The 2024-25 season was a mixed bag for the Bisons women’s basketball team. Despite showing flashes of growth and grit, the team closed out the year ranking 11th in Canada West after losing to the Calgary Dinos in the Canada West Women’s Basketball Championship.
The Bisons wrapped up their season with back-to-back losses at home to Mount Royal, capping a run of four games in February that mirrored the team’s season-long trend — alternating sparks of promise with costly lapses. They had three wins and seven losses at Investors Group Athletic Centre and four wins and six losses on the road, unable to string together enough momentum to climb into the top tier of the standings.
The Bisons averaged 63.4 points per game on a 36.7 shooting percentage — ranking 11th out of all teams in offensive production. Their 30.2 shooting from three-point range percentage placed them in the middle of the pack, while a 68.8 free throw percentage provided some steadiness in late-game scenarios. On the boards, the Bisons hauled in 42.3 overall rebounds per game, staying competitive even against top defensive rebounding teams like Alberta (39.6) and Saskatchewan (33.6).
Leading the charge was second-year forward Anna Miko, who emerged as the team’s top scorer and rebounder. Miko averaged 11.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, showcasing strength in the paint and consistency from the line. Her inside presence proved key to the team’s wins.
Senior forward Emerson Martin was close behind with 11.3 points per game, combining reliable mid-range shooting with long-range accuracy. Martin started every game, averaging nearly 25 minutes per game, and was instrumental in maintaining spacing on the offensive end.
Fresh-faced guard Paige Schatkowsky added a breakout rookie campaign, chipping in 10.6 points per game while leading the team in field goals made. Her efficiency, especially inside the arc, added versatility to the Bisons’ perimeter-heavy lineup. Veteran guard Emily Mandamin, who played the most minutes of any guard this season, contributed 7.8 points per game and 2.2 assists per game.
Off the bench, freshmen like Darya Rom and Sera Bartsch added valuable minutes. Rom was a steady contributor, averaging 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds, while also shooting a chunk from the deep. Bartsch, despite limited playing time, showed potential with a balanced skillset.
Defensively, the Bisons faced challenges against more physical and experienced teams. Opponents averaged 74.4 points per game against the squad, shooting 36.6 per cent from the floor and 26.4 per cent from the three-point range. While the Bisons forced a respectable number of turnovers — 8.0 steals per game — the team often found itself trailing in the rebound battle, especially on second-chance plays.
February’s final stretch summed up the team’s trajectory. While offensive execution improved, defensive rotations and foul trouble remained persistent hurdles. The Bisons ranked 11th in the Canada West shooting table — ahead of the local rivals Winnipeg Wesmen and the Brandon Bobcats, but behind playoff contenders like the Calgary Dinos and the UBC Thunderbirds. Their defensive rebounds per game was ranked third, underscoring the team’s growing perimeter game. However, overall offensive efficiency lagged behind the upper level.
From a lineup perspective, the Bisons remained relatively consistent, with Martin, Miko, Mandamin and Autumn Agar starting nearly every game by the end of the season. The rotation blended senior leadership with junior energy — a promising sign for 2025-26.
Despite losing to the Calgary Dinos with a score of 89-64 in their only playoff game on Feb. 21, the season offered foundational takeaways.
With the top scorers to return, including Miko and Schatkowsky, the Bisons have a solid core to build on. Defensive structure and depth remain areas for refinement, especially with the conference only growing more competitive.
2025-04-04 — This article previously stated that the Bisons women’s basketball team finished just outside playoff range. The article has been revised to correct the error.
