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HTA Knights repeat as Cardinal Classic champions

HTA senior girls win fourth tournament of season at Calgary invitational

The podium continues to be filled by Knights in senior girls basketball.

The Holy Trinity Academy Knights won their fourth tournament in five competitions this season by repeating as Bishop Carroll Cardinal Classic champions Saturday night in Calgary.

“We’re 17-6 overall for the season so far and feeling really good about our progression over the past couple of seasons,” said Knights coach Andrew Gustafson. “The only teams who’ve beat us so far are ranked in the top-10 in Alberta.

“So we feel like these tournament wins and our performances against those top programs show that we’re right on the cusp of cracking into those rankings and solidifying ourselves as a great program in Alberta.”

At the Cardinal Classic, the Knights got contributions across the board in three comprehensive victories.

In the opener, HTA outlasted Sturgeon Composite 62-50.

Eva Gustafson, the Knights’ Heart and Hustle honouree over the weekend, had 12 points, eight steals and seven rebounds with tournament MVP Paige McNichol adding a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds.

Grade 10 Natalie Murray, a tournament all-star, showcased her well-rounded game with 20 points, eight rebounds, six assists and five steals.

“She’s really found her stride and is a major contributor to our success as a young player,” the coach added. “Great addition to the program this year.”

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The HTA Knights’ Cardinal Classic tournament award winners, from left: Eva Gustafson, heart and hustle, Paige McNichol, MVP, and Natalie Murray, all-star. (Photo submitted)

The ensuing semifinal saw the Knights dispatch Catholic Central 77-66 with strong free throw shooting paying off.

McNichol scored 11 from the charity stripe and 26 overall with Sierra Dudar adding 14 points and 14 rebounds. Gustafson added nine points as well as Leah Kotze and Anna Murray scoring eight and Melinda Mead bringing down six boards. Maddie Maksymich had a timely three off the bench in third quarter before HTA took control late.

The Knights then showcased their lock down defence in the championship game, grounding the All Saints Legends in a 50-37 result.

McNichol posted her second double double of the weekend, this time with 10 rebounds and 10 steals, with Gustafson’s gritty defence limiting All Saints’ top scorer to four points while Dudar registered a team-best 12 points in the final.




Remy Greer

About the Author: Remy Greer

Remy Greer is the assistant editor and sports reporter for westernwheel.ca and the Western Wheel newspaper. For story tips contact [email protected]
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