Basketball Manitoba has begun compiling a collection of information on what Manitoba athletes have agreed to attend what
post-secondary schools for the upcoming season including the CIS, CPAC,
CCAA among others.
The following post-secondary schools have announced that the following athletes have agreed to play for their team for the 2007-08 season...
Below is a summary of the signings to date. Scroll further down the page to view a copy of the official news release on the signing (listed newest to oldest). You can also click on the logo of the school's website for more information on their programs.
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| Women's Basketball | Lauren Mortier | Glenlawn |
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October 25, 2007
Dauphin Standout to Suit up for Mayville State Comets
Chanse Kornik, 6'2" shooting guard, settled on Mayville State after weighing offers from Dakota Wesleyan (SD), Great Falls (MT) and Crown College (MN).
Canadian schools showing interest were Providence and CMU in Manitoba, Lakeland College of Alberta and Redeemer University College in Ontario.
Chanse led the Clippers in scoring in his senior year, averaging nearly 22 points per game. He was also second on the team in steals and third in rebounding. He was honoured to be named to the AAA All-Star team, and to compete inthe showcase game as well. He hopes to be the first of many Clipper stars to play U.S. college hoops. Chanse was born and raised in Dauphin, and started playing basketball in grade six. His parents, Sheldon and Karen, operate a water distribution business and laundromat. more info...
July 31, 2007
Local Athletes Return to Women’s Basketball Line-up
BRANDON, MB – Women’s Basketball Coach Jaime Hickson is pleased to announce the return of Jenna Dixon, Jennalee Burch, and Jaelyn Greening to her 2007-2008 Bobcat line-up. “It’s really great for our team and speaks volumes about the positive energy, image and vision our athletes have created around our program. I believe that Jaelyn, Jenna and Jennalee will add energy, focus and experience to our roster.”
Jaelyn Greening:
“I'm really looking forward to it. Coach Hickson and the girls that I've met are all very positive, hardworking people that are moving this program in the right direction. I know it will definitely be challenging…but that's a good thing.” As a returning player Jaelyn feels very fortunate that the opportunity to play in the university-level has re-surfaced. “I feel lucky to be getting a second chance and will be competing and playing basketball everyday, with other people who love it. I'm really excited.”
Jennalee Burch:
“It’s no secret that I really missed playing last season. After watching and hearing about all the new and talented players coming in and seeing the returning players committed to training over the summer, I knew the program was headed in a new direction and was something I wanted to be a part of.”
Jenna Dixon:
“I am excited to be playing basketball again. Sitting out last year was a difficult decision. Jenna continues, “The intensity and dedication of all of the athletes and coaching staff make playing ball for BU a dream come true. The program is heading in a new and promising direction and I look forward to contributing to the program’s success.”
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For more information, please contact:
Jaime Hickson
Women’s Basketball Coach
Brandon University
204-727-7431
Email: hicksonj@brandonu.ca
Rick Nickelchok
Athletic Director
Brandon University
Phone: 727 – 7405
Email: nickelchokr@brandonu.ca
July 31, 2007
Chelsey Kretai to Join BU Squad
BRANDON, MB - Strathclair Community School graduate and basketball phenom Chelsey Kretai will also join the Bobcat bench as a red shirt. Coach Hickson says, “Chelsey is a passionate, competitive and dedicated basketball player. I know that Chelsey will come into every practice and compete. She will make us stronger and ensure our program’s success. When asked about how she feels about making the jump to Canadian Interuniversity Sport Chelsey reports, “I'm excited about joining the team and being able to become a part of the Bobcat program. I've heard so many great things about the team and I am really looking forward to next year.”
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For more information, please contact:
Jaime Hickson
Women’s Basketball Coach
Brandon University
204-727-7431
Email: hicksonj@brandonu.ca
Rick Nickelchok
Athletic Director
Brandon University
Phone: 727 – 7405
Email: nickelchokr@brandonu.ca
June 13, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Saskatoon's Amanda Fortin Joins Bobcat Basketball Roster
BRANDON, MB – Brandon University Bobcats Women's Basketball Coach Jaime
Hickson is pleased to announce 5’10” forward Amanda Fortin has committed to
play basketball for the Brandon University (BU) Women’s Basketball team this
fall. Fortin, a Saskatoon product, excelled both in athletics and academics
at St. Joseph high School. In basketball, Fortin averaged 15.2 points and
11.4 rebounds during her high school career. Academically, Amanda was an
honour roll student.
