This year, the UMEI Christian High School Girls Basketball Team achieved something extraordinary, writing a new chapter in the school’s athletic history. From a rocky start to an incredible finish, the season was defined by determination, teamwork, and the sheer will to exceed expectations.
Coach Derek Bedal reflected on the journey. “This season was unexpected. Our first week of practices was all about struggling to find enough girls to have a team. Once we did, it was starting from scratch—teaching the basic rules and skills of basketball. We set a goal as a team to win three games, a feat not achieved by the girls’ team in the past five years,” he said.
From those humble beginnings, the team began their season strong, starting with a 2-0 record. Spirits were high, but an early loss to a top-tier opponent, by only two points, became a turning point.
“That loss made our season,” Coach Bedal explained. “The anger the girls felt and the drive to never feel that again fueled us. Practices went from ending at 5:00 to stretching past 5:30. Questions were being asked, and every day, 10 girls showed up wanting to be better than they were the day before.”
The result? A remarkable 7-1 record, a first-place finish in their tier, and a historic opportunity to host the WECSSA Finals—an achievement unprecedented in UMEI girls’ basketball history.
The semi-finals were a showcase of dominance, with the Lightning securing a resounding 51-13 victory. But it was the finals that proved the heart of this underdog squad. Facing a school nearly eight times their size, the UMEI girls battled fiercely, never allowing their opponents to lead by more than 10 points.
“I can’t stress enough how amazing that finals game was,” said Coach Bedal. “The energy in the gym was electric, and the support from our fans was unbelievable. A school of almost 500 walked into our gym and was shocked by the drive and competitive spirit of our small school of 65.”
In addition to this amazing season, Sharon Latam and Avalon Fleming made the first All-Star team, with Natalie Edwards making the second All-Star team. For Sharon, a graduating senior and captain of the team, this season was the culmination of years of perseverance and love for the game.
“This year’s team, this amazing group of girls, was the best team I’ve ever played with. We weren’t just teammates, we were a family. Every practice, every game, every time we pushed each other, it all came from never giving up,” she said.
“Some of us had all been through so much to get here, and that made us closer. This season meant everything to me. After the struggles of the past three years, standing on that court with my team and seeing how far we’d come was the best feeling ever. We played with heart, left a mark, and made memories that I’ll carry forever. And I couldn’t be prouder.”
For Grade 9 student Avalon, the season was a life-changing experience.
“Playing with a senior team taught me so much. At first, I was nervous, but as the season went on and our team was winning, it just felt amazing to be part of this team. I got to learn from players who had way more experience, and Mr. Bedal was an amazing coach who believed in all of us and gave his time to make our team the best we could be.”
“After a couple practices, we became more than just a team, we became a family,” she said.
“What I loved most was how everyone supported each other. It didn’t matter if you were in Grade 9 or Grade 12—we were just one team working hard together to make this season one of the best. The memories we made, like our team dinners and laser tag nights during tournaments, will last a lifetime.”
For Tayler Wiens, also a graduating senior, the journey was one of both skill development and personal growth.
“I’ve always enjoyed watching and playing basketball, starting with a bit of experience in elementary school. However, it wasn’t until high school, when I joined the girls’ basketball team in Grade 10, that my skills really began to develop,” Tayler said.
“By the time my final season came around, our team was incredible, both in terms of skill and the bond we shared. We pushed ourselves beyond our limits, and the effort was worth it. Even though I was sad to see it end, I’m excited for the future of UMEI girls’ basketball and can’t wait to see how the program grows and strengthens in the years to come.”
While the team didn’t ultimately claim the championship, the season’s success wasn’t defined by trophies. It was defined by the bonds formed, the lessons learned, and the pride shared by the players, their school, and their community.
“The connection we built as a team was unexpected,” Coach Bedal shared. “Practices and tournaments were filled with laughs, failures, tears, and trust in one another. This season was something special, and our supporters should be nothing but proud of this ragtag underdog team who did the unthinkable.”
At UMEI, the Girls Basketball Team exemplified the school’s values of perseverance, teamwork, and excellence, proving that heart and hard work can overcome any challenge.
Click here for video of tournament play
Click here for video of championship game