Abby Cameron & Abby Mercer making a splash with Lake City 56ers
StFX University's X-Women basketball program is proud to announce that two of its promising up-and-comers, Abby Cameron and Abby Mercer, are representing the Lake City 56ers in the Maritime Women's Basketball Association (MWBA) this summer.
StFX University's X-Women basketball program is proud to announce that two of its promising up-and-comers, Abby Cameron and Abby Mercer, are representing the Lake City 56ers in the Maritime Women's Basketball Association (MWBA) this summer. Both athletes, entering their second year with the X-Women, are eager to bring their developing skills and experience to the 56ers, and in turn, gain invaluable experience from competing at a higher level.
Abby Cameron: Energizing the Court
Abby Cameron, a dedicated guard from Glace Bay, NS, is known for her grit and tenacious defense. Reflecting on her upcoming season with the 56ers, Cameron said, "I try to bring great energy and effort, as well as intense defense. I've really been focused on carving out an identity as one of the toughest on-ball defenders in the league while also building confidence offensively." Her ability to maintain high-intensity play has proven to be a significant asset for the Lake City team that has jumped out to a 3-1 record after going winless last year as the Windsor Edge.
Cameron is enthusiastic about the developmental opportunities this season presents. "I hope to gain more basketball knowledge and experience," she remarked. Having had a strong foundational year with the X-Women, she feels well-prepared for the challenges ahead. "My first year at X has really helped me prepare for the MWBA by learning how to pick up on offensive and defensive concepts very quickly," she explained. This adaptability and quick learning are skills she aims to leverage as she faces more experienced opponents this summer.
"I feel that playing with and against more experienced players will help tremendously with my development," Cameron added, underscoring her eagerness to grow through the competitive MWBA environment.
Abby Mercer: Defensive Prowess
Abby Mercer, a hard-nosed forward from Wolfville, NS, brings a defensive edge that complements Cameron's energy. "I think the biggest thing I bring to the 56ers is defense. I take pride in making it very difficult for my check to score, whether I'm guarding on the perimeter or inside," Mercer shared. Her versatility and commitment to defense are crucial for the 56ers' game plan.
Mercer is keen on using this summer to enhance her game further. "I want to gain more game experience and take advantage of the opportunity to play with and learn from some of the best players in the AUS, like Lizzy (Iseyemi) and Courtney (Donaldson), as well as our amazing coaching staff," she said. This exposure to high-level play and coaching is something she values deeply as it will aid her growth and development.
Coach Spencer's Pride and Enthusiasm
Head Coach Matt Spencer expressed his delight in seeing Cameron and Mercer take this next step in their basketball careers. "I'm incredibly pleased for Abby Cameron and Abby Mercer to have this opportunity with the Lake City 56ers. They've both shown tremendous dedication in their first year with the X-Women, and I'm proud of the impact they've had early in the season. This experience in the MWBA will be invaluable for their development," Coach Spencer said.
The impact of "the Abbys" hasn't gone unnoticed by fans of the league either. 56ers webcast commentator Allan April was effusive in his praise of their impact in the team's early season win over the Halifax Hornets. With his team trailing by 5 points with 11 minutes to go, 56ers Head Coach Pat Havard elected to sub in the two X-Women – a move that sparked a 13-point turnaround and secured the win. Following a Mercer offensive rebound, April commented, "shoutout to the Abbys – Cameron and Mercer – huge fourth quarter minutes here for the young duo out of StFX." Mercer played an 8-minute stretch before being replaced by AUS second team All-Star Courtney Donaldson, while Cameron stayed in the game until the final horn. "What a way to introduce themselves to the league!" Spencer commented. "Both of them played with tremendous composure and really impacted the flow of the game. Abby C. forced a pair of turnovers, knocked down a 3, and grabbed a couple of rebounds, and Mercer was a force on the glass and also forced a couple of turnovers with outstanding closeouts. It was great to see them not only have the opportunity, but to seize it and put their stamp on things." Following the win over the Hornets, both young players have seen consistent minutes in wins over the Miramichi Her-icanes and a Hornets rematch.
Former X-Women Making Waves
The MWBA will see several other familiar faces from the X-Women program. Recently graduated point guard Katie Upham is back with the Halifax Thunder, aiming to defend the Legacy Cup she helped capture last season. Additionally, former X-Women standouts Melina Collins (Halifax Thunder), and Aliyah Fraser, Nalini Maharaj and Alisha MacNeil (Halifax Hornets), are also participating in the MWBA this season, showcasing the strong legacy of StFX basketball talent.
Building on Strong Foundations
Both players recognize the importance of their time with the X-Women in preparing them for the MWBA. "Playing at X definitely gave me a way more solid foundation than I would've had straight from high school," Mercer noted. She is confident that the skills and knowledge she gained during her first year will be instrumental in her continued development and success with the 56ers. Similarly, Cameron believes that competing in the MWBA will significantly enhance her abilities. "I'm looking forward to building on the skills and experience from first year and I'm excited to come back to X playing better than ever this fall," she reiterated, underscoring the valuable experience she is gaining.
The 56ers are back in action this weekend when they travel to Moncton on Saturday, May 25 to take on the Mystics(3:00pm) and return home to the Zatzmen Sportsplex in Dartmouth the following afternoon for a matchup with the Fredericton Freeze (2:00pm). Games are streamed live on the Maritime Athletics Profile YouTube channel.
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