Top college basketball teams will bring speed, skill and intensity to the University of New Brunswick's (UNB) Saint John campus as the Seawolves host the 2025 Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) Basketball Championships.
The tournament will feature the top six ACAA men's and women's teams competing at the G. Forbes Elliot Athletics Centre from Feb. 28 to March 2.
"The ACAA Basketball Championship Weekend is the pinnacle event of our conference," said Natasha Kelly, director of athletics, recreation & wellness at UNB's Saint John campus.
"We are honoured to host this prestigious event and excited to see our athletes battle for the cup and banner on their home court."
Men's team eyes championship
The Seawolves men's coach Paul Vaughan is looking forward to the tournament.
"Our league is so competitive that winning three games in three days is hard," he said, acknowledging that the powerful first-place Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) Mystics will be tough competition.
"They own the bragging rights, but they've had some close games. I think all the teams chasing them feel they have a chance."
The Seawolves' strength lies in their offensive and defensive flexibility and depth.
"Most of the guys have played together at least one season, sometimes multiple. They are familiar with each other and the coaches. We don't have any seven-footers, but overall, we are of good size to do things offensively," Vaughan said.
"We have offensive and defensive flexibility, separating us from the other teams we compete against. We also have depth, and we don't rely on one person. We have guys who can come off the bench, score, contribute and play defence."
Fifth-year business administration student Jack Fury-Miller, a wing and captain, said execution will be key.
"MSVU has a talented roster, and they hold that record for a reason," he said. "We must be spotless with our game plan and adjustments and play with an edge that proves we can compete," he said.
"Our team's depth this year has been phenomenal. We can rely on countless guys to both create and defend. Our team's offensive output is very balanced, and there's a lot of humility amongst us knowing that we can have a different scoring leader in any game."
Fourth-year bachelor of arts student Ethan Szemerda, a forward and captain, is confident in his team's adaptability.
"With the amount of talent we have, we can come into the game with strategy and then totally flip depending on who's hot and just being able to switch freely no matter what the other team throws at us," he said.
"Paul has been able to implement his style of play, being post and dominating the paint. While doing that, he has provided opportunities to create off it to get open shots from beyond range. He has helped us find the second and third sides of the floor, creating opportunities for us to score consistently and efficiently."
Women's team prepares for playoffs
The Seawolves women's coach Moira K. Gagnon, who is in her first season with the Seawolves, praised her players' progress.
"They have all worked extremely hard this season," she said. "We have seen much improvement, individually and as a team. They've bought into the system I brought in, which isn't always easy when they've had a different coach for several years."
She said their focus is making the playoffs and being competitive in the first game.
"This is a great opportunity to host some of the best women's basketball in Atlantic Canada. Hopefully, a lot of people come out to watch."
Fourth-year radiography student Ava Smith, a forward and a captain, said Gagnon has emphasized personal and athletic growth.
"Her approach focuses on competing at our highest level, giving everything we have in practice and games," Smith said.
"She's laying a solid foundation that will set us up for greater success in future seasons."
As a captain, Smith said she is focused on keeping the team unified and making smart plays.
"I'll focus on rebounding and giving us the most chances to score while limiting the other teams."
Teammate Jenny Cripps, a fourth-year health and biomedical sciences student and a captain who plays point and shooting guard, said the mix of veterans and rookies has been a strength.
"The veterans bring valuable experience, which has helped us through tough situations, while the rookies offer fresh perspectives and new energy," she said.
"Our chemistry off the court translates to better communication and trust on the court."
Cripps is focusing on decision-making and defence.
"I'm working on being a stronger defender and creating opportunities for my teammates through defensive stops, which can lead to fast breaks and scoring chances."
Community outreach
The Seawolves provide free tickets to local teams, classes and schools for regular-season home games, pulling in local support and engagement. These groups often participate in halftime activities, creating a lively game day atmosphere and inspiring young players.
The Seawolves have invited supporters to attend the tournament for free. So far, eight schools, from elementary to high school, have shown interest. This initiative supports local schools and fosters a sense of unity and excitement around the sport.
"It is a privilege to expose young athletes to the post-secondary realm, where they can begin shaping their futures through continued education while pursuing their sport at a high level," said Kelly.
See ACAA championship tournament for more information.
