Kodiaks see growth in first half

By Lethbridge Herald on December 4, 2024.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks Bailey Blackmore plays tight defence on Chloe Sutherland of the Concordia University Thunder during ACAC women's basketball action at Val Matteotti Gym on last week.

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks basketball teams have completed the first halves of their seasons with identical 5-4 records and have seen growth amongst in their players as the games went on.

Kodiak women’s head coach Ken McMurray is happy with a 5-4 record for a rebuilding team.

“For a young, rebuilding team, I don’t think that’s too bad,” said McMurray.

“There’s a couple of games I would’ve liked back. We lost a one-pointer to NAIT in their gym that could have gone either way. I didn’t have two starters that night, so (we) could’ve likely won that one maybe, and then we lost one in Medicine Hat and didn’t really play great that night too.”

McMurray has seen the players  confidence grow over the first half.

“It’s a big step to jump from high school to post-secondary and I think the girls are getting more and more confident in playing at this level,” said McMurray.

“So that’s a huge improvement, obviously, because I have six rookies here and I play four of them quite a few minutes, like quite a bit, and they’re having to play heavy minutes.”

McMurray wants the girls to improve more on being sure with the basketball and limiting turnovers.

The Kodiaks will try and stay sharp in training by playing games against junior colleges in Arizona in mid-December during the break.

“We’re excited about that because it’s a good chemistry building trip for us … I think it’ll pay dividends when we come back (for) second semester,” said McMurray.

Kodiak men’s head coach Ryan Heggie has seen an overall improvement.

“Just overall improvement with our offence, and our defence and our team itself,” said Heggie.

“I think compete level,” said Heggie, on what he is happy with.

“These guys will always compete hard for each other and the program.”

Heggie has liked the togetherness through wins and losses.

Heggie thinks the team has to make more baskets.

“Players got to get in the gym and put in the extra work, so they can make more shots when they get those chances,” said Heggie.

The Kodiaks will play in an exhibition tournament over the break.