Mount Mystics Moving Forward
Hillary McLeod // January 23, 2012
You enter the Rosaria gym at the Mount and can almost feel the competitive spirit in the air. The steady thud of the ball echoes through the gym and keeps rhythm with the cheers from the crowd. From the bench, you hear constant cheers of encouragement for teammates on the court. Who are they cheering for? One of Atlantic Canada’s top caliber teams–The Mount Mystics.
For a team comprised of mostly rookies, the communication and obvious bond between the players of the MSVU’s Women’s basketball team would have anyone believing they have been playing together for years.
With seven new players in the line-up, the Mystics came into the season with a new energy. Under the coaching of Mark Forward and Assistant Coaches Elaine Horne and Sarah Rudderham, the team has been lead confidently to their current 8-1 record.
Upon their return from the Christmas break, MSVU hosted the 3rd Annual Dyrick McDermott Invitational which has been established in memory of the late Dyrick McDermott. McDermott coached the MSVU Women’s Basketball team through 2001-2009 and held a 160-17 win-loss record with the team. The tournament showcases some of the season’s most outstanding teams in direct representation of the value held by the MSVU basketball program. The Mystics won their first two games of the tournament but fell short to Degep de Sainte-Foy who later went on to win in the championship game.
On January 11, the Mystics executed a very strong press which resulted in numerous steals and their 75-27 victory over NSAC. Their plays are orchestrated with nothing less than obvious practice and precision. Whatever game you’re watching, it’s evident the other team is playing the Mystics’ game.
The MSVU Women’s Basketball team has a playing style that stems from their ability to communicate with each other. Their offense is skilled to say the least and they always return back playing a tough defense. “One shot girls, one shot,” says Head Coach, Mark Forward from the Mystics bench. There’s no doubt that with this style, the Mystics are one of the favoured teams to go home with the ACAA Championship this coming March.
Over the past 8 seasons, MSVU has claimed 5 ACAA championships. Currently ranked first, the MSVU Women’s Basketball team is sure to be in that championship game yet again. In the 2010-2011 championship game, St. Thomas University went home with the trophy in a 68-51 win over MSVU. Coincidently, MSVU’s only loss this season comes from the reigning ACAA champions. You can see their next face off on home court February 12 at the Annual Booster Game Night at 4 p.m.
