WBB: Saskatchewan tops coaches poll

Oct. 30, 2024 – The Saskatchewan Huskies looked unstoppable in reclaiming the Canada West title last season, dominating the field to the tune of a 19-1 regular season record and a flawless run through the conference championships.

With a strong contingent of returnees, the Huskies are once again primed to be the team to beat after ranking first in the conference's 2024-25 pre-season coaches poll.

Saskatchewan has won six of the last eight conference titles as they look to continue their run of success. They'll be led by fourth year guard Gage Grassick, who has proven to be both an elite scorer and playmaker at the offensive end of the court, while also being one of the conference's elite defenders.

As hosts of the U SPORTS Final Eight next March, the second ranked UBC Thunderbirds will be a threat to interrupt the Huskies' reign as top dog. Third year forward Mona Berlitz will be an integral piece of the puzzle again this season after leading the T-Birds in both scoring and rebounding last season in just her second year. The forward from Germany has great touch around the basket and a knack for grabbing offensive rebounds.

The Alberta Pandas placed third in the poll after reaching the conference title game last season, and will sport one of the conference's stingiest defences led by fifth year Claire Signatovich. Already recognized as one the best defensive player in Pandas history, Signatovich will get one final season to further cement her name among the best in team history. The two-time defending U SPORTS Defensive Player of the Year is already the team leader in career blocks (112) and is fourth in career rebounds (675).

Calgary finished fourth in the poll, followed by last year's bronze medallist Fraser Valley Cascades. The Regina Cougars were sixth and will look for another big year from the reigning Canada West Player of the Year Jade Belmore.

Regular season action begins tomorrow with three games, including Victoria visiting Trinity Western, TRU hosting rival UBC Okanagan, and UFV welcoming UBC. A full slate of action continues Friday through Sunday.

The 2024-25 regular season runs through Feb. 15, with playoffs starting on Feb. 21.

Fans can catch all the action on CanadaWest.TV, which now allows fans to watch games on popular Connected TV apps like Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Roku. Regular season sport passes are available for $39.99.

For the complete Canada West women’s basketball schedule, click here.

To view CW women's basketball history and records, click here.

2024-25 CW WBB PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL 

Team - Points (First-place votes)

Team by Team Previews

Saskatchewan Huskies

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #1

From the coach: “We are looking to build upon the success of our team from last season. Keys for us this season will be our ability to get contributions from several different players on the roster. We believe our strength lies in our depth, the variety of offensive weapons we have and our toughness on the defensive end of the floor.” - Head Coach Lisa Thomaidis

Key Performer: Gage Grassick
​Guard
​4th Year
​Hometown: Prince Albert, Sask.

Fourth year guard and 2023-24 Second Team U SPORTS All-Canadian Gage Grassick can do it all on the court. Grassick is both an elite scorer and playmaker at the offensive end of the court, evidenced by her 260 points and 80 assists last season. At the defensive end, she is just as effective for the Huskies and possess an impressive ability to generate turnovers.

UBC Thunderbirds

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #2

From the coach: “We are excited to compete together this season, building on the balance of offensive and defensive impact. As for most teams, taking care of the ball and having some composure in our game will be important for success.” - Head Coach Isabel Ormond

Key Performer: Mona Berlitz
​Forward
​3rd Year
​Hometown: Schrobenhausen, Germany

Berlitz led the Thunderbirds in both scoring and rebounding last season in just her second year, and will be an integral piece of the puzzle again this season.

The forward from Germany has great touch around the basket and a knack for grabbing offensive rebounds.

Alberta Pandas

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #3

Key Performer: Claire Signatovich
​Forward
​5th Year
​Hometown: Winnipeg, Man.

The best defensive player in Pandas history will get one final season to further cement her name among the best in team history. The two-time defending U SPORTS Defensive Player of the Year is already the team leader in career blocks (112), and is fourth in career rebounds (675). ​
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​Led by Signatovich, the veteran Pandas will enter the season as one of the favourites to capture a second conference title in three seasons.

Calgary Dinos

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #4

From the coach: “Much was learned last year for a core group of full returnees in 2024-25. We are particularly excited for our captain, Mya Proctor, as she completes her final season as a Dino after being with us for six years; and transitioning some new faces to the squad in Sammy Shields, Elana Sireni, Christine Geraldo, Emma Yarwood and Vanja Petrovic. The pre-season has been tough without the continuity of Pollyanna Storie, but she will be back very soon.” - Head Coach Damian Jennings

Key Performer: Mya Proctor
​Forward
​5th Year
​Hometown: Calgary, Alta.

