Category: Sports

Athol Murray College of Notre Dame, a school renowned for producing NHL legends like Wendel Clark, Rob Brind’Amour, and Curtis Joseph, is making headlines again—this time for its burgeoning basketball program. Nestled in the small town of Wilcox, Saskatchewan, the school has launched one of only three women’s prep basketball programs west of Ontario, competing in the inaugural season of the North Pole Hoops’ Women National Preparatory Association (WNPA).

The Notre Dame Hounds are taking their talents to the national stage, showcasing players eager to secure scholarships at top Canadian and American universities. By season’s end, the team will have traveled across the continent, competing against elite programs in states like Florida and Utah. For most players, the ultimate goal is securing a scholarship, which could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and serve as a gateway to a promising collegiate career.

Despite its ambitions, the prairie prep basketball scene faces significant challenges. Notre Dame’s head coach, Marc Ffrench, acknowledges the obstacles but is confident in the program’s long-term potential. He views the prairies as a unique environment, where high school basketball still holds prominence as the top level for athletes in the region.

“Saskatchewan and the prairies are kind of the last bastion of high school basketball as the pinnacle of the age group,” Ffrench said. “The state of prep basketball here is small—still an infant compared to other parts of the country. But we’re committed to building something that lasts.”

This isn’t Notre Dame’s first foray into prep basketball. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the school ran a successful men’s program that propelled several athletes to NCAA Division I teams. Former coach Adam Huffman, now with Calgary’s CTA West, highlighted the program’s intent to prepare Saskatchewan players for the next level, citing the gap between high school athletes and the more physically developed players in Canadian universities.

However, building a sustainable prep basketball ecosystem in Western Canada is no easy feat. Unlike Ontario, the prairies lack a centralized governing body to regulate prep basketball programs. This absence of oversight leaves programs navigating logistical, financial, and operational challenges largely on their own. Eddie Richardson III, director of basketball at Calgary’s Edge School, voiced the need for regulatory standards to protect student-athletes both on and off the court.

Transportation costs are another significant hurdle. Western Canadian teams often travel extensively to compete in the U.S., where they face high-level opponents and gain critical exposure. While such trips are crucial for development, they place a financial strain on players and their families. Huffman noted that Western Canadian teams have historically borne the cost of travel to Eastern Canada without reciprocal efforts from Toronto-based teams.

The financial burden extends beyond travel. Tuition and boarding fees at prep programs like Notre Dame and Edge School can exceed $20,000 annually, not including additional team fees. While the cost may seem prohibitive, Ffrench sees it as an investment in future opportunities.

“Yes, we’re a private school, and there’s a cost to it,” Ffrench said. “But the potential benefits—a full-ride scholarship worth $450,000—make it a worthwhile investment in my mind.”

Notre Dame’s program focuses exclusively on high school-aged athletes, unlike some schools that also offer post-graduate opportunities. This ensures a clear developmental trajectory, but it also requires coaches to manage expectations carefully. Richardson believes transparency with players and their families is essential to maintaining integrity in the sport.

“You shouldn’t tell a kid he’s a Division I player if he’s not,” Richardson said. “The same goes for U Sports—it’s about guiding them to the right opportunities.”

For Ffrench, the mission is about creating opportunities for players to shine, especially those from smaller communities. He notes that without programs like Notre Dame’s, many talented athletes might go unnoticed by collegiate scouts.

“Clemson isn’t going to find you if you’re playing at a tournament in Weyburn,” Ffrench said. “Our goal is to ensure that these players have the exposure and support they need to succeed.”

As the Notre Dame Hounds continue their journey in the WNPA, the program’s success will not only elevate the profile of Saskatchewan basketball but also lay the foundation for a stronger, more connected prep basketball community in Western Canada.

Source: Swifteradio.com