Kodiaks look for more consistency heading into second semester

By Lethbridge Herald on January 13, 2025.

Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks Annah Westrop attempts to drive by Red Deer Polytechnic’s Salome Nuako during ACAC women’s basketball action at Val Matteotti Gymnasium on Saturday. Herald photo by Justin Seward

Justin Seward – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – sports@lethbridgeherald.com

The young Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks women’s basketball team kicked off their second semester of play with a focus of finding more consistency in their game.

“We can’t play good for two quarters or three quarters, we (have) got to play good for 40 minutes, and that’s been the challenge with this team is just being consistent defensively and offensively,” said Ken McMurray, Kodiaks head coach.

McMurray wants to see the mindset change.

“We got to change the mindset now to you know what, we’re ACAC basketball players and we (have) just got to play and not have that excuse of being young anymore,” said McMurray.

“We (have) got to grow up in a hurry. And so, that’s what I need from my rookies.”

McMurray spoke about how the team can build for a playoff push in the second semester.

“We (have) got to do a better job of rebounding for sure,” said McMurray.

“We’ve got to get some more second chance points if we’re going to be successful because if you’re one and done every time you go down the court, you (have) got to shoot an incredible percentage to be successful.”

McMurray is seeing improvements in the girls.

“I think a lot of players are growing and their basketball IQs are getting better,” said McMurray.

The Kodiaks opened up second semester with a split on home court with Red Deer Polytechnic after a 49-41 win on Friday was followed by a 60-42 loss on Saturday.

“I felt like last night (Friday) our defence was outstanding,” said McMurray.

“(On Saturday), we were a step (slower), and offensively we didn’t recognize very well what … they played. They switched to a man to man and we didn’t execute very well.”

The other factor in the loss is the Queens had 46 rebounds to the Kodiaks 22.

“They beat us on the rebound war and usually when a team does that, they’re going to win,” said McMurray.

The Kodiaks (6-5) host first-place SAIT (10-1) on Friday and Saturday this week.