May 12, 2010: There will be a few Panthers turned Huskies on the prowl this fall as the Keyano College women’s basketball program is proud to announce the commitment of three outstanding student-athletes for the 2010-2011 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference season.

Members of the Alberta Schools Athletic Association’s 2010 4A girls silver medalist Spruce Grove Composite High School Panthers, “all three are very athletic, aggressive and committed to showing the way huskies women’s basketball will be played in its (ACAC) inaugural season and for years to come,” said Huskies women’s coach Clayton Nielsen.

The three players are: 5-foot-5 point guard Vanessa Wideman, 5-foot-7 shooting guard Jelayne Dubielew and 5-foot-11 post Ari Clemens.

Starting her basketball career in Terrace, British Columbia with the introduction to a Grade 4 miniball program, Wideman relocated with her family in Grade 8 to Spruce Grove.

“Keyano is a school that meets my needs both academically and athletically and I can see myself fitting in and having a very positive college experience at Keyano,” said Wideman, who will be entering the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Panthers head coach Dave Oldham spoke highly of Wideman, who was on the senior team for three years. “Vanessa is a versatile player who will bring a great skill set to the college level. Her quickness, ability to shoot and court vision will create great opportunities for her in the ACAC.  Vanessa brings leadership and a tremendous work ethic with her.”

Oldham, also had high praise for his graduating shooting guard Dubielew: “Jelayne brings a well-rounded skill set to compete and play at the college level.  Her ability to shoot the ball, decision making and fundamental skills will allow her to contribute to the Keyano Huskies.  Jelayne always brings great energy and a commitment to improve every day.”

 Dubielew will be entering the Bachelor of Physical Education program and is excited about the upcoming season: “They (Keyano Huskies) are building a team and I want to be a part of building it. I had good impressions on the school, very nice facility and big gym, friendly environment.”Dubielew has played basketball since Grade 6 and was a member of Center of Performance through Canada Basketball. She tore her ACL in Grade 11 but recovered to assist her team to a second place ranking in the province.Also entering the Bachelor of Physical Education program is Clemens who has future plans of being an athletic therapist.

Of his pivot, Oldham said: “Ari is an excellent rebounder and very tough inside. She has developed her ability to face up and shoot and she is a very good passer from the post.  Ari brings energy and toughness to the floor, and is willing to put in the extra time to create success.”

Oldham concluded that he is “very proud” to have three players heading north up Highway #63 to pursue their athletic and academic careers. 

“Spruce Grove Composite High School is very proud to have three graduating players moving on to Keyano College.  They are all tremendous young women and basketball players who will make a positive impact.”