UNews - basketball

Horns welcome Bosch back to Canada and into lineup

trevor.kenney — Mon, 09 May 2016 20:34:24 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s basketball program has added one of the most talented guards to come out of southern Alberta in years, announcing today that local product Kacie Bosch is returning to Canada and will join the Pronghorns for the 2016-17 season.

Highly recruited out of high school, Bosch returns home after two seasons with the Gonzaga ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Bulldogs (NCAA). Bosch will take advantage of the CIS repatriation rule and be eligible to compete immediately.

“Kacie brings a swift cultural infusion of change into our program as she has won at every program that she has been a part of,” says Horns head coach Dave Adams. “Kacie will be able to play her natural position at point guard and add immediate leadership in the backcourt. She is an outstanding athlete who has worked tirelessly at her craft to continue to improve.”

As a freshman, Bosch saw action in 16 games for the Bulldogs and played in another 18 games this past season.

“I am so happy to be coming home to play with a team that's on the up and coming,” says Bosch. “The girls, coaches and people surrounding this program are wonderful and I can't wait to be a part of it.”

Prior to heading to Spokane, Wa., Bosch starred for Chinook High School, winning the Southern Alberta High School Basketball League (SAHSBL) most valuable player award in both her grade 11 and grade 12 years. She led the Coyotes in scoring all three years she played for Chinook, averaging 19.7 points in grad 10 and 23.3 and 22.3 points per game in Grades 11 and 12 respectively.

In her Grade 12 year, she also led the Coyotes to a 12-1 record and a regular season tie with Raymond. The Coyotes went on to win the 4A Zone tournament and a provincial silver medal after a loss to Raymond in the final.

Bosch and the Coyotes finished fourth at provincials in 2013 under current Pronghorns men’s head coach Mike Hansen.

She comes to the program with a wealth of provincial team experience, playing two summers with each of the U15 and 17 teams. In 2013, Bosch led the Alberta U17 team to a fourth-place finish at the Canada Games.

The women’s basketball program will round out its 2016-17 recruiting class in the coming weeks and will open camp in early fall. Canada West will announce the 2016-17 conference schedule in early June.

McAleenan leaving Horns women's basketball program

trevor.kenney — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 20:13:05 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women's basketball coach Erin McAleenan has resigned from her post after accepting the head coaching position at York ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

McAleenan spent the past three seasons at the helm of the women’s basketball program and compiled a Canada West conference record of 20-44 with her best year coming during her first season, when the Horns narrowly missed the post-season with a 10-12 record.

“I am grateful for the opportunities that the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and Pronghorn Athletics have given me over the last three years,” says McAleenan. “I appreciate all of the support I have received from the Horns Alumni and the southern Alberta community, but I have been given a great coaching opportunity to move closer to my family that I could not turn down. The Pronghorns program was a great step in my head coaching career, and I wish all of the Horns Family nothing but the best.”

“Despite Erin’s relatively short tenure with the Pronghorns, she has had a very positive impact on both the women’s basketball program and the broader Pronghorn Athletics program,” says Ken McInnes, Interim Executive Director of Sport and Recreation Services. “We wish her all the best in her new role."

Prior to taking the helm of the Horns, her first head coaching opportunity at the CIS level, McAleenan was the lead assistant coach for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta Pandas from 2009-2012 while she completed her Master of Arts with a specialization in Coaching.

“Everything has happened very quickly and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will begin the search process immediately for an Interim Women’s Basketball Coach,” says McInnes.

Horns bring in Medicine Hat College transfer

trevor.kenney — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 17:59:01 +0000

Third-year ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women's basketball head coach Erin McAleenan continues to add to her 2015-16 recruiting class, announcing the commitment of Medicine Hat product and college transfer, Kennedy Werre to the program for the fall 2015 semester.

