Hassam Munir, Sports & Health Editor
Featured image courtesy of York Lions
The Lions women’s basketball team did not make it to the Ontario University Athletics playoffs this year, but had a thrilling end to the regular season, complete with new recruits to the team and optimism for the team’s performance in the future.
“I am very proud of how we evolved this year,” says guard Nina Guzina.
“Although we would have liked to have won more games, the improvements we’ve made since the beginning of the season have been tremendous. I am very confident for next year’s season.”
The Lions’ final four games in the regular season were against the Windsor Lancers, the Western Mustangs, the Algoma Thunderbirds, and the Ryerson Rams. The Lions fought their way through all four games, but failed to come out on top in any of them.
The Rams, who the Lions faced in their season finale, put up a particularly tough challenge. They are ranked as the fourth best team in Canada and defeated the Lions by a score of 67-53.
“The Ryerson Rams have proven to be a very solid team,” says Guzina. “They have a very strong inside presence with shooters and slashers on the perimeter, which sets them apart from most teams.”
However, the fact that the Lions stayed in the game and lost by only 14 points indicates that the Lions have what it takes to hold their own against the crosstown rivals.
“We as a team have proven that we are capable of competing with the most elite teams,” says Guzina.
“It’s just a matter of continuing to do the little things that will get us where we need to be.”
The team’s leading scorer continued to be Shauney Fischer, who combined for 39 points in these contests. She was trailed by her teammate Ishanaa Seupersadsingh, who put up 30 points. Important contributions were also made by Nina Guzina, Sandra Nagowska, and Katrina Collins-Samuels.
“Our defence has proven to be one of our biggest strengths this season,” says Guzina. “I think that seizing opportunities on offence is something that we struggle with, but with the help of the new recruits and our coaching staff, improving our offensive threat will not be a problem.”
The new recruits she is referring to are Shianne Martin-McKoy and Summer Sakaluk, both of whom were recruited by the program’s head coach Erin McAleenan in February. Both are accomplished regional athletes, and after her mother and sister, Martin-McKoy is set to become the third women in her family to play for the Lions.
With the 2015-16 season behind her, Guzina is focused on what is coming up ahead for her team. “I’ve said this at the beginning of the season and I will say it now, people will be shocked to see what we’re capable of,” she says.
“We have a great coaching staff and a great group of girls. Our time is coming and we just have to be patient and work in the off- season. It will come.”
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