Lakehead Heads to Guelph For Playoff implications

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January 31, 2013

Gryphons Stand in Way of Basketball Teams

THUNDER BAY, ON -

The Thunderwolves' basketball squads head to Guelph this weekend for a pair of double headers, Friday and Saturday and 6 pm (W) and 8 pm (M).

Men (10-5, 2nd place, OUA West)

The men's team has an opportunity to set up a doozy of a final run in the regular season. Having only lost one game since the New Year (70-67 to Brock) and in a position to challenge Windsor for top spot in the OUA West (in a double header next weekend), the T-Wolves seem to be hitting their stride at the right time. A slip up against a sub .500 Gryphon team (5-10) is not in the interest of the 'Wolves, who took both games last season in convincing fashion, 100-78 and 88-67, with Ryan Thomson scoring 46 points over the 2 games.

For the Gryphons this season, four players are averaging in double digit scoring per game, with Dan McCarthy and Zach Angus leading the way with over 13 PPG each. McCarthy also leads the team in rebounding with 6.0 RPG.

If Lakehead's offense continues to execute as it has been of late, it should be able to take advantage of a Guelph defense that is the most porous in the CIS, allowing their opponents a very generous 46.6% shooting percentage from the field.

Coach Scott Morrison:

"Every game has the same importance as the next on the overall scheme of things, but this late in the season one can't help but feel that the games are a little bigger as the implications each game has on play-off position is clear by this time in the season. Guelph is always one of the tougher teams in the league defensively and off the ball. They also have a couple of big-time scorers much like we had to deal with against Laurier last week. Our first goal will be to make them take tough shots and work for their catches on the offensive end, with a focus on rebounding over the entire weekend."

Webcast Coverage Available Friday only via SSN Canada

Friday, Feb 1 

Women - 6 pm

Men - 8 pm

Saturday, Feb 2 (no webcast)

Women - 6 pm
Men - 8pm

Salhia Recognized by OUA

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January 29, 2013

Chowkawy, Salhia Recognized as OUA Peak Performers of the Week

THUNDER BAY, ON -

The OUA has recognized Vanessa Chowkawy (Women's volleyball) and Yoosrie Salhia (Men's basketball) as OUA Peak Performers of the Week. Details of their weekend performances follow below.

Vanessa Chorkawy, Lakehead   Chorkawy led her team to a sweep of the Brock Badgers on the road to improve Lakehead's record to 8-8 on the season and secure a playoff position for the first time in seven years. Lakehead took both matches 3-1, with Chorkawy showing why she is number two in the CIS in kills per set, compiling 26 kills in Saturday's win, in addition to 16 digs. On Sunday, Chorkawy diversified her scoring (20 points) with 12 kills, five solo blocks and three service aces. She also made 11 digs in the win.

Yoosrie Salhia, Lakehead   Yoosrie Salhia led the Lakehead Thunderwolves to a weekend sweep over the Laurier Golden Hawks. On Friday he scored 22 points and added 12 rebounds in a 80-53 win. On Saturday he once again scored a double-double, collecting 14 points and 12 rebounds along with five assists as the Thunderwolves won 101-75. Salhia is among a very select few in the CIS averaging a double-double per game (13.8 Points, 10.0 rebounds). He is second in the OUA in rebounding (150) and fourth in the CIS in blocked shots (22).

-- 

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

Lakehead Sweeps Laurier; At Guelph Next Week

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January 26, 2012

T-Wolves Blow Out Hawks 101-75 

THUNDER BAY, ON -

The men's basketball team completed the sweep of the Laurier Golden Hawks, winning 101-75 on Saturday evening.

In the first quarter both teams dug their heels in, with Lakehead leading 18-14 after 10 minutes. The Laurier defense would begin to crumble in the 2nd quarter, as Lakehead shooters were hot, extending the lead to 46-35 at halftime. After crumbling, the Hawk defense got completely washed away in the 3rd Q, as Lakehead came out strong on defense, with numerous steals leading to lay ups in the open court. After scoring 31 points in the 3rd Q, Lakehead led 77-51 and would cruise from there.

Top scorer for Lakehead was Ryan Thomson with 25 points on 9-16 shooting. Yoosrie Salhia put up 14 points with 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Greg Carter was a solid 5-of-9 from the field for 16 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Dwayne Harvey was also creating lots of offense with 12 points and 6 assists of his own.

