Dallas Hancox hasn’t officially decided what path his basketball career will take next season.
“Right now I’m not sure of anything past June,” said the six-foot-eight Hunting Hills star after helping the Light team down the Dark squad 99-80 in the 3A-4A Senior Bowl at RDC Wednesday.
“I’ve had several schools looking at me, but right now it’s talking and a bargaining process . . . I’m keeping my options open.”
One of those option is the RDC Kings.
“I also talked with the University of Alberta head coach and he said I could go there and red shirt, but the best option for me would be to go to RDC and get some playing time,” explained Hancox. “That would be good as it’s close to home. But honestly I’ll see if I can get a full ride, or at least a partial scholarship. I’d like to play the highest competition and be the worst player on the team where I’m challenged to get better.”
That could well be with the Kings, who won the ACAC title this season and could have practically their full roster back next season.
Hancox will work out with the Kings each Sunday as head coach Clayton Pottinger keeps his players active and looks at talent for next season.
Hancox is from Sylvan Lake, but moved to Hunting Hills in Grade 11.
“It was a better opportunity in terms of education,” he explained. “H.J. Cody didn’t have medicine programs while Hunting Hills did and that’s a field I’m interested in.”
He’s also glad basketball is part of his life.
“I’m blessed to participate in the sport and it helps me as I pursue my education,” he said.
Hancox finished with 10 points while Dallin Higham of Lindsay Thurber led the Light team with 14 points. Mike Ward of Hunting Hills and Cole Wallewein of Innisfail added 10 points each and Joel Peterson of Hunting Hills and Mike Malin of Notre Dame had nine apiece. Joel Bishop of Wetaskiwin had 13 points for the Dark side with Chandler McLaren of Ponoka and Luke Bramfield of Camrose hitting 12 each, Mike Roe of Lacombe nine and Braydon Friesen of West Central of Rocky Mountain House eight.
Light 72 Dark 46
Alex Donaghy of Sylvan Lake had already made a decision to attend RDC this fall, but she’ll be playing for the volleyball Queens.
Donaghy was recruited for both sports, but after some soul searching decided to go the volleyball route.
“I think I’m a little better in volleyball and can go farther in it, but really it was a last minute decision,” she said after helping the Light team down the Dark squad 72-46.
“It was a tough choice as I enjoy both sports.”
The ability to live at home while playing for the Queens played a role in her decision to attend RDC.
“That was a big influence as it costs less and I still get to play sports. I’m super fortunate to be able to do that and I’m super excited for next season.”
Donaghy, who plays both the middle and power, also plays for the Queens Volleyball Club in their U18 program, which is coached by RDC assistant coach Mandi Carroll.
In fact the volleyball club was working out at the same time as the basketball game.
“But Mandi said it was OK to play and this was a lot of fun. It’s kind of sad it’s my last high school game. I’ll have to play some rec basketball as I still love playing.”
Donaghy finished with four points while Christie Pilger of Camrose led the Light team with 11 points. Jesalyn Clarkson of Camrose added 10, Taya Strawberry of West Central nine and Wendy Cortes of Hunting Hills and Jenya Rust of Camrose eight each. Amy Whitesell of LTCHS had 14 points, Sam Reid of Lacombe and Mikayla Morneault of LTCHS eight each and Erin Seater of LTCHS seven for the Dark squad.