Werre played two seasons with the Medicine Hat College Rattlers in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) and will have three years of post-secondary eligibility remaining. Prior to joining the Rattlers, Werre won three provincial silver medals as a player at Medicine Hat McCoy High School.

“Kennedy is a tough competitor and her athleticism will help us in the forward position,” says McAleenan. “She can step in and play right away, and her experience from playing two years for Jason (McLester) at MHC have really helped her develop into a CIS player. We are thrilled to be adding Kennedy to our program and think she will be able to make an impact right away.”

An ACAC South second team all-star last season with the Rattlers, Werre averaged 12.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game and was named the team’s most valuable player. The 5-foot-10 forward averaged 6.1 points per game in her freshman season.

“I chose the U of L because it will challenge me on and off the court, and also in the classroom,” says Werre. “I loved the atmosphere when I got a tour of the school; it’s a whole new level compared to college, and one that I am looking forward to take on.”

The addition of Werre brings the women’s basketball 2015-16 recruiting class to four and McAleenan hopes to further add to this year’s recruiting class before training camp opens in the fall.

Horns recruit former Kodiak all-star Maughan

trevor.kenney — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 21:37:17 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns men's basketball team has lured one of the top college players in the province to suit up in blue and gold this fall, recruiting former Lethbridge College Kodiak forward Chris Maughan.

Maughan, a native of Calgary, joins the Horns coming off an ACAC Championship and national bronze medal season with the Kodiaks.

During the Kodiaks championship run, the six-foot-nine inch Maughan led the Kodiaks in scoring, averaging 14.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. He also led the ACAC in blocks per game with 1.4, en route to being named an ACAC South First Team All-Star.

As a freshman with the Kodiaks, Maughan averaged 15.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game while helping the Kodiaks to an ACAC Bronze medal.

"Chris is a dynamic and talented basketball player,” says Horns head coach Mike Hansen. “He has really benefitted from playing at Lethbridge College under coach Ryan Heggie and developing his game. More than being an all-star, Chris is a winner and will step in and make an immediate impact for our program next year and give us the post depth we need to compete in Canada West."

Maughan attended high school at Heritage Academy in Mesa, Arizona, where he was named to the all-state team twice. His school finished third in the state all three years he played for Heritage Academy.

Prior to joining the Kodiaks, Chris served a LDS mission in North Carolina.

"Chris is a strong student and has clear academic goals,” adds Hansen. “He will be a great ambassador for our program and for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. We are excited to add him to the fold."

Pronghorn pride prominent as Steacy, Veldman named Kinsmen Sports Persons of the Year

trevor.kenney — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 22:21:55 +0000

One is a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumnus, while the other will be considered an alumna by the end of the spring semester. Each set a standard for excellence in Pronghorn Athletics and on Wednesday, Jim Steacy (BASc '09) and Kim Veldman were recognized as Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame 2015 Kinsmen Sports Persons of the Year.

Jim Steacy won gold in the hammer throw at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland last summer.

Steacy, the country's most decorated hammer thrower, achieved a career milestone in 2014, winning the gold medal in hammer throw at the Commonwealth Games.

A Pronghorn legend, Steacy was undefeated in the weight throw over five years as a Pronghorn athlete. He won a total of nine CIS medals over that time, including eight gold medals, and currently holds the Canadian record in men's hammer throw. Steacy has also represented Canada at two Olympic Games and is just hitting his stride in advance of his third Olympics, the 2016 Games in Rio.

Steacy is more than an on-field giant, he is also a passionate supporter of the city's youth. He has spent considerable time speaking to local schools about the importance of education and the opportunities available to children through athletics, and is quick to volunteer his time as a coach for the area's youth track and field programs.

Veldman just completed her fifth year as a forward with the Horns women's basketball team. A leader on and off the floor, she became only the second member of the program to earn a national honour when she was voted as the winner of the Sylvia Sweeney Award, given to the player who best exemplifies the values of athletics, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and community involvement.

