The majority of USPORTS teams are now in the midst of a December break, preparing for examinations and holidays.
The stretch run happens fast, however, across the country, beginning as early as Jan. 2 as teams battle toward conference playoffs and pursuit in the Final 8 national championship, hosted by Universite de Laval Rouge et Or in Quebec City Mar. 5 to 8.
Individual performances have been tremendous from four players with ties to the Maritime Women’s Basketball Association.
Allie McCarthy of the University of Ottawa Gee Gees sits second in the nation in scoring, averaging 23.2 points per game, a whisker from the top set by Madalyn Weinert of the Brock University Badgers, who is at 23.3.
Bailey Russell of Ottawa is third in the country, averaging 20.2 points per game.
Both McCarthy and Russell are MWBA stalwarts with the Fredericton Freeze.
Sami Russell of Acadia University Axewomen is 13th at 16.9 points per game and Grace Lancaster of University of Prince Edward Island Panthers is in a three-way tie for 16th with 16.0 PPG.
Russell is a standout with the MWBA’s Halifax Thunder and Lancaster was a key player with the reigning Legacy Cup champion, Miramichi Her-Icanes in 2025.
– Allie McCarthy of Fredericton is a second in national scoring. (Fran Harris Photo)
