And now there are four.
The Maritime Women’s Basketball Association, preparing for its fourth season in May, is certainly spreading its wings to the grassroots levels in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Add the Miramichi Junior Her-icanes to the growing list.
The under-16 Hericanes will make their debut at an invitational tournament March 29 to 30 at Sackville’s Mount Allison University.
The Miramichi youth program joins Port City Junior Fog, Fredericton Junior Freeze and Halifax Thunder Selects as teams with girls’ spring squads.
The Her-icanes will represent their region and River Hoops.
Under the leadership of head coach Tom Burns, the Junior Her-icanes will be guided by a dedicated coaching staff that includes assistant coaches Erin Casey and Haylie Simmons. This dynamic trio is committed to developing the team’s skills and fostering a positive, supportive environment for the athletes. The team will consist of players currently in grades 8, 9, and 10 at Miramichi Valley and James M Hill High Schools, along with middle school athletes from Max Aitken Academy, Gretna Green, and North and South Esk.
The goal for the Junior Her-icanes is not only to showcase the talents of these young athletes, but to help them grow as players by competing against some of the best competition in Atlantic Canada. These experiences will provide them with the opportunity to develop their games and gain valuable exposure on the court.
Dennis Lirette, President of River Hoops, shared his excitement about the partnership with the MWBA Her-icanes.
‘We are extremely happy to be able to partner with the Miramichi Her-icanes to offer this experience to some of our best female players in grades 8, 9, and 10 on the River, Lirette told River Hoops. ‘They will have the opportunity to play against some very good competition and grow their games over the next few months.’
Jason Harris, an executive member with the MWBA Her-icanes, echoed Lirette’s words.
‘The Her-icanes are very happy to be able to partner with River Hoops to provide this opportunity for these young women,’ he said. ‘At the end of the day, this is what the MWBA is all about—making these connections in the community.’