(London, ON) – The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) has announced the 2024-25 Women's Basketball league awards, with two standout Falcons earning well-deserved recognition.
In her debut OCAA season, Falcons' forward Ashlyn Anderson (Latchford, ON) established herself as one of the league's most dominant interior forces, earning multiple accolades. Anderson was named OCAA West Division Rookie of the Year and selected to the OCAA All-Rookie Team. Beyond her rookie status, she also secured a spot as an OCAA West Division Second Team All-Star. Anderson averaged a double-double, posting 10.3 points and 11.6 rebounds per game, ranking third in the OCAA in rebounds. She was a defensive powerhouse, leading the league with 40 blocks (2.5 per game), 25 more than the next closest player, solidifying her reputation as the OCAA's premier shot-blocker. Anderson also set Fanshawe Women's Basketball records for most rebounds in a season (186), most blocks in a season (40), most rebounds in a single game (21) and most blocks in a single game (7).
Fanshawe second-year guard Layla Mackenzie (Camlachie, ON) was recognized as the OCAA West Division Sixth Woman of the Year. A microwave off the bench, Mackenzie could heat up in an instant, leading all Falcons scorers with 10.6 points per game this season, an 8.5 point improvement from her rookie year. Mackenzie's impact went beyond the box score, as her fearless demeanor was highlighted by leading the team in charges taken.
The Falcons (9-8, 5th West) opened their playoff run with a dominant 85-51 victory over Seneca (6-9, 4th East) on February 15. Anderson anchored the defense with 15 rebounds and three blocks, while Mackenzie recorded 16 points. Fanshawe will now prepare for a tough Quarter-Final matchup against the No. 10 nationally ranked Niagara Knights (15-2, 1st West) on Saturday February 22nd at 1:00 p.m. at Simplii Financial Athletic Centre in Welland, Ontario.
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