By Ryan Pilon

Crusaders’ basketball star to play for U of S

Mar 12, 2011 | 6:09 AM

It was never a question if Dalyce Emmerson would continue playing sports past high school, but rather, where she would play and what sport.

The 6-foot-3 Carlton Crusader received about 20 different offers from universities and colleges to play in either basketball or volleyball. She eventually decided to play for the University of Saskatchewan’s basketball team.

“I'm super excited about it,” said Emmerson. “I'm so happy to finally have made a decision.”

Emmerson will be only the second female student from Carlton Comprehensive High School to play basketball at the university level.

“All of it is due to the hard work she’s put in,” said basketball coach Jennifer Ferguson. “Not only does it mean a lot to our team and our program… but for the school she’s definitely an inspiration for the (girls) that are left behind.”

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“Not only is she a great athlete, but she’s one of the nicest, most intelligent girls you’ll ever meet.”

There have been players from Carlton who have played at junior colleges, but the first girl to make a university team was Erica Gavel two years ago, she also chose the U of S.

Ferguson credits the work ethic of the girls for the success of Carlton’s basketball program in the last few years.

“Yesterday I walked into the gym at 3:30, just after the bell rang, and the girls were already in the weight room doing an ab workout, and then practice started… and they worked even harder,” said Ferguson.

Emmerson credits Carlton’s program for shaping her into the basketball player she is today.

“The coaches we have here are amazing, and the quality of ball we play is fantastic. It really has made my game step up to where it has to be,” said Emmerson.

Ferguson said she plans to take the team to the U of S’s home opener next season to cheer on both Emmerson and Gavel.

rpilon@panow.com