For the Hawks, Maxwell Allin returned to his usual scoring self after a struggle on Friday, this time dropping 24 points with 8 rebounds on 7-21 shooting. Will Coulthard and Jamar Forde scored 14 and 15 points, respectively, with Forde also grabbing a team-high 11 rebounds.

Coach Scott Morrison:

"I was pleased with our effort over the weekend and obviously with the sweep against an explosive Laurier team. I thought we were solid for about 65 of the 80 minutes in terms of executing our game plan and bringing energy. we have to keep working at increasing that number over our last three weekends. If we do, we'll have a shot at being ready for playoffs. right now it's all about two big games at Guelph next weekend."

With 6 regular season games remaining, the T-Wolves stand at 10-5 and in second place in the OUA West and two games behind Windsor. With a 2 game lead on McMaster, Lakehead must finish the season strong, as 4 of their final 6 season games are against Windsor (in Thunder Bay) and McMaster (in Hamilton).

First the 'Wolves must face the Guelph Gryphons on the road next weekend in a pair of games that could set up quite the dramatic finish to Lakehead's regular season. 

--

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

'Wolves Take Game 1 Over Hawks

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January 25, 2013

Thunderwolves Roll, 80-53 Over Golden Hawks

THUNDER BAY, ON -

The men's basketball team left nothing to chance on Friday evening, soundly thrashing the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks 80-53.

The Thunderwolves would flatten their opponents in the first quarter, leading 25-6 after 10 minutes. The Golden Hawks did respond in the second quarter, edging the T-Wolves 20-18 in the Q but still trailing 43-26 at the break. Lakehead came right back in the third quarter (27-12) and put the game out of reach. In the fourth quarter both benches were put in to give the starters a rest for what should be an interesting matchup tomorrow evening.

Yoosrie Salhia continued his best season yet, compiling 22 points and 12 rebounds (6 offensive) in 16 minutes of play. Ben Johnson went 5-of-10 from the field for 16 points and Ryan Thomson added 11. Sophomore Joey Nitychoruk grabbed 10 rebounds.

For the Hawks, Will Coulthard had 16 points while Max Allin was limited to 11 points on 4-11 shooting.

Lakehead absolutely abused Laurier on the glass, out-rebounding them 56-27 (with 20 offensive boards). Both teams committed 16 turnovers. Laurier forward Patrick Donnelly was ejected in the 3rd quarter for excessive contact with Lakehead guard Alex Robichaud following a play.

Coach Scott Morrison:

"I was pleased with the way we started each half. We were able to stick to our game plan on both ends and the scores in the 1st and 3rd quarter reflected this." Morrison continued, " Disappointed with the 2nd and 4th quarters- the 2nd we lost defensive intensity and almost threw away the nice lead we had earned after 10 minutes.  In the 4th we had our younger guys in who impressed with their rebounding but showed a need for major improvement with their ball control. We are right back to work preparing for tomorrow as we expect a classic OUA West battle tomorrow night with Laurier coming out hard to try and make a statement."

The two teams will rematch tomorrow evening at 8pm. 

Webcast available via SSN Canada

Audio broadcast available via CILU Radio, 102.7FM

'Wolves Back Home to Host Golden Hawks

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January 24, 2013

Golden Hawks Enter Thunderdome

THUNDER BAY, ON -

The basketball teams will host the Wilfred Laurier Golden Hawks this weekend for double-header match-ups, Friday and Saturday, at 6 pm (women) and 8 pm (men).

Men (8-5, 2nd place OUA West)
The men's team needs to keep on winning in order to keep pace in the OUA West, as they remain a couple games behind 1st place Windsor and narrowly ahead of McMaster.

The Laurier Golden Hawks present one of the more entertaining styles of play in the CIS, with a high-paced offense and on defense lead the CIS in blocked shots per game (4.6). They take a CIS #3 72 shots per game, making for lots of rebounding and break-out opportunities if Lakehead's defense is up to the task.

Led by perennial All-Star Max Allin (23.3 PPG), the Hawks have also gotten support from Will Coulthard (18.1 PPG). Both players have had performances this year that have earned them OUA and CIS Athlete of the Week honors.

Coach Scott Morrison:

"In recent times, Laurier has been one of the most explosive teams in the conference thanks in part to a free-wheeling style by talented players.This year is no different as WLU boasts both Allin and Coulthard who have been over 30+ points multiple times this season.  In addition their young players led by Jamar Forde continue to improve and play well together.  Like most opponents we will be working to try and keep Laurier in a half-court game while taking care of the ball ourselves on the offensive end to limit their run-out opportunities."


