SARNIA – The anticipation for 2024-25 continues to build with the latest recruit on the hardwood.
Wing Cassandra Newcombe has officially announced her commitment to Head Coach Janine Day and the Lambton Women’s Basketball Program for the 2024-25 season, and beyond.
Newcombe is the fifth member of the 2024 recruiting for Day and the rest of her coaching staff. Newcombe joins a talented recruiting class that features the likes of Madison Fink (Blenheim, Ont.), Gianna Therrien (Timmins, Ont.), Lauren Smith (Stoney Creek, Ont.), and Bryn Goebel (Perth, Ont.).
“Cassandra is an extremely talented athlete who will bring length and skill to our wing position,” said Day. “Her ability to play multiple positions on the court adds an important versatility to our team.”
“Cassandra has the ability to become an impact player in the OCAA because of both her knowledge and work ethic. We are thrilled to have her as a Lion for four years.”
Newcombe, a five-foot-nine wing from nearby Chatham, comes to Lambton College by way of Chatham-Kent Secondary School (CKSS). Newcombe and the Hawks finished third in the competitive Tier 1 Division of Senior Girls Basketball in the Lambton-Kent Secondary School Athletic Association (LKSSAA), posting a 6-6 record during the regular season.
Outside of high school, Newcombe trains with Kent Basketball Academy under founder Jake Lindley, who is also part of the physical education department at CKSS.
As she gets set to begin her post-secondary career in September, Newcombe is looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead of her in the OCAA, both athletically and academically.
“I’m really excited for the opportunity to challenge myself at the next level,” said Newcombe. “The coaches and staff at Lambton College have all been really inviting to me and my family so I’m really looking forward to what lies ahead for me, both in basketball and in school.”
“I’m the type of player that definitely likes to drive to the net. I always give 100% effort, and I’ll leave everything I have on the court whenever my number is called.”
Academically, Newcombe will join several of her new teammates in the Honours Bachelor of Science – Nursing Program.
The Women’s Basketball Team is coming off a historic season for the program. Day and the Lions won the team’s first-ever West Division regular season title, and they translated that into postseason success as they won their first OCAA Championship on their home court. From there, they went onto compete at the 2024 CCAA Women’s Basketball National Championships in Lloydminster, Alberta, where they brought home a CCAA Silver Medal.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, they have their sights set on doing it all again. With several key contributors from last year’s team having graduated, Day and the coaching staff set out on the recruiting trail to address those gaps on the roster. The addition of Newcombe to the rotation brings another versatile player to the group, one that can impact the game on both ends of the floor with her intensity and ability to play multiple positions.
Welcome to The Den, Cassandra!
For more information, or for any media inquiries within Lambton College Athletics, please contact:
Tyler Bennett
Lambton College Sports Information & Marketing Coordinator
tyler.bennett@lambtoncollege.ca