Post Season Issue 2012

‘BIRDS FINISH CANADA WEST LEAGUE PLAY ON A ROLL

After returning home from a successful trip to Bisons and the Wesmen in the snowy California over the Christmas break, the T-Birds prairies. UBC dominated in the started the second half of the season with a opening frame of Friday’s game, jumping to a vengeance, taking on top-10 ranked teams 16-2 lead and coasting to a 75-38 win. Huntley Alberta and Saskatchewan the opening led all scorers with 20 points and nine rebounds, weekend of play. Friday’s game enabled the with Young chipping in 16 points and Hughes ‘Birds to gain some revenge against the Pandas, adding 10. Saturday’s game at the University of who had finished their season in the first round Winnipeg was a similar affair, with UBC getting of play-offs last February. After building a off to a great start before letting the home team double-digit lead in the third cut the lead in the fourth. quarter, UBC finished on top Young notched her second with a 73-69 win. Kris Young double-double of the season to led all scorers with 19 points, lead UBC to the 65-49 win, Zara Huntley added 14 points scoring 10 points and adding and nine rebounds, and Tori 11 assists. Huntley was on the Spangehl chipped in eight receiving end of many of points and six rebounds to lead Young’s passes to lead all a great night of scoring from the scorers with 18 points. The bench. Saturday’s game following weekend marked a resulted in a comfortable victory historic event, with the UBC over the visiting Huskies, with Thunderbirds taking on their UBC winning 76-64. It was Okanagan counterparts the another balanced scoring effort UBC-O Heat in their first official with Kristen Hughes tallying 18 league match-up. Four players points, including 4-7 from hit double-digits in Friday’s 81- downtown, Alex Vieweg adding 57 victory, with Alex Vieweg 17 points on 7-9 shooting, and leading the way with 18 points, Young contributing in all facets Hughes and Leigh Stansfield of the scoresheet, with 10 Kristen Hughes adding 14 apiece and rookie points, six rebounds and six Cassandra Knievel dropping assists. The following weekend the ‘Birds 10. Saturday’s rematch saw the home team travelled to take on the Thompson Rivers absolutely dominate defensively over three Wolfpack in a two-game series. After UBC took quarters, holding the visiting Heat to 17 points in Friday’s game 74-58, both teams got off to a the first 30 minutes en route to the 71-40 win. sluggish start on Saturday, with the two rivals Huntley had an efficient night, going 8-9 to lead combining for only 15 total first quarter points the ‘Birds with 18 points. Hughes and Stansfield and a whopping 20 turnovers. Alex Vieweg had chipped in 13 and 12, respectively. UBC took a monster game to lead the visiting T-Birds to a their eight-game winning streak out to slim 59-55 victory, scoring 27 points including a Abbotsford for a two-game series at the 3-4 performance from the 3-point line. Huntley University of the Fraser Valley. Despite taking a added 16 points. UBC hit the road again the four-point lead into the half, UBC struggled to following weekend, this time facing the Manitoba score in the second half, and could only add 18 points to their half-time score to drop their first Vieweg, the home team did not disappoint, game in a month, 65-57. Four players scored in dropping 51 second-half points to secure an 83- double digits, with Huntley, Vieweg and Young 66 win. Huntley was a dominating force on the contributing 12 each, and Stansfield chipping in glass, grabbing 15 rebounds, including 10 on the 11. Game two of the double-header was another offensive end, to add to her team-high 17 points. tightly-contested affair, with the score tied Young also had an outstanding game, finishing heading into the final possession of the game. just one assist shy of the rare triple-double, with With less than one second left on the clock, 14 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists. Knievel Huntley put up a shot and was fouled, sending made big contributions from the 3-point line, her to the free throw line to win the game 60-58. going 5-10 from beyond the arc to finish up with Huntley was an overall 8-9 from the free throw a career-high 17 points. The following weekend line on the night as part of her 15 points. Young UBC travelled to Victoria and took game two 69- had 14 points and eight rebounds and Hughes 57 to finish the regular season with an overall and Alex Vieweg chipped 11 and 10 conference record of 15-3. Young notched her respectively. The final two games of the regular fourth double-double of the year, dropping 16 season was a home-and-home series with the points and 14 rebounds. Huntley also grabbed University of Victoria. The first game of the her first double-double of the season, with 12 series tipped off at UBC, and on a night that points and 10 rebounds. recognized fifth-year seniors Huntley and

