The Elm Creek varsity girls basketball team delivered a statement performance at the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association ‘A’ Provincial Championship, capturing the title in dominant fashion this weekend in Ste. Rose.
Provincial All-Star selections Lexi Jones (left) and Laila Miller (right) flank tournament MVP Kamryn Lepp following the MHSAA ‘A’ Provincial Girls Basketball Championship
The Cobras opened the tournament with authority, cruising to an 88–33 victory over the Treherne Tigers in the quarterfinals. They carried that momentum into the semifinals, defeating the Fisher Branch Cougars 75–36 to secure a spot in the championship game.
Awaiting them was the province’s top-ranked Ross L. Gray Raiders, setting the stage for a highly anticipated final. But Elm Creek left little doubt about the outcome, using relentless defensive pressure to control the game from start to finish en route to a decisive 51–27 victory.
Assistant coach Maddi Fraser said the team’s defensive effort defined their championship performance.
“Our defence in the last game—they didn’t know what hit them,” she said. “There was no quit at any point in any game, all gas.”
The win marks Elm Creek’s first provincial championship in 15 years, capping off a tournament run that showcased both depth and discipline.
Laila Miller and Lexi Jones were named Provincial All-Stars, while Kamryn Lepp earned tournament MVP honours for her standout play throughout the weekend.
Head coach Christine Wolf praised the team’s ability to rise to each challenge they faced.
“Through their hard work and determination, each game showed that they are a team,” she said. “As the challenges changed in the tournament they rose up to it and succeeded.”
Assistant coach Kelli Wiebe echoed that sentiment, highlighting the team’s balance and defensive strength.
“I’m proud of the girls and their hard work and dedication,” she said. “They are a deserving group that worked as a team with multiple high scoring positions and some crazy good defence. All the other teams were afraid to play against us. We will be back next year going for a repeat.”
Fraser added the championship was no fluke, but the result of sustained effort.
“In most things luck plays a factor, but this was in no way a lucky run,” she said. “Every inch of it was earned by these girls.”
With a dominant three-game sweep and a provincial banner in hand, the Cobras have firmly established themselves among the province’s elite — and may just be getting started.
