Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – You can't get the experience you need as a Canada West women's basketball player without going through the fire.
So, now that that's happened for a young Griffins team, who were soundly beaten by the veteran nationally-ranked Saskatchewan Huskies last weekend, they're going to be better off for it.
Along with that, it's important that their focus is on moving forward, which it is as they prepare for a road series in Prince George, B.C. at the UNBC Timberwolves on Friday (7 p.m. MT) and Saturday (6 p.m. MT, both Canada West TV).
"I think the experience we gained last weekend playing against such a great team in Sask was invaluable," said MacEwan head coach Katherine Adams. "Just playing at that level and being forced to defend at that level really showcases your areas of improvement.
"Our girls have really taken that with the right attitude of 'how can we grow from this?' and 'how can we get better?' They've continued to work on that stuff this week in practice."
Eight of MacEwan's 10 players in the lineup for last Saturday's contest in Saskatoon are only in their first or second seasons of eligibility, some of that due to covering injuries, but the experience they gained can only serve them well in the future.
"The fortunate part is we've had an opportunity for different people to see the floor and get some experience," said Adams. "It's a bit of a different lineup heading into this weekend than we had last weekend."
They may be getting some players returning to health against the Timberwolves, which will be key as the Griffins rely on a high-paced game, predicated on using their depth to an advantage.
"I think we're really just tending to focus on us and what we do well, committing to our style and brand," said Adams of how they'll look to find success this weekend.
"We want to play an up-tempo (style), put pressure on the ball and really showcase that we can be a tough, gritty defensive team. I think that's where our focus will lie and see if we can create offence from that. We'll use that as a stepping stone moving forward."