The conference's second leading scorer in her final season, Veldman was a first-team Canada West all-star and won her second consecutive Pronghorn Female Athlete of the Year award. She leaves the program as the school's all-time leading rebounder and second leading scorer.

Kim Veldman set a career mark in rebounding during her five years with the Horns women's basketball team.

Well-rounded and grounded, Veldman was an Academic All-Canadian in every year of study and upon graduating with a degree in nursing, will be working towards completing a master's degree. Her off-court activities also include work with the Jr. Horns basketball program, time in the Reading Buddies program at local elementary schools, work with the Special Olympics and committed involvement with the Trinity Reform Church youth group.

Steacy and Veldman will be honoured at the 2015 Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame's 30th Annual Induction Ceremony and Banquet on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 6 p.m. in the Canadian Western Bank Lounge at the Enmax Centre. For more information, or to purchase tickets to the event, visit the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame website.

Horns women's basketball adds recruit

trevor.kenney — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 22:31:43 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s basketball team has announced a third addition to the 2015-16 recruiting class with the signing of southern Alberta multi-sport standout Danielle Fritzke.

Fritzke, a five-foot-10 inch guard, spent the last year at Mount Royal ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as a member of the volleyball team but has chosen to return to basketball were she was a standout for the Monsignor McCoy High School in Medicina Hat.

“I enjoyed playing a year of volleyball at the CIS level, but I love the constant excitement, battle, and physical play of basketball,” says Fritzke. “I am very excited to have the opportunity to play for the Pronghorns. The team has been very welcoming, and I think our future looks bright. The Horns fans are always so loud and passionate and that makes me even more excited to play in our home gym because of the great atmosphere; I am excited for the fall and future.”

While at Monsignor McCoy, Fritzke won three 3A Provincial silver medals and Southeast Alberta Basketball Conference (SEBC) league titles and was named the SEBC MVP in 2014. She was also a SEBC all-star in 2013 and 2014.

During her high school career, Fritzke also excelled in both volleyball and soccer, winning a volleyball provincial medal in 2013 and a silver medal in 2011.

Individually, Fritzke was named the Monsignor female athlete of the year in 2014, while also earning the schools MVP award in both basketball and volleyball.

“Dani is an elite level athlete and I am thrilled to add her to the Horns program,” says Horns head coach Erin McAleenan. “I think the intangibles that Dani brings are the most promising for our program’s future.”

“Dani is a hard-working and committed student-athlete who has had a lot of experience and success leading her team, and I believe that she has what it takes to play at the CIS level. Her length, athleticism, and toughness will be a big help in our fight to be a top-four team in Canada West.”

In addition to her prowess on the court and field, Fritzke has also excelled in the classroom, being an honour roll student in grades 10, 11 and 12 and earning the gold cord in grade 12 for an 80 per cent or above average. She has also earned the Canada Winter Games Scholarship, Alberta Catholic Teachers’ Scholarship and Rutherford Scholarship for Academic Excellence.

Horns' Veldman captures national award

trevor.kenney — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 16:57:51 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge graduating forward Kim Veldman became only the second member of the Pronghorns women's basketball program to win a CIS major award after she was named the 2015 recipient of the Sylvia Sweeney Award at the CIS National Championship awards ceremony on Wednesday night.

Fifth-year forward Kim Veldman has been recognized by the CIS for leadership, academic achievement and community involvement.

The Sylvia Sweeney Award recognizes excellence in basketball, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and community service. Veldman, a fifth-year forward, has been a leader on and off the floor for the Pronghorns and will go down as one of the best players and student-athletes to ever come through the program.

On the floor, Veldman was the conference's second leading scorer this season, averaging 18.6 points per game. She leaves the Pronghorns as the school's all-time leading rebounder and second leading scorer with 805 boards and 1,391 points over the course of her five campaigns with the team. She was named a Canada West first-team all-star in this, her final season.