“I choose BU because BU gives me a chance to play basketball at the highest
level in Canada and get a quality education at a smaller institution. I like
the fact that class sizes are small” says Fortin.
“I'm happy Amanda chose Brandon over other institutions" says Coach Hickson.
"She will not only add depth to our bench but will also add to the positive
energy and youth of our program. Amanda understands that success in the
classroom leads to success on the basketball court.”
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For more information, please contact:
Jaime Hickson
Head Coach, Bobcats Women's Basketball, Brandon University
Phone: 727 - 7431
Email: hicksonj@brandonu.ca
Rick Nickelchok
Athletic Director, Brandon University
Phone: 727 - 7405
Email: nickelchokr@brandonu.ca
Kelly Stifora
Communications Officer, Brandon University
Phone: 727 - 9762
Email: stiforak@brandonu.ca
KINGDON, WILLERTON TO JOIN WESMEN NEXT SEASON
Tuesday, May 29, 2007 – The University
of Winnipeg Wesmen and Men’s
Basketball Head Coach Dave Crook are excited to announce that Ben Kingdon and Ryan Willerton have committed to joining the University of Winnipeg Men’s
Basketball program in September for the 2007-08 season.
Ben Kingdon, 6’8” forward Oak
Park.
Named the
Manitoba High School Men’s Player of the Year after helping Oak Park capture the Manitoba Provincial AAAA
Championship this past season. Ben was chosen as an All Star and also was the
recipient of the Players Choice Award at the Provincial Championships. Kingdon
was selected as the number one ranked player in the province by the Winnipeg Sun in their
annual poll. Completed his final year of high school basketball averaging 21.0
pts and 10.5 rebounds per game for the Raiders. A member of Team Manitoba
at the 2005 Canada Summer Games in Regina.
“Adding Ben
to our program is a great plus. He was highly recruited and it is a pleasure to
add a player of Ben’s ability to our program. We believe Ben can step in and
contribute as a freshman. At 6’8”, he is an active player who is a great
rebounder with the ability to play either with his back to or facing the
basket”, said Wesmen Head Coach Dave Crook.
“Ben is a
great kid with an outstanding work ethic. He has some work to do but I think he
will do just fine as a member of the Wesmen, said Randy Kusano, Head Coach Oak
Park.
Ryan Willerton, 6’9” forward Vincent Massey.
Led Vincent
Massey to a top eight finish at the Provincial Championships in March. Ryan has
been working hard to make the transition to the university level. Willerton,
with a seven foot wing span has the ability to block and alter opposing player’s
shots. Willerton participated in the 40th Wesmen Classic where he
led the Trojans in scoring on two occasions and was named Player of the Game
after a 26 point performance against Sisler. Ryan averaged 16 pts, nine
rebounds and four blocks for the Trojans this past year.
“I think
Ryan brings some physical skills that you do not find much in the CIS games
anymore. With his size and length, once he gains some strength and confidence,
he should be a contributor to the team in the future”, said Dave Crook.
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May 29, 2007
Brandonite Jaicee Chartrand joins Bobcats Women’s Basketball Roster
BRANDON, MB – Following the Brandon University Women’s Basketball 2007 ID
CAMP this past weekend, Head Coach Jaime Hickson is pleased to announce that
Jaicee Chartrand has committed to attend and play basketball for Brandon
University.
Chartrand, 6’2”, began playing basketball at the age of six. Since then she
has always dreamed about playing at the university level and is now excited
to watch her dream come true.
“Growing up in the Brandon area, I’ve always knew that I’d be going to BU
for school. I never imagined that I’d actually have an opportunity to play
basketball and become a BOBCAT. I’m really excited to be part of the
program”.
Coach Hickson coached Jaicee in 2005, as a member of Canada Basketball’s
Center for Performance.
