JAM capture silver at Guelph Phoenix tourney

The Sudbury Youth Basketball Association (SYBA) girls U10 JAM basketball team captured a silver medal at the Guelph Phoenix tournament.

Held Jan. 17-19, it was the team’s first tournament of the season, and, for all team members, their first games in a JAM uniform.

In the opening round, the JAM faced an experienced York South Silver Knights team. The girls played with determination and their enthusiasm never wavered.

The young JAM squad showed much promise in an opening-round loss. Kenzie Erwin, Elliot Tissot, Sophie Moore, Ali Bertrim and Jenna Walker hit the scoresheet.

The girls started strong and never looked back, earning their first win in a 33-17 defeat of the Guelph CYO. Well-balanced scoring came from Mia Jermyn, Ali Bertrim, Elliot Tissot and Sophie Gaffney, while stifling defence was displayed by Kaylee Ross and Ella Bourget.

The momentum from the girls' first win of the season would be needed in the next game as the JAM faced the host squad Guelph Phoenix.

Sudbury played well, but fell short 23-11 to a more veteran team. The scoring was distributed with baskets from Mia Jermyn, Bree Bourget, Ali Bertrim, Kenzie Erwin and Maike Purdon.

The Barrie Royals stood as the next challenge and a win would put the JAM into the championship game. The girls found themselves down 12-6 at the end of half time, but tough defence and determination proved to be the difference in this exciting 22-20 final that saw Ali Bertrim hit the winner with seven second left in regulation.

Mia Jermyn, Kenzie Erwin, Maike Purdon and Jenna Walker rounded out the scoring in the team’s victory.

The championship game would be a rematch of the first round with the powerful York South Silver Knights. A spirited JAM squad took the floor in hopes of a gold medal. Both teams competed hard and baskets from Kaylee Ross, Sophie Moore, Jenna Walker and Ali Bertrim resulted in an improved outcome for the Sudbury squad as they grew in confidence and execution with each game of the weekend.

The girls were the proud recipients of silver medals.

The JAM will represent Sudbury in Hamilton on Feb. 21 as they compete in the Blessed Sacrament tournament.