The Kelowna Owls junior girls basketball team tipped off 2016 in fine style, capturing top prize at the Little Flower Academy tournament.
The Owls won all three games in Vancouver, securing the championship with a 41-26 victory Saturday in the final over No. 4 Lord Byng.
Rachel Hare paced the KSS attack with 10 points, Dez Day had nine, and Kennedy Dickie scored eight points. The Owls put on a solid defensive display, particularly in the third quarter, holding Byng to just two points.
"After taking the holiday break off, this was our first opportunity to get back into game mode," Owls coach Kim Whelpton said of her team's play during the tournament.
"I'm very happy with the girls effort, especially on the defensive end. We were able to roll through our entire roster without losing any intensity which is a testament to our team's depth and focus on sharing the responsibility and success. "
Kelowna opened the tourney with a convincing 56-27 victory over McMath. Day scored 18 points, Dickie had nine, and Hannah Koch, Rachel Hare and Haley Martin scored six apiece.
In their toughest test of the weekend, the Owls edged past host Little Flower 56-52.
Day had another 18-point effort, Dickie scored 15 and Hare, 12.