“I’ve known Jaicee for three years," says Hickson. "In that time she has
worked really hard at excelling as a student and a basketball player. She
committed herself to a dream and I am very proud of her for reaching her
goal. She has a great work ethic, love for the game and is very coachable.”
“Jaicee will add much needed depth and size for us in the post. She will
help us match up defensively against larger, experienced teams in Canada
West while giving us a true post look offensively. I am very excited to be
adding Jaicee to our roster”.
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Jaime Hickson
Head Coach, Bobcats' Women's Basketball
Brandon University
Phone: (204) 727-7431
Email: hicksonj@brandonu.ca
Kelly Stifora
Communications Officer
Brandon University
Phone: (204) 727-9762
Email: communications@brandonu.ca
April 26, 2007
Bison men’s basketball team
recruits Oak Park champion player Richard Reimer for 2007-08 season
Reimer played forward
during Raiders championship run in 2007
The Manitoba Bison men’s
basketball team continues to build towards the 2007-08 season by announcing
another new recruit. Bisons head coach Rick Suffield is pleased to announce
the commitment of Richard Reimer to the Bison program for the upcoming
season.
Richard Reimer is a 6’7” forward from the Oak Park Raiders ,
who won the 2007 "AAAA" Provincial High School Basketball Championships. He
averaged 12 points per game with six rebounds per game and two to three steals
per game during his senior year. Reimer added 13 points in the Championship
Semi-Final win versus J.H. Bruns. The big forward is a versatile player on both
sides of the ball as he was called upon to guard some of the top players during
the championship run.
Suffield stated, “Richard is a very athletic young
man that can run the floor, rebounds very well and has exceptional anticipation
skills plus footwork for a player of his size. He constantly makes important
steals and offensive rebounds at critical points in the game. With the
tremendous frontcourt returning to the Bisons, Richard will redshirt for the
year while developing his strength and learning our system and step in for Brian
Crowe who will graduate after next year. His strong desire and his intense work
ethic will be very important in his development over the year.”
Oak Park
basketball head coach Randy Kusano said, “His dream is to play CIS basketball.
If he continues to work hard and improve as he did this year, he will be in for
a great basketball experience. I’m looking forward to seeing him contribute to
the Bison program.”
Bison Basketball Notes: The
6th annual “A Night with the Bisons” scholarship fundraiser will take place on
Friday, April 27 from 7-11:30 p.m. at Canad Inns Fort Garry (1824 Pembina Hwy).
Tickets are $45 each with a $30 tax receipt or corporate tables with six
tickets are $250 and a $180 tax receipt. All proceeds go toward student athletic
scholarships for Bison Basketball.
For tickets or more information, please
call Carol Ploen-Hosegood at 474-6318 or e-mail:
pride@umanitoba.ca.
For more information, contact Men’s Basketball
Head Coach Rick Suffield at 474-8464.
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--
Chris Zuk
Sports Information Officer
University of Manitoba
Phone:
204 474-7492
Fax: 204 474-7634
e-mail: zukc@cc.umanitoba.ca
Web Site:
www.gobisons.ca
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Star Athlete and Musician Commits to BU
BRANDON, MB – Oboe player Chelsey Hiebert of Winnipeg, Manitoba has
committed to attend Brandon University for the fall of 2007. Chelsey will
make history for the university by becoming the first student-athlete
enrolled in the School of Music. Chelsey, a 5’10” forward from Winnipeg's
Vincent Massey Collegiate, will join Coach Jaime Hickson’s Women’s
Basketball team immediately as off-season training has already begun.
Dr. Glen Carruthers, Dean of the BU School of Music, is delighted that
Chelsey will be joining BU in the fall. “She is an outstanding oboist whose
achievement and potential place her in the top ranks of the music students
we’ve recruited this year. She also has a good background in piano and voice
and her academic record is excellent. She’s been active simultaneously as an
athlete and musician for many years now and knows how to find the balance
she needs to excel in both areas.”
Chelsey chose Brandon University because it gave her the opportunity to
pursue a Bachelor of Music Honors degree while playing basketball (a
combination no other university can offer). She was very excited about the
opportunity and was encouraged by the support she received from the
university.
