‘Hungry for playoffs’

By Corey LeBlanc

SYDNEY – After a one-year absence, the Cape Breton University (CBU) CAPERS – perennial contenders for an Atlantic University Sport (AUS) women's basketball banner – are focused on a return to the conference championship tournament in 2024-25.

"We are hungry for the playoffs," Chris Rao – CBU interim head coach – said of his Capers' mindset heading into a new campaign, adding that it is a desire and goal shared by CBU, CBU Athletics, fans and the community.

Noting that the roster is made up of a "very talented group," the former assistant with the Caper men's basketball team credited veteran women's head coach Fabian McKenzie – who is on a leave this season – for his "hard work" in assembling a "deep roster" that will vie for conference supremacy. "Fabe has added a lot of great people to this program," Rao said.

He added that the CBU coaching staff, including long-time assistant Doug Connors, is going to have a "tough job," when it comes doling out minutes and deciding who will be on the floor in particular situations. "It makes practice great," Rao offered of having a deep line-up, one that can compete at the AUS level.

Noting that the Capers will boast a mix of returning and new players, he said, "We are going to lean on our leadership." That will come from a group led by dynamic forward Kiyara Letlow (Toronto, ON), a multi-time conference all-star and U SPORTS All-Canadian.

"Kiyara embraces being a go-to player," Rao offered, noting her "hunger" to add team hardware to her impressive list of individual accolades, which includes AUS and U SPORTS rookie of the year awards. He noted that it is "no secret" that the CAPERS want to get Letlow – who has averaged a double-double in points and rebounds over her first three varsity seasons – the ball "in the right spots on the court, where she can have the most success."

Rao explained that focus is part of a broader approach that stresses the importance of players "having an understanding of the match-ups that we can attack," which – if done well – will cut down on the double and triple teams Letlow has attracted over her CBU career. As well, it will make it easier for Letlow to find her teammates in spots where they can be successful.

Chermensa van la Parra (Rotterdam, Netherlands), a former AUS all-star will be one of the key contributors to executing CBU's game plan, while also providing crucial leadership. "She is a fabulous player – a point guard's point guard," Rao said, noting her ability to "play 94 feet," and share the basketball. He also noted her steady improvement as a "knockdown shooter." Perimeter shooting was one of the areas of focus for McKenzie as he bulked up the CBU roster.

"She is a great person, and we are so happy to have her," Rao said of Alicia Bowring, who, at the start of her AUS career with the UPEI Panthers, established a reputation as one of the top snipers, including from beyond the arc, in the conference. He added that, during her early days as a CAPER, the Orangeville, Ontario native has displayed her ability "to share the ball and get to the rim"; not to mention continual strides on the defensive side.

Guards Amanda Cruickshank (Montreal, QC), a sophomore, and senior Hannah Smith (Bedford, NS) will also be key pieces to the puzzle this season. "She looks fantastic," Rao said of another significant veteran – versatile fifth year forward Hailey MacLeod (Marion Bridge, NS) – as training camp and the pre-season ramp up.

Although it is her third year with the program, injuries have kept Kristen Taylor (Fredericton, NB) – a 5'11" guard – on the sideline until this season. She is expected to make a mark in her first AUS campaign.

As for true freshmen, homegrown product Cameron Clarke (North Sydney, NS) has already left an impression on her CBU coaching staff and teammates. "She is as tough as nails," Rao said of the Memorial Composite High School graduate, while praising her for the battle she has put up in practices and scrimmages against bigger and more experienced players.

When it comes to other crucial ingredients to putting together a fruitful season, he pointed to everyone having to give a "relentless effort" every time that they are on the court.

"And, of course, we need to take care of the ball," Rao noted of a key component of any successful AUS program. He added, "So far, I think that we are trending that way in those areas." Rao said, if the CAPERS "put the work in and get better every day," then "success will follow." He added, "Everyone is ready to go. We are really excited about this season."

The Capers will tip off the 2024-25 AUS regular season with a pair of games versus the UNB REDS on Friday, Nov. 1, at 6 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 2, at 1 p.m., on their home court at Sullivan Fieldhouse on CBU's Sydney campus.

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