Kodiaks men’s basketball team signs Magrath shooting guard

April 11, 2024 - The Lethbridge College Kodiaks men’s basketball team has signed Levi Balderson, a talented shooting guard from Magrath, as its first recruit for next season.

Balderson, who grew up playing club basketball for the Sunny South and Junior Horns programs, says a few factors led him to choose to start his collegiate career as a Kodiak, including familiarity of the college, its proximity to home and a personal connection to current and former players in the program. Balderson will enrol in the General Arts and Science program.

Kodiaks men’s head basketball coach Ryan Heggie reached out to Balderson after watching him play and pointed to a number of strengths he expects the guard to bring to the team. “I liked Levi’s high motor aggressive play and, obviously, his three-point range,” says Heggie. “We are going to try and push the pace more next season, and I think he will fit well with that style.”

Two summers ago, Balderson was invited to practice with the team, he says he connected with the current student-athletes and got to know more of coach Heggie’s coaching style. “I hope to bring some consistent three-point shooting and a very good work ethic,” says Balderson. “I also hope to be a player who can be trusted defensively on the court.”

Balderson comes from an athletically talented family with deep roots in Alberta. His father, Danny Balderson, played for the University of Lethbridge men’s basketball team and was named an All-Canadian; his grandfather, Wes Balderson, played for the University of Calgary men’s basketball team; and his aunt, Debbie Balderson, played with the 2003-04 Kodiaks women’s basketball team that won the national championship.

Balderson, who graduated from Magrath High School in 2022, says he is eager to return to the court after a hiatus. “I’m looking forward to playing competitive basketball again,” he adds, “and to winning!”

Kodiaks coaches actively recruit high school athletes around Alberta and neighbouring provinces. If one of our coaches hasn’t spoken to you yet, don’t worry. Simply fill out the form (https://gokodiaks.ca/recruitment) and they would be pleased to learn more about you.