Back to where it all began
By Mo Cranker on September 16, 2017.
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com @MHNmocranker The Medicine Hat College women’s basketball team prepped for its regular season Friday, falling to the Mount Royal University Cougars 55-52 at Medicine Hat High School. For most of the Rattlers team, the exhibition match was a fairly standard way to begin a new basketball season, but for Jordyn Kearley, it was a trip back to where she played high school ball. “I played a few years of basketball here, but it sure does look a lot different now — especially the gym,” said Kearley. “Being back here feels good. It’s only my first year with the Rattlers, so it wasn’t too long ago, but I only played one game in the new gym, so it feels a bit weird to be back.” Being back at the high school she graduated from, and the gym she played many games in, Kearley says she is very impressed with the new look to Hat High. “I’m actually pretty jealous,” she said before Friday evening’s game. “It’s a pretty great facility they have here now. The students who get to use all of the new stuff, I think they’re really lucky.” Though she is impressed with the entire school’s new look, Kearley says the new gym is the highlight for her. “The gym is just so spacious,” she said. “Not only is it one court, but it’s two. Everything about the gym is really great.” Being just one year removed from high school basketball, Kearley says any high school students who want to take basketball to the next level should chase that dream. “I think if it’s a passion for someone in high school they should try and continue with it,” she said. “I think if someone in high school wants to chase it, then they should really push themselves and believe in what they’re doing.” Looking forward Though the team did not come out with a victory Friday, head coach Clayton Nielsen says is feeling great about going into the season. “I feel awesome,” he said. “We have a lot of returnees from last year’s team and we got some great out-of-towners, too. I think we’ll be a bit deeper than last year’s team, and I think we’ll be a really strong team.” Though he does feel good about this year’s Rattlers team, Nielsen says he know the club needs a bit of work. “I think just playing together will be the biggest thing,” he said. “Just building up some of that chemistry going into the year will be big for the team. Nielsen says he is hoping the team can build on the 11-10 regular season, and the fourth-place finish at provincials. The Rattlers women will play their first game of the year on the road against St. Mary’s on Oct. 20, then will play at home against Lethbridge on Oct. 21. Fundraiser The Rattlers are holding a PJammin for Kids with Cancer event today during the two Rattlers games. Fans are encouraged to wear their pajamas, and $1 will be donated to the Palliative Care Unit at the Medicine Hat Hospital. The women face off against Lethbridge at noon, before the men play Lethbridge at 2 p.m. 22
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