The UFV Cascades completed the opening weekend after winter break with a split — running away 90-58 against the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) Timberwolves on Jan. 10, before coming up short 83-74 to the Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Wolfpack, on Jan. 11.
This weekend marked the return of #11, Chris Jackson, who has been out of the line-up since the 2023 season due to a knee injury. Jackson racked up 15 points, 11 rebounds, and three steals against UNBC, all team-highs.
The Timberwolves are currently ranked seventh in the Pacific division and have had a challenging season with a record of 1-9. Only nine of their 14 roster players were able to suit up against UFV this weekend.
After checking in at the scorer’s table three minutes into the first quarter, Jackson’s speed immediately shifted the game’s momentum. He made his presence felt with an electric putback and a steal to finish the quarter. The Cascade spoke to the Nevada born guard/forward on the court postgame to discuss his return.
“It’s surreal. I’m just happy to be playing with the guys again,” said Jackson. “It’s better than just practic[ing] and I’m glad we got the dub.”
Coach Enevoldson used rotational player Uyi Ologhola strategically, getting the fourth-year guard onto the court whenever a stop was needed. Ologhola’s robust defence continues to shift the tone of games this season.
“[Uyi] is one of the top on-ball defenders in the conference,” said Coach Enevoldson. “I’ve seen him play against NBA player Bennedict Mathurin and bring the same level of defence. He presents a different change of pace.”
Coach Enevoldson highlighted that the addition of Jackson brings another dimension to the line-up off the bench at this pivotal point in the season.
“We now have three very high level athletes in Clay [Kurtz], Uyi, and Chris. They can all guard, they can get out and run.”
Kurtz was instrumental in the nail-biter against the Wolfpack on Saturday, playing 31+ minutes in comparison to the 18+ the previous night against the Timberwolves. He registered 12 points, three rebounds, one block, and one steal on Saturday.
The Wolfpack, with a 6-6 record, are ranked third in the Pacific — one spot above the Cascades — and UFV had something to prove after losing by 30 points to TRU in November. The Wolfpack are a team with length that fights hard below the rim. All but two of TRU’s players are listed below 6’2”, presenting a challenge for UFV on the glass, as the home team was outrebounded 39-33.
We asked Kurtz what the toughest part of playing against the Wolfpack was.
“They were playing a zone on us and kind of slowed us down … we’re usually not as good in the half court,” said Kurtz. “We gave up so many easy looks. I think dialling in on defence and knowing what we’re doing will change the game — that’s why we lost.”
Coach Enevoldson echoed what his third-year guard had to say, and highlighted key areas to tighten up before the Canada West play-offs in early spring.
“Credit to TRU … they outworked us. They hustled us, wanted it more than us … We didn’t really have an inside presence. You can’t be allergic to the paint,” said Enevoldson, “[They’re not] all the Friday night special, right?”
The Cascades gear up next to take on the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, who rank second in the Pacific Division, at War Memorial Gymnasium on Jan. 17 and 18. Coach Enevoldson is confident that the boys can hold their own.
“[UBC] is talented, across the board. They’re physical, they’re nightmares on the glass. We just gotta do our job, and do what we ask them to do Monday through Thursday … chances are highly likely that we’ll be pretty successful.”
Kiara Okonkwo is a writer and creative. She received a diploma in Screenwriting from Vancouver Film School and is pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Media and Communication Studies. Kiara values self-expression and authenticity.
