Friday, August 15, 2014

Coaching Change at Lakehead University

Morrison Goes to NBADL With Celtics, Furtado Named LU Coach

August 15th, 2014

Author: Hugh Mullally
Lakehead Athletics will bid farewell to one its most successful coaches in recent times, as Scott Morrison will accept the head coaching role with the Maine Red Claws, the feeder team of the Boston Celtics. In his place, Athletics Director Tom Warden has hired Manny Furtado to lead the men’s basketball program.
Morrison worked as an assistant and scout with the Boston Celtics’ affiliate in Portland, Maine for the duration of the 2013-14 season. While coaching at Lakehead for 10 years, Morrison amassed a record of 185-174, with a Wilson Cup (‘12) and CIS Silver Medal (‘13) to his teams’ credit.
Sco_Mo_Rising
Scott Morrison opened the media conference with a word of thanks, saying, “Words cannot express the extreme gratitude I have in my heart for the entire Lakehead University community and especially our close knit family within the Thunderwolves Athletics Department. Not only did they provide me the best possible environment to succeed as a basketball coach but also supported me to a fault the entire way.

Looking towards the future, Manny Furtado, of Hamilton, Ontario, will bring a wealth of basketball experience to the Thunderwolves’ locker room. Furtado served as an assistant for the reigning CIS champion Carleton Ravens the past 2 seasons, and previously coached the Blessed Sacrament club team in Hamilton for nearly a decade, along with his former high school, St Mary’s Catholic Secondary.
Manny Furtado was introduced on Friday. “Scott has built a well respected program over the years,” says Furtado. “We need to begin laying the foundation for our season. I'm really looking forward to meeting the guys and support staff.
Morrison explained his decision, saying, “Despite the sadness I will feel when I leave Lakehead, it’s a major step in the direction of a place I have dreamed of since I was a small child getting buckets in the Morell High School gym. I’m excited for the new challenges as well as the chance to walk the same court as some of the greatest players and coaches of all time. I hope that the players, assistant coaches and supporters who have been dedicated to our cause here at LU will understand the decision I’ve made and root for me to succeed at the next level, much like I will be cheering them on for years to come.”
Manny_Aug15
Morrison continued, “I would be remiss to not thank our AD Tom Warden who has been the perfect boss for me to work for. He’s had my back through thick and thin and not once wavered from the promise he made to me in August of ‘03, that he would do everything in his power to help us win and for me to grow as a basketball coach.”
Athletics Director Tom Warden remarked, “Scott is deserving of everything he has earned as a basketball coach, and we wish him well and all the success in the world moving forward. Mr. Furtado is a competent replacement who will lead the team through an excellent season and run with the torch received from Scott today.”
Morrison is confident that Furtado will continue to build on the success of the program for years to come. “Coach Furtado is one of the hardest working coaches in the game, and has earned his chance to lead a team to competition. He is a student of the game, and will have the toughness, desire, and intensity required to continue to push Lakehead Basketball to the top of the OUA.”
In closing, Morrison added, “I’d like to extend a huge thanks to every player who has worn the Blue and White since I took this job. Also to  the assistant coaches who have worked with us have played a part in the team’s success. Especially Coach Matt Erdman who has been by my side since day 1, and Coach Mark English who has been with us during our stretch run.  We have many great memories to share and I appreciate everything they have done for the team.”

Last Edited: August 15th, 2014


Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Morrison Back with Canadian Juniors for FIBA Americas

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department

www.thunderwolves.ca
Morrison Enters 3rd Campaign With Canadian JMNT
Canadian U18's to compete at FIBA Americas in Colorado Springs, June 20-24
June 11, 2014 — Thunder Bay, Ont.
For the third year in a row, men's basketball head coach Scott Morrison will be taking on an assistant's role with Canada's Junior Men's National Team (JMNT).

For the past two summers, Morrison has served as an assistant with the U18 JMNT program that placed 3rd at the FIBA Americas in Brazil ('12) and the subsequent U19 group that earned a 6th place finish at the FIBA world championships in Turkey ('13).

This year's instalment of the FIBA Americas U18 Championship will be hosted by USA Basketball at the U.S. Olympic Training Centre in Colorado Springs, Colo., June 20-24. It will also serve as the qualifier for next year's FIBA world championships.

"It is a major honour to be asked to work with the nation's best for a third consecutive summer," Morrison states. "Just like the previous years, training camp has been a grind, but an unparalleled experience working with a great staff and a top notch group of kids."

Morrison re-joined JMNT head coach Roy Rana and fellow assistant coach Kirby Shepp a few weeks back for initial workouts with the team in Toronto, as the roster comes into shape heading towards the FIBA tournament in 'The Centennial State'.