While excelling on the court, she also shone in the classroom, earning her Bachelor of Nursing degree in four years, while being named an Academic All-Canadian every year. She will be well on her way to a fifth AAC award while beginning her Master of Nursing program.

"As a humble and even-keel player, Kim has had to work hard to develop her leadership skills," says Pronghorns head coach Erin McAleenan. "Over the last three years of working with her, she has grown immensely not only as a player, but as a person. She has become a confident leader both on and off the floor, and she inspires her teammates on a daily basis. Kim has changed the culture of our program and has had a tremendous impact on the players, coaches and community."

Veldman has been heavily involved in community service as well. She has volunteered as a coach within the Jr Horns basketball program and worked at skills clinics and summer camps; participates in the Reading Buddies program; volunteers one day a week in an elementary classroom and twice a week to lead their co-ed basketball intramural program; volunteered with the Special Olympics where she taught the participants basketball skills and drills; and is active within her church as part of the Trinity Reform Church youth group.

Acadia guard Aprille Deus, Laval wing Raphaëlle Côté and Wilfrid Laurier guard Lee Anna Osei were also nominated for the award.

Veldman joins former Horns head coach Louisa Zerbe, who received the Peter Ennis Award as coach of the year in 1985, as the only other CIS major award winner in program history.

New Horns recruit has historical ties to program

trevor.kenney — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 20:53:13 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorn women’s basketball program announced the signing of its second recruit for the 2015-16 season with the commitment of local all-star Katie Keith.

Keith, a 6’0 guard, has starred for Chinook High School for the past three years and will become a third generation Pronghorn. Her mother, Dawn, played for the Pronghorns from 1984 to 1986 and her grandfather, R.A. Fry, was the head coach for the men’s program during the team’s first season in 1969-70 and a three-year stretch from 1973 to 1976.

“Katie is an integral recruit for us, her athleticism and length will enable us to be much more competitive with the top teams in Canada West,” says Pronghorns head coach Erin McAleenan.

The Chinook High School product has had a solid start to her senior season, averaging 19.3 points per game through her first six games.

During her grade 10 and 11 seasons with Chinook, she was part of two 4A Zone winning teams and last year the Coyotes finished second at Provincials. She was also named a Southern Alberta High School Basketball League (SAHSBL) first team all-star last year, while averaging 12.6 points per game for the Coyotes.

“Katie’s court sense and ability to lead a team became very clear last spring on our U17 PEBL Jr Horns team,” says McAleenan.

Keith was a member of the U17 Alberta Provincial team that finished third at Nationals in 2014 and played for McAleenan on the first U17 PEBL Jr Horns team last spring, starting every game.

“She was consistently a leader for our team and I knew that we needed to have her to take our team to the next level.”

Horns already add recruit to fold

trevor.kenney — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 17:22:07 +0000

Heading into the final stretch of the 2014-15 Canada West season, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s basketball program has taken a moment to look to the future, announcing the program's first commitment for the 2015-16 season - southern Alberta product Teesha Olson.

“Teesha is a key piece of the puzzle for our program as a long, athletic guard that can slash to the rim and shoot the three,” says McAleenan. “Her work ethic, determination, and commitment will be integral for our program as we strive for excellence both on and off the court.”

A Magrath native, Olson has been named a Southern Alberta High School Basketball League (SAHSBL) second team all-star in both her grade 10 and 11 seasons and was top five in league scoring during both seasons.

The five-foot-nine inch guard averaged 16 points per game in grade 10, 15.4 points per game in grade 11 and through four league games this season she is leading the SAHSBL in scoring, averaging 21 points per contest.

In addition to her prowess on the basketball court, Olson has also excelled on the track. Last year, she was the female track MVP for Magrath High School, qualifying for zones in long jump and triple jump, and qualifying for provincials in triple jump.

Demonstrating a balance of being an exceptional student-athlete in high school, Olson has achieved honour roll status in both grade 10 and 11 and received the top overall academic achievement at Magrath High School in her grade each year.

