Trojans the team to beat

Fort Garry

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This article was published 29/01/2025 (560 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Vincent Massey Trojans girls varsity basketball team is the team to beat this season — but no team has been able to do so, yet.

At press time, the Trojans were the top-ranked AAAA girls varsity team in the province, undefeated both in the Winnipeg Tier 1 regular season, as well as tournament play. The Trojans have already brought home championship honours from the Pembina Trails Bison Classic, the Sisler Spartans Classic, and the 64th St. Vital Invitational tournaments, and the girls have their sights set on the Crocus Plains Varsity Girls Java Jam in February and the provincial title in March.

“This team still has a ways to go to become a cohesive unit,” said Stacy Hawash, who has been coaching girls basketball at Vincent Massey for over 16 years. “We’ve had success, but continuing to focus with intensity and working together, particularly defensively, that will lead to success on the offensive.”

Hawash noted that the teams is made up of a mix of Grade 11 and 12 players, with three Grade 12 and two Grade 11 starters.

“This group is a super-cohesive group,” Hawash said. “They work well together, and they’re nice to each other. They help each other learn. It’s been a great group to work together with. All 12 of them can play. In any game I’m confident to put them on the floor in a successful situation.”

Led by Grade 12 guards Lilly Vande Graaf and Jennifer Edwards, the Trojans have been formidable opponents this season.

“They control the floor, they see it well. They can score inside and outside,” Hawash said. “We have a fair bit of height, mostly from our Grade 11s. Our defensive intensity is high. We steal, we block shots, and we run. They love to run the court well. If it’s not there, they kick it out and shoot a three. We have aspects across the court to look for scores.”

While there is still another month to go in the regular season, Hawash said the Trojans are enjoying their time together as they work towards their goal of a provincial championship.

“This group wants to be successful. They want to be in provincials. That is a goal for them,” she said.

“But at the same time, they enjoy supporting each other and playing consistently, bringing energy and having fun while playing basketball. It is for fun. They enjoy playing with each other.”