STRONG POST SEASON PLAY LEADS TEAM TO CIS NATIONAL FINAL

The ‘Birds earned home-court advantage in the first round of play-offs for the first time in several seasons, and for the third straight year, faced off against the Alberta Pandas. UBC came out on fire in game one of the best-of-three series, shooting a sizzling 66% in the first half en route to an 85-51 victory. Six players hit double digits, including Hughes (16 points, 4-6 3-point FG), Alex Vieweg (13 points, 3-3 3-point FG), Stansfield (12), Spangehl (12) and Huntley (10). Young also added 12 points and set a new UBC single-game assist record with 12, as part of the team’s 25 total assists. Game two was a tighter contest, with both Huntley and Alex Vieweg in foul trouble for much of the first half. Young shifted gears from playmaker to scorer, dropping 26 points Kris Young and adding eight rebounds. Hughes had a huge game for the ‘Birds, scoring 21 points, including 4-6 from beyond the arc, and did not come off the floor the entire game. The series sweep sent UBC to the Canada West Final Four for the first time in four years, with the winner earning a bye straight through to the CIS Final 8, and the second and third place teams getting a second opportunity to qualify in one of two regional tournaments. UBC squared off against the in the semi-final and had another outstanding performance, shooting 56% overall and 50% from the 3-point line to earn the win 72-55. Young was dominant once again, hitting four threes out of four attempts to tally 28 total points, in addition to her seven rebounds and six assists. Huntley and Alex Vieweg both had efficient nights, with Huntley dropping 18 points on 8-11 shooting and Vieweg going 5-6 from the

field for 11 points. The next night saw the T-Birds matched up against the #1 ranked in their home gym, who were coming off an undefeated regular season. The first quarter was a high- scoring period, with UBC outscoring the home team 32-21 while shooting an unheard-of 72% from the floor. Regina went on a run in the 2nd to pull within four at halftime, but the 4th quarter was all UBC, outscoring the Cougars 23-8 for a 78-59 win. Four players hit double digits, with Young’s 18 points leading the way, and Huntley (14), Stansfield (13) and Spangehl (11) all contributing. The Thunderbirds enjoyed a bye week before heading to Calgary for the 2012 CIS Kris Young Final 8 in mid-March as the #2 seed. First- round match-ups paired UBC with the Quebec champions McGill and the T-Birds cruised to a 65-43 victory, with all ten players scoring at least two points. Huntley notched her 2nd double-double of the season with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Stansfield added 13 points and Young grabbed 13 rebounds. UBC faced the Ottawa Gee-Gees in the second game of the national championship in a physical battle. There were several lead changes in the first half before the Gee-Gees outscored the ‘Birds 14-8 in the 3rd quarter. UBC fought back in the 4th, outscoring their rivals 19-7 in the final frame to take the game 59-51 and secure a spot in the national final. Huntley tallied her second straight double- double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Young led all scorers with 17. UBC faced off against the in the final, a team that head coach Deb Huband had never played in her 17 years at the helm of the UBC squad. Windsor jumped out to a quick start, leading 20-12 at the end of the 1st quarter. UBC went into the halftime break down by nine points, and had a strong start to the 2nd half, pulling to within one point halfway through the 3rd quarter. However, scoring inconsistencies plagued the ‘Birds, and after scoring only six points in the fourth quarter, had to settle for the silver medal, with Windsor taking the game 69-53. Young (16), Huntley (13) and Alex Vieweg (11) led UBC in scoring, and Vieweg was named UBC’s player of the game for her efforts.

THUNDERBIRDS RECOGNIZED WITH CONFERENCE AWARDS

Two members of the UBC team were recognized for their outstanding performances this past season. Zara Huntley was named to the Canada West First All-Star team and Kris Young was recognized as a Second-Team Canada West All-Star. Huntley had her best season as a Thunderbird, bringing consistent performance to the Thunderbirds on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. Huntley finished the season in the top 15 in seven statistical categories in Canada West, including 1st in blocks (1.5/g), 4th in offensive rebounding, 5th in FG%, 8th in FT%, 9th in Scoring, 10th in overall rebounding, and 15th in defensive rebounding. Zara averaged 13.8 points per game and 6.6 rebounds per game. Kris Young received conference recognition in only her second year of play after having a breakout season in which she led UBC in both scoring (15.6 points per game) and assists (4.5 assists per game). The Second-Team All-Star set career highs in scoring, rebounding and assists this season. She had a 31-point performance against Calgary on November 26th; grabbed a personal-best 14 rebounds game on February 17th, and set a new UBC record for assists with 12 versus Alberta on February 23rd.Young was also named to the CIS Final 8 All-Star team in recognition of her outstanding efforts at the CIS national championship.

