Landry, Mongomo share MVP after monster years for 2019-2020 UNBC Women’s Basketball

Women's Basketball
April 1, 2020

Most Valuable Player(s):
Madison Landry, G
Prince George, B.C.

Madison Landry was a picture of consistency and excellence this season, scoring in double figures in 19 of 20 regular season games, and leading the conference in playoff scoring. She finished third in the league with 19.1 points per game, while moving into first in UNBC CW history in career assists. The 4th year, who set a program single-game record with 36 points, was named a Canada West 3rd Team All-Star at the conclusion of the season.


Coach Sergey Shchepotkin: “Madison was great for us all season long. She is so talented and creates problems for opposing defenses with her length and ability to shoot from the outside or get to the rim. Every year she gets better and better, and I am proud of her for winning this award.”

Maria Mongomo, F
Las Palmas, Spain


One of the most prolific scorers in the history of Canada West, Maria Mongomo finished out her UNBC Women’s Basketball career by leading the conference in scoring with 20.1 points per game. She also averaged a career-high 9.8 rebounds, and led CW in steals with 3.4 per game. This season, she became the first CW player in nearly two decades to score 30 points in three straight games. A Canada West First Team All-Star, this is her second UNBC Most Valuable Player Award.

Coach Sergey Shchepotkin: “From year one to year five, Maria has been one of the most unstoppable forces in the league. This season, she found another gear in the second half, on offense and defense. I was proud of how she played through injury and had another great year for us.”


Best Defensive Player:
Emma vanBruinessen, F
Leduc, AB

In her first year with the Timberwolves, Emma vanBruinessen’s defensive effort and tenacity made her an indispensable part of the UNBC fabric. The TWolves grabbed more rebounds and blocks than they did in the 2018-2019 Canada West season, while allowing less points. vanBruinessen paced the team in rebounds and blocks, and her effort and willingness to put her body on the line makes her the 2019-2020 Best Defensive Player.


Coach Sergey Shchepotkin: “We knew, when Emma arrived, she would play a big part for us this year. She exceeded expectations, and worked every second she was on the court. She is undersized for her position, but she never backs down. Emma takes more charges, dives on more loose balls, and grabs more tough rebounds than anyone. I am proud of her.”

Most Improved Player:
Issy Bourque, F
Prince George, B.C.


After two years away from the program, Issy Bourque returned to UNBC Women’s Basketball and played a key role in the team’s Canada West playoff push. After coming off the bench the first ten games of the season and averaging 0.5 points and 1.1 rebounds, the PGSS product started the final ten games, averaging 3.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, and playing with her signature grit and will.

Coach Sergey Shchepotkin: “Getting Issy back this year was important for us, and she ended up stepping up in a big way. She was forced to play against players bigger than her, but she gave us her all, every game. Throughout the season, she got more and more effective, and I am happy she has won this award.”


Rookie of the Year:
Rebecca Landry, G/F
Prince George, B.C.

When the Timberwolves needed their freshman guard to step up, Rebecca Landry did just that, playing a major role in the team’s second-half surge. The Duchess Park product finished top five in the UNBC rookie record books in points, FGs, 3PTs, minutes, assists, and PPG, while setting new marks for FG% and 3PT%.


Coach Sergey Shchepotkin: “Part way through the season, Rebecca adjusted to the Canada West level and got more and more confident in her role and her ability. From there, she was an impact player, playing better and better on both ends of the court. I am excited to see what Rebecca does next year, and over her career at UNBC.”

Leadership Award:
Emily Holmes, G
Prince George, B.C.


Emily Holmes has become synonymous with UNBC Basketball for her work in the community, and with local youth. On the court, she set the program record for most assists in a 20 game Canada West season, while exemplifying what it means to be a Timberwolf in the community. A worthy recipient of the Leadership Award.

Coach Sergey Shchepotkin: “Emily has become a great leader for us on and off the court. Working with kids, or with charity, she represents UNBC well. But within our team, with young players or recruits, or just during the game, she was very important. I am so proud of how her career played out, and she deserves this award.”