There was a pretty solid women’s recreation league in Moncton before the Maritime Women’s Basketball League launched in 2022.
Guess what?
The local circuit is back up and running with huge numbers registering and ready to play.
The response was so high, said organizer Shannon Parlee, they had to add to player roster sizes to keep the league to four teams, but that means the number of entrants could increase next season.
Parlee, who is joined by Amanda Lutes as co-directors of the city league, is the owner and general manager of the MWBA’s Moncton Mystics.
She played at the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association level with the Mount Allison University Mounties and absolutely loves the game of basketball.
It was a natural that she fired up the local league again after COVID-19 ended the circuit and a few years have passed on.
‘We originally had room for 60 players and we ended up with 82 players registering,’ said Parlee. ‘We have four teams of 15 and that means we will need more teams next season. That’s a good thing to have waiting for us. We’re really excited to see so many women come out and play.’
It’s good for the MWBA, too.
‘The MWBA has really resonated with so many people and it’s great to have people talking about the league and the Mystics here in town,’ she said. ‘So many people have put so many hours into our program and promoting the league. Women want to play and be involved. The MWBA and our local league is proof of that.’
Parlee also named the league’s four teams after WNBA teams including the Storm, Lynx, Aces and Sparks.
In fact, Parlee will suit up for the Storm in the league which will play twice a week from mid-March through May 26 with a championship night.
‘It’s exciting to see it come together and the first time back since the COVID outbreak,’ Parlee said. ‘We have revamped the league and we’re very excited. Our players with the Mystics have a chance to play at a high level, but for many, there was only pickup basketball. We’re pumped to get back on the court in a team format.’