T-BIRDS BID FAREWELL TO TWO GRADUATING SENIORS

In February we celebrated the university careers of two five- year UBC athletes, Alex Vieweg and Zara Huntley. Both players have made significant contributions to our program over the course of their five years and were instrumental in leading the ‘Birds back to the National Alex Vieweg Championship final this past season. Alex joined the T-birds from North where she was a graduate of Argyle Secondary, 3D Basketball and Basketball BC programs. She had a tremendous high school and club career and her love for basketball was obvious from the start. Her passion for the game and her commitment to training made her an impactful role model. Alex served as team captain, strength and conditioning captain and an athlete representative on the Thunderbird Athlete Council. She also participated in a UBC Athletics sponsored two week trip to El Salvador last spring to build houses for Habitat for Humanity. In her last season Alex was among the Canada West leaders in many statistical categories including 2nd in percentage, 7th in free throw percentage, 7th in steals, 9th in offensive rebounds and 14th in scoring. She will graduate from the Faculty of Arts and hopes to play professionally in Europe before embarking on a career in urban and city planning. Zara traveled across the country from Halifax, Nova Scotia to join the Thunderbirds in 2007. A highly touted recruit, Zara was considered one of the top under-age basketball players in the country and was selected to attend the National Elite Development Academy for her last year of high school. She was also selected to represent Canada internationally at the U19 World Championships in Slovakia and at the 2009 World University Games in Serbia. Since arriving on campus Zara made a lasting impression and has been an impact player over her five year career. She was part of the 2008 National Championship season as a rookie and since her 2nd year she has averaged over 10 points and six rebounds per game making her one of the most consistent performers on record. In recognition of her strong play she was named a 2011 Second Team Canada West All-Star and a 2012 First Team CW All-Star. Zara is well respected for her versatile skill set and was on the leader board in Canada West in six statistical categories, including 1st in blocks, 6th in free throw shooting percentage, 8th in scoring and 15th in rebounding. She has Zara Huntley grown in her leadership, and has evolved into a reliable teammate who has an equal commitment to defense and offense. Zara has been part of our team’s leadership group and has served as an athlete representative on the Thunderbird Athlete Council for many years. She is a kinesiology student with an interest in playing professionally overseas before pursuing business opportunities. UBC Basketball wishes these two tremendous young women all the best in their future endeavours.

UBC ATHLETICS COMMITTED TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY EXPEDITION

Last May three members of the women’s basketball team (Coach Huband, Alex Vieweg and Chloee St. Amour) headed to El Salvador to participate in a two week Habitat for Humanity expedition with UBC Athletics. This May third year player Tori Spangehl has been selected to be part of the 2012 humanitarian trip to San Vicente. The expedition will include the construction of houses for needy families, as well as a variety of T-Bird-led sports camps for local children. We are thrilled that this opportunity is made possible for our student-athletes through the support and initiative of UBC Athletics and supporter Bill Humphries. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that seeks to mobilize volunteers and community partners to build affordable housing and promote homeownership as a means to break the cycle of poverty. Stay tuned for postings on www.gothunderbirds.ca chronicling their adventure.

T-BIRDS FROM PAST AND PRESENT HONOURED BY BASKETBALL BC

The 2012 Basketball BC Hall of Fame and Awards Dinner had a UBC flavour as Thunderbirds from the past and present were honoured. “These awards are a means of recognizing the outstanding level of dedication to excellence that has been demonstrated by these individuals,” said Lawrie Johns, Executive Director of Basketball BC. UBC was the recipient of Basketball BC’s Team of the Year award while Alex Vieweg and Kris Young were nominated for the BC University Outstanding Player of the Year. Coach Huband received a Coaching Award of Excellence. The BC Basketball Hall of Fame added five members including the 1972/73 UBC Women’s Basketball Team. One of the most dominant teams in the history of Canadian university women's basketball, it won the Canadian University championship with a 24 – 1 record. At the two game National Championship tournament it won the title outscoring the opposition by a combined 117 – 59 score. The roster boasted seven National Team members including four future Olympians – this extraordinary talent combined with dedication, conditioning, enthusiasm and teamwork creating a team far and away the best in the country. Team Members: Bev Bland (Preston), Bev Barnes, Jan Gee (Kainer), Joanne Sargent, Vicki Williams (Jury), Debbie Phelan, Liz Silcott, Wendy Grant, Laurie Watson. Kathy Burdett (Lambert), Peggy Robinson. Coach – Norm Vickery, Manager – Jo Hinchliffe, Manager – Heather Butcher (Lennie).

