WOMEN'S BASKETBALL ADD TO 2019 ROSTER
The Lancers women's basketball team is taking shape for the 2019-2020 season.
Coach Caleb Hugh and his coaching staff are proud to announce the commitment of 6 high levels players who bring a wealth of knowledge, skill and experience to the Lancers.
""We are very happy to add a group of athletes that truly love the game" says Coach Hugh. "We targeted these players not only for their skill, but because of their commitment to getting in the gym as well as their passion for the sport."
The 2018-19 season was Coach Hugh's first one at the helm of the women's basketball program and he and his coaching staff have put a major emphasis on recruitment in the off season. His dedication to developing a winning program at Loyalist is paying off in a big way with the commitment these six outstanding athletes.
Coming from Newmarket, Ontario and standing at 5'2, Frances Ginete is a 10 year veteran of the game who has spent the majority of her school career developing her basketball skills. Having played for both IEM and Bayan Lakan clubs in Aurora, Ginete's comes from a background of good programs and solid coaching that makes her a natural fit for the OCAA. On the court, Ginete is strong on defense, a tough rebounder and an underrated scorer. Those skills combined with her demeanor, willingness to make the hustle plays and aggression make Ginete a strong addition to the Lancer rotation.
Jewells Figueroa, from Aurora, Ontario, is a graduate of the same club system as teammate Ginete, having played with IEM for 5 years. "Jewels is an extremely selfless player and is a willing and gifted passer" says coach Hugh. "One of her best assets is her speed and she uses it to be disruptive on defense" Her abilities as a combo guard that can handle and score from the perimeter brings an element to the squad that the coaching staff are very excited about.
5'7 guard, Josee Fillion brings a winning attitude to the program thanks to her experience playing with, and against some of the best teams in the province. Fresh of an impressive bronze medal season in Division 1 with her hometown team, Sudbury Jam, Fillion takes pride her in defense, has a great touch shooting the ball and has a solid ability to finish close to the basket. Having also competed with her high school, Lockerby Composite, at OFSAA in the 2017-18 season, Fillion has a long history of success that she brings with her to her new team.
Andrea Salazar rounds out the duo joining the Lancers from the Bayan Lakan club. Having played with the club for 8 years total, Salazar's experience and natural abilities have made her into a very talented player who offers a wide range of skills. She has an incredible feel for the game and plays it at her tempo. Her ability to run an offense is outstanding, thanks in part to her great court vision, strong passing and ability to create her own shot. Aside from physical skills, Salazar brings an element of leadership to the program due to her incredible work ethic and commitment to her craft.
Sheanne Andres Tesoy joins the Lancers ready for a fresh start. After sitting out the past season with a torn ACL, she's back to her regular self and is eager for the season to get underway. Andres Tesoy started her basketball career with a youth league run by the Jaguars in Mississauga before transitioning into the Jayhawks Club. She prides herself on maintaining a positive attitude and strong work ethic regardless of the score. Andres Tesoy possesses good ball handling skills, has a good feel for scoring and continuously strives for improvement. As a capable scorer from multiple levels, she will only become more proficient under Coach Hugh's guidance.
Llana Siega and her family moved to Toronto from the Phillipeans in 2014 and she began playing basketball shortly after. Having been recruited by one of her teachers, the 5'0 guard joined the Toronto Lords where she quickly made a name for herself and was awarded team MVP in only her second year. Now six seasons in, Siega was recently named the Lords' Female Graduate of the Year. Her combination of impressive ball handling that allows her to create plays for her teammates and her tireless energy, makes Siega a fun player to watch and one that is sure to fit right into the Lancer squad. Her endless support of her teammates, love of the game and magnetic personality are all traits that contribute to Siega's unique and exciting style of play.
"Each of these players brings their own unique skill set that will create more versatility on the offensive end this season" Coach Hugh continues. "These young Lancers will be vital in helping us continue to build the culture of the Loyalist basketball program."
Team training sessions continue on throughout the summer before tryouts begin in September. Anyone interested in more information regarding the women's basketball program can contact Coach Hugh at womensbasketball@loyalistcollege.com