2018 CBU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SEASON OUTLOOK

Sydney, NS – The CAPERS are coming off a season that saw them finish the regular season with 6 straight wins and a secondplace finish in the AUS regular season standings. The CAPERS fell to the UPEI Panthers in the semi-finals of the AUS playoffs to end their season. CBU’s Alison Keough (Marion Bridge, NS) and Hannah Brown (North Sydney, NS) were both named to the AUS First All-star team. Keough finished the season as the AUS scoring leader averaging 18.8 PPG and was second in the league averaging 12.3 rebounds per game. Keough was also named 1st Team U Sports All-Canadian for her efforts. Brown averaged 16.4 PPG and 9.9 rebounds per game. Mackenzee Ryan (Glace Bay, NS) was named to the AUS All-Rookie team after a successful rookie season. Ryan averaged 9.2 PPG.

Head Coach Fabian McKenzie is returning for his 20th season in charge of the women’s program. Under McKenzie’s watch, the CAPERS have captured 6 AUS titles. When asked about his team goals for the season, McKenzie gave a familiar answer, “The team goal every year is to make the playoffs.” The Playoffs are something that CBU has qualified for in 17 of the last 19 years.

The CAPERS recruiting class this time around has brought 6 new players. Firstyear players 6’3 F Maia Watling (Palmerston North, NZ), Keanna Samuels (Toronto, ON) and transfer Audrey Rankin (Prince George’s County, MD) adds some size to a talented front court. Addie Mailhot (St. Thomas, ON) and transfer Monique Calliste (Toronto, ON) were new additions to the backcourt. Also joining the backcourt is local recruit Rhianna Macdonald (New Waterford, NS).

Some key returnees from last year’s team are AUS All-Star Hannah Brown, guards Toni Bianchini (Groves Point, NS) and Mackenzee Ryan and 5th-year player Madison Munro (Truro, NS). The CAPERS did lose some quality veterans from the 201718 team. Perennial All-Star and CAPERS Alltime leading scorer Alison Keough, import guard Valentina Primossi (Trieste, IT) and Sandra Amoah (Toronto, ON) all graduated from the program. With these players moving on, there will be lots of minutes and responsibility for the returning and new players.

The CAPERS women’s basketball program will look to continue their strong presence in the local community and will be connected with several community groups throughout the year.

CBU’s home opener is November 10th, when they play host to the St. Francis Xavier X-Women. Tip off will be at 6pm.