In the interzone playoffs: …………………………………………………… The Carman Cougars stomped the Birtle Falcons 80-38. …………………………………………………… The Neepawa Tigers crushed Roblin 62-30.
In the wildcard games: …………………………………………………… The Teulon Saints clipped the New Norway Cougars 59-49 as Carla Bodnams scored 29, Jackie Willis 11, Stacy Dyck 8, Carla Willis 3, Holly Johnson 3, Chrissie Ambrose 2 and Gwen Thompson 1. Brenda Aptegon led the Cougars with 14. Courtney Leary added 12. The Cougars led 12-8 after one quarter. The score was knotted at 22 at the half. The Saints led 41-38 after three quarters. The Cougars were within three with 40 seconds remaining on the clock. …………………………………………………… The 6th-seeded Carman Cougars stomped the Birtle Falcons 80-38.
In the quarterfinals, held in Killarney, the 6th-seeded Carman Cougars dumped the 3rd-seeded Niverville Panthers 62-51. The Panthers included Cara Braun, Melanie Peters, Kristen Funk, Corinne Schapansky.
The 2nd-seeded Teulon Saints crushed the Neepawa Tigers 56-39. The Tigers (coached by Kerri Hayhurst) included Natalie O’Donnell, Lori Froese, Cathy James, Corrie Cavers, Desirae Bellisle, Michelle Lepischak, Kerilee Sumner, Jillian Kilburn, Kristen Reid, Pam McLeod and Nicole Northey.
The top-seeded Warren Wildcats whipped the Killarney Raiders 87-44.
In the last quarterfinal, the Morden Mohawks dispatched The Pas Joe A. Ross Flyers 61-49. The Flyers included Marlene Marion, Sherri Sinclair, Amanda Lathlin, Olivia Stonechild.
In the semis, the top-seeded Warren Wildcats defeated the Morden Mohawks 66-55.
In the other semi, the 2nd-seeded Teulon Saints defeated 6th-seeded Carman Cougars 63-51.
In the bronze medal match, the Morden Mohawks defeated the 6th-seeded Carman Cougars 64-52. The Cougars included Carrie Jones, Tanya Hiebert, Erin Coates, Bekki Sandulak.
In the final, the top-seeded Warren Wildcats nipped the 2nd-seeded Teulon Saints 74-72 to capture their fourth consecutive crown. Kyla Ridell paced the Wildcats with 24. Jodie Chartrand added 14, Kristy Braun 8. Jackie Willis led the Saints with 24. Holly Johnson added 13. The Saints led 16-12 after one quarter and 35-24 at the half. Wildcats coach Randy Lasiuk told the Stonewall Argus said “we had a good talk at the half, I told them to maintain their focus and not to panic. We made some crucial adjustments on defence and offence and what I call ‘a refuse to lose attitude’.” Chartrand noted that “even when we were down at half time by 11 points, we were still all in a good mood.” The Wildcats shifted to a man-to-man defence and ripped off a 14-0 run and took a 50-49 lead after three quarters. In the final frame, neither team led by more than three. “The emotions and adrenalin on both sides were really tested,” said Lasuik. With 15 seconds to play, the Saints tied the score at 72. Although three starters Chartrand, Des MacFarlane, and Kristy Braun), the Wildcats patiently worked the ball up court and Kyla Riddell drilled a baseline jumper to pull out the win. “I never seen Mr. Lasuik jump so high,” said Chartrand. Carter said “we hugged each other and cried.” Lasiuk said “nothing in terms of excitement can compare to the last second winning basket. Coming from behind and winning it at the very end. … It was one of the most exciting experiences I’ve ever had in sport. … It was a strategic seesaw battle. I have to give them credit, they played well. We knew coming up against them we couldn’t take them lightly.” Lasiuk said winning four consecutive crowns was a function of mental toughness. “It’s not that we’re any ‘taller or more athletic. It’s more mental strength and a lot of motivation. I believe in mental training, and that’s our biggest strength.” The Wildcats finished (30-3) on the season. Lasiuk has “got high expectations,” said Chartrand. “He makes us work. We work at what we’re not good at.”
The bronze medalist Morden Mohawks: Michelle Dyck;
The silver medalist Teulon Saints: Jackie Willis; Carla Bodnarus; Stacy Dyck; Chrissie Ambrose; Holly Johnson; Gwen Thompson; Carla Willis; Denise Morris; Lisa Bodnarus; Pam Skrabek; Kelly Campbell; coach Dean Weiss; assistant Carla Lenz
The gold medalist Warren Wildcats: Deseray MacFarlane; Jodie Chartrand; Michelle Cassils; Monica Cassils; Kristy Braun; Stacey Carter; Dawn Hamilton; Kyla Riddell; Ashley MacFarlane; Candace Chartrand; Amarillie Cetrioni; coach Randy Lasuik; manager Stephanie Rusaw