Posted: Nov 18, 2016
Loney Made Right Decision To Join Basketball Queens
By DANNY RODE
There was a time last year when Kristen Loney wasn’t completely sure what she would do after high school.
She decided to join the RDC Queens basketball team and she’s obviously made the right decision.
“I kind of knew what I wanted to do and it’s worked out better than I hoped,” said the 17-year-old Hunting Hills grad, who played in the summer league and got to know some of the Queens staff and players. Still this year has been a surprise for her.
“It’s a lot more work than in high school, that’s been my biggest surprise,” she said. “There’s school and basketball and I’m also working some, so it’s busy, but I’m enjoying it a lot.”
Loney has also impressed head coach Ken King, who is using the five-foot-11 forward more and more as she gains experience.
“She is very coachable, has a great attitude and the ability to work hard,” said King. “She is also a quick learner and willing to play physical amd use her strength. She will constantly continue to get better once everything comes together.”
Loney is averaging close to 10 minutes a game, 4.4 points and three rebounds. In the last three games she’s averaging over seven points per start and close to four rebounds.
“The more I get to play, and practice, the better it is,” she said. “The experience definitely helps, plus we even film our practices so we can see where we need improve.”
She found the Alberta Colleges Women’s Basketball League do be a lot tougher than high school.
“I’m not used to being one of the smaller forwards and that’s the way it is here,” she said. “I had to learn how to play inside against bigger forwards and learn when to move the ball outside instead of trying to go to the basket all the time.
“I also know I need to continue to get stronger.”
Getting an opportunity to play against six-foot-two Emily White in practice has been a definite help.
“We go up against each other and if I make a bad play, or mistake, she’ll talk to me about it. That’s been a big help. I’m happy to get all the help I can get.”
King believes all the credit for development goes to Loney herself.
“She is willing to bring it to practice every day and she has the demeanour to forget about mistakes right away and learn from them.”
Loney has to laugh when asked about what role the coach wants her to play.
“He wants me to run,” she said. “It’s my job to get up and down the floor and get back on defence. I don’t really worry about scoring … it will come.”
Loney usually replaces White when she needs a break.
“Usually although we do play together on occasion, a high-low post. That’s fun.”
Loney is taking Open Studies this season and has her eyes set on getting into a full time program next year, so she will be around for a while, much to Kings’ delight.