14 Wing Greenwood’s men’s basketball team was “very committed to putting in the time” – and it paid off February 29, as the won the Canadian Armed Forces Atlantic region tournament and now head to nationals.
“We’d been doing really well, practicing since August,” said team coach Alyssa DeAdder, 14 Wing’s Personnel Support Programs sports coordinator. “We went in to regionals feeling like, if we really focused, we might be able to do it.”
Greenwood just missed the 2023 regional final, as injuries took their toll. This year, at the tournament hosted by 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown, DeAdder says the team was in “really good” shape.
“We knew we’d do well against (12 Wing) Shearwater” – and Greenwood won 63-49 February 27; and “(CFB) Halifax – we started well, then it came down to nail-biters at the end” in a 62-59 February 28 round robin win.
“We got our motivation for the finals from that win, and it meant we didn’t have to play a second game that day,” DeAdder said, “and Shearwater ‘gave it’ to Halifax in the semi-final.”
The February 29 final was a worry: DeAdder said Greenwood ran behind the whole game by two or three points.
“Not enough it got out of hand – but then we tied it up and we went into overtime.”
Much of that recovery came from Master Corporal Edrian Vlaar, the tournament’s eventual MVP, who sunk three three-pointers in a row in the final. Final score was Greenwood 85, Halifax 71
“Greenwood has never been to men’s basketball finals – we’re super pumped, super excited! Going to nationals is boosting how well we’ve been doing, and makes the sport and the opportunities appealing to other potential basketball players here at 14 Wing.”
In preparation for nationals, Greenwood is considering picking up a couple players to build their bench, but it would mean cuts to the local roster. As it gets closer to departure, and any potential openings arise as team members’ operational commitments take precedence, the final decision will be made.
