The excitement coming from the Lakeland College Rustlers women’s basketball team’s bench was infectious on Saturday afternoon as the ladies beat the Keyano College Huskies 76-65 after being tied 34-34 at the half. The Rustlers also hosted the Huskies on Friday night, which resulted in an 84-53 blowout in favour of the home team. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Photos
The Lakeland College Rustlers women’s basketball team is unstoppable.
With a 14-0 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) record, the ladies have put up 1,121 points, allowed 768, and remain at the top of the Canadian Collegiate (CCAA) Athletic Conference national rankings for the eighth week in a row.
The Rustlers hosted the Keyano College Huskies (5-9) for back-to-back homers last weekend, steamrolling KC 84-53 on Friday before an almost too-close-for-comfort win on Saturday afternoon.
Tied 34-34 at the half, the Rustlers hit the court with the drive and determination head coach Chris King is used to seeing from his team.
King did, however, say Saturday’s game was a humbling experience that showed his players they’re not super humans, after all.
Rustlers’ guard Susan Ayaa applies pressure under the basket during second-half action at the Lakeland gym on Saturday afternoon. Ayaa played 19 minutes, made four of 11 field-goal attempts, and was 4-4 for free-throw attempts.
“Anyone can beat us at any time, and that’s the same as any team anywhere,” said King.
“I think you’re seeing teams across Canada dropping games they maybe shouldn’t if you look at the standings. To come out on top of this game was huge for us, but more importantly we had to battle.”
Blowing out the majority of teams they face, King said Saturday was needed.
“We’ve been playing pretty good basketball, but it was nice to have a close game today.
“All the things we did poorly today hurt us, and I think Keyano did a great job executing. Their game plan was solid and we really had to work today.”
King also noted last weekend felt like playoff basketball from a team who’s ready to host CCAA women’s nationals from March 13-16, something freshman point guard Hineaupounamu (Missy) Nuku is looking forward to.
Rustlers point guard Hineaupounamu Nuku directs traffic during second-half action on Saturday afternoon.
“Oh my God, I’m so excited. I’m so excited about hosting nationals,” said Nuku after Saturday’s win.
Nuku, who hails from New Zealand, played 24 minutes and put up nine points on Friday before playing 34 minutes and putting up 23 on Saturday.
“The feeling’s good to win both games to get a sweep, but it was definitely a tough game to play,” she said after Saturday’s win.
“The first game we got away with a couple of things, but they really came out on us in the second game. It was a good win, but also, we have a lot of things to work on for playoffs and nationals.”
Fifth-year Rustlers guard Hailey Somers gets up close and personal with Emma Tomchuk of the Keyano Huskies at the Lakeland gym on Saturday afternoon.
Returning to the court for the second half, Nuku explained the team had to get its confidence back and prove to themselves they deserve to be in the position they are.
“We had to prove we could come together, go out there and get the win for ourselves,” she said.
Nuku also noted a 14-0 record feels amazing, but there’s still lots of ball to play this season.
“We had to adapt a lot, so I think for us, it’s on the defensive side. When that defensive side is good, our offence comes along, so (we’ll be working on) our defence for the next couple weeks and for playoffs,” she said.
“We’ve got shooters all around so we’re not too worried about offence, but defence is (what) we’re going to be training for the next couple of weeks.”
When asked about Nuku’s performance, coach King was quick to say “Kid’s a stud.”
“I thought she made some good decisions down the stretch. She probably had around 10 assists, so she can dominate any game, really,” said King. “As the game got close, her play got better and better, and that’s what we need out of her as a point guard, but also as a freshman learning all these things.”
