Walton committs to UPEI

Grace Walton has found a university basketball team that fits her mould.

The 18-year-old from Kentville is heading to Charlottetown, P.E.I., to join the UPEI Panthers in the fall.

“My greatest strength as a player would be my defensive abilities,” said Walton. “I have always been known as a strong and quick defender.

“UPEI has a very defence-first, fastpaced approach, so I believe my playing style will complement that.”

The Panthers went 13-7 in the regular season in 2022-23 and lost to the Saint Mary's Huskies in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) semifinals.

Relentless, fearless and committed describe UPEI's approach to playing defence — an aspect of the game head coach Matt Gamblin demands from his players.

Since he joined the Panthers in

2018, his teams have been at or near the top in every defensive category.

So, Gamblin makes defence a priority when recruiting prospects.

“Grace is gritty, and that's a trait we actively try and recruit at UPEI,” he said. “She also brings athleticism at the wing spot and an ability to really get down and guard.

“Her toughness translates very well with our style of play, and we are looking to her to bring lots of toughness and competitiveness.”

Walton also possesses a strong offensive skillset. She is aggressive with the ball, often attacking the basket with her size and strength. A big part of her game is her ability to create offence off the drive and give her teammates more efficient scoring opportunities.

In her final game with the Northeast Kings Education Centre (NKEC) Titans, Walton scored 27 points en route to capturing the high school's second consecutive provincial title.

She was a starter at nationals on Nova Scotia's under-17 team in 2022. A week later, she joined the Nova Scotia Canada Games team as an underage player in the Niagara Region of Ontario.

“Grace plays well in the drive-andkick game and brings it all the time,” Gamblin said. “She's a great athlete and has all the intangibles to be a strong contributor to the team.”

Walton's cousin Lauren Hainstock just completed her first season with the Panthers.

Walton said she hopes that success follows her to UPEI, where the team feels they can win an AUS title.

“I really like the dynamic of this team,” Walton said. “I've watched the team play many times over the past season, and I feel I will fit in well with their playing and coaching styles.”