RDC Queens head coach Mike Woollard went into Sunday’s ID camp knowing he already had a solid nucleus for next season.
“We have six of our top nine players back for sure next season and hopefully Amrei (Bondzio) will also be back,” said Woollard, who had close to 30 players on hand Sunday.
Bondzio, a native of Germany, will make up her mind shortly, according to Woollard, who had two players commit for next season last week.
Mozanga Ekwalaga, a five-foot-10 shooting guard, who can also play the wing, transferred from St. Mary’s University College of Calgary and guard Manesha Sidhu, out of Western Canada High School of Calgary, will also be on hand in the fall.
Ekwalaga was one of the top scorers for St. Mary’s and will be used on the wing, says Woollard.
“She gives us some additional scoring and is a big, strong kid, who can also work inside. As for Manesha she passes the ball well and can shoot. She can back up Melissa (Woolley), or we can use both of them on the court at the same time.”
“The two (newcomers) certainly add depth and talent to our roster,” said Woollard, who offered a spot to another player after Sunday’s camp, but won’t comment on her status until she makes a commitment.
“I feel positive, but she said she’d let me know by the end of the week,” he said. “There’s also a couple of others we’re looking at, but we have some other irons in the fire, so we’ll see how it works out.”
Woollard has been talking with a player out of Ontario, as well as at least one other player out of Germany.
“As of now it looks like we have around 11 players and then we’re looking at hitting some home runs with the final three,” he said.
Having Woolley return is a big plus for Woollard, who through he may lose her after this year.
“She’s big for our team for sure,” he said. “She was improving all the time last year and gives us experience at the point. As well with some of the other girls returning at guard and with Manesha we can make sure she doesn’t have to play 36 minutes a game and be fresh.”
Dedra Janvier, third-year Sarah Williamson and Carly Hoar are also back at guard with Desirae Paterson and Kaitlin Bracko back up front.
As well Miranda Honey could also return.
Outside of the Grade 12s, Woollard invited several Grade 11 students to the camp, including outstanding Lacombe product Kristen Ramsay, who looked as if she was ready to play now. As well two Grade 11 students from Notre Dame of Wilcox, Sask. — six-foot-two Brook Bertoia of Lloydminster and guard Morgan Dool of Lacombe — were impressive.
“I really liked what I saw from several of the Grade 11 kids and the good thing is they’re interested in RDC,” said Woollard.