Games will be Webcast via SSN Canada

LU Wins Game 1 in London

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January 18, 2013

T-Wolves Hold Off Mustangs 62-55

LONDON, ON -

The men's basketball team came away with a 62-55 win over the Western Mustangs on Friday evening.

In a defensively-themed affair, the teams exchanged offensive jabs, with any offensive flow hard to come by for either side over 40 minutes. For the Mustangs, their only real push came in the 2nd quarter, out-scoring Lakehead 20-8. With Western leading 31-24 at the break, the Thunderwolves would come out gunning in the 3rd quarter, battling back and taking the lead thanks to back-to-back threes from Joe Hart, his only (yet very timely) points of the game.

Lakehead's defense managed to keep the Western offense from re-igniting the rest of the way, and got some help from a Ryan Thomson 3-pointer with under 2 minutes to go, giving Lakehead a 57-52 lead. While Lakehead's offensive execution did not yield its usual production, their offensive rebounding was their saving grace down the stretch. Yoosrie Salhia finished with 10 rebounds (6 offensive), while Greg Carter grabbed 5 offensive boards among his total 7 rebounds. 

Carter and Salhia also led the 'Wolves in scoring with 14 points apiece. Ben Johnson (Pictou, NS) struggled from the field (2-12) but did hit 2 clutch free throws in the final minute to secure the win, finishing with 7 points and 6 rebounds.

The Mustangs were led by Peter Scholtes with 21 points. Greg Morrow had 9 points and 7 rebounds.

Lakehead out-rebounded Western 52-32, and shot 6-24 from behind the arc, compared to Western's 7-25. Both teams committed 16 turnovers.

Coach Scott Morrison:

"Western came to battle tonight and did a good job making it tough for us to run our offense. Thankfully our defense and rebounding were improved from last week and we were able to grind out a win. Just like every team in the league we have guys battling sickness, injury and fatigue and it's the time of the season that we find out what guys are made of. We need to move forward and stay focussed on tomorrow's game."

The two teams will rematch tomorrow evening at 8 pm.

Webcast coverage provided by Mustangs TV, courtesy of SSN Canada

--

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

'Wolves In London to Face Mustangs

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January 17, 2013

T-Wolves Visit Western Mustangs

THUNDER BAY, ON -

The basketball teams travel to London this weekend for double header affairs with the Western Mustangs. The women will attempt to get back over the .500 mark and stay in playoff contention, while the men cling to 2nd place in the OUA West. 

Game time Friday and Saturday is 6 pm (women) and 8 pm (men).

Women (5-6, 6th place OUA West)

Following last week's pair of losses to Brock (CIS #7), the Thunderwolves sit in the final playoff spot in the OUA West (tied with McMaster), although a sweep this weekend would leep-frog them into 3rd place, as only 1 game separates the 3-through-6 positions.

Western (6-5) has a 4-2 home record, losing only to Brock and Carleton at Alumni Hall. They are led by Jenny Vaughan with 20.0 points per game (CIS #4) and are the 4th best defensive rebounding team in the nation with 29.7 per game. Sophomore forward Jory McDonald leads the team with 7.1 rebounds per game.

Coach Jon Kreiner:

"Western is a very talented squad that can beat any team in the CIS. Jenny Vaughn is one of the top point guards in the country and Laura Dally is a very versatile scoring guard that can light it up at any time. Annabel Hancock is a terrific shooter and Melissa Rondinelli is a factor inside and on the boards. We need to bring our A game to compete and play at a consistent high level. For three quarters of last Saturday's game we played at that level and if we can put 80 minutes of solid defense and smart offense together we can compete and put ourselves in a position to be successful."

Men (6-5, 2nd place OUA West)

The men's team will look to keep pace in the race for the OUA West crown. With McMaster tied with the T-Wolves with 6 wins and Windsor 3 wins ahead of them (although Lakehead has 1 game in hand), Scott Morrison's team can settle for nothing less than a sweep of the lowly Western Mustangs who are the singular occupants of the OUA West cellar at 1-10.

With that in mind, the T-Wolves will look to contain top Mustang Peter Scholtes (13.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG), who managed to 54 points last year's games in Thunder Bay, including an impressive 35-point effort in a 87-66 loss to Lakehead.