McAleenan had the opportunity to become familiar with Olson when she coached her last spring with the Jr. Horns U17 PEBL team.

“We had the opportunity to see Teesha’s coachability and work ethic on our U17 PEBL Jr Horns team last spring, and that sealed the deal that we needed to have her in our program,” says McAleenan. “I am thrilled to sign such an elite level and well-rounded student-athlete like Teesha.”

Men's basketball team solidifies roster with three additions

trevor.kenney — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 19:56:33 +0000

With the Canada West conference schedule just over two months away, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Prpnghorns men's basketball head coach Mike Hansen is pleased to announce the signing of three players.

Tyson McIntyre and Jesse Hilleary will join the ‘Horns for the 2014-15 season, while guard Kyle Peterson transfers to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Victoria but will have to sit out the season as per CIS transfer regulations.

Returning to the program after his two-year LDS Church mission, six-foot-six inch forward Tyson McIntyre looks to build off a solid freshman year during the 2011-12 season. As a first-year player, McIntyre averaged four points and 2.6 rebounds per game coming off the bench. Prior to joining the ‘Horns, McIntyre was a standout in the Southern Alberta High School Basketball league as a SAHSBL first team all-star and averaging 18.9 points during his grade 12 season.

“It is great to have Tyson back in our program, he was heavily recruited while on his LDS mission and having him re-commit to the U of L was extremely important to the future of the program,” says Hansen. “He is one of the most athletic players ever to come out of southern Alberta. His ability to play above the rim, his length, and the tenacity with which he plays will create a lot of problems for teams in Canada West.”

Hilleary, a six-foot-four inch guard from Trinity College, a Catholic secondary school in Beenleigh, Queensland, joins the ‘Horns after a short stint with the Trinity Western Spartans in 2012. Hilleary went through the non-conference schedule with the Spartans that season before returning to Australia.

During his final high school season, Hilleary was the top scorer in the Queensland U18 State Championship, averaging 28 points and more than eight rebounds a game in the state final four. He was also named an All-City first team All-Star.

“Jesse has had a long road in trying to fulfill his dream of playing university basketball,” says Hansen. “We’re excited to have him here. He has grit, which is what we look for in all our players, and his ability to shoot the ball helps fill the void of losing Morgan Duce and Alex Fletcher.”

Edmonton product Kyle Peterson transfers to the ‘Horns after two seasons with the Victoria Vikes.

As a freshman at Victoria, the six-foot-two inch point guard started 19 of the Vikes' 22 conference games, averaging 7.5 points and 3.3 assists per game. In his second season with the Vikes, Peterson started all but two games and upped his points to an average of nine per game and finished 12th in the conference in assists with 3.1 per game.

“We’re incredibly thrilled to be welcoming Kyle into our program,” says Hansen. “With the graduation of both Fletcher and Dallon Martin at the point position, we had a huge void to fill and Kyle’s play-making ability and unselfishness are an incredible fit with our program. With two years of CIS experience and two trips to the CIS national tournament under his belt, he is going to step in and be a great leader for our program.”

The ‘Horns will open the Canada West schedule on the road, facing the Brandon Bobcats October 31 and November 1, before returning home the following week to host the Winnipeg Wesmen.

UNews - basketball

Horns welcome Bosch back to Canada and into lineup

Related Topics

McAleenan leaving Horns women's basketball program

Related Topics

Horns bring in Medicine Hat College transfer

Related Topics

Horns recruit former Kodiak all-star Maughan

Related Topics

Pronghorn pride prominent as Steacy, Veldman named Kinsmen Sports Persons of the Year

Related Topics

Horns women's basketball adds recruit

Related Topics

Horns' Veldman captures national award

Related Topics

New Horns recruit has historical ties to program

Related Topics

Horns already add recruit to fold

Related Topics

Men's basketball team solidifies roster with three additions

Related Topics