Growing up in Chatham, Ontario, Bridget Carleton had never envisioned a career in professional basketball in her home country. However, this season, she finds herself living that dream as a forward for the Portland Fire. Reflecting on her journey, Carleton expressed her amazement at the evolution of basketball opportunities in Canada, citing her childhood experiences of watching WNBA games south of the border but feeling disconnected from the league.
In a recent game between the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire in Vancouver, a crowd of 12,414 witnessed the Tempo stage a remarkable comeback, defeating the Fire 82-79 and breaking their 12-game losing streak. Centre Isabelle Harrison credited the energetic crowd for boosting their performance and expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they received from fans.
The game saw Portland taking an early lead, highlighted by Carleton’s impressive scoring spree in the opening minutes. However, Toronto fought back, tying the score at 44-44 by halftime. The momentum shifted in the third quarter when Harrison’s layup gave Toronto a 58-53 lead, igniting the crowd’s enthusiasm and creating a supportive atmosphere inside Rogers Arena.
Head coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged the impact of the passionate fans on the team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of fan support in driving the Tempo’s success. The game was part of the Tempo’s Cross Canada series, aiming to expand their fan base and promote the league nationwide.
Brondello, a veteran of the WNBA, highlighted the league’s growth and increased visibility, particularly with the expansion into Canada. She emphasized the importance of showcasing the league’s talent and building a strong fan base to support women’s basketball on a global scale.
The Tempo’s upcoming events in Vancouver, including a fan festival and a game against the Las Vegas Aces, demonstrate the league’s expansion and growing popularity. Guard Brittney Sykes praised the enthusiastic fan base in Canada and the opportunities the league provides for aspiring young athletes, underscoring the significance of representation and inspiration for future generations.
Carleton, a two-time Olympian, emphasized the impact of having professional women’s sports accessible in Canada, highlighting the potential for young athletes to dream big and pursue their aspirations. She expressed gratitude for being a role model and paving the way for future generations of basketball players in the country.