Coach Scott Morrison:

"After a good stretch of games I felt our focus and execution dropped a bit this past weekend. Our goal this week has been to address some weak points in our game and get our minds locked in on a tough Western team. Western has a number of outside shooting threats plus one of the toughest 1 v 1 matchups in the league in [Peter] Scholtes."

Injury report:

Brendan King (lower body) - Out

Games will be Webcast via SSN Canada, courtesy of Mustangs TV.

Game time Friday and Saturday is 6 pm (women) and 8 pm (men)

--

Hugh Mullally

Sports Information Director

Lakehead University Athletics

Office: 807 766 7157

Fax: (807) 343-8203 

Badgers Beat Up 'Wolves in Game 2 70-67

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January 12, 2013

Badgers Upset Wolves in Thunderdome

THUNDER BAY, ON -

The men's basketball team were handed their second loss on home court this season, 70-67 to the Brock Badgers.

The Badgers were under the skin of the T-Wolves from the get-go, jumping out to a 19-15 lead after 10 minutes, and running them off the court in the second quarter, 23-12 to lead by 15 at the break (42-27). Lakehead's shooting was way off in the first half, connecting on only 1 of 14 long range attempts. They did pick it up in the second half, hitting 3 of 12, but their poor shooting was compounded by their lack of hustle on the glass. Brock out-rebounded Lakehead 45-30, with 15 offensive boards.

Things looked bleak for the home side early in the 3rd quarter as Brock's continued presence on the glass put the 'Wolves in a hole, with the Badgers up by 19 early in the Q.

Lakehead would battle back, but never gain the lead. With some desperate plays and fortunate bounces in the final minute, Lakehead would fight back to 69-67, but with their next-to-final possession a Joe Hart three pointer clanged off the rim. Brock's Mike Luby claimed the rebound and would hit one of two free throws for a three point lead with .9 seconds remaining, and a half court heave from Ryan Thomson was off the mark to force overtime.

Thomson led the Pack with 16 points, while Salhia was his usual double-double self with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Joseph Jones came off the bench to score 14 points in 27 minutes of work before fouling out late in the game.

For the Badgers, Jameson Tipping was once again the leading scorer with 17 points and 13 rebounds (4 offensive), followed by Brian Nahimana with an efficient 15 points (6-8 FG) and 10 rebounds.

Lakehead shot 4-26 (15%) from long range and 19-61 (31%) from the field.

Coach Scott Morrison:

"This morning in our pregame prep I told the team that this Brock team did not quit last night and would be coming out hard.  The keys were getting a solid start on the defensive end and being willing to battle physically on the glass against a bigger lineup.  By half-time it seemed that both of these suggestions fell on deaf ears as our defense started the game flat footed and mute while our rebounding effort was almost non-existent. By the time our guys woke up to end the 3rd quarter the damage had been done. Our shooting was pitiful but at the end of the day it was the least reason for our loss - it came down to getting beat up on the glass and not executing on either end for the first 30 minutes."

The men are on the road next weekend in London, to take on the Western Mustangs.

Lakehead 81 Brock 65 Highlights

Lakehead Wins Game 1 Vs Brock

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January 11, 2013

T-Wolves Win 81-65 Over Badgers

THUNDER BAY, ON -

The men's basketball team came a way with a win over the Brock Badgers, 81-65 on Friday evening.

Battling against a tough and sizeable Badgers lineup, the T-Wolves were able to scratch out a win thanks to some timely outside shooting (10-23 from 3-pt). Enjoying a 17-point cushion at halftime (46-29), Lakehead seemed to be in control of the game. In the third quarter Brock was able to close the gap to 9, but would get no closer. Despite being plagued by turnovers against an athletic Badger backcourt, the T-Wolves battled through, compensating by creating turnovers of their own on defense.

Greg Carter led the Wolves with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 6 steals and 4 assists. Ryan Thomson put in 14 (3-5 from three) with 5 rebounds. Senior post Yoosrie Salhia finished with 10 points and 7 rebounds and 5 assists.

Top scorer for Brock was Jameson Tipping with 18 points and 5 rebounds. Tshing Kasamba had 14 points in the loss, while Mark Gibson put in 10 points with 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

Lakehead out-rebounded Brock 35-29, and made 17 assists to the Badgers' 9 helpers.

Coach Scott Morrison:

"A win is always better than a loss but tonight we would be trying to fool ourselves if we thought we did not get lucky. Our execution and ball control were terrible to the tune of 26 turnovers and 18 fast break points for Brock. Had Brocks connected on a few more three pointers the results may have been much different- we have a lot of work to do and must come to the gym tomorrow accepting nothing less than executing our game plan."

