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With a little bit of health, and a little bit of luck, the Sisler Spartans varsity girls basketball team could be in the mix for a provincial championship next month.

The Spartans are a confident bunch, believing wholeheartedly that they have what it takes to compete with — and beat — the best the province has to offer.

Sisler was ranked No. 2 at the end of last week, sitting at 19-6 after a lopsided home loss to No. 3 Oak Park. But the Spartans had two starters on the bench with injuries, and only dressed seven players for that game.

When playing at full strength, the Spartans have turned some heads, beating No. 5 St. Mary’s three times, No. 4 Fort Richmond and No. 8 Vincent Massey.

The Spartans even had a double-digit halftime lead over the top-ranked and undefeated Westwood Warriors before struggling in the second half.

"Every team’s beatable this season," said point guard Kerri Kuzbyt, one of only two Grade 12 players on the Spartans. "It just takes determination and a work ethic, and we have it."

None of the injuries are too serious, and Sisler is expected to be back at full strength in time for the playoffs. One thing that won’t change, however, is the team’s smaller-than-average stature.

Kuzbyt, a four-year member of the provincial team who has committed to the University of Winnipeg for next season, said the Spartans aren’t hampered by their size disadvantage against most of the other top contenders.

"We just have to battle harder," said the Maples resident. "We have to play in-your-nose defence and be tough on the perimeter. If they can’t get the ball inside, we’re not outsized."

The other Grade 12 veteran on the Spartans, post Madison Flamand, recently returned to the lineup after missing most of the season with torn foot ligaments. As a spectator for about three-quarters of the team’s games, she’s had a front-row seat for the growth of the Spartans’ Grade 11 players.

"It’s been fantastic," said the Garden Grove resident. "Watching them progress, seeing them get better… I love being a part of this team."

Without that progression, the Spartans wouldn’t be in a position to make a championship run. And according to coach Michael Tan, much of that progression has come thanks to his captain, Kuzbyt.

"Sometimes Kerry sees things that I don’t," Tan said. "She picks things up right away. It’s like having an extra set of eyes."

This year’s team reminds Tan of the 2007 squad that reached the final four with only one Grade 12 player on the roster.

"We had the same type of players, and we had a lot of confidence," Tan said.

That group went all the way to the provincial final the next season, and now Tan is hoping to do one better with this team.

"I believe in our team," Flamand said. "It’s going to be tough competition, but hard work pays off and it’s going to be a hard journey for sure."

avi.saper@canstarnews.com