This year Canada's pool includes Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. On the other side are the USA, Uruguay, Mexico and Argentina. More info can be found on the FIBA Americas website.

Some high-profile names expected on this year's JMNT roster include 6'9" forward Chris Egi (Markham, Ont.) who is attending Harvard next year, and Montaque Gill-Caesar (Vaughan, Ont.), who attends famed Huntington Prep in West Virginia and will graduate in 2015.

Inline images 1

Morrison is grateful to be a part of a quickly-evolving scene around Canadian basketball that is getting more and more attention globally, and south of the border.

"Canada basketball is hot on the international scene right now and I am extremely excited to play a small part of the movement."

The Canadian JMNT has featured several high profile players in recent years during Morrison's tenure with the team, some of whom (A. Wiggins, T. Ennis) have taken their game all the way to the NCAA tournament and are poised to enter the NBA on draft day in 2 weeks.


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MEDIA:  For more information, or to request an interview, please contact Lakehead Sports Information Director, Hugh Mullally, at (807) 766-7157, or spinfo@lakeheadu.ca.
Lakehead University’s Athletics Department features a comprehensive Campus Recreation program across both its Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario campuses. Working hard to promote a healthy and active campus lifestyle, Campus Recreation provides a great selection of outdoor and indoor intramurals with its C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (containing a 15,000 square foot Thunderdome gymnasium, state-of-the-art Wolves' Den fitness centre, 50-metre eight-lane swimming pool, cardio room, Kinesiology labs, squash court, and change rooms complete with saunas) and the 50,000 square foot ‘Hangar’ building (an athletic facility home to a 200-metre track, pro-grade artificial turf field, climbing wall, weight training, aerobic and cardio areas, as well as the University’s Sports Medicine Clinic) .

Friday, June 6, 2014

'WOLVES LAND HAMILTON PG

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department

www.thunderwolves.ca
Ryan Doornick Commits to Lakehead
5'8" Hamilton guard now a Thunderwolf
June 5, 2014 — Thunder Bay, Ont.
In his latest recruiting announcement of the off-season, coach Scott Morrison of the men's basketball program has added Ryan Doornick of Hamilton, Ontario to the 2014-15 Thunderwolves roster.

"We're very excited to add Ryan to our roster," states Morrison. "He has proven to be an excellent person, student and the potential to be a very good basketball player. We expect him to fill the backup point guard role next season and develop as a player to be a major factor on our team during his entire career."

The speedy 5'8" guard will add depth at the point guard position, and comes from a winning tradition, both at the high school and the AAU club level. His Blessed Sacrament Yellow Jackets club team is currently undefeated vs. Canadian opposition, their only loss coming to the DeJuan Blair All-Stars at Pitt Jam in April of this year.

Doornick is currently averaging 17.5 points, 6 assists and 6 rebounds for the Yellow Jackets, who are ranked #2 heading into the OBA tournament. Ryan has been a leader at his high school of St Thomas More, where he has been his team's captain for 5 years on top of earning other athletic honors.

Says Doornick, "I'm really excited to get working with the Lakehead team. They have a great group of guys who are dedicated to winning and I'm the same way. I'm looking forward to this season and playing in front of the great Thunderwolves crowd!"


Inline images 1

Profile: Ryan Doornick

Height: 5'8"
Position: Guard
Hometown: Hamilton
Program: English
Last team: St Thomas More HS/ Blessed Sacrament Club


Achievements/Stats:

- Blessed Sacrament stats: 17.5 ppg, 6 rpg, 6 apg
- HS Senior MVP 2014
- HS Athlete of the Year 2011
- HS Captain 5 years
- City Championship 2011


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MEDIA:  For more information, or to request an interview, please contact Lakehead Sports Information Director, Hugh Mullally, at (807) 766-7157, or spinfo@lakeheadu.ca.
Lakehead University’s Athletics Department features a comprehensive Campus Recreation program across both its Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario campuses. Working hard to promote a healthy and active campus lifestyle, Campus Recreation provides a great selection of outdoor and indoor intramurals with its C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (containing a 15,000 square foot Thunderdome gymnasium, state-of-the-art Wolves' Den fitness centre, 50-metre eight-lane swimming pool, cardio room, Kinesiology labs, squash court, and change rooms complete with saunas) and the 50,000 square foot ‘Hangar’ building (an athletic facility home to a 200-metre track, pro-grade artificial turf field, climbing wall, weight training, aerobic and cardio areas, as well as the University’s Sports Medicine Clinic) .


