By Rowan Halpenny – Contributor

It has been a busy start to the new year for both Gaiters basketball teams. Each team has played eight games since arriving back on campus after Christmas. Now, with only two regular season games remaining, the squads are looking to secure the best seed possible for the fast-approaching playoffs. 

It has been incredible witnessing the development of the women’s team this year. After the team let a slew of close games slip away from them early in the season, it appeared as if they were in for a long, tough season. Instead, the women turned their performance around in a major way. They currently sit in second place with a record of 8-6.

The combination of bright young talent and experienced veterans on the team has propelled them forward. Freshman guard Eve Atchampone emerged as a star in the league, currently leading the RSEQ in field goal percentage and ranking sixth in points per game. She brings a passionate energy every time she touches the court, which the rest of her teammates feed off of. As expected, junior forward Victoria Gauna plays an important role in the Gaiters’ success, leading the league in rebounds and ranking second for points. Senior forward Kalina Alexander-Renaud has also continued her strong play for Bishop’s, scoring efficiently and playing good defence. All players with or without mention here contributed to the team’s comeback. 

2024 began with a rocky start for the men’s team, as they dropped their first three games (one to Laval and two to UQAM). This brought them below .500 on the season, but they quickly righted the ship with a three-game win streak.

The team has struggled to stay healthy, as key players faced injuries each week. Despite not being at full strength, the squad managed to complete a season sweep over McGill and avenge their Jan. 5 loss against Laval by beating them at home three weeks later.

Junior forward Charles-Andre Robert has continued his dominance and looks to be making a strong run for league MVP. Sophomore guard Tiernan McDougall played outstanding minutes for Bishop’s while sometimes having to fill in for injured starting point guard Obi Dike-Nwagbara. McDougall hit a game-winning shot in overtime against McGill and later drained five threes against Laval. After losing to Concordia in back-to-back tight games, the Gaiters will look to finish out their season strong against Laval and UQAM respectively. 

Rowan Halpenny is an athlete on the Gaiters basketball team.