It didn’t take long for Emily White to show her ability on the basketball court this season.
From the day she arrived at RDC, it was obvious she would give the Queens an inside presence they’ve been missing over the years.
White caught the attention of the rest of the coaches in the Alberta Colleges Women’s Basketball League South Division as well as they voted her the South Rookie of the Year.
The six-foot-two White, who was born in Florida but raised in Horsens, East Jutland, Denmark, proved to be one of the most dominant inside players in the conference. She led the conference with an ACAC record 46 blocks in only 20 games. She finished with 199 rebounds, averaging 9.95 per game, third best in the south and the ACAC. She also had 254 points (12.7 average), 49 assists (2.45) and 44 steals (2.20).
White, who is in Open Studies this year, led the Queens in rebounds, steals and blocks and was second in points.
“Emily was a piece we always needed in the middle. She was always solid. Had a solid work ethic and was one of the most competitive players in practice,” said Queens head coach Ken King. “She always pushed our forwards to get better while maintaining the ability to rebound and score. She brought our program to an all different level at that position and overall.”
White was pleased with her season, although she admitted it was a big change from basketball overseas.
“It was a big change, the biggest was the officiating,” she said. “But I felt I stayed steady throughout the season … I felt I gave it my all every game … that’s all I can do.
“I had some ups and downs in games when I didn’t step up when the girls needed me. I feel that had an impact on us not making the playoffs.”
Falling one game short of a playoff berth bothered White the most.
“We had a good year, but it was disappointing not to make the playoffs. I feel we had a good enough team to make them.”
White, who was named to the second South Division All-Conference team, expects to return next season.
“I definitely want to return and make the playoffs,” she said. “The thing is a lot of us have been together for a year and know each other which will help a lot.”
White will return to Denmark at the end of May.
“I would like to see a little bit of Canada, more than just inside a gym,” she said.
Once home she will decide if she will join the Denmark senior national team.
“Right now I’m not sure. I need a little break and the national team runs for a month and a half, so I will see how I feel.”