Eagles win back-to-back provincial basketball titles

By Lethbridge Herald on March 18, 2024.

Members of the Immanuel Christian Eagles make their way onto the court to celebrate their Girls 2A provincial title over the Three Hills Royals on Saturday at Immanuel Christian High School. Herald photo by Justin Seward

Justin Seward – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – sports@lethbridgeherald.com

The Immanuel Christian Eagles senior girls basketball team have now won back-to-back 2A provincial titles after defeating the Three Hills Royals 86-53 on home court in Saturday’s final in front of a boisterous crowd.

“It’s surreal man,” said Mike Greeno, Eagles head coach.

“We’ve kind of been looking forward to it since the beginning of the season, just seeing the talent we had in the gym, the way girls were playing games. It’s always nerve wracking being ranked No. 1 because there’s no room for error but these girls continue to step up to the challenge. So to see them be able to lift the banner is a super special moment.”

Greeno saw the chemistry get stronger among the girls.

“Just the chemistry and the girls’ ability to compete (and) enjoy the process of it,” said Greeno.

“We were told so many times how much they loved to smile but also dominate at the same time and so it was cool to see that grow and grow.”

Halle Aleman is one player that could say she was a part of the back-to-back championships as a Grade 11 player and now in Grade 12.

“Literally insane,” said Aleman.

“It’s so sad also because these are my best friends. I’ve been with them for two years straight and my coaches are amazing. It’s just such a surreal feeling, especially doing like twice in a row, it’s just amazing.”

Aleman didn’t know if she could forget this season.

“Every moment just makes it so special,” said Aleman.

The win capped off an undefeated season for the Eagles.

Other local provincial champions included the Raymond Comets senior girls team taking their third consecutive 4A title in Red Deer, the Stirling girls winning the 1A title, Coaldale Christian taking the 1A boys banner, the Stirling High boys team won bronze in 2A and LCI Clippers won bronze for 4A girls.