Weekend preview: Kodiaks to host basketball and futsal Friday through Sunday

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks are set to host events tonight through Sunday in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium.

The Kodiaks basketball teams take on the St. Mary’s University Lightning tonight. It is also Junior and Senior High Appreciation Night, which is a free event for all grade 6 to 12 students who register in advance.

The Kodiaks will be hosting five schools tomorrow and Sunday as the futsal men’s and women’s South Regional tournament takes place.

Basketball: games can be watched live on TELUS channel 1998 or ACACTV.

WBB | Kodiaks (10-5) vs St. Mary’s University Lightning (11-4)

• Friday, Jan. 31 | 6 p.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium

The Kodiaks women’s basketball team will have to use the energy from the crowd in tonight’s game as they take on the 14th nationally ranked STMU Lightning. Annah Westrop (fourth year, General Arts and Science, Lethbridge), the team’s leading rebounder, has been a force inside, picking up 65 rebounds. Her 20 assists and 13 blocks show her versatility on both ends of the floor. As a powerful forward, she’ll be key in securing second-chance opportunities for the Kodiaks. Nyla Butler (first year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) is coming off her first post-secondary start, where her hustle and defensive instincts were evident throughout the game. The young guard played a well-rounded role that earned her player of the game. The Kodiaks will be looking to her versatility going into this game as she provides a spark both offensively and defensively.

MBB | Kodiaks (6-9) vs St. Mary’s University Lightning (12-3)

• Friday, Jan. 31 | 8 p.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium

The Kodiaks men’s basketball team is ready to take on the nationally ranked STMU, who sit just ahead of them in the standings. Treydon Barton (third year, General Arts and Science, Raymond) will be key to the Kodiaks’ offensive success, as he leads the team in scoring and is always a threat to drive or score from the line. Ryan Degner (fourth year, Open Studies, Lethbridge) will also play a big role, contributing both offensively and defensively with his shooting and ability to create opportunities. The Kodiaks will also rely on Levi Balderson (third year, General Arts and Science, Calgary) for his shooting and defense, as they look to challenge the higher-ranked STMU squad. This game is a great opportunity for the Kodiaks to test themselves as they head into the final stretch before playoffs.

Futsal: All Kodiaks games will be played on court B

Stream Links:

Day 1 Court B: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7CbZ-iSfy8

Day 1 Court C: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwyiFYWRknQ

Day 2 Court B: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxLSn6IKh0Q

Day 2 Court C: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zc1r_n9hRk

WFUT | Day 1: Sat. Feb. 1| Kodiaks (1-1)

• Vs.  SAIT Trojans (1-0) | 11:30 a.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium (Court B)
• Vs.  RDP Queens (1-0-1) | 4:45 p.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium (Court B)

WFUT | Day 2: Sun. Feb. 2| Kodiaks (1-1)

• Vs.  OC Broncos (0-1-1) | 10:30 a.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium (Court B)
• Vs.  AMB Lions (0-1) | 2:30 p.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium (Court B)

The Kodiaks women’s futsal team is heading into this tournament with a huge win under their belt and momentum on their side. As this is a two-day tournament, they need to have depth in their bench. Players like Aniesha Wijesena (third year, Open Studies, Airdrie, Alta.) fit into that description. She subbed into the Kodiaks’ last game with fresh legs and scored the game-winning goal in the second half.

MFUT | Day 1: Sat. Feb. 1| Kodiaks (0-2)

• Vs.  RDP Kings (1-1) | 12:30 p.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium (Court B)

MFUT | Day 2: Sun. Feb. 2| Kodiaks (1-1)

• Vs.  OC Broncos (1-1) | 9:15 a.m. | Val Matteotti Gymnasium (Court B)
• Vs.  AMB Lions (1-0) | Noon | Val Matteotti Gymnasium (Court B)

The Kodiaks men’s futsal team is hungry to pick up a few wins. The team recently played back-to-back games against last year’s Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference silver medalists. While the scores weren’t in the Kodiaks favour, there were some takeaways and a strong showing from key players. Goalkeeper Tristan Martin (first year, General Arts and Science, Whitehorse, Yukon) earned player of the game for both matches. His ability to read the game and the opponents’ defence is pivotal in reacting to shots in such a fast-paced game.

The full tournament schedule and futsal rosters can be found at www.acac.ab.ca