“Any time you get an opportunity to link the present with the past it gives a sense of those who blazed the trails and paved the way for the players of today. The 72/73 team, laden with talent, commitment and team spirit competed at such a high level and put UBC Women’s Basketball among the elite in the country in the late 60’s and into the 70’s. It was those standards that we worked so hard to meet when we finally claimed our first championship title after 30 years in 2004 and then repeated in 2006 and 2008”, states Coach Deb Huband.

T-BIRDS WELCOME NEW RECRUITS

The UBC Thunderbirds will be welcoming five new players into the fold for the 2012-13 season, adding some depth and size to all positions on the floor. Local basketball fans will be familiar with the three BC additions, as incoming players Jaime Hills, Cherub Lum and Andrea Strujic all played high school basketball for Lower Mainland programs. Hills is a 5’9 guard from North Vancouver who recently guided the Handsworth Royals to an 8th place finish at the BC AAA Championships, where she was named as a Second-Team All-Star. A product of both the 3D Academy and Basketball BC U-17 provincial teams, Hills is expected to bring strong outside shooting and physical guard play to the Thunderbirds. Lum was also named a Second-Team All-Star at the 2012 Provincial Championships, where she led the York House Tigers to a second-place finish in their first ever season in the AAA league. Lum is a 5’6 point guard whose

excellent All-Stars Hills, Lum and Strujic at the Lower Maggie Sundberg Mainland Championships leadership shoots the 3 and court vision will be valuable assets for UBC’s up- tempo style of play. Strujic, a 6’3 post player from Kitsilano Secondary, will bring some much-needed size to a team who graduates two fifth-year post players. Strujic has played with the Basketball BC Susan Thompson provincial team program for the past three summers and will provide depth and size to UBC’s front line. Maggie Sundberg represents the first American player on the T-Birds roster in Coach Deb Huband’s 17-year career. At 5’8, the Connecticut native is a savvy player with a strong basketball IQ, and her quickness and tenacity will enhance the full-court defensive pressure UBC will look to employ next season. Rounding out the incoming recruits is 6’1 forward Susan Thompson, who hails from Calgary, Alberta. Thompson is a versatile player who has honed her skills for the past three seasons with the Alberta provincial team, and will be looked upon to bring size and toughness in the 4 position.

THUNDERBIRD SOCIETY SPRING FLING CLASSIC

A number of UBC Varsity programs including Women’s Basketball will once again host the 3rd annual Thunderbird Society Spring Fling Golf Classic. We are looking forward to another great event. There are many ways to get involved including golfing, providing silent auction prizes, and/or sponsoring a hole. The event is rapidly approaching and we look forward to the opportunity to connect on the golf course with friends of UBC Basketball. You can register online at: www.gothunderbirds.ca/springfling or contact coach Deb Huband ([email protected], 604.822.4954).

Where and When: Thursday May 24th, 2012 at the Green Acres Golf Course in Richmond.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

6th Woman Monthly Giving Club Elissa Beckett Trixie Cruz Gregory Eng Jenn Forgie John Foster Deb Huband Erica McGuinness Betty Ross Lisa Scharf Jason Wang Carrie Watts

Bird Backer Roger Agyagos Beverly Barnes Peggy Blumenthal Lauren Calancie Lori Clarke Jenn Forgie Mike and Wendy Frisby Cait Haggarty Peter Herd Peter Meredith Ron and Dawn Prokop Richard Price Blair and Julie Shier Vivian and Werner Spangehl Toni and Larry Stansfield

Millennium Breakfast and Ruth Wilson Memorial Scholarship Russel Black Mike Evans Mary Macdonald Loma McKenzie Nora McDermott Ron Suzuki Mitra Tshan Jack and Marilyn Pomfret Eleanor and Bill Whyte Kathy and Bill Lambert

Other Contributions Elissa Beckett Evelyn Carroll Mark Churchland Susan Ewanick Doreen Fraser Patricia Gilson Peter Herd Geraldine Howe Elizabeth Manning Dorit Mason Lynn McAfee Sheila McCall Wendy Palmer Marni Richardson Colette Ritchie Peggy Robinson Sandra Sulyma Katherine Tindle Barb Whidden Richard Willett Sue and Pete Vieweg Dominos Pizza Ernst & Young Fabutan Level 10 Fitness RBL Basketball 3D Basketball Academy Premier Envelopes Ultra X-Press