The men’s and women’s basketball teams have started the season on fire. After the second week of play in the regular season both Men’s and Women’s teams are 4-0 for the first time in program history for either program. In the previous eight seasons that the Lightning have competed in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) the best start for the Men’s program has been 2-2 and for the women 3-1.

With the disruption to last season due to the COVID pandemic, the Lightning athletes continued to stay committed, and the hard work they put in has contributed to the great start to the new season. Over the pandemic the athletes remained committed to staying as close to game shape and ready as they could. Setting their targets on the 21-22 season they have come out with one thought in mind, to win as much as possible.

The women’s Lightning program are lead with balanced scoring throughout their starting lineup. Hannah Helton (15 ppg), Andria Stitt (13 ppg), Maitlynn Wilde (11 ppg), Macyn Morning Bull (11 ppg) and Caitlyn Hetrick (9 ppg) have all lead the way for the Lightning to start the year. The Lightning lead the league in scoring with 84 points per game, are third in the league in rebounds per game and lead the league in steals per game at 21 per game.

The men’s program also lead the league in scoring with 96 points per game and rebounding at 45 per game. Caleb Jipp (29 ppg), Averie Armbrister (22 ppg), Ryan Morck (19 ppg) and Sean Petrone (8 ppg) lead
the way for the Lightning. Caleb and Averie also find themselves at 2^nd and 3^rd in the ACAC in scoring per game while Ryan presently leads the ACAC in Rebounds (12 ppg).

Both teams are very pleased with the start of the season but are very aware that there is a lot of basketball left to come.

“It is exciting to have the best start in the women’s basketball program since being a member of the ACAC. While we are excited where we are at as a team, we know a championship is not won in November. It is important we continue to get better and make sure we are playing our best basketball at the end of February” remarked Steve Shoults, Head Coach of the Women’s Basketball team.

Nathan Ruff Head Coach of the Men’s Program mentions “The ACAC south is such a difficult conference that every win is important. We have learned that first semester wins are critical to set up the season for success”.

The Lightning basketball programs have one week of games remaining while the majority of the ACAC have concluded their games for the fall semester of play.

All eyes are on the Lightning as they prepare for their next match up against the Medicine Hat Rattlers on Dec 3^rd and 4^th. Come check out your Lightning in Action on Dec 4^th at Glenmore Christian Academy men’s tip off is 6pm and Women’s is at 8pm.