Bruno has what it takes for bright basketball future

Since she is six-feet tall, Malayah Bruno tends to stand out on the basketball court.

And though the 16-year-old Cree/Blackfoot has one season of high school ball remaining after her current one, a handful of universities have already expressed interest in having her attend their schools.

Bruno, who is in Grade 11, is starring with the Calgary-based St. Mary’s Saints. This marks her second season with the school’s senior team. She was still eligible to play at the junior level a year ago but she cracked the Saints’ senior squad in her Grade 10 year.

Bruno said officials from three Alberta universities - Mount Royal, Calgary and Alberta - have been in touch with her inquiring about her post-secondary wishes.

Saints’ coach Bill McConkey said one of the university coaches is eager to have Bruno commit to his program as soon as possible.
“She’s got all the tools,” McConkey said. “And she’s got upside to her. We figure if we can light a fire under her she can be the best (university) player in western Canada.”

McConkey is confident Bruno is capable of becoming a star at the university level.

“She’s got all the pieces of the puzzle,” he said, while praising her scoring, rebounding and dribbling skills. “Now it’s up to her if she wants to do it.”

McConkey adds Bruno needs to concentrate on playing well for a full game, and not let a brief setback affect her play.

“She gets a little down on herself when she makes a mistake,” he said.

Bruno though might not end up staying in Canada to play university ball.

“I would like to try and make it in the (United) States (and get an NCAA scholarship),” she said. “For me to develop as a player I think I have to go and see what it’s like in the States.”

McConkey believes it’s just a matter of time before some American universities come calling for Bruno.

“I think there will be (offers from U.S. schools),” he said. “After this season is over we’re going to sit down and have a little interview. We’re going to see what she wants to do and what we’re going to do to help get her there.”

As for this year, Bruno helped the Saints to an impressive 9-1 regular season record in their 16-team Calgary high school league. St. Mary’s was scheduled to begin its playoffs on Mar. 5.
Bruno will also be playing some hoops this summer. She will be a member of the Alberta girls under-17 squad. This club will compete at its nationals, which will be held in August in Sherbrooke, Que.

For Bruno, this marks the second time she has been on a provincial team. She was a member of the Alberta under-15 team that placed fourth at its 2011 nationals in Winnipeg.

Bruno is hoping to come away with a medal, preferably gold, at this year’s Canadian championships.

“That’s going to be the main goal - to try and win first place,” she said.

Photo caption: Grade 11 basketball player Malayah Bruno has already been contacted by three Alberta universities.