I am eagerly anticipating the start of the 2024/25 ACAC season to watch and follow all the action. I have a deep connection to the ACAC. Growing up in Edmonton, AB, I regularly attended Grant MacEwan Community College games as a high school student. Later, as a student at Concordia University College in Edmonton, I witnessed the school join the ACAC in the 1999/2000 season and actively participated by announcing all the home games. After graduating, I coached for one season at The King's University College. I then had the privilege of joining the legendary Phil Allen to help establish the men's program at Lakeland College in the 2003/04 season. I remained on his staff until his retirement (though he returned for one season to assist Chris King) in the 2009/10 season
The league has been thriving and promises to be highly competitive this year, especially with the reigning CCAA national champions, the Lakeland Rustlers. Teams will compete for two spots at the 2025 National Championships, which will be hosted by St. Thomas University in Fredericton, NB.
I am extremely grateful to the league's coaches who provided their outlooks for their teams this season. I have ranked the teams based on returning players, transfers, recruits, a few preseason games, and my overall impressions of where they may finish at the end of the year. This was not an easy process. The North Division plays 20 games, while the South Division plays 21. Each team in one division will face the teams in the opposite division once and play each team within their own division twice. The playoffs will see the top four teams from both the North and South Divisions compete at the first-place team in the North at the end of January. The games will be closely contested, and an unexpected loss could cause teams to drop down the standings and potentially miss the playoffs.
NORTH DIVISION OUTLOOK
Lakeland Rustlers
It's straightforward to place the defending national champions at the #1 spot, just like on the men's side. Coach Chris King has spent the last 15 seasons developing the program into a nationally ranked powerhouse. Not only are the Rustlers the national champions, but they also achieved a perfect 20-0 record in the regular season and are likely aiming to continue their winning streak this year.
One key reason for the Rustlers' success is their depth. They will be returning the reigning CCAA Player of the Year, Hineaupounamu (Missy) Nuku (2nd year; Tauranga, NZ), along with Alana Olsen (5th year; Maidstone, SK), Susan Ayaa (3rd year; Edmonton, AB), and five other players. Coach King is also expecting Sarah Dacuycuy (4th year; Estevan, SK) and Caitlin Shillabeer (2nd year; Adelaide, AUS) to help fill the gaps left by the departures of Hailey Somers, Jaden Cook, and Elliot Lieffers.
To add to this, Coach King has brought in a rare transfer for his program, Andria Stitt (5th year; Birmingham, AL). With Stitt on the team, I predict that Lakeland will have two All-Canadians, a feat that has rarely been achieved in ACAC history. (last done 1999-2000 by SAIT women's players)
The King's Eagles
It is unusual to place a team in second place that has just come off its first-ever trip to the Women's Basketball Nationals and is returning 13 players to the roster, but that is the situation here. Coach Torey Hill will take over as head coach after six seasons assisting the esteemed Brian Anstice, who transformed the King’s women's program during his seven seasons. Last year, the team finished with a record of 13-7 and had an impressive run to the nationals.
The roster will not see any significant departures, as leading scorers Megan Aleman (3rd; Lethbridge, AB), Aneilia Ayotte (4th; St. Albert, AB), and Jordana Rivet (3rd; Sturgeon County, AB) are all returning to help continue their progress. Additionally, the team is welcoming two transfer players: Meadow Munroe (4th; Yellowknife, NWT) from Augustana and Olivia Pederson (3rd; Beaumont, AB) from Ambrose. With three more freshmen joining the squad, this roster is poised to keep building on its success.
Last year was an exceptional season for the Eagles, and Coach Hill will have a challenging task in trying to replicate that success.
Keyano Huskies
Coach Dwayne Vigilance has built an impressive program in Fort McMurray, leading the team to back-to-back trips to the nationals in 2021-22 and 2022-23. However, last year, they fell short of a third consecutive trip, finishing with an 8-12 record and placing fifth in the North Division. They did manage to upset the University of Alberta - Augustana in the play-in game, but that only set them up for a challenging matchup against Lakeland in the quarterfinals.