The lone fifth-year on this year's squad, Mya Proctor has already played a big role in helping to three trips to the U SPORTS Final 8 in her time with the Dinos, including each of the past two seasons.

Proctor's speed and size make her a threat from all over the court and she once again figures to be a force in the Dinos' balanced attack.

UFV Cascades

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #5

From the coach: “Team is looking to build on past successes. Has been pretty uneven throughout the pre-season. Team needs to play together.” - Head Coach Al Tuchscherer

Key Performer: Maddy Gobeil
​Guard
​5th Year
​Hometown: Kamloops, B.C.

Maddy Gobeil will once again be the focal point of the Cascades offence in 2024-25. She returns for her senior season looking to finish on a high after helping to lead the Cascades to the U SPORTS final 8 for the first time in ten years.

Gobeil will look to build on last season's Second-Team All-Canadian nod, while she continues to climb the Cascades' program scoring list -- currently sitting fourth all-time with 1,089 career conference points.

Regina Cougars

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #6

From the coach: “Having a strong core returning sets high expectations for group. Finding consistency week to week will dictate how far team can go. Led by veterans Jade Belmore and Cara Misskey, the Cougars can challenge to get to Nationals.” - Head Coach Dave Taylor

Key Performer: Jade Belmore
​Wing
​4th Year
​Hometown: Regina, Sask.

Jade Belmore returns for her fourth year with the U of R after being named the Canada West Player of the Year last season. She was also a first-team All-Canadian after leading the Cougars in scoring for the second consecutive year, averaging 18.3 points per game while also pulling down 7.6 rebounds per game.

Belmore was also named the University of Regina's Female Athlete of the Year last season, marking the second consecutive year she's earned that award.

Victoria Vikes

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #7

From the coach: “The Vikes roster is loaded at two ends of the spectrum this season, with three key starters in their fourth or fifth year, as well as nine players in their first or second year. When healthy, the Vikes will be one of the biggest teams in the country and will look to use their length to be disruptive defensively.” - Head Coach Carrie Watts

Key Performer: Abigail Becker
​Centre
​4th Year
​Hometown: Parksville, B.C.

Abigail Becker, a Canada West All-Star in 2023-24 for the Vikes, will help lead a young Vikes team in 2024-25. Becker ranked second in the conference with a 58.0% field goal shooting average in 2023-24, and led the Vikes with a 14.8 points per game scoring average.

Mount Royal Cougars

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #8

Key Performer: Nora Luca
​Forward
​4th Year
​Hometown: Calgary, Alta.

After countless injuries to the Cougars women’s basketball team last season, Luca had to step up and become a leader. She went on to lead her team in points and lead the Cougars to the playoffs, where they fell short in a tough defeat to Alberta. Luca has put in a lot of time in the offseason and looks to continue to build on her strong season.

UBC Okanagan Heat

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #9

From the coach: “We are young and new as we have seven new faces this season. We expect this group will work hard and improve as the season goes on, with our veterans Kelsey Falk, Lauren Foullong, and Abby Smith leading the way. Coming off of our first playoff win, the expection is to get back there every year.” - Bobby Mitchell

Key Performer: Kelsey Falk
​Guard/Forward
​5th Year
​Hometown: Vernon, B.C.

Returning for her fifth and final season, Falk will be looked upon to fill the gap left by three departing seniors from last year's starting five. An energy player who contributes on both ends of the court, Falk is on pace to become the Heat's all-time rebounder as her tenacity on the boards in well known around the conference. Look for Falk to be more of a focal point on the offensive end in 2024-25 as she is poised to reach the 1000-point plateau this year.

Trinity Western Spartans

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #10

From the coach: “Leading the way this season is Shemaiah Abatayo, senior point guard who is one of the few returning players with significant playing experience. Returners Cassidy Buchanan and Blessing Ibekwe look to build on increased opportunities with rookie Colette Van der Hoven stepping into the gap. This team will continue to grow as the season develops with great opportunity for our program to lay the foundation for the next several years. Keys this season will be to have balanced scoring and establish our inside presence.” - Head Coach Cheryl Jean-Paul

Key Performer: Shemaiah Abatayo
​Guard
​4th Year
​Hometown: Vancouver, B.C.

Shemaiah Abatayo is taking on a big leadership role on and off the court. She has really embodied the servant-leader role as she guides a fairly young and inexperienced roster into a new season. She brings so much joy to the Spartans training environment that although they may have some tough stretches, the culture of the team is exciting in building up our next generation. On the court, she brings a dynamic energy to how the Spartans play and her coaching staff is looking forward to others matching and exceeding that style.

