Sumner plays big in paint for Bobcats

Jessie Sumner played just 22 minutes on Friday, but was an active participant for every second of the game.

The former Vincent Massey Viking had the loudest voice in the Healthy Living Centre, whether she was in the centre of the Brandon University Bobcats’ defence or encouraging her teammates from the bench.

She also posted eight points and eight rebounds during a 64-53 victory over the Algoma Thunderbirds in U Sports women’s basketball pre-season action.

While Sumner’s only in her second year at BU, she’s making a massive impact as a leader.

“It’s been unbelievable,” said Bobcats head coach Ilarion Bonhomme.

“I had a conversation with her two days ago; just her aggressiveness and discipline are on a different level. Last year, she’d get in the paint and wouldn’t shoot the ball. She’s already taken more shots in five games than she did all last year, and that’s what we want from her. She’s a special talent with her athleticism.

“The way she’s leading with her voice and by example has been really good for us.”

While Sumner is likely to see a jump in time on the court this year, she plans to bring the same energy to time on the sideline.

“It’s just as important. Your bench energy really reflects who you are as a player. It reflects in your team and how they work on the court. You’re lifting up your players,” Sumner said.

“If I hear someone cheering for our team from the bench while I’m on the court, it lifts me up, and it gives me more confidence to play. I know that everybody needs that.

“On the court, communication is key. It’s really important to our team and something we’re really looking to strive for.”

It was a defensive slugfest to start on Friday, as “fouls” took a 5-0 lead on “points” in the first three minutes.

But Algoma’s Annabelle Lefebvre broke the cover off the BU hoop with a three-pointer for the first points of the game, then Sumner got Brandon on the board with her first of three layups in the opening quarter.

Amaya McLeod connected from deep between a pair of T-Birds triples to keep the Bobcats close, but eight second-chance points for the visitors gave them a 19-13 lead through 10 minutes.

Jayna Maytwayashing got the Bobcats going in the second quarter, sparking a 6-0 run with a strong post move for two.

Both offences dried up again, combining for just 10 points in the next five minutes.

Halle Penner gave Brandon its first lead of the game with a three-ball late in the half, before Sumner beat her defender in the post for another easy bucket.

The Thunderbirds drew a few more fouls late in the half and cashed in from the line to take a 30-29 edge into the break.

“We’re trying to figure things out,” Bonhomme said. “Obviously our roster looks a lot different (compared to last year); some people have been propelled into different roles. It’s going to get mucky, but a lot of good stuff. Our intensity defensively was really good in stretches. Our help defence was really good.”

The Bobcats started the third quarter on an 11-0 run with relentless pressure on the defensive end and a balanced attack on the other.

They gave up just seven points the entire quarter, while only having one double-digit scorer through 30 minutes as Josephine Odude had 11 points.

Late in the third, Abbey Shand knocked down a mid-range jumper, then a fast-break layup to extend the lead to 46-37 heading to the final frame.

McLeod knocked down another triple early in the fourth to extend the lead to 14 points, and that was enough to put it out of reach against a team that barely averaged 12 per quarter to that point.

As Brandon looked to finish the game strong, she had the full attention of her teammates on the court as she settled them down and helped them hold off any sort of comeback bid.

“This summer, I really locked in on trying to work on my confidence as a player and trying to lift people up,” Sumner said.

“We all take turns doing that. Everybody has their little bits to say. We all share, all contribute to the conversation. We all give each other hugs and lift each other up.”

The Bobcats and Thunderbirds meet again today at 7:30 p.m.

QUICK HITS: The BU men’s volleyball team was still in action against the Laval Rouge et Or at press time, as they compete in the Queen’s University tournament.

» tfriesen@brandonsun.com