Final regular season standings (3): Providence University College (6-2); Canadian Mennonite (6-2); St. Boniface (0-8).
In the semis, the 2nd-seeded Providence University College Pilots dusted the Université de Saint-Boniface 80-51.
In the final, the 2nd-seeded Providence University College Pilots edged the top-seeded Canadian Mennonite Blazers 72-69. Pilots coach Joel Coursey said “This one has eluded me, so it means a lot. I got asked last weekend when we were at NIAC (playoffs), which one would I care more about and you know, there’s just something about a small conference rivalry and not winning it for so many years when Red River was hot and CMU got hot so it means a lot.” Coursey adopted a strategy of rolling out as many as 15 players, subbing about every minute all game, every game. “The secret’s out. Part of it is just running them ragged but ultimately I’m doing this because It’s a lot of fun. I’m doing it because it’s hard to recruit and it’s hard to retain and these kids get to play and why wouldn’t you want to sign with a team that you get to play? It’s working for us.” The Blazers led 24-18 after the first quarter but trailed 42-41 at halftime. They led by two early in the third before playoff MVP Kishi Rioferio nailed two consecutive treys to give the Pilots a 59-53 after three quarters. “I kind of blacked out but it was good,” said Rioferio. “With the fast pace going back and forth I have that rhythm and definitely the bench helped a lot, hyping me up.” The Pilots full-court pressure, and seven treys, proved the diference. “That’s just the way that we play. We live by it, we die by it but ultimately we believe in it and I truly believe that positivity helps you shoot better,” Coursey said. “Belief helps you shoot better and we just keep believing.” Briana Ehrmantraut led the Blazers with 23. Anna Pyne added 15.
The bronze medalist St. Boniface Les Rouges: Delaney Galera; Elizabeth Nacorda; Casey Eung-Chang; Sydney Rudnicki; Kassidy Curry; Stefani Skurteska; Cassidy Schmidt; Aleisha Michaud; Amelie Dandeneau; Miatta Dukuly; Sophie Chammartin; Annika Moins; Olivia Courcelles; Jade Costa;
The silver medalist Canadian Mennonite Blazers: Reyna Reyes; Anna Pyne; Dacra Zia; Nifemi Gbadamosi; Briana Ehrmantrout; Madeline Wynne; Kristine Navea; Betty Girmay; Sara Bergen; Danielle Ehmann; Victoria Welsh; Chanelle Lafreniere; Hannah Grobb; Zia Dacara; redshirt Anari-Mai Byfield; coach Joe DiCurzio
The champion Providence University College Pilots: Adrian Alley; Kishi Rioferio; Claire Grislis; Sophie Posoukh; Anna Cushon; Brianna Buchan; Amver Navarro; Abigail Matuszewski; Fiona Santiago; Raiza Manlulu; Alex Patterson; Sydney Last; Grace Kitenge; Faith LaRocque; Randi Doell; Hannah Cabarrios; Kate Hanson; Kishi Rioferio; coach Joel Coursey; assistant Joey Traa; assistant Richard Toews; assistant Esther Ruchegeza; strength & conditioning Jethro Bartelings; mental health Angelle Arinobu