At RDC, Kodiaks over Queens

Friday, the Red Deer College Queens Basketball team knew it would be a challenge against the 11-0 Lethbridge College Kodiaks. The Kodiaks lead the ACAC Women's Basketball South Division and are ranked 3rd in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). The Queens had several bright spots on the court against a tough competitor, but the Kodiaks eventually won 83-53.

The Kodiaks took an early lead in the 1st quarter. Lethbridge College pressured the RDC ball carrier often and at the end of the opening quarter led 28-15. Dedra Janvier shot well in the 1st quarter, hitting 2-of-3 from behind the 3-point-arch. Janvier led the Queens with 9 points. Logan Moncks contributed 11 points for the Kodiaks. 

At the half, Lethbridge College extended their lead to 21 points (47-26). Over 2 quarters, the RDC Queens were perfect from the free throw line, hitting all 7 of their opportunities. Kiana Mintz totalled 5 points for RDC. 

The Kodiaks led 62-36 after 3 quarters. Janvier accumulated 11 points for the Queens while Logan Moncks had 21 points for the Kodiaks.

Keitlyn Williams worked hard and made several plays in the 4th quarter. The Kodiaks eventually won 83-53. Logan Moncks led the Kodiaks with 29 points.

Debra Janvier was chosen as the Queens player-of-the-game. The Bachelor of Education student finished with 14 points, 1 assist and 1 rebound. 

Queens Head Coach Ken King saw some positive aspects of the game against a tough opponent.

"We found some things on defence that we liked tonight. We saw some positive performances outside of our starters," said King. "Dedra Janvier had a solid game coming off our bench. She is still one of our best players. Keitlyn Williams played very well tonight also."

In Saturday's rematch, King would like to see an energetic start.

"Lethbridge is a very good team. We can't start that way, giving up 28 points," said King. "We want to start stronger and maintain some ball security tomorrow."

The Queens sit in 5th place in the ACAC Women's Basketball South Division with 10 points. At Red Deer College, the Queens compete against the Kodiaks Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

RBC's Make Some Noise

As part of RBC's Make Some Noise for Mental Health campaign, Speed Skating Olympian Anastasia Bucsis spoke to a group of high school basketball players and coaches prior to the Queens game. The Make Some Noise campaign also connected with RDC's Take Some Time.

"Throughout my career I've had amazing highs and lived that Olympic dream but I've also struggled with depression and anxiety," said Bucsis. "It is hard to talk about because it makes us feel vulnerable. As athletes we don't like making ourselves feel that way, but allowing onself to open up is when we see success. While it is difficult being vulnerable, it is what makes life beautiful."

Grade 11 point guard from Notre Dame High School, Ireland Black, was grateful for the opportunity to hear Bucsis speak.

"Being an Olympian, Anastasia is a role model so I feel that having a personal conversation with her really stood out for me," said Black. "Even the highest competitors in Canada who perform so well can struggle with something so difficult and having her speak to a group of high school basketball players says a lot about her character."