-- 
Hugh Mullally
Sports Information Director
Lakehead University Athletics
Office: 807 766 7157

Sunday, June 1, 2014

DJ SMITH JOINS THUNDERWOLVES

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department

www.thunderwolves.ca
East Coast All-Star DJ Smith Joins Thunderwolves
2012-13 CIS Rookie of the Year transfers from UPEI
May 29, 2014 — Thunder Bay, Ont.
Men's basketball coach Scott Morrison has landed another important piece for the longevity of the Thunderwolves' program: Deontay 'DJ' Smith, of North Preston, Nova Scotia.

"DJ's decision to join our program makes for an important addition for the future of the team," says Morrison. "DJ has been successful at all levels he has played, in part, because of an excellent natural feel for the game and versatile skill set."

The 6'0" guard is set to arrive in Thunder Bay after having played 2 years for the UPEI Panthers of the AUS, where he made a name for himself not only in the conference but across the country.

Smith was named CIS Rookie of the Year in 2012-13, a season in which he scored 17 points per game, along with 7 rebounds and 4.4 assists and led his team to a 13-7 regular season record.

Smith has been a leader since his basketball beginnings in Nova Scotia, playing with Citadel High in Halifax (under coaches Mark Parker and Ian McRae), and leading team Nova Scotia to a silver medal at the Canada Games in 2009.

DJ is due to sit out the mandatory year as a red shirt for the 2014-15 season.

Morrison is confident it will be worth the wait. "We will have to be patient and wait for one year to see him on Friday nights, but with a season in our practice system to develop his individual skills and learn how he can best fit with our system - he will be a worthy candidate to replace our current all-star Dwayne Harvey after his final season."


Inline images 1
(photo credit UPEI)

Profile: Deontay 'DJ' Smith
Height: 6'0 
Position: Guard 
Hometown: North Preston, NS
Program: General Arts

High School: Citadel HS
Last team: UPEI Panthers

Achievements/Stats:

- CIS ROY in 2012-13.  (17.3 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 4.4 agp)
- AUS First Team All-Star 2012-13, 2013-14 
- Silver Medal for N.S. in the 2009 Canada Games
- 3 years eligibility remaining



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MEDIA:  For more information, or to request an interview, please contact Lakehead Sports Information Director, Hugh Mullally, at (807) 766-7157, or spinfo@lakeheadu.ca.
Lakehead University’s Athletics Department features a comprehensive Campus Recreation program across both its Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario campuses. Working hard to promote a healthy and active campus lifestyle, Campus Recreation provides a great selection of outdoor and indoor intramurals with its C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (containing a 15,000 square foot Thunderdome gymnasium, state-of-the-art Wolves' Den fitness centre, 50-metre eight-lane swimming pool, cardio room, Kinesiology labs, squash court, and change rooms complete with saunas) and the 50,000 square foot ‘Hangar’ building (an athletic facility home to a 200-metre track, pro-grade artificial turf field, climbing wall, weight training, aerobic and cardio areas, as well as the University’s Sports Medicine Clinic) .

-- 
Hugh Mullally
Sports Information Director
Lakehead University Athletics
Office: 807 766 7157

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Poirer 3rd in LU's 2014 Class

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department

www.thunderwolves.ca
Men's Basketball Welcomes Michael Poirier
Mississauga guard arrives via Kiski prep and Elev8 Sports Institute
May 7, 2014 — Thunder Bay, Ont.
Coach Scott Morrison of the men's basketball team is pleased to announce the commitment of Michael Poirier, of Mississauga, Ontario. 

The freshman 6'5" wing player arrives via Kiski prep (Pennsylvania) as well as Elev8 Sports Institute (Florida).

Says Poirier, "I'm very excited to be a part of one of the strongest CIS basketball programs in the country, and I'm looking forward to playing in front of the most energetic crowd in the nation. I'm proud to finally be a member of the Thunderwolves family."

Poirier has also spent time on the AAU circuit with Grassroots Canada (Amateur Athletic Union).

Coach Morrison's effort to return his Thunderwolves to prominence in the OUA takes another step forward with the addition of Poirier. As Morrison states, "We're excited about Mike's potential as a big wing and outside shooting threat. He has some excellent players to develop alongside in practice and we hope he will emerge as a solid long term player for our program."

Inline images 1

Profile: Michael Poirier

Height: 6'5"
Position: Wing
Hometown: Mississauga, Ont.

Points per game: 15.0 (50% FG)
GPA: 3.8

Previous teams: Kiski prep (Penn.), Elev8 Sports Institute (Fla.), Grassroots Canada (AAU)


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MEDIA:  For more information, or to request an interview, please contact Lakehead Sports Information Director, Hugh Mullally, at (807) 766-7157, or spinfo@lakeheadu.ca.
Lakehead University’s Athletics Department features a comprehensive Campus Recreation program across both its Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario campuses. Working hard to promote a healthy and active campus lifestyle, Campus Recreation provides a great selection of outdoor and indoor intramurals with its C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (containing a 15,000 square foot Thunderdome gymnasium, state-of-the-art Wolves' Den fitness centre, 50-metre eight-lane swimming pool, cardio room, Kinesiology labs, squash court, and change rooms complete with saunas) and the 50,000 square foot ‘Hangar’ building (an athletic facility home to a 200-metre track, pro-grade artificial turf field, climbing wall, weight training, aerobic and cardio areas, as well as the University’s Sports Medicine Clinic) .

