Abbotsford – Klaus Figueredo of the UFV men’s basketball team and Shayna Litman of the women’s basketball team are this week’s recipients of the Abbotsford Heat / UFV Cascades Athlete of the Week.
They must have told him not to smile.
It’s hard to imagine UFV men’s basketball without a smiling Klaus Figueredo somewhere in the picture. A potent mix of ball smarts and quickness, the fifth year guard has been a Cascades fixture this season, averaging 34 minutes and 12.2 points a game. He also averages 3.1 assists a game, good for 15th in the Canada West, and maintains the eighth best assist/turnover ratio as well (1.4). Figueredo was in fine form during last Saturday’s home blowout of the UBC Okanagan Heat with 14 points and six assists to his credit as he helped the Cascades to their eighth straight win.
“Klaus played great for us this past weekend,” said UFV head coach Adam Friesen. “He took advantage of his scoring opportunities and created opportunities for others through his play-making abilities. The truly special thing about Klaus is that what he gives the team behind the scenes is just as valuable as what fans see him do on the court. He is a leader of our team and through his energy and character he enables us to continue moving forward in a positive direction.”
Shayna Litman
Shayna Litman, a second year forward, is a sophomore on a roster packed with juniors and seniors. Some might find this intimidating, but Litman has managed to carve out an important role for herself while helping the team. Without ever starting a game, or averaging more than 12.5 minutes a night, Litman has managed 7 points a game with a .514 field goal percentage, making her one of the most efficient Cascades on the roster.
Last weekend Litman scored 23 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and snatched 2 steals in a combined 28 minutes over the two games. Her play, especially during a tenuous Saturday game when she went 5-5 from the free-throw line, helped the Cascades maintain their lead and pull out the win.
“Shayna has turned into a very key member of our squad,” said Cascades head coach Al Tuchscherer. “She is one of the most efficient scorers in Canada West. She really does a tremendous job of keeping herself prepared to play when she on the bench and she always makes the most of the opportunities given to her – being one of our leading scorers in really limited minutes. This weekend she played the role perfectly with double digit scoring games.”
Both recipients will receive a ticket to any Abbotsford Heat game of their choosing.
The Cascades basketball teams will take the court again this weekend against the University of Regina Cougars (Friday), and the Brandon University Bobcats (Saturday).
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