They’ve established a reputation, now the goal is to reach their potential.
The Douglas College Royals launched a new season last Saturday, defeating Capilano University 66-53 to put the first ‘W’ on the board.
How they follow that up is the key point.
The program, which last won the B.C. title in 1992/93, demonstrated impressive form last year in a highly competitive league. Finishing third in the regular season, the Royals pushed it to the PacWest provincial final before getting bumped 76-48 by Quest University and settling for silver.
There is no talk of settling this year.
Head coach Courtney Gerwing, entering her second full season at the helm, envisions this as a breakout opportunity.
“We have spoken as a team about this because our approach in previous seasons has been about making a name for ourselves. I think we have established this, and now we are a team to look out for,” said Gerwing, a PoCo native. “It is an important thing to recognize, but we will always play with a bit of a chip on our shoulders – it’s in our makeup.”
That chip isn’t manufactured but a product of climbing the charts honestly only to be slapped back. Fiesty, the character of this roster is one of a fighter, who has gone the “underdog” route and now is primed to be in the crosshairs of its rivals.
As evident in the season opener, the Royals work like a committee on the court, aiming to utilize every player's strength to out-man the opposition.
"We had a solid second quarter (Saturday against Capilano) that ended up setting the tone for us for the game. I think our defense was as good as it has been so far in the preseason and that’s an important piece of our game," said the coach.
Setting the tone on offence were Nanaya Miki, with 18 points, Gursimran Bir, with 15, and Ellen Fallis' 10 points. Driving the attack was guard Adelia Paul, while the defensive tone was led by Sarah Jorgenson and Garaline Tom.
Paul, a native of Kitamaat Village, recruited Gerwing and a handful of teammates to make the 1,400-kilometre trek north to her small village to offer a basketball camp. The experience, noted the coach, was an amazing adventure.
"Kitamaat was one of the best basketball experiences I’ve ever had as a player or coach," said Gerwing. "It was such a great chance to get to know our own Adelia Paul, as she is from the village of Kitamaat. She and her dad took us on an impromptu prawn fishing trip and we got to meet some of her family members, check out the gym she grew up playing in and really get an idea of the strong ties she has for this community. I know it was a special time for her to be able to share with some of her teammates."
The group was welcomed with open arms by the Haisla Nation people, and the two-day camp was a grueling but appreciated affair that was a great bonding experience for all involved.
"I was impressed with the attitude and energy of the campers, especially as the second of two long six-hour days.. ... It was an experience I will never forget and would be honored to have again."
Gerwing says balance is critical, and its part of her own development since taking on the role of Royals coach midway through the 2013/14 season. When it comes to practice and game time, it’s all work first.
Having played for and assisted under SFU coach Bruce Langford, after four high school years under his brother Paul, Gerwing leans on their lessons regarding the importance of chemistry and player input.
“My coaching style has definitely been enormously impacted by both Paul and Bruce Langford. I’ve learnt to be adaptable, working to find the best system (to) fit for the players you have on your team and also to work early to establish team chemistry as Bruce always stressed.”
She also spent a season assistant coaching at the University of Waterloo in 2010/11, another valuable learning opportunity.
She doesn’t see any one or two players carrying the load, instead focusing on how every player has a role and a common goal.
“Honestly, I couldn’t mention our leaders without talking about each one of the people on our team – our depth is our greatest strength. I am proud of this team and of our team chemistry, everyone plays an integral role and contributes to the team,” she said.
Among the veterans, Miki, Bir and Paul are on the frontlines when it comes driving the ball forward.
Miki led the club last year with 200 points over 18 games.
This year’s roster also includes New West natives Domunique Booker, a guard who transferred in from Bishop’s University, and Jettie McLaughlin, a fourth-year post player.
“(Booker) is new to the team, and Jettie is still recovering from knee surgery,” said Gerwing. “Both of them are integral to the team. Domunique will quickly become one of the best rebounders in the league and we are looking to her to provide some versatility on both ends of the floor. Jettie has been an incredible source of inspiration. ... Her dedication to the team is on another level – she was at all the summer workouts and practices with a smile on her face and an encouraging word for her teammates.”
As Gerwing envisions, every player will shine in a season to remember.
“Honestly, for us it is going to be about completely buying in and fulfilling our roles. We have great team chemistry and we have built our depth. ... I think this is what makes us difficult to play against.”
They host Vancouver Island on Friday, 6 p.m., and Camosun on Saturday, 1 p.m.
