Harriette Mackenzie, a basketball star at Isfeld Secondary, will be moving on to the USports level after she graduates in June from the Courtenay school.
The 6’2 centre/forward is the first B.C. player to commit to the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks women’s program for the 2021-22 season. The team is coming off its first-ever year of competition in 2019/20.
Playing post-secondary basketball fulfills a long-time aspiration for the 17-year-old.
“I’m really excited,” she said. “I get along well with the coach (Christa Eniojukan).”
Harriette helped the Isfeld girls basketball team qualify for the B.C. championships in 2018 and 2020. She was a Vancouver Island first all-star each year since playing senior as a Grade 9. In Grade 8, she played some games with the junior team.
“Harriette is a hidden gem with an extremely versatile game on offence, and the ability to guard and defend exceptionally well by using her length and athleticism,” Eniojukan said in a news release. “I am confident she will be able to contribute at the U SPORTS level and bring a positive impact to our team.”
Last year, Harriette played with a club team at a boarding school in Denmark from August to December, under the coaching of Geof Kotilla and Craig Pedersen. While the basketball was good, she felt lonely at times.
“Then I came home and had a full season with my team.”
She and her Isfeld teammates placed second at the Island championships and 14th at the provincial tournament.
Harriette would like to thank Isfeld coaches Ken Erikson, Sherri Bohmer and mentor Tom Elwood for their time and efforts. She is enrolled in the social science and humanities program at Ontario Tech.