CALGARY - Whitney Haswell and Robbie Sihota lead two high scoring Dinos basketball teams into the weekend as they get set to host their divisional and provincial foes, the Lethbridge Pronghorns. Both the women and men look to continue their early success as they move forward in Canada West action.
The Lethbridge Pronghorns visit on Shoot for the Cure weekend, presented by Adidas. Each year, thousands of Canadians are touched by breast cancer. It not only impacts the individuals living with the disease, but their families, friends and loved ones as well. To raise awareness and funding for research, the University of Calgary Dinos, in collaboration with the Women's Basketball Coaches Association are pleased to hold Breast Cancer Awareness Day in the Jack Simpson Gymnasium on Saturday. All donations collected during the men's and women's volleyball and basketball games will go directly to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation as they work to create a future without breast cancer.
Adidas has graciously donated 200 pairs of socks for a “sock toss” that will take place during halftime of the men's basketball game. Each fan who makes a donation of $2 or more to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, will receive a pair of socks for the chance to win $250 in Husky gas. The socks will then be donated to a local women's shelter. Fans are encouraged to donate to the CBCF and wear pink to the games on Saturday.
The Dinos women had mixed results this past weekend, demolishing the visiting Brandon Bobcats 97-60 on Friday before dropping a close one to the Regina Cougars, 72-61. Sitting at 4-2 on the young regular season, the Dinos would love nothing more than to take two from the 'Horns as they battle with the Alberta Pandas at the top of the Central Division.
Led by Haswell, who has posted solid numbers to the tune of 12.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, the Dinos are receiving solid contributions from all over the floor. Joining Haswell in double digit scoring is forward Ashley Hill with 13.7, senior guard Courtney Coyle with 12 and 2007-08 CIS All-Rookie Team member Megan Lang with 11.
Currently first overall in team offense in Canada West, this type of well-rounded scoring is a result of the very liberal spread of playing time the Dinos have employed so far this season. Haswell is the only player who has played more than 30 minutes per game, leaving plenty of time for a deep Dinos bench to contribute.
Rookies such as Alex Cole and Esther Graff have taken advantage of the dispersed minutes, with Cole currently sitting fourth in Canada West with 8.7 big rebounds per game. Graff had a huge game against the Bobcats, putting up 19 points to go along with four rebounds.
The Dinos face a Lethbridge Pronghorns team that has come out of the gate slowly this season, posting their first victory this past Saturday against the Brandon Bobcats. Currently 1-5, the 'Horns will be looking for offense from anywhere and anyone on their team, as they sit last in Canada West with a meager 50 total points per game offensively.
Leading the Pronghorns is Lauren Taal, who is the only Lethbridge player to crack double digits in scoring with 10.5 per game. Taal, a second year guard, was instrumental in Lethbridge's first victory of the year over the Bobcats with a tremendous all-around game, marking 14 points, four rebounds, five assists and four steals.
For the Pronghorns to remain in the thick of a tough Central division, they will certainly need to capture at least one victory over the young Calgary squad. At risk of potentially falling ten points below Calgary in the division standings, the 'Horns are starting to feel some urgency as the season progresses.
On the men's side, the Dinos have come back from an opening weekend loss to the Winnipeg Wesmen with four victories in a row, putting them at 5-1 on the season and first in the Central Division.
Sihota has been the consistent force for Calgary in the first six games of the season, with a very solid line of 21.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, good for sixth and eighth in Canada West respectively.
The Lester B. Pearson High School product has led a formidable foursome of big men for the Dinos, who as a group have put the Dinos at the top of Canada West in total offense.
The foursome, filled out by brothers Henry Bekkering and Ross Bekkering, and reigning Canada West Rookie of the Year Tyler Fidler, have combined for 66 of the 88.3 points per game that the Calgary squad is currently averaging. The Dinos will certainly need this trend to continue as their young rotation of guards continues to settle into the offense.
In beating the Brandon Bobcats 97-87 this past Friday, the Dinos avenged their previous loss to Brandon in the Canada West bronze medal game last season. The Bekkering brothers, who dunked early and often on the Bobcats, ignited the crowd in their home-opener.
The Pronghorns are perhaps the biggest surprise of Canada West this season, currently sitting second over perennially powerful Central Division teams, the Saskatchewan Huskies and the Alberta Golden Bears. In just six games Lethbridge has already surpassed their season win total of two in 2007-2008, as they currently sit 3-3 on the year.
The rebirth of the 'Horns team has been primarily led by third year guard Danhue Lawrence, who along a league leading 6.2 assists per game out of the backcourt, has 19.3 points and 6.5 rebounds to his credit.
Mike Connolly's Lethbridge squad has proven quickly that they are not the same team from 2007-08, as evidenced by their three big victories and three tightly contested losses.
Unlike other Canada West squads who may have taken the 'Horns lightly to start the season, the Dinos are now perfectly aware of what the Pronghorns bring to the table, and should be ready for two tough fights in the Jack this weekend.
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