Season begins with high expectations

“I think we have a really huge opportunity because we’ve been pretty underrated for a few years now, but we’re actually a very good team,” said Kibonge. “Player for player, one of the biggest teams in the league and then also just a lot of skill on the roster.”

Kibonge says proving that potential will come down to consistency and execution.

“The biggest thing for us to establish that is probably just going to be coming out and playing hard,” he said. “We have the talent. We just need to show it. We need to execute.”

A major part of the Timberwolves’ identity this season will be their defensive presence. With size and length throughout the lineup, Kibonge expects the team to create problems for opponents at both ends of the floor.

“I think that’s a huge part of our identity, just being very disruptive because we have a lot of length, so we kind of have to use that to disrupt other teams,” he said.

Kibonge also stressed the importance of maintaining a consistent mindset throughout the year, especially for younger players experiencing the challenges of a long Canada West campaign.

“It’s easy to get caught up in the emotions of a certain result on that day, but what’s important is the consistency throughout the whole season,” he said.

On the women’s side, optimism is also growing despite the opening-night loss. Forward Hazel Phillips says the team has added several new pieces and is focused on finding the right chemistry.

“I feel like going into this season we have a lot of good pieces,” said Phillips. “Compared to last season, we have a lot of people coming in, so it’s going to be really exciting.”

The Timberwolves women’s roster features a number of younger players, making leadership and team culture important factors heading into the season.

“We’re a pretty young team, so I feel like the leadership can come from anywhere,” said Phillips.

She believes staying connected as a group will be critical when challenges inevitably arise throughout the schedule.

“I feel like just team chemistry, just staying together as a team,” Phillips said. “When we are down, just trying to find a way to stay motivated and stay in the game.”

While the opening weekend didn’t produce the results either team wanted, both Timberwolves squads see it as only the first step in a long season. With confidence in their talent, an emphasis on team culture, and plenty of room for growth, the focus now shifts to turning potential into results as the Canada West campaign moves forward.

by Stephen Lewyta

Season begins with high expectations

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