BB: Versatile WPG forward cements her place, LETH centre looms large to pull off upsets
WPG's Hezekiah and LETH's Rodehutskors earn CW Player of the Week honours
CALGARY – Winnipeg's Faith Hezekiah and Lethbridge's Jeff Rodehutskors were named the Canada West Basketball Players of the Week by the conference on Tuesday.
Hezekiah's three-point prowess shined over the weekend, as the sharp-shooting forward went an efficient eight for 12 from beyond the arc, including a perfect four for four Saturday.
She leads Canada West and U SPORTS in three-point percentage this season at 45.5 per cent.
The fifth-year East St. Paul, MB product helped her team to a nerve-wracking, one-point victory over the Regina Cougars Friday. She posted 16 points, two rebounds, and one steal in the gritty contest.
She took the lead Saturday, giving the Wesmen 22 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in a perfect long-range shooting performance to again edge out the Cougars, 77-68.
Hezekiah has a long and impressive resume with Canada West, appearing on the all-time record lists in 11 different categories, including double-doubles (ninth), points (25th) and defensive rebounds (15th).
Her 13-1 Wesmen share the best record in the conference this season with the Saskatchewan Huskies. The teams' only losses came to each other.
The teams are set for what promises to be a dramatic rematch on Friday and Saturday, with tip-off going at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively at the University of Saskatchewan.
Game log:
Feb. 11: 16 pts, 2 rebs, 1 stl, 4-8 3PT in 73-72 W vs REG
Feb. 12: 22 pts, 3 rebs, 2 asts, 2 stls, 4-4 3PT in 77-68 W vs REG
Meanwhile, Lethbridge's Jeff Rodehutskors would not be denied in a mission to prove the Pronghorns' worth this weekend, helping his team get back to even on the season by taking down the higher-ranked Calgary Dinos in a pair of upsets.
The third-year centre laid down 22 points against his former team Friday, while picking up six rebounds, two assists, and three blocks in a tense 85-81 victory over the then 9-3 Dinos.
He came back with energy Saturday, posting 14 more points, eight rebounds, one assist and a block as Lethbridge trounced the Dinos 85-65.
The Dalemead, AB product continues to make a convincing case on why he should have the ball in his hands: the centre now leads Canada West in field goal percentage at 59.8 per cent.
The Lethbridge Pronghorns (6-6) will be back in action Friday and Saturday, when they host Alberta (12-0). Tip-off is slated for 8 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively.
Game log:
Feb. 11: 22 pts, 6 rebs, 2 asts, 3 blks in 85-81 W at CGY
Feb. 12: 14 pts, 8 rebs, 1 ast, 1 blk in 85-65 W at CGY