“Dean Carruthers and the staff at the School of Music and Coach Hickson have
all taken a personal interest in me and made an extra effort to ensure that
the two programs will be able to work together," says Chelsey. "I know that
BU will help me grow as a musician, as an athlete and as an individual.”
Excited with Chelsey’s academic decision, Coach Hickson revealed that for
her, it was a ‘no brainer’ in offering her a position on the team. “Having
coached Chelsey before and having witnessed her growth as a ball player over
this past season, I know what we’re going to get out of her and what she
will add to our team. She will excel in the classroom as a musician and on
the court as an athlete. Her determination, attitude and work ethic will
make both her and our team a success. Chelsey has been offered a unique
opportunity to pursue both of her passions and I feel very fortunate as one
of the beneficiaries of her decision to come to BU.”
For more information, or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Kelly Stifora
Communications Officer
Brandon University
Phone: (204) 727-9762
Email: communications@brandonu.ca
Bison men’s basketball team recruits Clarence Smith for 2007-08 season
Smith is leading scorer this season from Lakeland College
February 7, 2007 - The Manitoba Bison men’s basketball team has already begun looking towards the 2007-08 season by announcing another new recruit. Bisons head coach Rick Suffield is pleased to announce the commitment of Clarence Smith, who joins recently announced recruit Trevor Assels, to the Bison program for the upcoming season.
Clarence Smith is a 6’8” forward from the Lakeland College Rustlers (Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference). He is the leading scorer in the North Conference this season averaging 20 points per game and ninth in field goal percentage at 49.7% in 21 games. Smith has led Lakeland to the top spot in the North Conference in 2006-07 season and has contributed on the boards as he is ranked third with 7.76 rebounds per game and fourth with 0.52 blocks per game. In 2006-07, his season highs are 36 points, 20 rebounds and three blocks. He is completing his second season and will have three years of eligibility with the Bisons.
Trevor Assels is a 6’8” post from Lakeland College in Alberta. He is the starting center for Lakeland who is in first place in their conference in the Alberta Junior College league. This season, he is averaging 10.2 points per game, 5.76 rebounds per game in 21 games and second in the league with 0.76 blocks per game.
Suffield commented, “I am excited to have both players commit to the Bison basketball program. Their size, experience and talent will fit well with the returning players for next season. Both players bring scoring, rebounding and shot blocking skills to the squad and will have a significant impact at the CIS level.”
BOBCATS FUTURE STAYS BRIGHT: Top two Manitoba High School Hoopsters Commit
to Brandon University
February 6, 2007 - BRANDON, MB – The future of the Brandon University Bobcats just got a whole lot brighter.
Canada’s #1 ranked men’s basketball program is excited to announce Kyle
Vince and Kevin Oliver to its 2007 recruiting class. Both players are
considered among the top university prospects graduating from Manitoba high
schools this year, and both will help bolster an already talented BU roster.
“It is a honor to have these two talented and bright young men join our
basketball program,” says BU head coach Barnaby Craddock. “Having watched
their fantastic play over the past few years, it is a privilege to have the
opportunity to work with them on the court, and help them graduate from
Brandon University.”
Kyle Vince is 6'6" and can play guard or forward; he will be studying
business at Brandon University and plans to go to law school when finished
with his bachelor’s degree. Vince currently stars for J.H Bruns, the #4
ranked team in Manitoba, who are coached by Norm Fromel.
“Brandon University looks like a great school and I am honored to play for a
program that is ranked #1 in the country,” says Vince. “I met the guys on
the team, it’s a great group, and I’m excited to play with them.”
Kevin Oliver is a 6'7" guard with a deadly shooting touch who was recently
named the MVP of the Wesmen Classic. He stars for the Silver Heights
Huskies, who are coached by Kirby Schepp, and are the #1 Ranked team in
Manitoba.
“Academically, I am impressed with the courses that Brandon has to offer me,
and basketball-wise I look forward to being part of such a successful
program,” stated Oliver.
Vince and Oliver were both starters on summer 2006 Manitoba Juvenile Boys
Provincial team. They were both key factors in Team Manitoba's undefeated
4-0 round robin performance, and 4-point semi-final loss to the eventual
Gold-Medalist team from Ontario.
