Both Mariner squads qualify for Provincials

Tyler Colwell, whose Mariner squad won all three games in East Antigonish, said the qualifying tournament was comparable to Provincials for his relatively young and inexperienced team.

The three extra games after missing out last week at Regional playoffs prepares team better for playoff pressure at the Provincials this weekend at St. Mary’s Bay Academy, he said.

Lady Mariners coach Kim Robinson was equally positive about the advantage of going through a qualifying tournament after coming up short at Regionals. “I’m glad we had the three extra games. It gives them actual playing, not just practice.”

She believes the tournament at Dalbrae Academy in Mabou, Cape Breton, helped set the girls up for Provincials, “even though we had to travel a little” to get the extra experience.

The senior girls downed Guysborough 59-37 in the opener Thursday, and then dropped Kings-Edgehill 65-36 before meeting Pictou in the final that ended 55-47 for Digby. “That was a little closer game. It made them work,” said Robinson.

The senior boys had an even easier route through the qualifying tournament, downing SAERC from Port Hawkesbury by about 30 points, said Colwell. Digby then downed Annapolis West 88-68 and the host East Antigonish team 80-67. “It’s down to three games now. I’ve been telling them that it’s the last six games that matter. The others are to learn and improve.”

The boys’ coach said Jordan Cromwell “really stepped up his game” at East Antigonish, but the whole team impressed him. “Whoever went on the floor was really contributing. I’ve been waiting for that.”

The senior boys have an advantage over the girls’ team this weekend. With the division championship just down the road at St. Mary’s Bay Academy, the Digby team can commute.

For the girls, accommodations took extra work from coach Robinson. The Division 3 Provincials are in Springhill and eight teams are participating. To complicate matters, the Division 4 Provincials are in nearby Pugwash.

With a game a day Thursday through Saturday, the girls team will leave early Thursday in time for the players to get their legs before an afternoon game. Robinson said she was not sure how the Digby team is seeded.