Weekend Preview: Kodiaks play final games of the term

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks finish the first semester season Friday. Both basketball and volleyball teams match up against the Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder (CUE). Kodiaks basketball plays at home with afternoon games while volleyball is on the road and will play in the evening.

Basketball:

WBB | Kodiaks (4-4) vs Concordia University of Edmonton (2-6)

• Friday, Nov. 29 | 1 p.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium

The Kodiaks women’s basketball team is hoping to close out 2024 with a win at home. The Kodiaks and Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder are ranked fifth in their divisions so it’s lining up to be a gritty game. The Kodiaks will need a solid game from their leader Courtney Deemter (fourth year, Bachelor of Nursing, Calgary). She’s had a good start to the first half of the season, leading the Kodiaks in multiple categories like overall minutes, average points per game and steals per game. Bailey Blackmore (first year, Bachelor of Nursing, Magrath) has been an emerging star for the Kodiaks. Being a first year, she’s not afraid to make risky plays and take big shots as she’s currently leading the team in three-pointers. With the right mix of leadership and skill, the Kodiaks are ready to close out the year with a win.

MBB | Kodiaks (4-4) vs Concordia University of Edmonton (5-3)

• Friday, Nov. 29 | 3 p.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium

The Kodiaks men’s basketball team is gearing up for a tough matchup as they take on the CUE Thunder at home to close out the term. With the Kodiaks ranked sixth in the South, and the Thunder sitting third in the North, this promises to be a hard-fought game, as both teams look for momentum heading into 2025. Treydon Barton (second year, General Arts and Science, Raymond) has been a key player for the Kodiaks, leading the team in scoring with 112 points and shooting an impressive 79.4 per cent from the free-throw line. Coleson Lake (fourth year, Business Administration, Eagle, Idaho) has also been a key contributor, providing strong leadership on the court and demonstrating his high basketball IQ with his playmaking and decision-making abilities. With a solid team effort and strong contributions across the board, the Kodiaks will look to finish the term on a high note by securing an important home victory.

Volleyball: You can watch games live at https://acactv.ca/

WVB | Kodiaks (1-7) vs Concordia University of Edmonton (0-7)

• Friday, Nov. 29 | 6 p.m. at Concordia University of Edmonton

The Kodiaks women’s volleyball team is back on the road to close out the first half of their season. With an evenly matched opponent ahead, the Kodiaks will need to dig deep and compete hard to come out on top. The team will also need to maintain efficient passing to get their middles involved early in the match. Despite being new to the team, Emma Blumenschein (third year, Bachelor of Nursing, Spruce Grove, Alta.) has quickly built strong chemistry with the setter, making her a dangerous threat and helping open up the block for the pins. Meanwhile, on the outside, Robyn Austin (first year, Business Administration – Accounting, Lethbridge) has made a significant impact, totaling 62 kills early in the season. If the Kodiaks can play as a united force and stay focused, they have what it takes to secure a victory on the road.

MVB | Kodiaks (7-1) vs Concordia University of Edmonton (0-7)

• Friday, Nov. 29 | 8 p.m. at Concordia University of Edmonton

The Kodiaks men’s volleyball team is set to finish the first half of the season with a match against the CUE Thunder. On paper, the Kodiaks are the heavy favourites, ranked second in the South, but they’ll need to stay focused and execute their game plan to ensure a solid win. Efficient passing will be key to getting their offense in rhythm, with the team needing to set up their powerful outside hitters and middle blockers early. Ethan Nashim (fifth year, Open Studies, Lac La Biche, Alta.) has been a standout this season, leading the team with 87 kills and hitting an impressive .504. Marshall Qually (second year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge) has been a dominant presence in the middle, boasting a .610 hitting percentage and a solid block average. If the Kodiaks play with consistency, they have every opportunity to take a win and build on their strong position in the standings.