Warriors strike gold at NORWOSSA

Tim Brody - Editor

The Sioux North High School Warriors Senior Girls Basketball Team and Junior Boys Volleyball Team are NORWOSSA “AA” champions!
Finishing in first place following regular season play, the Senior Girls Basketball Team earned a bye into the NORWOSSA final, where they defeated the Fort Frances Muskies 29-16 to win the championship.
The NORWOSSA “AA” Division Court Sport Championships were held on Nov. 4 at Beaver Brae Secondary School in Kenora.
Senior Girls Basketball Team Head Coach Shawn Hordy said, “The championship game saw the Warriors defensive abilities on display holding the Muskies to 1 point at halftime. Karla Cutfeet and Honey Necan controlled the rebounds as Nellie Angeconeb led the offense with 13 points, 8 from the free throw line. As the game came down to the wire, the team relied on the leadership of Addison Favot and Niska Monaco to stick to the game plan and secure the victory.”
Hordy said the Warriors were able to secure a bye into the final after finishing the season 7 and 2.
Looking back on the season Hordy recalled, “After starting the season 2 and 0 with dominating performances, the third game saw a season altering injury to one of the captains, Gianna Carnochan. Gianna, the team’s point guard, in the second quarter came down awkwardly after sinking a shot which led to a season ending knee injury. Losing a player is difficult but losing a point guard and a top defender is devastating. However, in true Warrior fashion, the team did not let the injury sideline their goal of winning. Each player on the team had to step up to fill the void, especially Lynn McClure who had a tough task of learning all positions.”
He continued, “Gianna was not the only loss to the team this year as Sakora Oskineegish and Natalie Sinnawap had to depart the team for unforeseen reasons.  This left the team to play the last 7 games with 8 players. On the positive side, team rookies Tara McClure and Sophia DeRusha were able to gain some experience to help prepare for the future.”
Sioux North High School will host the NWOSSA championship this week where the Senior Girls Basketball Team will face the St. Ignatius High School Falcons from Thunder Bay to determine who will advance to OFSAA, the provincial championship.
The Junior Boys Volleyball Team also struck NORWOSSA gold.
The team first had to get by the Fort Frances Muskies in the semi-finals, which they did in three straight sets.
The team went on to defeat the host Beaver Brae Broncos three sets to one in the final, ending their season on a high note.
Junior Boys Volleyball Team Head Coach Jason Suprovich noted the team concluded their regular season with a 6-3 record, punching their ticket to the NORWOSSA Championships.
Suprovich said his team’s first challenge of the day was a semi-final match against the Fort Frances Muskies. “The team started with visible nerves and trailed 23-17 in the first set. However, energized by the crowd and the bench, the Warriors rallied. Flint Rattai stepped up to the serving line and led a remarkable comeback, clinching the set 29-27.
“The momentum continued into the second and third sets, both of which were tightly contested. “The Warriors maintained their composure and secured victories with scores of 25-23 and 25-22, winning the match 3-0 and advancing to the finals.”
Suprovich said of the final, “The championship match was set against the top-seeded Beaver Brae Broncos, who had finished the season with an 8-1 record—their only loss coming at the hands of Sioux North. With the gym packed and energy high, the Warriors took to the main court with confidence. They started strong, capitalizing on the Broncos’ home-court nerves to win the first set 25-21.”
“In the second set, the Broncos responded with powerful serving, jumping to a 7-1 lead and eventually taking the set 25-17,” Suprovich stated, continuing, “The third set mirrored the second, with the Broncos surging ahead 8-1. Facing fatigue and pressure, the Warriors found themselves down 23-13. Refusing to give in, Flint “The Comeback” Rattai once again ignited a rally from the serving line. His efforts brought the team back into contention, tying the set at 25-25. With the crowd’s energy now behind them, the Warriors completed the comeback, winning the set 32-30.”
Suprovich said the fourth set was evenly matched until 15-15, “when the Warriors shifted into another gear. With determination and teamwork, they pulled ahead and closed out the set 25-17, winning the match 3-1 and claiming the NorWOSSA Championship title.”
Suprovich said the team extends heartfelt thanks to all the fans, parents, family, and friends who supported them throughout the season. “As head coach, I am incredibly proud of every player. Balancing academics and athletics requires dedication, long bus rides, late nights, and hard work. “Special thanks to Assistant Coach Chabbert for her tireless commitment to the team, Coach McCord for your support in the early development of the local athletes, and to Coach Ogema for his ongoing support of the Lac Seul volleyball program, which has greatly contributed to the development and confidence of many young athletes.
“Congratulations to the Sioux North Jr. Boys Volleyball team — your hard work and heart have made you champions,” Suprovich concluded.
All four Warriors teams advanced to the NORWOSSA 
championship.
The Junior Girls Basketball Team fell to the Dryden Eagles 46-15 in the semi-final.
The Senior Boys Volleyball Team was defeated by the Fort Frances Muskies in three straight sets in the semi-final.
“Congratulations Court Sport Athletes and Coaches!”, Sioux North High School posted on their Facebook page.
“Your effort, discipline and competitive spirit have made this season a success. You have each shown what it means to be a part of a team. We’re proud of how you’ve represented our school and community with determination and sportsmanship. Keep pushing your limits, supporting your teammates and chasing your goals.”