It was a comeback that members of the 2021-22 Dauphin Clippers varsity girls basketball team will likely never forget.
Playing in the AAA provincial championships over the weekend, the Clippers opened their tournament with a decisive 21 point win over Steinbach Christian with Maddie Amyotte being named the team's player of the game.
After that big win, things weren't going the Clippers' way in their semi-final against the Neelin Spartans as Dauphin trailed by 23 points heading into the fourth quarter. But that's when Dauphin caught fire and completed a comeback for the ages as they outscored the Spartans, 29-4, in the fourth quarter to secure a nailbiting 59-57 win. Calista Hudyma was the Clippers player of the game in the contest, one that went down to the wire.
"The comeback was amazing to be a part of, we made some key changes after the third quarter and our changes made the difference," said Steve Hudyma. "The girls played some lockdown defence and hit some key shots. The emotion after the game was incredible, our girls were so happy and they deserved to be."
The only thing standing in the Clippers' way of winning a provincial title after the big win was the St. James Jimmies. Unfortunately, it was the Jimmies that came out on top as they downed the Clippers, 51-35. Despite the loss, Dauphin still finished second in the province and had a great season.
"The girls worked so hard all season and ultimately, it feels great to finish as one of the top teams in the province," ended Hudyma.
Dalmarie Lavallee was named the player of the game. Kiley Thompson was awarded the Harv Award for outstanding sportsmanship and teamwork while Calista Hudyma and Taz Genik were named tournament all-stars.
