Female Athlete of the Month Jayme Kulbacki JV Basketball Grade 9 Jayme Kulbacki is The Neepawa Press January Female Athlete of the Month after helping lead her Tigers basketball team to being the top-ranked A/AA girls junior varsity basketball team in the province. Prior to this weekend's tournament, Jayme has averaged eight points, four rebounds and five steals per game. “Jayme is a very important player on our team who is very fun to watch,” coach Kerri Hayhurst said. “Not only can she score, but she is a constant threat to the opposition by intercepting passes and blocking shots.” One of Jayme's breakout performances this season was at the Souris Tournament where she stepped up as a Grade 9 student when her team was in foul trouble, played with confidence, made key plays and was an important part of the team winning that tournament. She also provides a great defensive presence on the court and her offensive potential has her coach excited about her Tigers varsity career. “Jayme has one of the most natural shots of any player that I have coached,” Hayhurst explained. “If she continues to work on her range, I feel she will develop in to a very strong outside shooter which will help our team have a balanced attack for years to come.” Jayme also plays JV volleyball, regional fastball with the Westman Magic and is expected to tryout for the Tigers varsity fastball team this spring. Male Athlete of the Month Angilo Tamorada SV Basketball Grade 10 Angilo Tamorada is The Neepawa Press January Male Athlete of the Month after playing a key role for the senior varsity Tigers basketball team as a Grade 10 player. Angilo is in his second year with the SV team and has already cemented his place in the starting lineup as a skilled point guard. His dribbling, passing and penetrating abilities have all impressed his coaches. “He's very committed and dedicated to the team, always gives a solid effort in practices and is very reliable in games,” the team's teacher-supervisor Kelvin Hollier said. “He is a leader by example.” Angilo is relied upon as both a leading scorer and key distributor. The high-scoring point guard demands attention from opposing team's defenders which also opens up his teammates for easier shots. “He's got an awful lot of finishing touch, especially around the basket,” Hollier added. “And he has a lot of control with his dribble.” Angilo believes his strong play is a result of all of the time he spent playing basketball in Philippines growing up as well as the time spent on the outdoor courts in the summer in Neepawa. “I really like basketball because in the Philippines everybody plays basketball,” Angilo explained. “It's a lot of fun playing.” Angilo also enjoys playing hockey at The Flats, table tennis and badminton.