It was the first game of the season and at times, it looked that way, but there were some hoops highlights out there, too.
The Ladysmith 49ers senior girls started the basketball season with a 66-17 home loss against the Wellington Wildcats last Tuesday (Dec. 2).
“When you’re just practising and watching them over and over, it’s harder to tell, because you’re just playing against each other, but it’s good to see they moved the ball around, a lot of talking, everybody took their roles,” said Bill Fraser, co-coach of the Wildcats.
Olivia Mjaaland had 31 points for Wellington and Shania Shabbas added eight.
Marika Grubac led Ladysmith with nine points.
Coach Daryl Rodgers said the 49ers had only had one practice before the season started.
“Obviously it showed out there,” he said. “The first couple games are definitely going to be a struggle.”
Some of the team’s key players were transitioning from one court sport to another, coming off the volleyball provincial tournament just days earlier.
“Once they get into shape and start learning to use the basketball again instead of the volleyball, it will be a lot better,” Rodgers said.