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Jonas Emilsson

Danielle DeGagne – A Scoreboard’s Worst Enemy
Jonas Emilsson

Sometimes it’s about being at the right place at the right time.

When Brandon Manitoba’s Danielle DeGagne attended a basketball camp last summer at North Dakota State University, she probably wasn’t expecting to be offered a full-ride scholarship shortly after wards.

“It feels really great,” said DeGagne about receiving the scholarship. “Last July I went to their camp and they liked how I played and then they offered me a full scholarship a little while after that.”

Calgary High School Sports
What seemingly fell into the NDSU Bisons’ lap is a fearless player that has a solid all-around game.

In the final of the Bobcat Invitational at Bishop O’Byrne, DeGagne put on a dazzling array of basketball skills to lead her team to a 62-42 victory over Airdrie’s Bert Church Chargers.

DeGagne lit up the scoreboard for 37 points, many of which came from converted and-ones after she drove to the basket with absolutely no fear of the Charger defenders.

When the option to take the ball strong to hoop wasn’t available, DeGagne’s excellent outside shot allowed her to pull up and hit a jumper.

But the most impressive aspect of her game is her on-court vision. DeGagne has Steve Nash-like eyes that allows her to spot seemingly covered teammates for easy buckets.

“Her offensive game is unbelievable, but more importantly, her court-vision is unbelievable at both ends of the floor,” said Plainsmen’s head coach Dave Malowski.

Calgary High School Sports
“She steals some balls that other people don’t even see and offensively she can get it to the rim and she can pull up and shoot it. She’s got the total package.”

In this weekend’s tournament final DeGagne had a five-minute spurt in the third quarter where she unleashed everything in her repertoire to put the game out of reach.

In that short span she hit several three-pointers, took the ball to the hoop twice that resulted in a lay-up and a foul and she drained a couple of mid-range jumpers for good measure.

She was also a thorn in the sides of the Charger players on the defensive end of the court where she picked off several passes.

“Steals get me pumped up and I love transition so when I get a steal I just go in transition and take what the defense gives me,” said DeGagne.

When asked to describe her game, DeGagne wasn’t so eager to toot her horn too much.

“I think I’m fairly versatile.” I can shoot it when I’m feeling hot and I can take it to the basket and I can see the floor pretty well I guess.”

That humble attitude is one of the many reasons why Malowski has enjoyed the time he’s had to spend coaching DeGagne.

“She’s been a treat to coach and I’ve been luck to have her on our team for four years.”

“She’s developed from a grade nine player who was a little bit timid to a grade-12 kid who is doing everything for us.”

“No question, she’s our go-to kid.”

Kram 5 with Danielle DeGagne
What is your sneaker of choice? Adidas
Who is your favorite NBA player? Steve Nash
What is your favorite pre-game meal? Pasta
What is your favorite TV show? Friends
Who is your favorite NBA team? Phoenix Suns