The Abbotsford Panthers senior and Bateman Timberwolves junior girls basketball teams are riding high early into their respective provincial championship tournaments.
Both teams advanced to the elite eight of their tournaments with wins on Wednesday, and they continue the path to glory later today (Thursday) at the Langley Events Centre.
The Panthers, ranked second in the province for AAA girls, opened with a decisive 97-56 win over Prince George.
Panthers star player Sienna Lenz was dominant, shooting 15 of 20 for the field, and scoring 34 points in the win. Her sister Marin Lenz contributed with 21 points, while Sydney Fetterly and Kelsey Roufosse both added 12.
Abbotsford now takes on Argyle today at 1:45 p.m.
Wednesday marked the end of a provincial title dream for the Yale Lions, after they opened the AAA tournament with a 65-62 loss to North Vancouver's Argyle Pipers.
Yale's Madison Draayers was the Lions standout, with 23 points.
The Lions bounced back with a 79-33 win over Prince George earlier today, and the best they can hope for now is ninth overall. Yale's next game is tomorrow (Friday) at 8:30 a.m.
Over in the junior girls tournament, the Bateman Timberwolves had an outstanding Wednesday to reach the final eight.
Bateman beat Richmond's R.A. McMath 46-29 yesterday morning, and then took down the third-ranked Royal Bay from Victoria 47-39 last night to move on.
The Timberwolves continue their title run today at 4 p.m. at the LEC.
Also in the junior girls tournament, the MEI Eagles defeated Smithers 49-39 yesterday morning, but then lost 58-29 to North Vancouver's St. Thomas Aquinas to end their run.
Stay tuned to abbynews.com for continued updates from both events.
