Riders, Lions ready to clash in CFL West semifinal
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The Riders are hosting a playoff game for the first time since 2021.
For the first time since 2020, champions have been crowned at the Luther Invitational Tournament.
The Magrath (Alta.) Zeniths were able to walk away with the championship on the boys side of the high school basketball tournament, defeating Saskatoon’s Walter Murray Marauders 102-71 on Saturday at Luther College High School.
It was the Zeniths’ first LIT title since 2001.
“It means a lot in our town’s history; it’s a big deal,” said the Zeniths’ David Hansen, who’s in Grade 12. “It’s one of the greatest atmospheres I’ve ever been in. Everyone was very supportive. It was wild.”
The Raymond Comets won the girls side of the 69th Luther Invitational Tournament on Feb. 11, 2023. (Britton Gray/980 CJME)
On the girls side, the Raymond (Alta.) Comets defeated Winnipeg’s Dakota Lancers 64-62.
The Comets were led by Delaney Gibb, who had 33 points in the game. Her 86 points in the tournament were the most by a female player in a single LIT.
“It was crazy. There was lots of support from the fans and it was an intense game going back and forth the whole time,” Gibb said. “It was a great environment to play in.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 LIT was cancelled. In 2022, a modified version of the tournament was held.
In the earlier games on the boys side, the Miller Marauders beat the Luther Lions 63-90 for seventh place, Winnipeg’s Sisler Spartans beat Edmonton’s Harry Ainlay Titans 79-72 for fifth place, and Raymond beat the Riffel Royals 90-60 for third.
In the girls bracket, the Winston Knoll Wolverines beat Luther 70-27 for seventh place, Riffel beat Saskatoon’s Holy Cross Crusaders 86-27 for fifth, and the Magrath Pandas girls beat Harry Ainlay 52-41 for third.