Top-15 Epoch Commits to U of Sask

Libby Epoch (3-stars, 5’8″, PG, A.E. Peacock/Team Saskatchewan) of Moose Jaw, SK has made her intentions known that she has decided to commit to attending the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, SK for the Fall of 2016 and become a Huskie.

“I am super excited to get the decision made and start looking forward to next year”, said Epoch. “After taking a lot of time to look over every detail about schools I was considering, the U of S was definitely the best decision for me.”

“Most of all, I am excited I can represent my home town and province of Saskatchewan on a national level!”

Epoch is an athletic Point Guard that has demonstrated that she has ability to make good decisions with the ball. With the ball she can be shifty and able to change direction quite well and can connect off the dribble from about 10–feet, quite well. She is an active defender that shows evidence of her athleticism with her lateral quickness to stay with opponents and good vertical when snagging the odd rebound, giving her team added possessions. She is a willing participant to getting her teammates involved and conversely shown some ability to get to the hoop as the opportunity presents itself.

With a true Point Guard mentality, the top-15 ranked player in the Canadian Class of 2016 has indicated that one of the ways that she intends on contributing is to create looks for her teammates. Doing so in an environment where she will continue to foster her skills at the position was an important aspect of the decision making of a school for her. It was important to select one where she will be able to develop at the one position, and be in an environment that really supports their team.

“The U of S has a track record of developing some elite Guards and that is very important for me and my growth as a player”, said Epoch, undoubtedly speaking highly of her future Huskies Head Coach, Lisa Thomaidis, who is also the Head Coach of the Canada Basketball Senior Women’s Team.

“The team some of the strongest community support I have been around and is continually a very strong team year after year.”

Epoch has spent several recent summers playing Point Guard with Team Saskatchewan. This past July, she gained some valuable experience in the pressure cooker known as the Nike National Invitational in Chicago. The atmosphere created in the convention center, which accommodated 40+ courts, was an eye opener.   For her it added another element of her game, which will prepare her that much more for her leap to the next level.

“Playing in Chicago was a great atmosphere; there were plenty of fans and scouts. You really have to focus on yourself and your games. The style of play was different, because there was less of a run game and more set offenses. It was great to experience both the Canadian and American styles.”

The summer team, also affectionately known as Team Sask, has some recent history of top Point Guards, as Kaylee Halvorson (Luther College HS, 2012) and Paige Crozon (Humboldt CI, 2012) both played the position at a high level. Crozon made the decision to play in the NCAA and plays with the Utah Utes. Halvorson made the decision to play with the Huskies.

And while Epoch considered playing south of the border in the NCAA, because she is from a smaller town, there was some gravitation towards an environment that would allow her to retain that feel as best as possible. Couple that with her feeling that the CIS is continuing to retain top talent; it then became a no-brainer for her to stay and play in the CIS.

“I chose the CIS because it is a great league that is continuing to get some the most elite athletes.”, explained Epoch. “I also found that many of the CIS schools are very well known in the community, which give them a ‘small town’ feel.”

For the short term, A.E. Peacock will be where the 5’8” PG, will continue to refine her skill as her Peacock Tornadoes set their sights on winning a provincial championship. And Epoch expects nothing less than to compete in that Gold medal game come the Spring.

“My expectation is to be back in the Hoopla finals. We have a solid starting lineup returning from last season and I know all the girls have their minds on a Hoopla final game as well.”

Once the basketball season is done with the Tornadoes, the likely University Arts and Science Major, just may aim to improve upon her 1500M and 3000M provincial Bronze Medals in Track and Field.