Adams has a new family
Vaughan native Shailah Adams decided to leave home and chase her basketball dreams in Grade 9.
“I was offered a spot to play on Niagara Prep and the OSBA (Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association) was the hot step for girls who wanted to play at the next level,” the former Vaughan Panthers and the Woodbridge Lions OBA player said. “It was something that I want pursue for myself.”
Things didn’t start out great for the 19-year-old Welland resident. She ended up tearing her ACL back in her Grade 9. However, that injury did have a silver lining for the 2023 Brock University women’s basketball recruit.
“After having surgery, I really focused on weight training and strength and conditioning and all that,” the 5-foot-5 guard said. “Before, I just worked on my basketball stuff. By hitting the weight room a lot and working on cardio a lot more, the physical aspect of my game has improved in that way.”
After three seasons at Niagara Prep followed by one season at Bill Crothers and another at Scarborough Prep, Adams has seen her game develop.
“I am a point guard who is attack and dish and a good shooter with a good handle. I guess you could say I am a point guard who looks for the best option, pass first, score second.”
Adams had interest from a number of universities but Brock became her destination of choice for a number of reasons.
“When I met with (head coach) Rao, I really liked a lot of what he was saying about their team and their style of play,” she said. “I went to a practice and I really enjoyed the atmosphere the team had. I also like the school and it has a good kin (kinesiology) program.”
She was also attracted to the school by the presence of strength and conditioning coach Taylor Tiessen.
“When I was playing with Niagara, he helped me to come back from my injury so him being a part of the program is great.”
She is aiming high for her freshman season of Ontario University Athletics ball.
“I want to come in and make an impact right away. I want to achieve everything I can as a rookie. It would be great to win rookie of the year and have an impactful role on the team.”
Rao is looking forward to what Adams can add to his roster.
“Shailah is a good dynamic guard. She is a pass-first guard who has got some good shooting skills,” he said. “She has been tested, she has played at all levels, she is very competitive and I think that she is going to vie for our guard position.”
Adams will also provide Rao with another player who can get to the basket.
“She has the potential. She is still young and it is going to be her first year,” he said. “She attacks the basket well but on her attack she sees the floor well so she will be able to distribute. That ability is going to serve us well.”
