SYDNEY, NS – When it comes to her playing on the court, Kiyara Letlow is considered an average basketball player adapting to Atlantic varsity sport.
The Toronto product leads the Capers Capers women’s basketball program with 20.4 points per game. Although his attack was noticed by fans, it would be surprising to learn that basketball has not always been his sport.
In fact, growing up Letlow played a variety of sports and got involved in soccer, volleyball, and dancing. When it comes to basketball, she only started playing the sport five years ago and has come a long way since then.
“My older brother inspired me to play this sport,” Letlow said of his decision to give basketball a chance.
“He kept pushing me because he always wanted me to go for it, but I never really thought that was my thing. One day he signed me up for a team and I’ve been playing ever since.
Kyara Letlow
- Birthplace: Toronto, Ont.
- Resides: Sydney, NS
- Age: 19
- Position: Before
- Height: 6’1 “
- Sport: Basketball
- Team: Cape Breton Capers (Atlantic University Sport)
Although she hasn’t played as much as the other players in the Capers roster, the first-year striker’s talents have been recognized by Cape Breton head coach Fabian McKenzie, who signed Letlow. to play for the club.
“I had quite a few offers across Canada and a few small ones in the United States, but when I came on my visit to Cape Breton, I didn’t know the island, but the overall culture that I did. felt was awesome, ”Letlow said.
“When I met some of the girls and the school staff, I knew I wanted to come to Cape Breton and I’m extremely happy to be here and be a part of the Capers program.
In addition to leading the Capers in points per game, Letlow is currently third in the AUS overall standings in points, behind Acadia’s Jayda Veinot (22.1 points per game) and the Isle of Man star. Prince Edward Island Jenna Mae Ellsworth (21.3 points per game).
Letlow admits the transition from high school to college basketball has been a challenge for her, but contributes to her early season success with her determination to be the best she can be every game.
“The pace is a lot faster and we have to learn things a lot faster,” said Letlow, 19. “I try to play one game at a time. I am focused and I know what to do and it shows at the start of the year.
To the court
Letlow began his basketball career playing for an Under-15 Reps team in his hometown known as the Toronto Triple Threat.
She then turned to basketball in high school, playing her Grades 9 and 10 seasons with Central Toronto Academy. It was around this time that his basketball career changed for the better.
Letlow was recruited by Father John Redmond Catholic High School, a prep school located in Etobicoke, Ont., Where she played her grades 11 and 12 basketball seasons.
She admits it wasn’t until Grade 11 that she realized college basketball could be an opportunity for her to further her career in the sport.
“It was that year that I really started playing at a high level and started taking the game a lot more seriously,” Letlow said. “I started spending a lot more hours on and off the pitch. I knew hard work could get me down my road to college basketball.
“My older brother inspired me to play this sport. He kept pushing me because he always wanted me to do it, but I never really thought that was my thing. “- Kyara Letlow
Letlow attributes the passion of McKenzie of Capers and assistant coach Doug Connors to another reason she decided to attend Cape Breton University.
“I felt like this is where I could be the best varsity player and student-athlete,” Letlow said. “The team felt more like family and the program had a richer culture than other schools and that just suited me.”
While Cape Breton Island does not provide the hustle and bustle of life in Toronto, Letlow said from a life perspective it has been a challenge to adjust, but in a good way.
“It’s very busy in Toronto so being here is nice learning how to slow down and understand that everything doesn’t have to be rushed all the time,” she said. “There is a lot more room here to breathe and I really appreciate it.”
Weekend games
Saturday
- 1 p.m. – Women – New Brunswick @ Cape Breton
- 3 p.m. – Men – New Brunswick @ Cape Breton
Sunday
- 1 p.m. – Women – Saint Mary’s @ Cape Breton
- 3 p.m. – Men – Saint Mary’s @ Cape Breton
Note: All four games are four-point games on the Atlantic University Sport standings.
Ready for action
After playing the previous five road games, the Cape Breton Capers will return home this weekend to wrap up the first half of the AUS season.
The Capers’ men’s and women’s programs will be on the field Saturday and Sunday as they face the New Brunswick Reds and Saint Mary’s Huskies. The women play at 1 p.m. and the men play at 3 p.m. at Sullivan Field House in Sydney on both days.
The women’s team are currently in fifth place in the table with a 3-4 record, while the men’s club are in seventh place in the eight-team league with a 2-5 record.
Cape Breton’s teams have the opportunity to move up the standings fairly quickly, with the weekend’s two competitions being four-point games.
In the women’s division, New Brunswick (3-5) is tied with the Capers in points (8) while Saint Mary’s (6-2) is six points behind the unbeaten UPEI (8- 0).
Meanwhile, in the men’s division, New Brunswick (4-4) is tied at four for third place with Saint Mary’s (5-3), St. Francis Xavier (4-4) and Memorial (4- 4).
After the weekend games, Cape Breton will be out of the game for over a month for the Christmas break. The team will be back in the field Jan. 8-9 when they host the Memorial Sea-Hawks at Sullivan Field House.
