Blue Devils seek to bring home championships

Article by Layla Caplice and Ella Karan

Please note that this article was originally published in the print issue of The Watch on Feb. 26, 2025.

The University of King’s College men’s and women’s basketball teams are heading to playoffs this year with a championship on the line.

For the women, the mission is clear: defend the title and cement their place in the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association as back-to-back champions. For the men, it’s a chance to return the title to King’s after over a decade.

Ahead of the postseason, The Watch caught up with some Blue Devils to talk about the season so far — and what’s to come.

A Team Win

For assistant captain Lauren Ford, the highlight of the season so far was a victory over longtime rival Mount Allison University (Mount A). The Blue Devils beat the Mount A Mounties 71-63 on Nov. 9, 2024. 

“It was our first important win,” Ford said. “And it really was a team win.” She said rivalry games always bring out the best in players and the fans.

The regular season runs from October through February, and the Mounties have since bested the Blue Devils in January. As of Feb. 16, the women’s team ranks fifth out of seven teams in the league. 

But team captain Norah Quinlan said the team doesn’t let the losses get them down. 

“Regardless of the score, every trip with the team is a good time. We have a lot of fun together,” she said.

Caleb Rennie is the only senior player on the men’s team. He says this year’s team is a lot younger compared to the past – out of 17 players, 11 are in their first year at King’s – but everyone is still “hungry” to play.

“It’s a nice atmosphere to be in, and it makes us closer not only on the court but off as well,” said Rennie.

Stronger, Tougher, Prepared

With playoffs approaching, the men’s team says this year’s group has a different feel.

“I think our biggest advantage going into playoffs is that we were overlooked the whole year,” said Rennie. “We finally hit our stride and are playing our best basketball we have played all year.”

As of Feb. 16, the men rank sixth out of seven teams in the league. The top six teams go to the playoffs. The men’s team last made the playoffs two years ago in the 2022-23 season. 

On the women’s team, experience gives them an upper hand on the court.

“There’s a lot of stability in this team. It’s an older team than last year — we’re stronger and tougher,” Ford said.

Quinlan acknowledged the women’s team had to adapt to a new coach this season but sees it as an opportunity. She says everyone’s a rookie in a way.

“But that’s not always bad,” she said. “It’s a year for learning and opportunity.”

Playoff Nerves

Even with experience, nerves are part of the game — especially at this stage.

“I feel like you should be a bit nervous,” Ford said when asked about playoff pressure. “As long as you pull it together before the games, it can play in your favour.”

For Quinlan, the underdog mentality is nothing new.

“It’s a bit nerve-wracking when you know you’re the underdogs,” she says. “But that didn’t stop us last year. We were in a rut before the playoffs, but we persevered and brought home the chip.”