Lethbridge Pronghorns

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #11

From the coach: “The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns are looking to build off of last year's successful season, with eleven players returning. ​ The Pronghorns will look to use an uptempo style of play and solid team defense this year. ​ Anchored by Courtney McKee, who was named to the Canada West All-Rookie team in 23/24, the Horns will be led by an experienced and solid core heading into the 24/25 season.” - Head Coach Dave Waknuk

Key Performer: Courtney McKee
​Guard
​2nd Year
​Hometown: Stirling, Alta.

Courtney McKee, a dynamic guard from Stirling, Alta., made a significant impact in her first year in Canada West, averaging 8.5 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. Known for her impressive speed and length, McKee effectively stretches the court, creating opportunities for her team. McKee’s standout performance earned her a well-deserved spot on the CW All-Rookie Team.

Winnipeg Wesmen

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #12

From the coach: “After a year of rebuilding we are ready to surprise some teams this year. We return our full roster and add a key contributor in freshman, Abby Sweeny. The team is coming off a great off-season of training and we expect to be firmly in the top half of the Prairie Division. Our keys to success will be defending with pressure as a team, and being able to showcase our key scorers in Anna Kernaghan and Raia Guinto.” - Head Coach Alyssa Cox

Key Performer: Anna Kernaghan
​Guard
​5th Year
​Hometown: Winnipeg, Man.

A veteran of 65 Canada West conference games, Kernaghan has started every game for which she's suited up in four seasons with the Wesmen. A contributor in all facets of the game, the Wesmen go as she goes and in her fifth and final season in red she will once again be looked upon to be the steadying force for a young-but-maturing squad.

Manitoba Bisons

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #13

From the coach: “We are looking to build on the experience we have on the roster with some key first year additions. A balanced offensive attack and asking players to step into different defensive roles will allow us to be competitive in league play. We are excited to see this group evolved over the course of the season!” - Head Coach Michele Sung ​ ​ 

Key Performer: Emerson Martin
​Forward
​5th Year
​Hometown: Winnipeg, Man.

Fifth-year forward Emerson Martin is coming off a career-year in 2023-24 that saw her sink 30 triples. Her three point percentage of 39 was also sixth in Canada West.
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​Martin enters her final season just 13 field goals shy of the top 20 in school history. She currently has 87 made field goals in her career as a Bison, and will see an increased work load with the graduation of a number of key starters from last year.

UNBC Timberwolves

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #14

Key Performer: Sveta Boykova
​Forward
​4th Year
​Hometown: Moscow, Russia

Sveta Boykova does it all for the UNBC Timberwolves. The fourth-year forward is a dominant rebounder, a tenacious competitor and has proven herself to be a consistent scorer and distributer during her Canada West career. With the depth and talent improving around Boykova after a strong 2024 recruiting class, opposing teams will still need to keep Boykova at the forefront of their minds when they take to the floor against UNBC.

Thompson Rivers WolfPack

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #15

Key Performer: Kate De La Mare
​Post
​2nd Year
​Hometown: St. Albert, Alta.

After putting together one of the most dominant defensive performances in the nation last year, Kate De La Mare is back to lead the 'Pack and looking to build upon an impressive rookie campaign. ​
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​The product of St. Albert, AB finished tenth in the country, second among rookies, in blocks-per-game and in the top 10 for rebounds-per-game out of all the first year players in the nation.

Brandon Bobcats

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #16

From the coach: “A young team looking to develop that is lead by guard Piper Ingalls who is one of the best guards in all of Canada. For us to be successful this season we must take care of the ball and limit teams to one shot.” - Head Coach Ilarion Bonhomme

Key Performer: Piper Ingalls
​Guard
​4th Year
​Hometown: Moose Jaw, Sask.

Piper Ingalls is one of the most senior member of the Bobcats and is expected to shoulder a lot of the offence this season. The undersized but crafty point guard has shown her ability to stretch the floor in the past thanks to her speed and creativity.

Combined with her fearlessness to shoot form anywhere outside the perimeter makes her a dynamic scoring threat, as evidenced from her 34 point road performance against Winnipeg in the pre-season.

MacEwan Griffins

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #17

Key Performer: Toni Gordon
​Guard
​3rd Year
​Hometown: Edmonton, Alta.

It seems like yesterday when Gordon burst onto the scene in 2022-23 with one of the better first-year seasons by a Griffin in Canada West, setting new program rookie records for minutes/game, rebounds and rebounds/game.

Now entering her third year, she's suddenly a veteran presence on a young Griffins team featuring nine players in Years 1 or 2 of eligibility. Gordon will be counted on to harken back to that terrific rookie campaign, build upon it and lead the way for the squad's young talent if the Griffins are to make a push for a playoff spot.