The Brock Badgers’ women’s basketball team finished the first half of the season with a 5-4 record, yet the narrative surrounding the team entails their capability to reach a higher potential this season and into the playoffs. With aspirations of being a more dominant and formidable team, here are five reasons why the Badgers are bound for a big second half of the season.
Oluwatito Akinnusi is breaking out into a star
Oluwatito Akinnusi has made her presence felt on both ends of the floor this season. The Kleinburg, Ontario-native is third in the OUA in field goal percentage, shooting the ball 56 per cent, as well as third in points per game – averaging 18.3 points – which includes a dominant 37-point performance against McMaster in the Paint the Meridian Red matchup.
The five-foot-ten forward has figured out OUA defenses as she uses her size and strength to her advantage to dominate the paint. Her offensive prowess has contributed mightily to the Badgers ranking fourth in the OUA in team points per game with 71.3, but she is also a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end.
Defensively, Akinnusi ranks 11th of 150 qualified players in defensive rebounding, with 52 of her 80 rebounds this season coming on the defensive glass. Her rebounding ability will be needed as the Badgers look to limit their opponents’ second-chance points, something that was an area of concern earlier this season.
Efficient shooting, and the best is yet to come
The Badgers have shot the ball exceptionally well from the field, ranking second in the OUA in both field goals made per game (27.4) and field goal percentage (41.3 per cent).
Where the Badgers struggle though is from three. Brock has made the fifth-fewest three-pointers per game in the OUA with 5.3 makes, ranking ninth in overall three-point percentage.
While those statistics aren’t the most attractive statistics for a team to have, optimistically, it shows that the Badgers still have room to grow as their ceiling is much higher. Expect three-point shooting to be an emphasis in the second half as only two Badgers – Angeline Campbell and Noor Bazzi – have made 10 or more three-pointers this season.
A resurgence in three-point shooting paired with Brock’s shooting dominance from the field should bolster the already explosive offence. In doing so, that should scare other powerhouse teams in the province and across the country, as the Badgers’ offence has the realistic potential of being one of the best in Canada.
Sharing is caring
The Badgers have had no issues this season sharing the ball, leading the OUA in assists per game with 18.7, which also ranks third in the nation.
Madalyn Weinert is the team leader in assists with 41, as Bazzi and Campbell each have 23, with Akinnusi contributing another 20.
With teams likely to tighten up their defence come January and beyond, sharing the ball and not being afraid to make precise passes is a great tendency to have as space will seemingly disappear on the court.
If that pass-first mentality remains front of mind, the Badgers’ unselfish style of play will lead them to continuous success in the second half.
Easier second half schedule
There is no denying that the Badgers have had a tough schedule to open the season.
The Badgers began the 2023-24 campaign with a pair of wins against Toronto opponents before a tough four-game stretch against TMU, Carleton, Ottawa and Queen’s – teams with a combined 36-3 record.
Brock only managed to win one of those four games, but the second half features matchups against inferior opponents.
The Badgers’ second half schedule includes games against Algoma, York, Ontario Tech, Laurentian, Nipissing and two versus Lakehead; all teams who have three wins or fewer. While these matchups should not be overlooked as “easy wins,” they do provide many opportunities for the Badgers to develop more chemistry and to clean up the intricate details of their game in anticipation for playoff time.
Key playoff positioning up for grabs
The OUA playoffs are unique as 12 of the 18 teams qualify for the playoffs. However, playoff positioning is key as it determines the path to the Critelli Cup including the opponents faced on that journey.
For the Badgers, the goal is simple: try to obtain one of the top four seeds in the OUA to get a first-round bye and an “easier” road to the championship. Currently, the Badgers sit seventh in the OUA, but the fourth seed is still a possibility as coach Mike Rao’s side has the experience and talent to make a push up the standings.
With wins being a necessity to make the leap into the top four, the Badgers will look to junior forward Weinert to guide them, given her exceptional skillset and expertise, that led the Badgers to the 2022 U Sports Bronze Medal Game.
This time around, Weinert – the U Sports leader in points per game this season with 20 – will be tasked with leading the squad to the playoffs and hopefully to Edmonton to compete for another national championship this March.
For more information on the Brock Badgers women’s basketball team, head to gobadgers.ca.
