BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
All season, Cassandra Carpenter carried a
heavy load for the Laurentian University womens' basketball
team, and time and time again she delivered with awe-inspiring
performances.
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CASSANDRA CARPENTER |
Carpenter was recently named the Ontario
University Athletic (OUA) East Player of the Year for her
outstanding season, which saw her dismantle the all-time OUA
single season points record (only to lose it a few nights later
to a Brock player), score an average of 19.41 points-per-game
(second in the OUA, fifth in Canada) and grab an average of
10.45 rebounds per game (first in the OUA, second in
Canada).
Consistency has become synonymous with
Carpenter's game.
"Cassandra was remarkably consistent all year
in every game," said head coach Mike Clarke. "We played 31
straight games where she has been in
double-scoring figures in each game, which is
very tough to do at any level. She improved a lot, and not only
in stats because she became a more multi-faceted player. She
has expanded her game. This year, Cassandra played inside a
lot, and her maturity level improved."
Carpenter also managed 17 double-double
(points and rebounds) games this season, another remarkable
achievement for a five-foot-eleven forward.
Carpenter felt exhilarated at being chosen
for the two major awards, but is quick to point out that none
of the recognition would have been possible without the help
from everyone in her life.
"It feels great and it means a lot because
there are so many great players in the OUA, especially on our
team," said Carpenter. "There's 13 players
on Laurentian that could easily play on any
other team in the OUA, and without them, my coaches, and
support from family and friends, I wouldn't have been able to
do it. My teammates are amazing. They push me in practice and
never allow you to let up, even a bit. Having them there, day
in and day out, has made me a better player and person. In some
areas, I exceeded what I thought I could do."
Even though she's now considered one of the
top female basketball players in the country, if not the best
second-year player in Canada, Carpenter feels she has room to
grow and become even better.
"There's always room for improvement," said
Carpenter. "There's never a time to let up because as soon as
you do that, everybody else catches up to you."
Clarke also sees even bigger and better
things to come from Carpenter, which is only bad news for the
rest of the OUA.
"It's scary for the opposition that she can
get better," said Clarke. "Cassandra's potentially an awesome
shooter, but she needs to work on her technique. It's exciting
as a coach because you don't get somebody with her type of
potential very often. Anything you give Cassandra, skill wise
to master, she picks up right away."
Even though her season is done - the Lady
Vees lost in the OUA east final to Ottawa - Carpenter has her
eyes already set on next season. She will be the focal point of
the squad because five veterans, Brianne Henry, Tierney Hoo,
Caitlin Blackadder, Kate Walker and Symone Wilson, will
graduate.
"Being the focal point is a challenge I am
looking for," said Carpenter. "At the same time, it's sad
because five great players are leaving. They have
been such a big part of this team for the
last five years, and over the last two years I have been
playing."