The Briercrest basketball teams travelled to Edmonton for the ACAC Pre-season showcase this past weekend and both teams came away with encouraging results. The men made a clean sweep of their Alberta opponents, while the young women started shaky before coming together and showing the potential to compete with anyone this season.

The women’s basketball team started their 2013-14 pre-season at the Saville Community Sports Centre against NAIT, SAIT and Red Deer College.

Head coach Chad Romanuk gave a review of the weekend.
“We played a very dominant, big, and experienced NAIT team on Thursday night, our first game of the year with the final score being Briercrest 48-NAIT 93. We were out rebounded and had 33 turnovers as NAIT pressed us the whole game. Amy Wanvig and Lauren Jordan both had 12 points with very impressive shooting by both of them, Amy with 50% from the field and Lauren 50% from three-point range. Claire Richardson chipped in with eight points and a very impressive 15 rebound showing.”
“Friday, we played a very good SAIT team, and had a very good game ourselves losing to them by only four points, 60-56,” Romanuk continued. “SAIT went on to beat NAIT on Saturday (the team that we had lost to on Thursday night). Rookie guard Brooke Briscoe was our high-scorer with 15 points (55% shooting), as well as three assists. Amy Wanvig again had a great showing with 13 points on 40% shooting.”
“Saturday, we played Red Deer College and ended up losing to them by 13 points, after having to try and foul at the end of the game to try and come from behind,” Romanuk said. “Amy Wanvig again led our team with a double-double, 11 points and 10 rebounds, with a very impressive 7-for-8 from the free throw line. Rookie point guard, Krista Wiens, also had 11 points on 56% shooting.”
“We have a really talented young team and I am excited to see how the girls can and will compete in the ACAC.”
Men’s basketball had a productive weekend, defeating Concordia, NAIT and Lakeland over the course of the weekend.

Head coach Rod Adrian gave a run-down of the weekend.

“Our first game (Thursday, Oct. 3) in the Pre-Season Showcase in Edmonton versus Concordia was a close game with the men coming out on top,” Adrian said. “We had control through the majority of the game, but let our lead slip away in the third quarter, but bounced back in the fourth putting up 26 points in the frame and sealing our first win of the season.  Briercrest 96 - Concordia 89.”

“We were led in scoring by Christian Sacoman with 28 points and a blazing 57% from the field.  Lucas Mannes finished with 24 points and shot an even hotter 58%.  An outstanding game by Ryan Fox who tormented the opposition earning 5 steals and ended with 14 points.  Brandon Friesen dominated the boards grabbing 10 in the game.”

“Another solid effort by the men Friday gave us a win in our second game in Edmonton at the Pre-Season Showcase, 72-66 over NAIT,” Adrian continued. “We were in control for much of the game in spite of its close score, with some key stops and big shots down the stretch that sealed the win.”

“We were led in scoring by Lucas Mannes with 18 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.  A big game by our big man, Brandon Friesen, provided us with 17 points on 62% shooting, and seven rebounds.  James Wohlgeschaffen was our most efficient player with a “True Shooting” stat of 90%, which translated into 14 points, dealing four assists, and earning three steals.”

“We closed out the Pre-Season Tournament in Edmonton with a great effort and won 73-59 against Lakeland,” Adrian said. “That gives us a 3-1 pre-season record with two more games next weekend before we host Lethbridge in our season opener on Oct 18^th and 19^th.  We showed some great improvements in each game and as a coach I can’t be more pleased with the effort, and the way the team is growing together.”

“Today’s game saw another solid performance by Christian Sacoman with 17 points while shooting 43% from the 3-point line.  Lucas Mannes had a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, and added five assists and three steals in a gutsy performance.  Ryan Fox played great once again, bringing a “punch” off the bench and notched 15 points on 60% shooting, and launched his way to five offensive rebounds.”

The basketball teams now head to Manitoba Oct. 11-12 for games against Canadian Mennonite University and Providence University College. For updates be sure to “like” the Briercrest Basketball  Facebook page.