HAMILTON, Ont. - Sarah Gates, a veteran guard for the Marauders women's basketball team, recorded the 1720th point of her career on Saturday afternoon in Windsor, making her the all-time scoring leader in McMaster women's basketball history.
The Newmarket local scored 25 points to lead the McMaster offense in a 48-46 win over the Windsor Lancers and ended the game with 1,726 career points. Danielle Boiago, the Marauders' Lead Assistant Coach, previously held the McMaster career point record during her time in the maroon and grey (2012-17).
McMaster's newest record holder, a human behaviour student in her fifth year, is leading the nation with an average of 26.1 points per game this season. She was named an OUA First Team All-Star last season and earned recognition on the national stage as a 2021-22 U SPORTS Second-Team All-Canadian.
Gates' 1,726 points ranks her third on the Ontario University Athletics career scoring leaders list, 168 points back of 2nd place (Jessica Clemencon, Windsor, 2009-14). Cassandra Carpenter (Laurentian, 2003-08) is the top OUA scorer of all time with 2,171 points. On the national list, the Marauder sits in thirteenth spot.
Teammate,
Mia Spadafora, describes Gates as fearless. "I've never known anyone that catches the ball and knows they're going to score but that's exactly what [Gates] does. She knows her skill set and ability and never questions it. Sarah is very determined and confident and that's why she excels."
With four games left in the 2022-23 OUA regular season, Gates has cemented herself in the Marauders' record books in more ways than one. Not only does she now hold the career points record but she also has the highest career points per game (17.6), is tied for first with Boiago in field goals per game (6.1) and has knocked down more free throws (318) and free throws per game (3.2) than any other Marauder. She also ranks in the Top 5 in total rebounds (5th - 542), total field goals (2nd - 602), total 3-point shots (2nd - 204) and most steals (2nd - 141).
In her final season in the maroon and grey, Gates has been dominant. She leads the OUA in total field goals (167), total free throws (87), total points (469) and points per game (26.1). She also ranks fourth in total three point shots made (48) and defensive rebounds (113). Nationally, the fifth-year senior leads U SPORTS in field goals made, total points and points per game. In 18 games played this season, Gates has scored in double-figures in every single contest and has recorded six double-doubles. Earlier this season, Gates made McMaster history with a school-record 47 point performance in a game against the York Lions, surpassing not only jer previous career high of 38 points but also the McMaster single-game points record of 43 set by Lindsay DeGroot in 2008.
With just four games left on the regular season schedule, the Marauders hold a 14-4 record and sit atop the OUA Central standings. The maroon and grey will look to finish the season on a high and lock down a first-round bye in the process.
McMaster returns to the court Friday night in Toronto against the Varsity Blues. Tip-off is set for 6PM.
