Horns to lean on veteran experience

By Lethbridge Herald on October 30, 2024.

Herald FILE photo University of Lethbridge Pronghorns’ Courtney McKee drives the basket for two points while Harriette Mackenzie attempts to defend her during Canada West women’s basketball action at 1st Choice Savings Centre last season.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s basketball team begin a new Canada West this weekend with a majority of their roster returning from last season and are expected to carry the load for the team’s success this season.

“We have a large group returning, so that helps make preparation a little easier,” said Dave Waknuk, Horns head coach.

The returning group of 11 includes the starting five from a year ago and have the addition of  three high school rookies.

“Tobore Okome is back in the centre position and Kyra Collier is at the forward position,” said Waknuk.

“I think those are strong, important pillars for us in what we want to do.”

The Horns have three returning starting guards including second-year Courtney McKee, who earned a spot on the  Canada West All-Rookie team last year.

The other players that round out the starting five are Piper Dobblesteyn and Kamryn DeKlerk.

“For her to have a second year and hopefully have continued growth after she had the success she had (in) her first year, I think there’s a lot of hope and expectation (and) lots of optimism in regards to her.”

Waknuk said it’s a massive help, when asked about a good core of returning players coming back.

“They know all the important things that come in the ups and downs (of) the season,” said

Waknuk.

“But there’s so many things that come out of maturity and experience that you just can’t fabricate any other way. So the fact that we have such a veteran core is a big asset for sure.”

The team’s strength will come from their basketball IQ.

“I think they’re very smart when it comes to the game, I think they understand it well,” said Waknuk.

“I think they can make reads out there that are necessary, they can make adjustments on the fly. That gives you a big benefit as a coach where you have players that can process and execute as the game goes on, and I think it makes us less predictable (and) harder to scout.”

Waknuk listed versatility being another strength.

While the team didn’t win their first-round playoff game last year, the Horns are wanting to move further along this year.

“We set the goal higher and the bar higher and we want to see if we can get there ,” said Waknuk.

The Horns begin the season by hosting the University of Regina Cougars on Friday (6 p.m.) and Saturday (5 p.m.).

“Regina’s always one of the best teams in the league,” said Waknuk.

“The bar’s high for week one and they’re (a) very good team. They can hurt you from all angles, they’re very dynamic in scoring, they’re tough defensively. As I said, they’re well coached and always very well prepared.”