By Jadon Frank

Both Briercrest basketball teams are getting an after Christmas roster boost from former student-athletes who are returning to action in the winter semester.

Men’s basketball adds another American guard to their already strong roster with the addition of Christian Sacoman. Sacoman played for Briercrest for the 2010-11 season before red-shirting at Fort Lewis College (NCAA Div II) for the 2011-12 season.

Briercrest head coach Rod Adrian is excited to add the Albuquerque, New Mexico product to his roster for the winter semester.

“Christian Sacoman returns to Briercrest to add more “firepower” to an already potent offence,” Adrian said. “He brings ACAC and US College experience to the team with a strong desire to win.  He’s a proven scorer and will fit nicely into our offense.  Competitive, and hard working with a nice balance of support for others and a quick smile will help in adding to an already great team atmosphere.  I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to coach Christian, and I believe he is looking forward to renew his connection to Briercrest.”

Women’s basketball will be adding a returning athlete to their active roster along with two red-shirts, one current student and one transfer, for the winter semester.

Melissa Kelsey (Diesel) last played for Briercrest during the 2006-07 season and will be transitioning from the bench to the court this semester after a few years away from the game to begin raising her family.

“Melissa will add a lot of experience, maturity and leadership as well as skill to our team next semester,” Romanuk said. “She has been helping out with our practices this past semester and has been working with the girls one-on-one, so she will also add a lot of knowledge and basketball IQ.  I am excited that Melissa has been involved with our team over this past semester and I am excited for her to contribute to our team this next semester on the floor.”

Coach Romanuk is also excited to add two red-shirts to the roster, who he feels will have an impact in coming seasons.

“Lauren Jordan comes to Briercrest from the King’s University College in Edmonton.  She is coming off of ACL surgery in August and will be joining us this semester as a red-shirt position as she continues to recover from surgery and begins to gel with our team in preparation for fall 2013.  Lauren brings ACAC experience, skill, and knowledge to our team and because she will be a little older she will also bring leadership.  I am super excited to have her with us this semester and excited to see her contribute next fall as well.”

“Marissa Burns will be red-shirting with us this semester as well,” Romanuk said. “She has been away from basketball for the last few years, but she is eager to get back into it and I am eager to see her get back into game form and see how she will benefit us in the future.”