The Nordic sensation takes on the Hilltop
By Ben Kinealy
After the tough end to Bradley’s season last year, two freshmen hope to make their marks during the upcoming season.
One of these freshmen is the 6-foot-8 Icelandic native Almar Atlason, who committed to Bradley in April. The power forward comes from Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas where he helped the team achieve a record of 20-7 in his senior year, earning them first in the standings and a national ranking.
Outside of high school, Atlason competed for Iceland’s under-18 FIBA team, where he put up 17.9 points per game, shot 41.3% from the 3-point line and had 10.3 rebounds per game. He was also selected for the FIBA Europe under-20 All-Tournament Team and had the opportunity to go to training camp for the Iceland senior national team.
Atlason has loved basketball since he was 12 and believes that if he can improve his game defensively he will have a huge impact in his debut season. It may take time for Atlason to adjust to head coach Brian Wardle’s system, but once he does, he will be a player to look out for not only during this season but also for the next three years.
Local prospect looks to shine in year one
By Michael Savoie
There are four freshmen newcomers for the women’s basketball team, but none will be more important to Bradley’s success than guard/forward Claire McDougall.
McDougall, from nearby Washington High School, brings a winning pedigree to Bradley after leading the Washington Panthers to regional titles during her junior and senior years. McDougall’s success can be greatly attributed to her ability to score and rebound. During her senior year, McDougall averaged a double-double with 17.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game.
Her overall skill has been widely recognized throughout the Peoria area and through the state. In her senior year, McDougall earned First Team All Mid-Illini Conference honors, Girls Basketball All-Area Team honors by the Journal-Star and First Team All-State honors in Class 3A by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA).
As a freshman, McDougall looks to become a cornerstone of the Kate Popovec-Goss era and make an immediate impact come the first game. Bradley fans and Peoria area residents should anticipate this Washington local’s performances under the Bradley lights.