High School All-Star Commits to Women’s Basketball
Mortier plays with defending provincial champion Glenlawn
January 30, 2007 - The Manitoba Bison women’s basketball team is streaking towards the playoffs and has rattled off four consecutive conference wins in the second half of the season. The program is already solidifying their roster for the upcoming season by announcing a new recruit – an All-Star player from the defending provincial high school champion Glenlawn Lions.
Bisons head coach Pam Danis is pleased to announce the commitment of Lauren Mortier to the Bison program for the 2007-08 season.
Lauren Mortier, 5’9” guard, has been impressive this season. She has been named an All-Star at the 2006 Wesmen Classic, Pembina Trails tournament, MVP and Players Choice Award at the John Taylor Piper Classic and MVP at the St. Vital Invitational. At the Wesmen Classic Championship final, Mortier drained a game-high 28 points in leading the Lions to their third consecutive title during the 73-48 victory over Oak Park.
The grade 12 student is averaging 20 points, seven rebounds and three steals per game playing for the #1 ranked Lions this season while maintaining a 90% average. Mortier was named Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association (MHSAA) Athlete of the Week on January 23/07. Over the last three seasons, she has participated with the provincial team. In grade 10, she was the junior varsity athlete of the year plus MVP at the provincial finals.
Danis stated, “We are excited that Lauren has made a commitment to the Bisons. She is without question one of the top grade 12 female basketball players in the province and we feel Lauren will be able to step in and contribute at the CIS level. She will be a welcome addition to the squad for the next season.
Bison Recruit Two Players for 2007-08 Season
Purvis-Collins regarded as one of the top high school players out of Manitoba
January 4, 2007 - The Manitoba Bison men’s basketball team has already
begun looking towards the 2007-08 season by announcing two new
recruits. Bisons head coach Rick Suffield is pleased to announce the
commitment of Dan Purvis-Collins and Trevor Assels to the Bison program
for the upcoming season.
Dan Purvis-Collins is a 6’3” forward from Churchill High School. He has
an extensive resume in his young career. In grade 11, he averaged 23.5
points per games and 80% from the foul line last year. Purvis-Collins
was the youngest player selected to the Provincial Juvenile Basketball
Team, which represented the province at the Canada Games, in the summer
of 2005. He was the leading scorer for the Provincial Juvenile
Basketball Team in the summer of 2006. Purvis-Collins was the only
grade 11 mentioned for the Grade 12 graduating class honours. He is the
current leading scorer for the #6 ranked Churchill Bulldogs.
Trevor Assels is a 6’8” post from Lakeland College in Alberta. He
presently is the starting center for Lakeland who is in first place in
their conference in the Alberta Junior College league. This season so
far, he is averaging slightly less than 10 points per game (9.71), 5.79
rebounds per game in 14 games and second in the league with 0.79 blocks
per game.
Suffield commented, “I am excited to have both players commit to the
Bison basketball program for next season. Dan is regarded, by many, as
the consensus number one ranked graduating player this year from
Manitoba. His offensive skills and toughness as a two-sport varsity
athlete (played wide receiver with Churchill football team) will make
him a great fit as a Bison. Trevor is an exceptional athlete that can
play the post and run the floor like a guard. He has very good shot
blocking ability and will immediately strengthen our inside game next
year.”
HORNBY COMMITS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG
Wednesday, December 20, 2006 * The University of Winnipeg Wesmen and Men's Basketball Head Coach are excited to announce that Cam Hornby has committed to joining the University of Winnipeg Men's Basketball program for the 2007-08 season.
Cam will be available to play for the Wesmen beginning on November 27, 2007. As per CIS rules, a player transferring schools must sit out for one calendar year.
Hornby, a 6'0" guard from Winnipeg, played part of this season at South Dakota State University. He was a member of the Jackrabbits last season as a red shirt in his freshman year.
Hornby had an excellent career at Glenlawn Collegiate High School where he averaged 27 points, 10 assists and four steals in his final year. Cam led the Glenlawn Lions to the Provincial Final Four Championships where he was named to the All-Tournament team and was named to the All-Manitoba team. As a junior he averaged 21 points and nine assists and was named MVP of the Provincial Championships after helping Glenlawn win the Provincial Championships.
