By Trevor Howlett, Fort McMurray TODAY

In her second season with the Keyano College Huskies womens basketball team, point guard Vanessa Wideman sees a marked improvement in the 2011-12 version of the team compared to last year. Last year's team recorded just two wins in the entire season. This season the team got their second win of the year on Friday.

"The new coach, Dwayne (Vigilance) has turned everything around for us, practices everything," said Wideman. "We have a new strategy and everything but we owe it all to the coach. We work way harder and everyone is more committed."

Wideman led the team in points in Friday's win over the Briercrest Clippers with 17 points.

Wideman, a native of Spruce Grove, currently leads the ACAC in steals per game with 4.20 and is second in the North Division in assists per game, with an average of 4. She's also second on the Huskies in total points this season with 54. She's also one of only two players on the team to record a double-double this season, scoring 12 points and 11 assists on Oct. 28 against NAIT.

"Vanessa's really coming into her own. I try to put a lot of pressure on her," said Vigilance. "She dominated on Friday against the Clippers ... The problem with Vanessa is that she doesn't realize how good she is. For her it's a confidence thing. If she's playing confident, she can play with anyone in the country."

Wideman is on pace to put up more points, assists and steals this season compared to her rookie year. Her favourite part of playing basketball is seeing hard work and effort pay off.

"I like how intense it is, and you just have to go out there and work hard and hustle," said Wideman. "When you're out there giving your all, that's what's fun."

Nicholle McKenzie, a rookie with the Huskies and the team's leading scorer, said Wideman is a valuable component to the team and her presence is noticeable on and off the court.

"Vanessa is the glue that holds this team together," said McKenzie. "She's a very strong point guard and without her presence on the court you can tell that we just need someone out there to help us pick it up. Off the court she's the funniest person; she's still the glue that holds us together as sisters. When everyone is down she can help pick you up."

McKenzie added that she was pleased to see Wideman get some recognition for her hard work.

"I'm going to tell her that I'm glad she got something this week because she was awesome this weekend," she said.

The Huskies have a bye this week but will return to action Nov. 18 when they go on the road to visit the Lethbridge College Kodiaks. The following night the Huskies will the Mount Royal Cougars.

Age: 20

Hometown: Spruce Grove, Alta.