The chase for the Bronze Baby Trophy
-
Share on Facebook
-
Share on Twitter
- Copy Link
The Huskie women’s basketball team has a target on its back as the 2024 USports women’s basketball championships in Edmonton draw closer. Lisa Thomaidis is in pursuit of a third national title as head coach of the program with the others coming in 2016 and 2020. Saskatchewan is the tournament’s number one seed following a 19-1 regular season and a dominant 73-42 win over Alberta in the Canada West championship game.
Third-year guard, Gage Grassick from Prince Albert, poured in 28 points in the conference championship game, while graduating forward, Carly Ahlstrom, had 16. The Huskies, who defeated UBC Okanagan and Fraser Valley to get the conference final, are playing sound basketball entering the national championships. “The team played very well”, said Thomaidis. “Very connected, solid on defense and we played with a high degree of energy. We need to continue with those themes heading into Edmonton.”
The OUA champion Carleton Ravens are seeded second after a 21-1 regular season and a 63-55 win over Queens in the conference final. The Ravens, the defending national champions, are led by guard Kali Pocrnic who averaged 15.1 points per game in the regular season and OUA coach of the year Dani Sinclair. The AUS champion St. Mary’s Huskies are ranked third, while the Laval Rouge et Or, who went through the 2023-24 RSEQ season with an undefeated record, are ranked fourth.
Alberta (5th seed), Queens (6th seed), Fraser Valley (7th seed) and Calgary (8th seed) round out the 8 teams that are competing for the 2024 title. “Overall, it’s a very strong field of teams”, said Thomaidis. “All of these teams have been ranked in the top 10 throughout the season, so really no surprises.”
