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The Luther Invitational Tournament wrapped up Saturday with Dr. Martin Leboldus High School finishing second in senior girls basketball, emerging as the only Saskatchewan team to reach a championship game at one of Canada’s longest-running high school tournaments.
The LeBoldus Golden Suns fell 81–70 to the Raymond Comets of Alberta in the final at Luther College’s Semple Gymnasium, closing out a strong three-game run against elite competition from across the Prairies.
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LeBoldus came out aggressively in the opening quarter, setting the tone early and holding a slim 22–20 lead after one. Raymond responded in the second, taking advantage of its depth and outside shooting to pull ahead 46–40 at halftime.
The Comets extended the lead in the third with back-to-back long three-pointers, before LeBoldus mounted a late push in the fourth that cut into the deficit but fell short.
Grade 12 standout Hayden Kot said the result still reflected how competitive the group was against one of the country’s top programs.
“They’re the No. 1 team in Alberta, we’re the No. 1 team in Saskatchewan, and to make it a close game with a team that was undefeated is incredible,” Kot said.
“They have shooters everywhere, and they’re a really well-coached team.”
Kot said LeBoldus’ mindset was to set the tone early and embrace the moment.
“Coming out strong was huge for us,” she said. “We wanted to showcase what we can do in such a big tournament, especially in front of our friends and family.”
Kot, who is committed to play university basketball with the Saskatchewan Huskies next season, said her role has always been about team needs rather than individual numbers.
“If my team needs me to score, rebound or defend, that’s what I’ll do,” she said. “It’s not about points, you can’t play one-on-five.”
Head coach Garrett Kot said that simply qualifying for LIT and reaching the final are significant accomplishments for a Regina program.
“It’s always a privilege to qualify for LIT,” he said.
“For these girls to play in a historic tournament like this, at home, against the best teams from Alberta and Manitoba, is an incredible opportunity.”
Kot said the matchup with the Raymond Comets was one his players welcomed.
“When the draw came out, there was always a chance you’d see Raymond,” he said.
“They’re a juggernaut in Alberta with elite players. Our girls were excited for that challenge, and I thought they handled it really well.”
He said the group showed resilience despite being underdogs.
“We battled,” Kot said. “The girls should hold their heads high. That was a great basketball team we played.”
Raymond was led by Haiden Hall, who finished with 38 points and 18 rebounds. LeBoldus was paced by Kot, with support from Nicola Meban and Neko Michell as the Golden Suns competed through all four quarters.
On the girls’ side, Raymond claimed gold, LeBoldus finished second, and Alberta Magrath took bronze. In the boys’ bracket, Alberta Magrath won the championship, Alberta Raymond finished second, and Winnipeg Sisler claimed third.
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