It was a semester of high-flying dunks, hard-fought rallies, and a few heart-stopping finishes at the Healthy Living Centre, but the biggest story of the fall campaign might just be the noise from the stands. As the Brandon Bobcats navigated the first half of the 2025-26 Canada West season, the community responded with incredible support, setting a new first-half attendance record with over 10,200 total fans pouring through the doors of the HLC so far this season.
Hoops Hysteria: A Fast Start and a Fight to the Finish
The season kicked off with an electric atmosphere at the HLC in late October, fueled by that record-breaking crowd support. The Men's Basketball team wasted no time giving Bobcat Nation something to cheer about, opening their campaign with a blistering 101-90 victory over provincial rivals, the Manitoba Bisons. It was a statement game that set the tone for a rollercoaster semester.
Led by the dynamic scoring of Sultan Haider-Bhatti, who averaged nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds a game, the men's squad proved they could score with anyone. They battled to a .500 record (6-6) by the break, trading punches with heavyweights like Calgary and Lethbridge. While they faced tough weekends in Alberta, they found their rhythm again in late November, sweeping the Regina Cougars at home and capping off the semester with a dominant 85-62 road win over Saskatchewan. With Munroop Gill adding consistent scoring punch (16.2 PPG) and Travis Hamberger steadying the ship, the men head into the break knowing they can beat anyone in the conference.
On the Women's Basketball side, the story began with a blaze of glory. The Bobcats stormed out of the gate, winning three of their first four games. They took down Manitoba in their home opener (86-71) and followed it up with a gutsy road win at Winnipeg. When they edged out Lethbridge 69-65 on November 1st, they were sitting pretty at 3-1.
However, November proved to be a cruel month. Injuries and a grueling schedule against top-tier teams like Calgary and Alberta saw the team hit a skid, dropping eight straight to close the half at 3-9. Despite the tough stretch, Piper Ingalls and Ella Averill provided the grit needed in the paint. The record may not show it, but the pieces are there for a resurgence in January.
Volleyball: Halloween Sweeps and a Thrilling Breakthrough
Over on the volleyball court, the incredible support from the fans played a massive role in turning the HLC into a fortress during key weekends.
The Men's Volleyball team (3-7) had to weather an early storm on the west coast, but they found their magic just in time for Halloween. Buoyed by the energy of the home crowd, they swept the Mount Royal Cougars in back-to-back 3-0 shutouts at the HLC on October 31 and November 1. It was a showcase of power, led by Tom Friesen, who hammered down over 100 kills in the first half, and the playmaking of Kale Fisher. Although they faced tough losses to Manitoba later in the month, they showed they could grind, picking up a tough five-set win in Saskatchewan.
For the Women's Volleyball team, the first half was a test of character. They battled through a winless October and early November, showing flashes of potential but struggling to close out sets. But as the snow began to fall, their fortunes changed.
In their final home stand against the UBCO Heat, everything clicked. On November 28, the HLC was rocking as the women fought tooth and nail in a five-set marathon. Led by the attack of Stephanie Miller and the blocking presence of Nerissa Dyer, the Bobcats finally broke through, taking the fifth set to secure their first win of the season (3-2). It was the emotional high point of the semester—a reward for months of hard work. They nearly did it again the very next night, pushing UBCO to another five sets before falling just short, proving that this 1-9 team is far more dangerous than their record suggests.
More Than Just a Game
The semester wasn't just about the stats on the scoreboard; it was about the connection between the team and the city. That new attendance record of over 10,200 fans isn't just a number—it represents the heartbeat of Bobcat Nation.
This was on full display during the final home weekend against UBCO. The fans didn't just show up for the volleyball; they showed up for the community, supporting the food and winter clothing donation drive that took place during the Saturday game. The HLC remained a hub of activity right into December, as the 15th Annual Holiday Hoops Camp returned on December 1st. The gym was filled with the next generation of Bobcats—youth from grades 3-10—who traded registration fees for monetary donations and new unwrapped toys for families in need.
Looking Ahead
As the snow settles on Brandon and the athletes take a well-earned break, the stage is set for an intriguing second half. With the men's basketball team poised for a playoff push, the women's basketball squad hungry to recapture their October magic, and the volleyball teams proving they can spoil anyone's night, there is plenty to look forward to.
And if the first half is any indication, the fans will be right there with them, ready to break even more attendance records in 2026. See you in January, Bobcat Nation.
