Digby Lady Mariners ended their run on a winning note after defeating sixth seed Halifax Grammar Gryphons 52-39 Saturday afternoon to finish seventh at the Division 3 provincial championship
In a close and exciting final, Shelburne Rebels edged Springhill High School Golden Eagles 66-60 for the championship banner and gold medal.
Mariners coach Kim Robinson said it was great for the host team to end the tournament with a win.
“The girls came out slow in their final game, but they picked it up and won the match in the third quarter,” Robinson said. “Everyone contributed to the win so it was a real team effort.”
Robinson also had high praise for the success of this year’s championships.
“It was nice to host the Provincials here in Digby,” she said. “Anna-Marie MacKenzie Kelly did a wonderful job organizing everything, especially the rescheduling of games after Thursday’s storm day. Everything had to be completed in two days.”
Mackenzie Kelly said despite the initial glitches of school closure on Thursday, everything ran smoothly on Friday and Saturday.
“Much of the success of the weekend event rested on the volunteers and they were so dependable,” she said. “Several coaches commented on how nice it was to see the welcome signs up around town as they came in for the tournament.”
Community support from businesses and individuals was outstanding, she added.
Shelburne Rebels coach John Huskilson, who was participating in his fifth provincial championship, said the opening ceremonies were excellent and held special meaning for him and his team.
“We lost our head coach of 15 years, Phil Callan, to cancer last November and we had a hard time dealing with the loss,” he said. “Phil was well known in basketball circles and having a moment of silence to honor him during the opening ceremonies was very special for us all.”
The hospitality of the school and town shown the teams, coaches and visitors along with the community involvement was amazing, he said.
Springhill coach Charlie Chambers brought his team to Digby on Wednesday night, and said the extra day in Digby wasn’t wasted.
“We went to Annapolis Royal Regional Academy and practiced and played ball, we went bowling here in Digby, watched a movie and ate out,” Chambers said. “We also took in many of the other games and mostly had a great time.”
Several coaches commented on how nice it was to see the welcome signs up around town as they came in for the tournament - Anna-Marie MacKenzie Kelly
The girls really enjoyed their free time at a local wholesale outlet as well, he said.
Grade 12 players from the eight teams were presented with roses during the opening ceremonies and Digby graduates Kirby Melanson and Alyssa Oliver were emotional as they expressed their feelings over this being their final games as Lady Mariners.
“It was awesome to be hosting Provincials in my grade 12 year,” said Melanson. “It’s a good way to end the season at home and winning our last game made it special.”
“Our coach, Kim Robinson, has been amazing and I am going to miss all the girls,” said Oliver. “I’m glad Provincials was here because it’s my last year but sad because it’s over.”
Sixth seeded Halifax Grammar came in eighth, Digby finished seventh while fifth seeded Dalbrae Academy defeated Kings-Edgehill 58-38 for fifth and sixth place, respectively.
Third seed New Germany Saints maintained their place by downing Cape Breton Highlands Huskies 48-34 in the bronze medal game.
