the fun in that?
Drumroll please…
# 10 – Kelowna Owls & Robert Bateman Timberwolves
In at the 10th spot, we’ve got two teams who topped the charts at the BC’s this year: one being the Robert Bateman Timberwolves. The Bateman girl ballers made it to the quarterfinals, where those gnarly Grove Gators were a bit too much for them to handle. Boasting a squad of 8 seniors, including star point guard Jayden Gill, the Timberwolves showed us their grit this past season.
Right beside them, the Kelowna Owls swooped down onto our list as well. With Kennedy Dickie and Jaeli Ibbetson on your roster, there’s no doubt the high-flying Owls would be a Top 10 on The Hub. Finishing 4th at the big stage, the Owls utilized their versatile bigs in Dickie and Ibbetson to prove the Okanagan has a whole lot of game in ‘em, still.
# 9 – Saint Thomas Aquinas Fighting Saints
In at numero 9, the Saint Thomas Aquinas Fighting Saints were nothing short of amazing this past season, with all eyes on Jessica Clarke, who still has another year in her left to battle. Same for Gemma Cutler, who really stepped it up in the paint and as a dominant inside player, as well. The Saints are stacked with incredible Grade 11 talent; so we’re certain they’ll continue to show us their skills on the court next year.
# 8 – Yale Lions
With just 7 girls on the team, the Yale Lions obviously were bound to make our list. Led by coach Bobby Braich, the Lions ruffled a lot of feathers this season. Star shooter Tana Pankratz was an exemplary athlete for her squad and helped lock down a 7th place finish at the 2019 Provincials. Keep on roaring, girls!
# 6 –Langley Christian Lightning & Riverside Rapids
Yet another tie! Since we had to make a jump from spot 8 to 6, you probably already figured we’d have another equalizer—and given the tenacity out of both groups of gals, it’s easy to see why both are sitting pretty together.
The Langley Christian Lightning lit up the court all season long, with little thunderbolt Makenna Gardner putting up a plethora of points during any given game. PS—she was in Grade 11 this year, so girl’s still got another year to keep it real for the Lightning. Alongside Grade 12 guard Hailey Van Roekel, Langley Christian grabbed 3rd place at the Provies.
Hopping back over to the AAA tier, the Riverside Rapids were more like a tsunami this season, with oodles of Grade 12 talent, including the grittiest playmaker in PoCo, Jessica Parker. Rapids’ Tessa Burton and Alanya Davignon were also key components in Riverside’s undeniable success this year. And don’t forget lights-out shooter, Sammy Shields, who’s still got two more years of high school ball left to go!
# 5 – South Kamloops Titans
It’s surprising that these Titanic Titans weren’t higher on our list, but the votes were 100% up to the fans this time around; so don’t blame this little reporter. All jokes aside, South Kam earned a top spot given their success as back-to-back provincial champs, with one of the best all-round players in the province, too. Maddy Gobeil earned herself MVP honours for the second consecutive year and took her team to incredible heights this season. She’ll surely be missed next year.
# 4 – G.W. Graham Grizzlies
The growlin’ Grizzlies from G.W. Graham were full of grit and heart both on-and-off the court this year, with the Tuchscherer Towers leading the way for their team and finishing 2nd in the province, yet again! Considering G.W. had only two Grade 12s, one being Deanna Tuchscherer and the other Aliza Dueck, the Grizzlies are bound to hold a dominant presence on the top charts next season, too. Be sure to keep it locked on little Tuchscherer Tower, Julia—she won our 2019 Top Future category for good reason!
# 3 – Brookswood Bobcats
Snagging our 3rd place medal, the Brookswood Bobcats impressed on both ends of the court and fittingly finished 3rd place at the 2019 BC’s, as well. This year’s collection of Cats boasted polished seniors, like inside star Carson Look (who’s 6’4!) and sharpshooters in Jenna Dick. Paired with Jenessa Knapp, who can literally do it all, Brookswood impressed this season and played with undeniable passion in every single game, regardless of the outcome.
# 2 – Walnut Grove Gators
It's no surprise the Walnut Grove Gators grabbed a top spot on this list—look at that roster, damn! And suitably, the Gator gals finished 2nd at the BCs this past season, too. With some of the best players in the province, Tavia Rowell and Jessica Wisotzki—both named First Team All-Stars at provincials, along with little Wiz (who won top defensive player, two years in a row), and the grittier than ever, Rolande Taylor, Grove finished Top 3 at nearly every single tournament they played in. The team was an absolute wrecking ball on the court.
# 1 – Semiahmoo Totems
We had to save the ultimate best for last, duh. Okay, so y’all had the Semiahmoo Totems at the top of the ‘totem pole’ overall, with nearly 50% of the votes swaying in Semis favour. The Totems were undefeated this past year. Need I say more? I don’t really have to, but I may as well spit some insane facts at you anyways:
Semiahmoo’s stardom came in the form of one Grade 9 and 11, three Grade 12s—including future Florida Gator post Faith Dut—and six Grade 10s! One being provincial tournament MVP, Deja Lee. The Totems were literally unstoppable this season and claimed the 2019 Provincial Banner in style (stay tuned for our Championship Video Series on the team).
There’s no doubt that Semiahmoo will be back at the big stage come next season.
Well with a heavy heart, it’s time we wave goodbye to the girl’s 2019 season. Congrats to all of the teams and players who climbed to the top of The Hub’s Top 5 and 10. Scratch that—congrats to every single female athlete in BC. You’re all special to us and we can’t wait to continue to watch you grow as players (or whatever else you decide to pursue)!
For your reference, here's a sweet pie chart on the results:
UP NEXT: The Hub’s bringing you the HYPE from a male point of view. We’ve got the Top Gritty Player: this time, for the boys.
Written by: Crystal Scuor