SFU basketball teams take home some conference award hardware after regular
By Jade Richardson
Photos by Adam Ovenell-Carter
The Simon Fraser University women’s basketball team has had their share of victories in their impressive 2012–13 season, and as the conference season comes to a close the women are being recognized by the Great Northwest Athletic Conference for their performances so far this year.
Senior Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe headlines this year’s GNAC First All- star team as a third-year repeat all- star, and the 2012–13 GNAC Player of the Year.
She is one of only two players in GNAC history to be named to the First All-Star team three consecu- tive years, and was unanimously se- lected by the conference’s coaches in this year’s poll.
Her Player of the Year award was predicted in early November dur- ing the GNAC pre-season poll, and the 6’2” forward lived up to and sur- passed expectations this year.
Raincock-Ekunwe is the NCAA Division II national leader in field goal percentage and also ranks third in rebounding and in dou- ble-doubles with 18 this season, and was able to break two GNAC records this season.
On Dec. 26, 2012 she broke the conference record for most re- bounds in a single game, with 24, and in early January she earned the GNAC career double-double record, with 49.
That record, which she broke in only three seasons in the GNAC, increased to 59 by the end of the regular season.
“Nayo has improved her focus and game understanding which has helped her immensely this sea- son,” continued Langford. “She has made great gains in her defence, as well as her ability to pass through double-teams.”
Her sophomore teammate Erin Chambers also earned an individ- ual award this season, being named GNAC Defensive Player of the Year.
Chambers was a leader on the Clan’s conference leading de- fence that allowed an average of only 55 points each game. She also averaged 13.6 points per game, as her all-around ability secured her nomination to the GNAC Second All-star team.
“For Erin to be recognized on the second team and as DPOY is wonderful,” continued Langford. “She is strong and very competitive, defending big or little with equal ability.”
Senior Kristina Collins also picked up a pair of conference hon- ours being named to the Second All-star team, as well as the GNAC All-Academic team. Collins boasts a GPA of 3.71 in biomedical physiol- ogy, and was named to the All-Aca- demic team for her third consecu- tive year.
The guard also led the Clan in assists, with 130 on the season, and averages 10.2 points per game.
“Kristina’s leadership is signifi- can’t,” said Langford of the team’s co-captain. “She has risen to every challenge that she faced this year.”
Joining Collins on the All-Aca- demic team were sophomores Katie Lowen and Kia Van Laare.
Lowen, who is working towards a bachelor of arts boasts a GPA of
3.39, is a starter on the Clan line-up, and a first-time All-Academic hon- ouree. The 5’4” guard averages 6.3 points per game and is second on the team in steals and assists, with 42 and 68.
Van Laare also earned the award for the first time, thanks to her GPA of 3.27 in kinesiology at SFU, she averaged 5.3 points per game for the Clan.
Both women were eligible for this award for the first time this year, as athletes must be completing at least their second year of eligibility at their university to make the team.
On the men’s side, Taylor Dunn picked up the lone conference honours for the Clan, receiving honourable mention on the GNAC
all-conference team.
The 6’4 guard scored a total of 320 points for the Clan this season, shooting .388 from the field, and recording 22 steals and 43 assists over the 26-game season.
