SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The Thomas Simpson Wolfpack left it all on the court during the third and final tournament of the team's season.

The Thomas Simpson Wolfpack team that included from left, back row: Laurent Isaiah, Dakota Burrill, Charles Gargan and Brandon Tonka; front row: coach Kristen Morrison, Alex Roche, Thomas Roche, BJ Burrill and coach Alex Campbell finished third in the NWT Power Corporation's Senior Cager in Yellowknife. - photo courtesy of Alex Campbell

The Fort Simpson team finished third in the NWT Power Corporation's Senior Cager in Yellowknife from Feb. 25 to 27. The seven-player team began the tournament with a close game losing 60-59 in triple overtime to Hay River on Friday evening.

The Wolfpack regrouped by Saturday morning and won their next two round robin games 68-44 against Cambridge Bay and 52-50 against Sir John Franklin School, a Yellowknife team.

After the round robin there was a three-way tie for first place. The point differential between the teams put the Wolfpack second in the division, said Kristen Morrison who coached the team along with Alex Campbell.

The Fort Simpson team played Cambridge Bay again in the quarterfinals winning again 69-47. The Wolfpack was then pitted against St. Patrick School, a Yellowknife team, in the semi-finals.

Although the Wolfpack was ahead at half time St. Pats went on to win the game 74-47 and to also win the tournament. St. Patrick School employed a press defence and the Wolfpack hadn't practiced press breaks because too few players attended practices, said Morrison.

"It was inexperience. They panicked," she said.

During the game, Thomas Roche tallied 10 points and and seven assists and seven rebounds while Laurent Isaiah managed 16 points and eight rebounds. Charles Gargan was also a top scorer with eight points and 11 rebounds.

The team shook off its disappointment with the loss and went on to win the third place game 69-47 against Sir John. Franklin School.

"They played amazing that game," Morrison said.

"They finished very strong."

Everyone contributed to the win and they all had fun which is the way a season should end, she said. During the game, Isaiah scored 24 points and brought down 20 rebounds while Roche secured 19 points and 10 assists. Not to be outdone Dakota Burrill earned 11 points, six assists and six rebounds.

For Roche and Burrill, who are both in Grade 12, this was their last game with the team.

"We would like to congratulate them on a great season," said Morrison.

The two players were great leaders and developed skills both on and off the court, she said.

"They will definitely be missed."

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