Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – In the midst of a high school basketball journey at Strathcona and dealing with all of the cancellations that came with the pandemic, Toni Gordon was unsure if she'd continue in the sport after she graduated.

Which is hard to believe now.

The electrifying MacEwan Griffins guard is establishing herself as an impact rookie, showing glimpses of greatness in the first few months of her Canada West career.

"I went into this experience a little nervous, not knowing what to expect just because U SPORTS basketball is big and I've just known how important it is to excel and do well," said Gordon. "I think everything has gone well and it's exceeding my expectations. Everything's been going perfect and I'm enjoying myself."

Gordon is set to lead the Griffins (2-8) into their opening matches of the second semester this weekend when they host the Trinity Western Spartans (7-3) on Friday and Saturday (both 6 p.m., David Atkinson Gym, Canada West TV).

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Convinced by friend and former Scona teammate Erin Howes (a second-year Griffins player) to attend an ID camp at MacEwan in August 2021, it didn't take long for Gordon to catch the eye of head coach Katherine Adams.

"Immediately, it was who is THAT?," said Adams, noting as they were putting her on a short list of prospects to talk with, Gordon was mired in self-doubt.

"She said when she was at that ID camp, she wanted to leave after the first hour because she thought it wasn't going well."

Toni Gordon is sixth on the Griffins in scoring (Robert Antoniuk photo).

Here we are 17 months later and, after some positive reinforcement and confidence building, Gordon is sixth on the team in scoring (4.6 points per game), fourth in rebounding (5.9) and tops the squad in blocks (0.6).

"When we first saw Toni, her athleticism stood out immediately," said Adams. "I think it's hard to watch her play without noticing her dynamic speed, her explosiveness. I think she came into this environment really uncertain about what she was going to be able to contribute and where she was going to be able to have an impact. 

"I think her teammates have seen that potential she has and really encouraged her to do what she does, be Toni and play fast and athletic. When she does what she does so well, there's so much positive reinforcement and encouragement."

Her top game of the season so far came against Winnipeg on Nov. 26 when she scored 12 points and added seven rebounds and a block.

"A lot of it is the team," said Gordon. "Everybody allows me to feel that I can do what I do best and just gives me the room to succeed. It also ties into how it helps the team when I'm doing well because it creates other moments for everyone else."

Toni Gordon is a key part of a depth wave of production for the Griffins (Robert Antoniuk photo).

While the Griffins are firmly led by their big four veterans – Mackenzie Farmer, Noelle Kilbreath, Shannon Majeau and Hayley Lalor – their depth scoring make the difference in close games and will need to be on point if they're to push for a playoff spot over the next few weeks.

"Particularly with our group right now, individuals finding moments to shine is what we're going on," said Adams. "We know teams are going to key in on some of our top scorers and our veteran players. It's really about seizing the moment and taking the opportunity that's given to rebound, get to the rim and shoot open shots. 

"I think all of our younger players are really embracing that and over the course of our first semester and preseason have had a chance to play and see that they can contribute. There are lots of ways they can have a positive impact on the floor and hopefully that just continues to grow as we play more games."

Gordon's potential is high as she continues to refine her game and gain experience at the U SPORTS level.

"She's having success so far with the tools that she has," said Adams. "Any young player coming in is going to experience something similar, whether they have the skills and are learning to play at the speed and the pace. She right now has the physical skills to really make great contributions at this level. Now it's just refining her skills and decision making. We haven't even scratched the surface with her yet.

"She's been such a great fit with our program," Adams added. "The joy she brings to our environment … you look at her and she has a smile on her face all the time. That's really fun to be around."