The Queen’s Gaels are off to a blistering 9-0 start, grabbing back-to-back wins this weekend and proving they’re the early-season favourite for the Critelli Cup, and maybe more. But what’s driving their dominance? Unmatched depth. This roster is so deep their second unit alone could hold its own as a competitive OUA squad. Combine that with their starting five, and you’ve got a national title contender in the making. Frontcourt Powerhouse This team’s identity starts inside. The pairing of Katrina Renon, an OUA All-Star, and Kiyara Letlow, the U SPORTS all-time leading rebounder, forms the best frontcourt in the conference. Their high–low action is very tough to guard. Renon has stretched her range over her career, becoming a dangerous high-post option, while Letlow is a walking double-double who controls the paint night after night, and can knock down a midrange jumper if you give her space. Even when they sit, there’s no relief. Fifth-year Kingston native Mikayla McFarlane and Maddy Boyd come in and maintain the interior pressure. Opponents never get a break, they get a wall, every possession and every lineup. Loaded Backcourt Where do you even start with this group? Brooke Hussey, the reigning OUA Rookie of the Year, has taken a noticeable leap, sharper efficiency and confident shot-making. Alongside her, super senior Bella Gaudet anchors the perimeter with elite on-ball defence and a smooth, dependable three-point stroke. Off the bench, Haley Barbieri adds a dynamic left-handed punch, bringing shiftiness and reliable ball control now that she’s fully healthy. Then there’s the steady fourth-year duo of Ally Smith and Amy Hagman. Smith is the defensive heartbeat of the team, constantly making the subtle, winning plays that don’t show up in the box score. Hagman is a pure flamethrower who can flip a game in minutes. Together, this guard group gives Queen’s versatility and scoring from every angle. The Secret Weapon? And yes, there’s still more. Division I transfer Ella Take has barely seen the floor this season due to injury. If she returns, the Gaels gain yet another scorer who can shift momentum. 9-0 Is No Fluke Depth wins games, and championships. Queen’s has answers everywhere, plus insurance against injuries, foul trouble, or off nights. Their undefeated start isn’t luck, it’s the product of a roster built for late-season basketball. If they stay healthy, pencil the Gaels in as early season title favourites and keep an eye on their final 8 aspirations. Key Stats to Start the Season: Kiyara Letlow: 15.3 PTS / 11.3 REB / 55% FG Brooke Hussey: 9.0 PTS / 3 AST / 3.1 REB / 1.7 STL Katrina Renon: 11.5 PTS / 5.8 REB / 1 BLK Schedule Ahead The Gaels will look to improve to (10-0) against the (0-8) Ontario Tech Ridgebacks next Friday, November 28th in Oshawa, before returning to Kingston on Saturday to face the (1-8) McMaster Marauders at the ARC.
Strength in Numbers: Inside the Depth Fueling Queen’s 9-0 Start
