The playoff champion F.P. Walshe Flyers, back row, from left: coach Aidan Kidd, Kaylin Three Persons, Reese Lichtenberger, Presley DeKok, Addy Nelson, Addy Van Herk and Maddy Three Persons. Front row, from left: Ava Feyter, Leslie Bruised Head, Tayva English, Maliyah Blackforehead and Jaya Sharma.
The F.P. Walshe Flyers continued their dream season Saturday by winning the junior high A girls basketball postseason championship.
The Flyers won two games Saturday at St. Mike’s school in Pincher Creek to claim the playoff crown.
That followed an undefeated regular season that saw the Flyers place first and earn a bye in the first round of the playoffs.
Flyers 44 Raiders 30
F.P. Walshe played their first game in the postseason tournament Saturday against the J.T. Foster Raiders from Nanton.
The Raiders, who placed fourth in regular season standings, advanced to the semifinals with a win Friday over Willow Creek Composite Cobras.
The Flyers started strong, opening a 15-3 lead in the first quarter, and continuing to led 23-10 at halftime.
F.P. Walshe was up 37-19 after three quarters on their way to a 44-30 victory.
Addy Nelson was top scorer for the Flyers with 20 points.
Reese Lichtenberger had 11 points for F.P. Walshe, Presley DeKok had eight, Jaya Sharma and Maddy Three Persons each had two and Kaylin Three Persons had one.
Flyers 54 Warriors 49
That victory advanced the Flyers to the championship game Saturday afternoon against Kainai Warriors.
After falling behind early the Flyers had a big third quarter on their way to a 54-49 win and the playoff championship.
The Warriors held a 13-12 lead after the first quarter and were in front 28-23 at halftime.
The Flyers dominated the third quarter 19-7, though, to pull in front 42-35.
The fourth quarter was a battle, with the Flyers holding off a gritty Warriors team for a 54-49 win.
Addy Nelson was the game’s top scorer with 28 points for F.P. Walshe.
Reese Lichtenberger scored 13 points for the Flyers, Kaylin Three Persons had seven, Addy Van Herk had four and Leslie Bruised Head had two.
The Flyers are Tayva English, Addy Nelson, Addy Van Herk, Jaya Sharma, Presley DeKok, Ava Feyter, Reese Lichtenberger, Maliyah Blackforehead, Leslie Bruised Head, Maddy Three Persons and Kaylin Three Persons.
