Trojans and Cats prepare for OFSAA (updated)

Story by Joey Butkevich

The Widdifield Wildcats Senior Girl's Volleyball team, and the West Ferris Trojans Senior Boy's Basketball team both held a joint press conference Thursday evening at the Moose's Loose Change Lodge. Both teams are gearing up for their respective runs at OFSAA titles in Southern Ontario. The Lady Wildcats will travel to Stratford, Ontario, while the Trojan Boy's will head to Kingston, Ontario, both to compete in 'AAA' events.

The Trojans are ranked as the 12th seed heading into action against the #2 seed, Anderson CVI from Whitby, Ontario. The Trojans have previously faced their opening day opponent at the renowned Tomahawk Basketball Tournament held at Chippewa High School, and were at the bottom end of a 20 point defeat. Trojans coach Larry Tougas see's this tournament as an opportunity gauge the level of competition for next year's 'AA' OFSAA being held by West Ferris, and knows this valuable experience will go a long way in helping prepare his team to make a strong run at a Provincial title next season on their home court.

"Both 'AA' and 'AAA', there is not a lot of difference. We have to get used to these teams," says Tougas.

Although a tough task lies ahead, the team is on a 10-game winning streak, and have played 40 games since last playing Anderson CVI. The Trojans defensive game has become a well oiled machine, and are prepared to shut down a very strong number two seed from Whitby.

"I think defensively we've turned it up a notch. We were passive before," says Tougas

Trojan Point Guard Sam Levac thinks this experience will prepare the team for a legitimate shot at next year's 'AA' event hosted locally. The talented Trojan knows what the Anderson CVI squad brings to the table, and has geared up all week in practice to face one of the Provinces best teams.

"We already know what their going to bring to the table. We can't go in thinking we're going to get our butts whipped," said Levac.

The West Ferris Trojans are in tough for a tough match-up against Anderson CVI, but the Green and White are a team that features a well balanced attack, and are certainly a sleeper to pull an upset in Kingston. Their opening game is Monday at 12:00 p.m.

Wildcats ready to pounce

Meanwhile, the Wildcat's face a waiting game to see who they will open up against, but are hoping for a top seed. Like the story of their season, nothing has come easy to the Senior Girl's Volleyball team, but the ability to floor a talented team with leadership and depth being their strengths, the Wildcats have taken away many lessons from last year's OFSSA appearance. The Lady Wildcats have had a season filled with the taste of victory, and the hope is the taste will last for a little while longer. The Wildcats have finished in the top three in every tournament they've entered, and just finished making a huge statement at NOSSA in Sudbury.

The Wildcats are led by two of North Bay's most qualified coaches, in John Jefferies and Danny Gosselin. Gosselin see's this years squad as one that is much deeper in both talent and leadership compared to one year ago.

"We're much better with depth, the veteran leadership is better. And we made a statement at NOSSA, beating Lockerby 25-12 and 25-12," said Gosselin.

The team is led by power hitter Tessa Alyman, and will rely heavily on the Grade 11 student to have success at OFSAA. Alyman see's this team as a tight knit group, who relies on one another both on and off the court, which has help lead to the recent success the Lady Wildcats have garnered.

"This year we're definitely tighter. The chemistry is definitely tighter, we do everything together outside of Volleyball," said Alyman.

Although last year the Wildcat ladies lost out in the Consolation Finals at OFSSA, Alyman see's the difference from last year's team compared to this years edition.

"Last year we played well, but at times we fell down, and couldn't pick ourselves up," Alyman added.

The Widdifield Wildcats team has rolled through Northern Ontario, and continue to be the class of the North. Now the South will have the opportunity to see why these resilient girl's have had success this year. The ladies are primed for a long run at OFSSA with a roster filled with talent.