The teams rematch tomorrow evening at 8 pm. 

Tomorrow's game is the annual Think Pink: 'Shoot for the Cure' game, which will feature fundraising activities and promotions benefitting the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation's Northern Cancer Fund. Fans are encouraged to wear pink, or better yet, buy a pink t-shirt at the game tomorrow.

Webcast will be available via SSN Canada. Audio broadcast available via CILU 102.7 FM, luradio.ca

LU Hosts Brock University Badgers

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January 10, 2013

Brock Badgers Visit Thunderdome in Think Pink: 'Shoot For The Cure' Benefit Games

THUNDER BAY, ON -

The basketball teams will be in action at home this weekend for double headers versus the Brock Badgers. Game times Friday and Saturday are 6 pm (women) and 8pm (men).

All varsity games on Saturday are part of Lakehead Athletics' annual 'Think Pink' initiative, which in coordination with the CIS' 'Shoot for the Cure' and 'Spike for the Cure' campaigns, raises funds and awareness for Breast Cancer, with all funds going to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation's Northern Cancer Fund.

Shoot for the Cure

The 'Shoot for the Cure' event is an initiative that spans the entire CIS, and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer research and awareness across the country. For the past 4 years, the Thunderwolves (Women's volleyball and both basketball teams) have hosted 'Shoot for the Cure' ('Spike for the Cure' - volleyball) home games, the proceeds of which have gone to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation's Northern Cancer Fund. Over $7,500 was raised last year, with a grand total of over $21,500 in 4 years of the Thunderwolves' dedication to this cause.

Women (5-4, tied for 3rd place in OUA West)

The women's team faces the undefeated Brock Badgers (9-0), who sit atop the OUA West standings. While both Lakehead and the Badgers have averaged about 65 points per game this season,  Brock's difference maker has been their defence (CIS #1), limiting opponents to a 51.6 points per game (to LU's 64.3).

The Badger's scoring leaders are junior forward Nicole Rosenkranz (15.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG) and sophomore guard Kayla Santilli (12.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG).

Coach Jon Kreiner:

"Our players are excited to get back onto home court for two tough games against the undefeated Brock Badgers. The Thunderdome is a great place to play and we will need every bit of energy it exudes in our attempt to knock off a great squad. Nicole Rosenkranz is one if the most dominant players in the CIS and she must be contained but Kayla Santilli has been having a terrific year and always hurts us. Saturday is our 'Shoot for the Cure' game and we will be wearing our pink uniforms and using a pink basketball to support Breast Cancer research and awareness. With a great crowd we are hoping to be successful in more ways than one."

Men (5-4, 2nd place, OUA West)

The men's team seems to have gotten their feet under themselves after a rocky start to the season, as new recruits have been worked into the rotation and the 'Wolves have battled through several injuries to their lineup.

The Badgers feature a blend of seniors, speed, size (1 player listed at 7'0", another 6'10"), and shooting (CIS #4 in 3-pt, 37.5%). They also have 5 players who average double-digit scoring per game, with forward Mark Gibson leading at 14.7 PPG and 6.1 RPG, followed by guard Jameson Tipping at 14.1 PPG and 6.6 RPG.

Coach Scott Morrison:

"It will be nice to be home this weekend after 5 straight road games but there will be nothing nice about facing the Badgers this weekend. They have an athletic perimeter that can attack the rim and a strong front court that can do damage inside. To top it off they are one of the top 3-point shooting teams in the CIS right now. We are going to have to execute and be ready to physically compete in transition and on the glass."



Games will be webcast via SSN Canada, and broadcast via LU Radio, 102.7 FM, luradio.ca

Schedule:

Friday, Jan 11

Women - 6pm

Men - 8 pm

Saturday, Jan 12 'Shoot for the Cure' Benefit Games

Women - 6 pm

Men - 8 pm

Wolves Win Game 1 vs Waterloo

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January 4, 2013

Men's Hoops Start Slow, Finish Strong Over Warriors

WATERLOO, ON -

The men's basketball team got their 4th win of the regular season with a 93-59 win over the Waterloo Warriors. With it their record improves to 4-4.

The T-Wolves fell flat following the tipoff, trailing for most of the first quarter before tying it at 17 after 10 minutes. Lakehead had only 3 points after the first 5 minutes of play. The sluggish trend would get bucked in the following quarter, as the T Wolves created an 8 point advantage by halftime, 44-36. From there the Warriors were incapable of getting the lead under 6 points, and Lakehead ran away with the game in the 4th quarter, out-scoring Waterloo 28-7.

