The Lady Tigers junior varsity basketball team finished off a great season by claiming the runner up banner at the MHSAA’s A/AA JV Provincial Championship this past weekend in Winnipeg. NACI, who went in to the championships with the top seed, were defeated by the No. 2-seeded Teulon squad by a 60-50 score in a close and exciting finals to end as runner ups. “We lost to a very good team. I am very proud of the girls and how far they have progressed this season,” coach Kerri Hayhurst said, adding she is proud to see her girls prove themselves as one of the top junior varsity teams in Manitoba this season. “They have persevered through difficult injuries and did not give up until the final buzzer.” Lina Gordon had a double-double in the game for NACI with 17 points and 10 rebounds while teammates Halle Hayhurst (11 points, nine rebounds) and Danielle Hanke (10 points, seven rebounds) also scored in double digits. Hanke was named the finals Player of the Game. The Tigers played two other games at the championship en route to the finals. In their tournament opener, the Tigers put on a dominant performance against Oscar Lathlin to win 82-26. Halle Hayhurst was named Player of the Game with 22 points, five rebounds and five steals, while Lina Gordon added 20 points, six rebounds, three steals. The win qualified Neepawa to the semi-finals where they defeated Warren 52-17 in another lopsided affair. Jayme Kulbacki scored 16 points, eight steals, four rebounds and was named Player of the Game. Lina Gordon added 14 points, five rebounds, four steals. Lina Gordon was named to the Provincial All-Star team for her play over the weekend. The Tigers squad also made history with their season, bringing home the first ever junior varsity girls Provincial banner to NACI. “That’s something that the girls can be very proud of. It’s a well-deserved accomplishment,” coach Hayhurst said.