Remi Poliquin
Counsel
LCCHS Wolves Make History
by Marilyn Santucci
History has been made as LaSalle Community Comprehensive High School Wolves girls' basketball team captured the school's first-ever provincial basketball championship.
The title capped off a remarkable season defined by resilience, leadership and an unwavering commitment to teamwork.
While the Wolves possessed the talent to compete with the province’s best teams, coach and teacher Amelie Racine said it was their ability to overcome adversity that made them champions.
“The girls faced a couple of hard losses during the season. Despite these setbacks, they managed to come back stronger in each subsequent game, not letting the past affect the future,” said Racine. “There was always belief in the team making it far in the season, simply based on talent. However, we all know that talent can only take you so far.”
For Racine, the turning point came during the provincial tournament.
Trailing after a difficult first half in their second-round game, the Wolves gathered during a timeout. Before Racine could address the team, MVP Rowan Devlin stepped forward and delivered a passionate message to her teammates.
“She spoke to them with an intensity I had never seen from her before. She reminded them of their love of the game and how hard they worked to get this far. She encouraged them to ‘lean into the flow’ and reminded them of what makes them the best: their chemistry and teamwork,” said Racine. “That was all it took. They started the second half with renewed vigour and quickly pulled away from their opponents. From that moment on, it was their championship to lose.”
Throughout the season, the Wolves leaned on one another both on and off the court.
“The fact that they stood together and fought for each other throughout the season. They never once turned on each other, instead chose to lift each other up in times of hardship,” said Racine. “Their camaraderie is what sets them apart from any team I’ve ever coached before.”
The team’s perseverance was especially evident at the provincial championship. After beginning the season with 13 players, only eight athletes were available for the tournament due to transfers, scheduling conflicts and other life challenges. Despite facing teams with much larger rosters, the Wolves battled through injuries and fatigue to claim the title.
Their efforts earned respect from opponents as well.
“After every single game that weekend, the opponent’s coaches came to comment on how talented, kind and respectful our athletes were. They were blown away by their teamwork and sportsmanship on the court. By the finals, we ended up having all our previous opponents cheering for us in the stands,” Racine said.
As the final moments of the championship game ticked away, Racine reflected on the journey her players had taken to reach that point.
“All I could think about was how much they worked hard to reach this point. They whole-heartedly deserved to win and together made sure they accomplished that,” she said.
Beyond the championship banner, the season provided valuable lessons in leadership and confidence. With players ranging from Grade 7 to Grade 9, the older athletes helped mentor their younger teammates and set the tone for the team’s success.
Racine hopes the historic victory will inspire future generations of student-athletes.
“Considering this team was the only women’s basketball team at our school this year, I am hoping it will spark a renewed interest in the sport, both from the students and staff.”
For the LCCHS Wolves, their first provincial championship is a historic achievement—and one that was built on talent, perseverance and an unbreakable bond between teammates.
