Hoops homecoming for Bridget
Welland native commits to Niagara College after three seasons in the OUA
Bridget Atkinson will enjoy a hoops homecoming when the 2018-19 Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) women’s basketball season gets underway in this fall.
After two seasons competing in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) conference with the Guelph Gryphons and another with the Brock Badgers, the Welland native has committed to continue her post-secondary career at Niagara College in her hometown.
“Nothing beats playing in front of your friends and family, and playing locally means just that,” Atkinson said. “It’s a great opportunity to represent my hometown and play the game I love.”
The Welland Centennial graduate and one-time junior national team standout is joining a Knights team coming off a program-high 14 wins and fourthplace finish at the Ontario championships. Most of the roster, including first-team OCAA allstar Mary Ingribelli, is eligible to return for another season.
“In the locker room following our bronze-medal game there was a great deal of positivity despite the outcome” Knights head coach Mike Beccaria said. “The team was very excited about what we had accomplished, while also being very excited about where we are going.
“Bridget is an outstanding player who will blend very well with our returning players and will certainly help us in our quest to be a medal winning team in the OCAA.”
The 5-foot-7 point guard, a product of the Niagara JUEL (junior elite) program, is looking forward to returning to the court after taking a year off.
“Niagara’s style of play is something I am very excited to be a part of, and I can’t wait to grow my game while playing for Coach Mike,” Atkinson said. “On the court my goal is to win a championship.
“While not playing, I’m looking to excel in my program and get a job in my field.”
In her first season at Guelph Atkinson was selected as the Canadian Interuniversity Sports rookie of the year and made the provincial all-star team in both of her two seasons with the Gryphons.
Standout staying home
In 2018-19, the roster of the Niagara men’s team will also be bolstered by a standout who played his high school hoops in Welland. Braidon Moore will be taking the recreational therapy program at the region’s community college after graduating from Notre Dame College School in June.
“Niagara is a good fit for me, I really wanted to study and play at Niagara,” the 6-foot-4 shooting guard said during a recent meetand-greet at the college’s campus in Welland.
“The team’s coaching staff is very good, and I’m confident that I will fit in with the team.”
The first-team Tribune Boys Basketball Tournament all-star and most valuable player at the 2017 Niagara Region high school showcase held at the college brings a lot to the table. In addition to height and athleticism, Moore has shown he can score from a range of areas on the floor.
“As one of the top high school basketball players graduating in the Niagara region this year, he is ready to come in and contribute right away with his skill set, high basketball IQ, and strong athletic ability,” men’s team head coach Mike Hurley said. “I am really excited to have Braidon attending Niagara College as a studentathlete.”
Moore will formally join the Knights when training camp opens in the fall. The Knights finished fifth as the host team at the 2018 OCAA men’s basketball championships.