The South Delta Sun Devils senior girls basketball team is headed back to the provincials for the first time since 2005 and it was done in emphatic fashion.
The Sun Devils secured their spot in next week’s B.C. AAAA Championships at the Langley Events Centre by capturing the South Fraser zone playoffs with a pair of wins over top 10 ranked teams.
South Delta rolled to an 86-60 win over No. 10 Seaquam Seahawks on Friday then got past No. 8 and host Fleetwood Dragons in the title game 24 hours later, 80-73 in overtime.
The victories not only avenged their only losses in league play, but should result in a favourable seed for the 16-team provincials that tips-off next Wednesday.
Head coach Sharon Butler had been anxiously waiting for the potential playoff rematches after suffering a one-point to defeat to Seaquam and a six-point loss to Fleetwood back in mid-January when her roster wasn’t at full strength.
The Sun Devils not only showed what they are capable of, but how much they have improved in the past month.
“Oh yeah we were hungry,” beamed Butler after the Seaquam win that locked up the B.C. berth. “We have had so many injuries this season and have so many multi-sport athletes so it’s been a challenge. This is incredible and it’s so nice to win this game. We didn’t want to lose and suddenly you have a wild card game on Tuesday that you have to win to get in.”
The Sun Devils took control against the Seahawks with a big third quarter that saw them extend a 10-point halftime lead to a 61-37 advantage.
They did it with tenacious defence, effective transition play and terrific ball movement that led to open looks throughout the contest.
Taking full advantage was Grade 10 wing/forward Kaija Rutledge who used her ever-improving shooting stroke to pour in a season-high 38 points. She added 23 more in the title game and was named the tournament MVP.
Forward MacKenzie Campbell added 18 against Fleetwood and was named to the all-star team. The two-sport standout earned the same South Fraser honours in the fall with the SDSS volleyball team.
“Kaija completely focused on changing her game in September and after she switched club teams. She has been spending hours upon hours just shooting the basketball,” said Butler. “It’s been just awesome to see.
“We have also really started to share the ball and it’s got MacKenzie going. She was our player of the game (in the opener against Lord Tweedsmuir) and is shooting the ball so well right now. She is such a high IQ player.”
Butler also had plenty of praise for the tenacity and work ethic of Grade 11 post Kira Denney, along with her backcourt, featuring Spanish exchange students Amanda Maestro and Silvia Castaneda who provided outstanding defence.
Guard Alexa Kusel came back from an ankle injury to contribute while seniors Sophie Gower and Teila Noble gave valuable minutes off the bench when South Delta got into foul trouble in the final.
“Sophie and Teila provided incredible poise, leadership and defence to anchor the team in the fourth quarter and OT,” Butler added. “It was the first-time spectators were allowed since December and it was a full house and hostile crowd. You couldn’t hear yourself think, an awesome atmosphere. It was so great to be back in the gym with fans and the energy.”
The roster also features Rachel Rosser, Makena Rutledge, Brianna Jassmann, Katrina Staley, Taylor Katsube and Olivia Barber.
