Cambrian Golden Shield women's basketball team took a huge step towards a championship roster on April 13, adding a pair of accomplished athletes to the team for the 2015-16 varsity basketball season. Last year’s lineup was heavy on character and work ethic, but light on club basketball experience, so with the signing of Huntsville native Merissa Moore and local product Megan Desormeaux, head coach Nambogga Sewali will help fill the experience void.
At 5'9", Moore is approaching her role with the team with an open mind, providing some helpful flexibility to Sewali and company. "I think that I am versatile, and will try and help out wherever the coach thinks I can help the team," said Moore.
"I'm tall enough to go inside and help out rebounding, but I'm a pretty good shooter too." A member of the WOSSA champion Mother Theresa Spartans "AA" team from London, Moore is excited about the chance to make a contribution out of the gate at Cambrian.
"Not all rookies coming out of high school get a chance to step in and play," she said. "I want to help our team get better." Coming off an 0-18 season, the question is perhaps more just how much can the Shield improve based on their new additions, rather than "if" they will improve.
"Realistically, I think we can compete next year," said Desormeaux, a soon-to-be graduate of École Secondaire Macdonald-Cartier. "Even if that means we don't win, it's going to be a ten point game, and it's going to be a battle the whole way through."
"They're going to know that Cambrian College has got something, and is not going to go away." Developed under tutelage of her father (John), Desormeaux is very much looking forward to the very different voice that Sewali brings to the mix as her new coach.
"I like that she shows you that she cares about you, that she's going to be on your butt the whole time," said the talented shooting guard. "She treats you like you are her main priority."
Getting ready for her second campaign at the helm of the program, Sewali could not contain her excitement over her first two bona fide recruits. "Their experience, their talent level and their leadership is something that is going to be great for the program," said the former OUA player.
"These girls will bring a different dynamic. The challenge is going to be blending it, because we're bringing together girls from a different level of play," Sewali continued. "But I think that's the exciting part, because that's going to raise the level of intensity, it's going to push everyone even harder."
