It’s certainly been a six months to remember for Kristine Lalonde. After cracking the roster of the Team Ontario Midget squad this past summer and leading her team in scoring as Ontario turned in a gold medal performance, Lalonde quickly became an important cog on the Lasalle Lancers team that recently returned from OFSAA.

Despite having just started Grade 9, Lalonde came off the bench to contribute valuable minutes, demonstrating a very natural scoring touch. The summer kicked off with an invitation to the Centre of Performance camp offered by Basketball Canada.

“There’s about 30 kids in camp (ages 12 to 18) and  it really gives us a chance to work on our individual skills” said Lalonde, who adds that she continues to work on her pull-up jumper. With all that has unfolded recently for the young teen, it’s not easy to pick a highlight that stands out.

“Probably making the provincial team – I was one of the youngest members of the team” explains Lalonde. While she has always been a very talented multi-sport athlete, her emphasis these days is clearly on basketball and she notices the improvements in her game.

“My defense has gotten a lot better. I’m a lot more comfortable having to cover good athletes” she said. Still, it is certainly her offensive talents and very specifically, her ability to hit from three point range that helps her stand out among her peers. “I try to take the attitude that I’ll make every shot” she states when asked about her mindset in trying to be a good shooter.

While there was some debate about whether Lalonde should join the senior Lancers or take on a starring role with the juniors, she seems quite comfortable with her choice. “I learn so much just being around the (senior) girls. They’re very calm in so many situations…and the competition will definitely be better.”
 

Kristine Lalonde, Lasalle Lancers
 

“I try to take the attitude that I’ll make every shot”