Kodiaks over Queens as Make Some Noise for Mental Health is recognized

Brent Forster – RDC

Red Deer, AB – On the evening the RBC sponsored Make Some Noise for Mental Health campaign was recognized, the Red Deer College Queens and Lethbridge College Kodiaks took centre stage at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. It was a tight opening half, and after the Kodiaks pulled ahead in the third, the Queens had their strongest offensive showing in the final quarter but couldn't quite overtake the visitors, dropping a close 68-61 decision.

Colby Brochu Photography

The RDC Queens had the long ball working in the opening quarter. Connecting on four-of-eight three-point attempts, the Queens scored 12 of their 16 first-quarter points from beyond the arc. The Kodiaks matched the Queens' 16 points while hitting two-of-four from three.

In another close quarter, the Red Deer College Queens outscored the Lethbridge College Kodiaks 15-14 to take a 31-30 lead at the half. Over two quarters, Katie Ballhorn and Harneet Sidhu led the way offensively for RDC with eight points each. Matlin McMurray and Juhee Anderson shared the Kodiaks' team lead with 10 points each. RDC maintained its strong shooting from three, draining a total of six-of-twelve (50%). Lethbridge College responded with 44% from long distance.

Harneet Sidhu (14) Colby Brochu Photography

The Kodiaks had a strong third, scoring 19 points. The Queens responded with 9 and Lethbridge College held a 49-40 edge.

The RDC Queens had their best offensive performance in the fourth, outscoring the Kodiaks 21-19 but couldn't fully close the deficit. The Kodiaks picked up a 68-61 decision.

Katie Ballhorn was named the Queens Player-of-the-Game, accumulating 15 points, eight rebounds and one steal while connecting on four-of-nine attempts from behind the arc. Juhee Anderson was selected for the Kodiaks, contributing 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Katie Ballhorn (4) Colby Brochu Photography

Queens Head Coach Ken King liked the mindset and play from the first-year Bachelor of Education Science student. "Katie is one of those players who when she plays with confidence is a totally different player," he says. "That's true for a lot of players but that elevates her game to a whole other level. I hope that she takes a lesson from today, that when she believes she can do it, she performs that much better."

The RDC Queens had stretches of effective play in their own zone but King thought too many points were given up in the latter half.  "I thought we had some strong defence at times which we've talked before about how that really is our motor. A 19-9 third quarter is just not going to be the defence that we expect," he says. "Them putting up 19 points in both quarters of the second half is just not a good way to win a basketball game especially with how inconsistent we can be on offence."

For RDC, Harneet Sidhu contributed 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Sandra Garcia-Bernal recorded a double-double with 14 rebounds and 11 points.

Sandra Garcia-Bernal (23) Colby Brochu Photography

As a group, the Queens finished 10-of-24 (41.7%) from beyond the arc. "We have been shooting more in the last weeks but it is also the confidence that some of the girls are getting. You see Katie and Harneet being willing to pull up more," says King. "I'm not necessarily saying that we're asking them to shoot 16 threes between the two of them, unless they are going to go eight for sixteen every time. But it is a confidence thing."

The Kodiaks were 36.8% effective from three.

Matlin McMurray had 18 points, two assists, one steal and one rebound for Lethbridge College.

On Saturday, January 26, the RDC Queens will entertain the Lethbridge College Kodiaks at 1:00 p.m. at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

Make Some Noise for Mental Health 

The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) campaign, Make Some Noise for Mental Health, sponsored by RBC, was recognized at the Red Deer College Queens game. The conference wide campaign was implemented to help create awareness and break stigmas surrounding mental health.

At the half, Matt Hope, a member of RDC Cross Country and Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) bronze medalist shared his story and advocacy for mental health.

Matt Hope   Colby Brochu Photography

Finances are one of the biggest stressors for post-secondary students and RBC also donated $1,000 which will be used for a financial literacy course for learners. Students can preregister for a meal and class to learn about effective money management.