Canada West Communications
EDMONTON – Coaches from across Canada West have once again voted the Saskatchewan Huskies as favourites this season, as the conference has released its 2023-24 women's basketball preseason coaches poll on Wednesday.
The MacEwan Griffins were voted 16th in the poll ahead of their home-opening weekend vs. Mount Royal University (Friday, 6 p.m. and Saturday, 2 p.m., both David Atkinson Gym, Canada West TV).
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The Huskies topped the poll in commanding fashion with 13 first place votes, finishing with 253 points. Defending conference champion Alberta placed second (240) and received three first place votes, while last year's runner-up Calgary Dinos (228) were third and also received a first place vote.
MacEwan received 40 points in the poll.
The top 12 teams qualify for the playoffs, which will be hosted at a single tournament site – the University of Fraser Valley in February.
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2023-24 CW WBB PRESEASON COACHES POLL
Team - Points (First-place votes)
- Saskatchewan Huskies - 253 (13)
- Alberta Pandas - 240 (3)
- Calgary Dinos - 228 (1)
- Fraser Valley Cascades - 207
- Regina Cougars - 191
- UBC Thunderbirds - 181
- Victoria Vikes - 163
- UBCO Heat - 148
- Mount Royal Cougars - 140
- Trinity Western Spartans - 136
- UNBC Timberwolves - 97
- Manitoba Bisons - 94
- Lethbridge Pronghorns - 70
- Winnipeg Wesmen - 63
- Thompson Rivers WolfPack- 50
- MacEwan Griffins - 40
- Brandon Bobcats - 21
NOTE: Coaches ranked all opponents 1-16. First-place votes worth 16 points, second-place worth 15 points, etc.
GRIFFINS' SEASON PREVIEW
Key Performer: Noelle Kilbreath
The fourth-year guard can score in multiple ways, hitting from the outside or fearlessly driving the lane, while possessing strong ball distribution skills to spur MacEwan's offensive production.
Defensively, Kilbreath brings tenacity and mobility, making life tough on opposing guards around the conference. Her veteran leadership is key for a young team trying to get back to the post-season.
