UNBSJ Basketball teams gain confidence

Keith Raynes gives the inside story about our Seadogs

First year Head Coach of the Men’s Basketball team, Steve Leblanc, is very excited as his squad prepares for the stretch drive to the conference championships. The Seawolves are starting to round into game form and beginning to have an identity which is quickness, good outside shooting and tough defence. The team has gained a lot of confidence recently when we they took on the 7th ranked team in the nation, MSVU Mystics, and went toe to toe with them, in their own barn, for most of the game before coming out on the short end of a 63-56 score. Steve and his assistant coach Greg Doyle both agree that the Seawolves need to be better in rebounding at both ends of the court and keep the turn-overs down, which they have improved upon since the start of the season.

The team has some big home games coming up this month with ABU on Feb. 13th at 4:00p.m., NSAC on the 14th at 4:00p.m., 20th against MSVU at 7:00p.m. and on Feb. 23rd STU comes to the Athletic Centre for a 8:00p.m. battle. The Seawolves could finish as high as 3rd, if they have a strong homestand, which makes each game huge as the team keeps improving to get ready for the A.C.A.A. Championships at NSAC March 5th- 7th.

In order for Wolves to be successful this month they need some primetime performances from a few key players. Point guard Grahame Scott must be able to drive and create scoring opportunities for himself and his team mates. 5th year playmaker Colin Johnston must use his speed as an asset and put pressure on the opponents defense and create open looks for outside sharp shooters Kevin Nixon and Andrew Naismith. Coach Leblanc also needs his team to be able to move the ball quickly up the court and be able to handle the defensive pressure of their opponents. If they can accomplish this on a consistent basis then anything is possible.

On the Women’s side, 1st year Head Coach Kevin Munroe faces the month with must wins games to get his chargers into the post season. The Seawolves face ABU at 2:00 p.m. on Feb. 13th, NSAC on the 14th also at 2:00p.m., Feb.20th vs. MSVU at 5:00p.m. and the last home game is against STU on Feb. 23rd at 6:00p.m.

The strengths of the Lady Seawolves are their outstanding work ethic and excellent conditioning which they will need if they are to be successful this month. The challenges for the team is scoring consistently through the whole game and reduce turn-overs which is one area the team has improved in since the start of the season. Other key areas the team has improved in, is rebounding, full court pressure and defense. Two key players for the Seawolves are Jen Bergeron and Chrissie Smith, who are the heart and soul of the team and will be counted on if the team is to make a run at a play-off spot.

The women’s volleyball team will host defending conference champs Mount Allison Mounties at 7:30p.m. on Friday Feb. 12th and finish off the regular season on feb.20th at 2:30p.m. against MSVU.

Keith Raynes is the coach of the UNBSJ women’s volleyball team.