Recovering from an early morning game, and playing against all of the top competitors from Southern Alberta, the University of Calgary Jr. Dinos captured the Stampede Shootout. The Dinos speed, athleticism and toughness allowed them to roll through the competition, defeating the Calgary Seclects 92-65 in the finals to capture the tournament title.

The tournament began on Friday, July 1 against the Fury from Calgary: a team the Dinos had not faced up to that point in the season. Starting quickly, and finishing the same, the Jr. Dinos looked strong and confident to start the tournament defeating the Fury 111-42. 6 players scored in double figures for the Dinos led by Adam Lonseth who finished with 18 points. Jared Laird, the St. Francis post player had 16, Logan Armstrong 14, Brennen Fule, 13, Dave Ness, 11, and Andy Wytsma had 10. Playing in their first tournament in Calgary, the Dinos proved to everyone watching that they would be the team to beat in the tournament.

The second game of the tournament saw the Jr. Dinos in action against the Jr. Cougars also from Calgary. From the start, it was apparent that the Jr. Dinos would dominate the action. An early 27-1 run was marred only by a technical free-throw made by the Cougars prior to the game for a dunking violation. The halftime score: 64-7! The dogs were realed in slightly in the second half, as the Dinos started to concentrate on offensive and defensive execution. However, taking off the press made it hard for the Jr. Dinos to mentally stay in the game, but still managed the 95-34 victory. 5 players scored in double figures including Cam Perry and Andy Wystma with 14, Adam Shaw with 12, Logan Armstrong with 12, and Jared Laird with 10. By winning both games in their pool, the Dinos were matched up with their rival, the Jr. Trojans who finished 2nd in their pool.

Hungry and determined, the Jr. Dinos were 100% “focused” against the Jr. Trojans in the Saturday afternoon game. Every player was ready and willing to play at their highest level for the victory. The intensity started from the tip as the Dinos successfully completed a tip play off of the jump ball for an easy two points. The rest of the game followed in the same manner. Running, shooting, diving, and playing great defense, the Jr. Dinos totally frustrated and tormented the Jr. Trojans in both halves winning easily, 123-75. The Jr. Dinos were led by the dominating performance of centre Jared Laird. Jared scored 28 points, grabbed 15 rebounds including 8 offensive in leading the balanced Dino attack. Andy Wytsma added 13 for the Dinos, while Logan Armstrong and Adam Lonseth both had 10 to round out the double digit scorers. However, Adam Shaw had 9, Brennen Fule had 9, and Cam Perry and Doron Nand both had 8. Strong defensive efforts were had by Dave Ness and Mike Haggerty who slowed down key players for the Jr. Trojans. This victory set up a game against the Spectres of Calgary, a team the Jr. Dinos had not faced.

Following a strict game plan, and slowing the pace to their liking, the Spectres provided a tough test for the Jr. Dinos in a 8 am game on Sunday, July 3. The semi-final game was played on a small court at SAIT, and at an un-godly hour. Playing with no excuses, the Jr. Dinos pulled out a tough 74-67 victory. The Dinos were led by Jared Laird who once again dominated inside with 19 points. Adam Shaw, who over all had a very strong tournament, scored 10 points including a couple of key hoops down the stretch. However, it was the foul shooting of Doron Nand which sealed the game for the Dinos who had a hard time keeping the Spectres star player, Steve Trinidad in check. A gutsy win, the Dinos were ready to face the Calgary Selects in the finals of the Stampede Shootout.

The final marked the first formal meeting between the Jr. Dinos and the Calgary Selects who met in exhibition action earlier in the summer. Once again crippled by a slow start, the Selects led the Dinos early, 21-9 with under 10 minutes to play in the opening half. The zone offense proved to be confusing for the Jr. Dinos who also missed some easy shots, and were facing a confident and ready team. However, after a quick time out, the Jr. Dinos proceeded to finish the half on a 29-8 run to lead 37-29 at the break.

In the second half, it was much of the same. The half started with a 16-4 run by the Jr. Dinos, and they did not look back. Their intensity, running, and staggering defense stopped a very talented Selects team. The key was the defensive work by Mike Haggarty who stifled the Selects best player which allowed the Dinos to capitilize on turnovers and fast break oppurtunities. The Dinos captured the tournament 92-65 and were led by the outstanding play of Adam Lonseth who had a game high 29 points in the finals. Big games were also had by Adam Shaw, with 12, Doron Nand with 11, and Jared Laird with 10. The win also topped the Jr. Dinos record at 13-0 at the U-17 level for the summer. The Dinos were outstanding in the Finals, and played their most complete half of the season against the Selects.

The Jr. Dinos will once again be in action in Saskatoon, on the July 8-10 weekend for the Prairie Dog Classic.