The team lost two veteran role players, Lameez Khan and Casey Gorieu, but they will return their top four scorers from the 2023-24 season. Kaylynn Tucker (5th year; Omaha, NE) and Marijana Besic (5th year; Panevo, RU) will lead a roster that includes two fourth-year players, three second-year players, and an impressive six freshmen in Coach Vigilance's newest recruiting class. He has broadened his search for talent, bringing in players from Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Regina.
The battle for second place in the division will be competitive, with both King's and Keyano vying for the position. Both teams have made it to the nationals in recent years and will be eager to secure another trip. I predict that both teams will earn a win against Lakeland as they compete for that second spot. The difference will likely come down to how well they perform in the first semester against the southern teams.
Concordia Thunder
The Thunder had a mixed year in 2023/24, finishing with a 10-10 record that placed them third in the North. They were eliminated in the quarterfinals by King's. This summer brought an unexpected coaching change, as longtime Coach Robbie Valpreda transitioned to the men's team. The school hired Don Finlayson as the new head coach, making him the fifth coach of the program since it joined the ACAC in 1999/2000.
This season, the team will look very different, with key players Rachel Harvey, Hannah Mitchell, and Jenna Rinsky having all departed. However, they will benefit from a strong veteran presence with the return of Georgia Bowman (4th year, Sherwood Park, AB), Jaycee May (4th year, Leduc, AB), and Haley Cleland (3rd year, Saskatoon, SK). With eight freshmen joining the roster, the Thunder will focus on rebuilding while aiming to secure a fourth-place finish and provide their young recruits with valuable playoff experience.
Augustana Vikings
Coach Lauren Cardinal will serve as the head new coach this season, as Megan Wickstrom takes the lead assistant position with Scott Edwards at the University of Alberta. Last season, the team finished with a record of 8-12, placing them fifth in the North division. Their season ended after losing to Keyano in a play-in game.
The team retains much of its core from last year, with returning players including Mackenzie Mrazik (4th year; Edmonton, AB), Mallory Ogilvie (3rd year; Edmonton, AB), and Sabine Gross (2nd year; Edmonton, AB). Additionally, two transfers have joined the team: Erin Howes (3rd year; Beaumont, AB) from MacEwan University and Payton Mueller (2nd year; Vanderhoof, BC) from Okanagan College. The addition of five freshmen should help Augustana continue to grow as they aim for a playoff spot.
NAIT Ooks
Coach Kiera Lyons has been developing the program, and they are expected to make significant progress this year. They finished the 2023-24 season with an 8-12 record, placing 6th in the North.
While they will be losing a couple of role players, the return of Payton Neilson (4th year; Calgary, AB), Mikah Reed (4th year; Sherwood Park, AB), and Rory Vandermeer (3rd year; St. Albert, AB) provides a strong foundation. Coach Lyons hopes that last year's recruiting class, which includes six second-year players on the roster, will advance their skills, and she expects the five freshmen to contribute as well.
Northwestern Polytechnic Wolves
The 2023/24 season was challenging for Coach Bill Bradley and the Wolves, as they finished with a record of 1-19, placing last in the North division. This offseason, the team lost four of their top five scorers. To strengthen the roster, they are bringing in Charlee McIntyre (2nd; Vanderhoof, BC) from Olds College, along with four freshmen. The team will rely on Paige Snyder (3rd; Westlock, AB) to continue developing her skills in order to achieve more victories this season.
SOUTH DIVISION OUTLOOK
SAIT Trojans
I feel like I am repeating some of my notes, as the team will be completely new with four players transferring in. The Trojans will be led by new coach Steve Shoults, who comes to the Trojans after several years of leading the St. Mary’s women's program. In the 2023-24 season, the Trojans finished with a record of 9-12 and missed the playoffs, placing 6th in the South.
