Keough's work ethic paying off early for Capers

Keough's work ethic paying off early for Capers
November 15, 2013
When you ask Cape Breton University Capers head coach Fabian McKenzie what he likes most in rookie Alison Keough's game, he looks to team practice for the answer.
Case in point: After working with the 6-1 forward for an hour at practice on a move with her left hand, she kept going for another half hour once practice was over.
"The one thing I'd say about Alison is wow," said McKenzie. "She comes with a package of skills and she's relentless in trying to improve them. One of the best work ethics I've ever seen."
The 18-year-old from Marion Bridge is off to a solid start in her rookie campaign with the Capers. She's averaging 14.5 points per game in her first two contests and leads the Atlantic University Sport conference with 15 rebounds per game.

The Riverview Royals graduate led the Cape Breton High School Division 1 Basketball League with 25.7 points per game last season and helped her team win a Highland Region title.
"She's athletic, she can run, jump, rebounds exceptionally well, is learning how to score better and better. She handles the ball well for a 6-1 player. Honestly, it's a credit to (Riverview head coach) Jeff LaLanne."
Keough says the pace in the AUS is the biggest challenge she's faced in her move from high school, and the league isn't as forgiving when making mistakes on the court.

"It's been an adjustment for sure," she said. "Fabe's a real good coach and he's been helping me through it and the senior girls, Tanira (McClurkin) and Colleen (Keane) our captains, everyone is really supportive and helping me adjust to it."

Out-working her opponents has been the biggest aspect of Keough's game she's used to get the upper hand so far.

"I'm pretty happy with it, but I obviously have to keep working because teams are going to adjust to what I do," she said. "I have to keep getting in the gym and working at it."

The Capers teams hit the court at Sullivan Field House against the Memorial Sea-Hawks on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday games are at 6 p.m. (women) and 8 p.m. (men) and Sunday at 11 a.m. (women) and 1 p.m. (men).