Calgary’s Veronica VanderSchee captures her second Nan Copp in three years to become the first two-time recipient of the award. VanderSchee said she likes to hide her award after marrying Lacombe farmer Nick Denoudsten in the summer. “We have an underground cellar and I’ll just dump it in the corner. Just the team medals are the ones that I like to show off. I don’t show off these kind. It’s more a team award this time, I think, because the excellence of our team has made it much easier to attain individual statistics that look good on paper.” VanderSchee led the nation in scoring (450), field goal percentage (189/274), and rebounds (189).
Calgary’s Donna Rudakas because the first double winner of the Ennis award. “It’s different from last year,” said Rudakas, who steered the Dinosaurs to a 67-0 record since March/1988. “To be recognized two years in a row is really a recognition of last season also. This whole season is a statement about what is the best in women’s basketball, so I’m honored to be an integral part of that.”
Laurentian’s Dianne Norman was named recipient of the Kathy Shields award as national rookie of the year.
Joining VanderSchee as 1st team All-Canadians were: Cori Blakebrough (Calgary); Cynthia Johnston (Bishop’s); Heather McKay (McMaster); and Jackie Moore (Regina). …………………………………………………… Blakebrough finished 2nd in the country in scoring with a 20.3 ppg. “My goal wasn’t to be an All-Canadian but I wanted to improve as a player.” …………………………………………………… Johnston, a New Brunswick native, averaged 13.5 ppg and 8.7 rpg to lead the Gaiters to their first Quebec title since 1984. She led Bishop’s in steals, blocks and defensive boards. “She is a franchise player,” Martlets coach Andrea Blackwell told the Montreal Gazette. “She anchored our defence and, to be successful, we need Cynthia to control the game mentally and physically. When opposing teams concentrate on her she has the ability to create openings for other players. This is what makes her so valuable to our team.”
The 2nd team All-Canadians selections were: Jodi Evans (Calgary); Gloria Tomasevic (McMaster); Pauline Lordon (New Brunswick); Tanya McKenzie (Winnipeg); and Shawna Molcak (Lethbridge). …………………………………………………… Evans finished second in the country in rebounding despite playing a guard spot, after nabbing 152 boards. She led Canada West in assists with a 6.7 apg.
The all-rookie team featured: Debbie Morse (McGill); Dianne Norman (Laurentian); Anne Schimnowski (Manitoba); Adrienne Toogood (Manitoba); and Sue Stewart (Laurentian). …………………………………………………… Morse, a 5-10 guard from Ottawa, averaged 10 ppg and 8.3 rpg. “She is a great athlete who has the potential to be a premiere player in the country,” Martlets coach Chris Hunter told the Montreal Gazette.