Joe Hart had a Lakehead-career best 6 assists to go with 12 points and 5 rebounds. Top scorer was Joseph Jones with 16 points (4-6 from three) and 4 rebounds. Yoosrie Salhia had a typical double-double night with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Matt Schmidt added 11, and Ryan Thomson continued his successful return to action since early December with 14 points and 5 rebounds.

Wayne Bridge was top Warrior with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Jaspreet Gill poured in 15 points with 7 rebounds.

Lakehead shot 32-69 (46%) from the field, while Waterloo hit on 17 of their 57 attempts (30%).

Coach Scott Morrison:

"I was disappointed with the start to tonight's game. We came out and made sloppy mistakes and had to fight from behind early on. Tomorrow I am looking for a better focus from our lineup starting with a more intense warm-up and better start to the game."

The teams will rematch tomorrow at 8pm ET

Webcast will be available via SSN Canada.

Wesmen Classic Recap from NPH

Click Here to View Release on NPH Website

Lakehead Claims Wesmen Classic Title, Make Defensive Adjustments for New Year

By Armaan Ahluwalia at January 1, 2013 | 4:29 pm | 0 Comment

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Lakehead Wins Wesmen Classic Championship

Winnipeg, MB–In the final game of the nearly month long tournament, the Lakehead Thunderwolves defeated the Winnipeg Wesmen 84-67 to claim their second Wesmen Classic Men’s title in four years.

Lakehead Coach Scott Morrison spoke to NPH about the weekend.

“I was pretty happy with the performance this weekend from the guys, you never know how that first weekend after Christmas is going to be and I think all things considered we did a pretty good job.”

This was another game of intense match ups. The guard matchup featured highly skilled Winnipeg point guard Andrew Cunningham and well known perimeter defender Greg Carter of Lakehead. It was a good battle back and forth as you could see each player trying to one up his opponent.

Yoosrie Salhia Picks Up MVP Honours at Wesmen Classic

The first half started slow but Lakehead’s defense kept Winnipeg in check.  Ryan Thompson of the Thunderwolves, who had nine points at the half spoke about the teams start to the game.

“I think we came out a little sluggish, but our defense was alright in the first half, we lost a little bit of it in the second half and it got a little out of control.”

Defense was a point of emphasis this tournament as Coach Morrison said the Thunderwolves made some adjustments prior to Christmas and have since then kept their last five opponents under 70 points.

Another featured matchup was between the bigs. Winnipeg brought Benny Iko and Steven Wesley to take on Ryan Thompson and Yoosrie Salhia. This was a battle, literally as both teams came to fight down low for rebounds.

Salhia nearly nullified both of them by himself as he finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Ryan Thompson also created match up problems with his smooth outside jumper going (5/9) from three point range and finishing with 22 points.

The Winnipeg bigs brought toughness and tenacity as both Wesley and Iko earned all-star selections for their hard work throughout the tournament and final game.

The Lakehead depth was just too much for Winnipeg to handle as the three ball was falling at a high rate, shooting 13/25, 52% from three point range and 52.5% from the floor in the game. The shots kept falling as they poured it on in the second half, combined with their defense, they were just too much for the Wesmen.

Coach Morrison spoke about the momentum heading into the second half of the season.

“These next seven weekends are huge for us.  If we can stay healthy and stay on focus we’ve got a shot to do some damage. Joe Hart, Matthew Schmidt, Joseph Jones, all did pretty well this weekend and we’re going to need to be deep if we’re going to compete in the OUA.”

Making it back to Nationals for a fourth straight time is on the mind of Lakehead and Ryan Thompson.

“We’re going to try and compete and get back to nationals, that’s our goal, we can’t predict that, we’ve just got to keep working hard.”

NPH Top Performers:

Lakehead:

• Ryan Thompson – 22pts, 4rebs
• Yoosrie Salhia – 12pts, 12rebs, 5asts
• Greg Carter – 12pts, 7asts

Winnipeg:

• Benny Iko – 16pts, 7rebs
• Steven Wesley – 15pts, 6rebs, 4blks
• Travis Krahn – 14pts

Tournament MVP – Yoosrie Salhia

Tournament All-Stars

• Jordan Reaves
• Nick Loewen
• Steven Wesley
• Benny Iko
• Ryan Thompson