The lineup will be strengthened by the additions of Kitwana Sparks (5th year; Taber, AB), Keneisha Nepinak (3rd year; Winnipeg, MB) from Lethbridge Polytechnic, Joy Victor (5th year; Tortola, BVI) from Keyano College, and Lauren Bailey (5th year; Calgary, AB). They will join the leading scorers: Brook Baker (5th year; Calgary, AB), Anegor Wol (5th year; Edmonton, AB), and Macy Muholland (3rd year; Airdrie, AB).
Coach Shoults has a lot of talent at his disposal, and how well the team gels will determine their success in the South. The first weekend will provide a significant indication of the season’s direction when the Trojans match up against Briercrest.
Briercrest
Back-to-back ACAC bronze medals mark a significant achievement for a program that historically struggled to reach the ACAC playoffs. Under the guidance of Coach Anthony Skepple, the team in Caronport has shown remarkable growth. They finished the 2023/24 season with a 13-8 record, securing 4th place in the South. However, their playoff performance was impressive for the second consecutive year, as they upset the #1 seed, Lethbridge, in the quarterfinals and pushed Lakeland to the limit in a tightly contested semifinal.
The loss of key players Brooklyn Martens and Hope Jordens will be felt, as they were instrumental in both medal runs. Fortunately, the team retains a strong core of 10 returning players. Defensive standout Melissa Ellis (5th; Arcola, SK) will reunite with Amber Fitchner (5th; Yorkton, SK) for one last season, alongside ACAC Rookie of the Year Asia Wells (2nd; Regina, SK). Coach Skepple is also welcoming four new recruits, including Sydney Waind from Kirkland, QC, and Sienna Anderson from Meadow Lake, SK, whom he hopes will make a significant impact.
I have ranked this team at number 2 due to their roster continuity and experience. However, they could slip, as they have in previous seasons, if they don't perform consistently every weekend. They have experienced costly losses in the past, and with the ACAC South's depth this year, the gap between 1st and 4th place could be as slim as 2 or 3 bad games.
St Mary's Lightning
The 2023/24 season was a rollercoaster ride for the St. Mary's Lightning, who finished with a record of 13 wins and 8 losses, securing 3rd place in the South. The playoffs told a different story; they advanced past the second-seed Red Deer in the quarterfinals but were defeated by King’s and Briarcrest in closely contested games, ultimately finishing 4th in the league.
During the summer, the team parted ways with Coach Shoults, who moved across Calgary to SAIT. Longtime men's assistant coach Abdell Farag will lead the women's program into this season.
The loss of Andria Stitt will be significant, as she was a key player, leading the team in points and assists and ranking 2nd in rebounds. However, Coach Farag is optimistic about the return of Jazmyn Kellogg (5th year; Calgary, AB) and Adit Deng (3rd year; Calgary, AB) to maintain the program's momentum. Additionally, the team is welcoming two transfers: Kendal Russel (4th year; Strathmore, AB) from Brandon University and Maitlynn Miller (4th year; Lethbridge, AB) from Mount Royal University, both of whom should bolster the team.
Placing them in 3rd is tough, as some may argue that they could be ranked as high as 1st.
Red Deer Queens
The Queens started the 2023/24 season strong, but they couldn't maintain their momentum during the playoffs. Despite finishing with a record of 17-4 and placing second in the South Division, they were eliminated by the third-seeded St. Mary's Lightning in the quarterfinals, ending their season earlier than they had hoped.
The team is led by the legendary Avery Harrison, who has been a head coach in the ACAC for 23 years. He has led his teams to the national championships ten times, winning three. This year, he faces a tough challenge, having lost four of his top five scorers from last season. However, Harrison has reloaded the roster and is competing for another national championship. He is returning Jayden Demchuk (5th; Whitehorse, YK) along with several younger players who will need to step up in bigger roles. Coach Harrison also secured ACAC All-Star Rachel Harvey (5th; Brooks, AB) from Concordia, as well as Brandi Thibeaux (3rd; Lake Villa, IL), who previously played at Johnson County Community College and Old College, to help fill the gap left by departed players. The team also includes seven freshmen.
