Amid interest from U.S. schools, Brampton Minor Basketball Association (BMBA), Brampton Lady Warrior Yanique Smith has decided to stay home and play basketball for Coach Michelle Belanger at the University of Toronto.

Yanique, a guard, who has played for the Brampton Warriors for years, brought her game to great heights this year. She helped lead her high school basketball team; St. Edmund Campion to win the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) championships this fall. Yanique also played for “A” Game Basketball in the summer, where she received exposure to academic institutions in the U.S.

Her proud parents; Desmond and Simone Smith are ecstatic both by her accomplishments so far as well as her choice of attending the University of Toronto where she will play post secondary basketball. Yanique, a high achiever both on and off the court was able to secure both an academic and athletic scholarship to the University where she will study Ethics, Society and Law.

Yanique has always been coached by Assistant Coach Jason Harris who considers Yanique not just a player but a daughter and had nothing but great things to say about Yanique. “Yanique is an extremely hard worker who is reaping the rewards of her work ethic. She is very coachable and is not afraid to take on new challenges at any time. I know she will do great at the next level.”

Yanique has played under Head Coach Hugh Riley for the last two years and has been a key player on his team. “Yanique has a great work ethic; coming into the gym before practice on “off” days and also staying after practice to put extra shots up. I have been impressed with her willingness to take on whatever role she has been given on the team. The coaching staff is extremely proud of Yanique’s accomplishments and we look forward to taking younger teams to watch her play at the next level.”

Congratulations Yanique, from the Brampton Minor Basketball Association!!

Written by Linda Iriah