UNB Saint John Athletics
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Lance Howlett has officially signed with the UNB Saint John Seawolves men’s basketball team for the 2023-24 varsity season.

Howlett hails from Halifax, N.S., and will be graduating from Bay View High School. He was the team’s starting point guard for the past three seasons, finishing with more than 1,150 points despite COVID-19 reducing the number of games. His efforts led to his being named to the Metro Halifax High School D1 Varsity All-Star Team the past two seasons.
This season also saw Howlett nominated to the 2023 BioSteel All-Canadian Basketball Game and selected to the All-Atlantic Game, featuring the top 20 seniors in the Atlantic region.
His achievements in the classroom are just as impressive.
Howlett has a 96 per cent average in his final term as a senior after posting 95 in grades 10 and 11.
“I was interested in UNB Saint John due to the opportunity to commence my engineering studies in an established program with smaller class sizes,” Howlett said. “I felt UNB Saint John was the right fit for me to balance academic success while competing at a high level as a member of the Seawolves. I was also very impressed with the coaching staff, their team goals and commitment to player development.”

Seawolves head coach Paul Vaughan heard about Howlett from friends in Halifax. Vaughan then called Bay View head coach Dan Higgins, who called Howlett one of the best guards in Nova Scotia.
“It didn’t take long for me to reach the same conclusion after watching a few of his games,” Vaughan said. “I love how Lance is so even keeled. He never seems to get frustrated. That’s a tremendous quality to have as a point guard. He also seems to have a great feel for the game, knowing when it’s time to be aggressive looking to score himself or when to create advantages for his teammates.”

That knack for knowing what to do began many years ago, when Howlett battled his brother one-on-one in the driveway.
“He has helped me develop into the player that I am today,” said Howlett. “I grew up being active. Being active is important to me. My parents and brother enjoy all sports, either watching or playing. Basketball was the first organized sport I played.”
As an engineering student, Howlett knows he’ll eventually have to leave UNB Saint John. Regardless, he wants to make the most of his time on the picturesque campus.
“For the upcoming season, I want to develop as a player in the ACAA and contribute to the Seawolves,” he said. “As a team goal, I would like to help the Seawolves make the ACAA playoffs this season. As a personal goal, I want to demonstrate my worth and secure a spot on the rotation. I intend to put in the effort to develop as a player, hopefully leading to the opportunity to transition to a U Sport program while I finish my degree.”
That could unfold eventually. For now, though, Vaughan is just happy to have Howlett on board.
“Lance’s addition to the team gives us the depth at the point guard position we lacked last year,” the coach said. “Not only is that crucial for games, especially when there are injuries or foul trouble, but this will greatly improve competition in practices. I think Lance’s calm, relaxed demeanor will also be a nice balance to some of the more animated personalities on the team.”

Welcome to the Seawolves Family, Lance!