The South Division is expected to be very competitive, and it’s hard to imagine any team coached by Avery finishing in fourth place. I believe the Queens will exceed that expectation, as it will be challenging for the three teams above them to win in Red Deer.
Ambrose Lions
Ambrose will showcase a new look this season, having hired Head Coach Rodd Sawatzky and Lead Assistant Aphia Ward to replace Neil Nystrom, who will only coach the men's team this summer. Last season, the team finished with a record of 12 wins and 9 losses, placing 5th in the South. They were eliminated in the play-in game by Briercrest but are optimistic about building on their performance.
The team will focus on developing around All-Conference post player Andrijana Bokan (3rd year; Calgary, AB) and guard Ariana Dela Paz (3rd year; Foothills, AB). Although they will miss Marin Barkey's contributions, they are excited to welcome 7 freshmen to the roster. The coaching staff is particularly enthusiastic about Prissy Chuoi (Calgary, AB) from Notre Dame High School and Jovana Prodanovic (Red Deer, AB) from Lindsay Thurber High School.
While I currently view this team as outside contenders for the playoffs, they have the potential to challenge other teams, especially if the freshmen can adapt quickly.
Lethbridge Kodiaks
The 2023/24 season began with Lethbridge positioning itself as a national contender, finishing first in the South division with an impressive 18-3 record. This strong performance would have allowed them to host the ACAC final four. Unfortunately, they faced a formidable Briercast team in the quarterfinals, which led to an early end to their season.
Coach Ken MacMurray saw his top three scorers either transfer or graduate over the summer. As a result, he will rely on Courtney Deemter (4th year; Calgary, AB) and Annah Westrop (4th year; Lethbridge, AB) to lead a young team this season. With deep ties to the Southern Alberta basketball community, Coach MacMurray has worked hard to bring in seven freshmen from the region's basketball hotbeds to strengthen the squad.
Medicine Hat Rattlers
Medicine Hat has made a coaching change this summer, welcoming Chad Watson to lead the program. Last season, the Rattlers finished with a record of 3-18, placing 6th in the South Division.
The team returns six key players from last year, including Breanna O'Conner (3rd year, Pigeon Lake, AB), Jaida Gold (2nd year, Medicine Hat, AB), and Abby Watson (3rd year, Medicine Hat, AB). The roster has also been significantly strengthened with the addition of ten newcomers, featuring standout players like Alexis Watkins from Chestermere High School and Addison Graf from Luther College in Regina.
I am excited to see the potential this young team has, and I hope they can secure some surprise wins to challenge for a playoff spot and create some challenges for the top teams.
Olds Broncos
Coach Sheldon Frank is entering his second year with hopes of achieving greater success than in his first. The Broncos finished the previous season with a record of 1-20, placing 8th in the South. The team will be led by Caitlin Paul (4th year; Fairview, AB) and Hailey-Jo Heggie (5th year; Raymond, AB), and the roster also includes 2 sophomores and 11 freshmen.
While the team's youth may result in another year of growing pains, Coach Frank is confident that he has players ready to compete and is optimistic about climbing toward the playoffs in the near future.
I don't think I could have picked a tougher year to begin writing about the ACAC and making preseason predictions. The South will be a fight every night for the teams hoping to make the playoffs, and though the North may not be as deep, they will be battling to finish as high as possible and avoid some matchups in the playoffs.
If you haven't followed the ACAC, I will do my best to keep my Twitter feed (@david_harmon) updated with all the results and actions every weekend. Even better, you can listen to Lakeland women's coach Chris King and Tori Dugan's amazing podcast, "Hold My Clipboard," that breaks down all the ACAC action each Tuesday.
I highly encourage high school players who follow the Maple Minute to become familiar with all the leagues so you know all your options.
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