"We are very excited to have Cam join the Wesmen. He is a hard nosed skilled athlete who will raise our level of play in the years to come", said Wesmen Men's Head Coach Dave Crook.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Local Recruit Commits to Lady Bobcats Basketball Team
BRANDON, MB – Dayna Prost, a 5'10" guard of Glenboro School has committed to
play for the Brandon University Women's Basketball Team for 2007-2008.
Dayna, played for Coach Hickson this past summer on Manitoba's Juvenile
Girls Provincial team said, "I'm excited to be able to play for Coach
Hickson again. She is an amazing coach and I'm looking forward to be a part
of her Bobcat program. She brings the best out in players and I can't wait
till next season!"
Last season with the Panthers, Dayna averaged 18 points, 5 assists, 6
rebounds and 4 steals per game. She also shot 38% from behind the arc.
Hickson said, "I am looking forward to coaching Dayna again. She is
aggressive on defense, can handle the ball, is a great outside shooter and
tremendous student. She will immediately add depth to our bench at both
ends of the court."
Dayna will begin training with Bobcats once her high school basketball
season wraps up in March and will join the team for spring training.
October 25, 2006
WESMEN NEWS RELEASE:
WESMEN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL LOADING UP FOR THE FUTURE
Wednesday,
October 25, 2006 - The University of Winnipeg Wesmen and Women's
Basketball Head Coach Tanya McKay are pleased to announce that three of
Manitoba's top female high school basketball players have committed to
the University of Winnipeg Wesmen Women's Basketball Program for
2007-2008.
Amy Ogidan (Oak Park), Rosemary Mills (Westwood) and
Caity Purvis-Collins (Churchill) have chosen the University of
Winnipeg for academics and to play university basketball. All three
players are expected to make an immediate impact with the team next
season.
Amy Ogidan, 5"11 guard, Oak Park.
Regarded as one of
the top high school players in Canada. Last season she averaged 22
points, 10 rebounds and five steals per game for the Oak Park Pirates.
Amy has been a member of the Manitoba Provincial Basketball Program for
the past five years and has been identified by the National Team thru
the Centre of Performance with Canada Basketball.
"Amy is an
extremely talented basketball player, one who possesses the ability to
impact all aspects of the game. Not only is she physically gifted, but
she also understands the game well. She presents match-up problems for
most teams as she has great perimeter skills, including the ability to
shoot from beyond the three point line while at the same time being a
dominate interior player. I am looking forward to watching Amy
continue to develop into an outstanding high school player this year.
As well it will be great to watch her play at the University of
Winnipeg starting next year where Oak Park grads Heather Thompson and
Jessica Stromberg have excelled under the coaching of Tanya McKay",
said Murray Brown, Head Coach at Oak Park.
Rosemary Mills, 5'10" guard, Westwood Collegiate.
Member
of the Jr. Wesmen program which has helped her develop into a complete
basketball player. Rosemary averaged 29 points and 7 rebounds last
season for Westwood. A member of the Manitoba Basketball Team from
2003-2005. Her role model is former Wesmen great JoAnne Wells.
"She
is our captain, she is a team leader both in games and in practice and
always first when it comes to looking at improving her skills. She has
played both point and shooting guard, but is not afraid to bang
inside. She is right now going through a great workout plan through
her volleyball season, so she will be game ready come November", stated
George Valentim, Head Coach at Westwood.
Caity Purvis * Collins, 6'0" forward, Churchill High School.
A
very good all around player, Caity averaged 20 points and eight
rebounds per game last season. She has been a member of Manitoba's
Juvenile Team and has developed one of the purest shots coming out of
high school this year. Caity is the sleeper of the recruiting class for
2006-07. She is currently training very hard to be prepared for her
high school season and will be ready to join the Wesmen a year from now.
MacKenzie Prasek, 5’8” guard, Vincent Massey Collegiate
A very good point guard with great basketball court awareness, MacKenzie
averaged 18 points and 10 assists per game this past season for Vincent Massey.
She was selected to play on the 4A All Manitoba Team for 2006-07. Last summer Prasek had the honor
of playing for the Manitoba Juvenile Provincial Team.