Friday, May 2, 2014

Hogan to Transfer to Lakehead U in 2014

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department

www.thunderwolves.ca
Ashaunti Hogan Joins Thunderwolves
Second recruit for 2014-15 offers outside shooting
May 2, 2014 — Thunder Bay, Ont.
Coach Scott Morrison and the men's basketball program is pleased to welcome their second commitment for the 2014-15 campaign: Ashaunti Hogan of Vancouver, B.C.

The 6'1" guard will help address some of the Thunderwolves' shooting needs, having shot 37% from 3-point range during his two years at Red Deer College. Hogan will be ready to play right away with the 'Wolves, with 3 years of eligibility remaining.

Says Hogan, "Before being contacted by [assistant] Coach Erdman last fall, Lakehead was already on my list of schools because I knew the team's history of winning and I wanted to be a part of that. I'm ready to do whatever is asked of me to help bring a CIS Championship to Lakehead University."

Coach Morrison adds, "One of the target areas for improvement on our roster this summer was outside shooting. Ashaunti brings an immediate boost to our 3-point shooting and floor spacing abilities. Over time I believe he will develop into an excellent combo guard that can excel both with and away from the ball."

Inline images 1
(photo credit: Erwin Kuhr)

Profile: Ashaunti Hogan
Height: 6'1" 
Position: Guard 
Hometown: Vancouver, B.C.
Program: General Arts

Last team played for: Red Deer College Kings

Notable Figures:

- 37% career average from 3-pt line
- Averaged double figure scoring both seasons at Red Deer College 
- 3 years eligibility remaining

Addy Ogunye to Join Thunderwolves

Addy Ogunye Commits to Lakehead

May 1st, 2014

Author: Hugh Mullally
Coach Scott Morrison confirmed Thursday what has been buzzing around basketball social media earlier this week. Addy Ogunye, of Brampton, Ontario, and the St. Margerite d'Youville Panthers has committed to Lakehead University.
 
Ogunye, a 6'4" forward whose game has developed rapidly, went through his high school career under the guidance of coach Carlo Zoffranieri, who played 139 games from '94 to '99 in a Lakehead uniform.
 
Zoffranieri notes, "Addy has improved his overall game tremendously over his 5 years at d'Youville. He will bring defense, rebounding, athleticism and improved perimeter play to the Thunderwolves next year.  He is a dedicated, responsible and respectful student athlete who has been a valuable member of our school community. He will be a great addition to the varsity program next season at Lakehead."
 
Other players to come through Zoffranieri's system include the NBA's Tristan Thompson (Cleveland Cavaliers) and noted OUA All-Star Warren Ward (Ottawa U).
 
Addy was part of the d'Youville Panthers team that placed 4th in the 'AAAA' OFSAA championships this year.
 
Morrison adds, "We feel Addy has one of the highest ceilings for development of any player we have added to our roster in recent years. He has a rapidly expanding offensive game and a excellent natural ability on defense. We are most excited about his work ethic, his personal character and the fact that he has graduated from one of the most well coached high school programs in the province."
 
Panthers
 
Profile: Addy Ogunye
Height: 6'4" 
Position: Wing 
Hometown: Brampton, Ontario
Program: Kinesiology
 
Last team played for: St. Margerite D'Youville S.S. Panthers
 
Notable achievements: Peel All Star 2012, multiple tournament all-stars and MVPs in GTA elite tournaments.
Counter: 291
Last Edited: May 1st, 2014

Monday, April 28, 2014

Road To Recovery (Ryan Thomson) - TBNewswatch.com

LINK TO STORY

Road to recovery

By Matt Vis, tbnewswatch.com

He doesn’t want a devastating knee injury to be where his time on the basketball court ends.THUNDER BAY -- Ryan Thomson is determined to add another chapter to his Lakehead Thunderwolves career.
The forward is working towards a return for the upcoming season to action after being sidelined for all of this past campaign due to a torn torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in his left knee during the 2013 playoffs.
“It’s been a long process. There haven’t been any setbacks or anything like that but with the nature of the injury it’s a pretty long recovery,” Thomson said during a recent offseason workout.
“It’s been a little over a year now and it feels pretty good. I think I’m right on track with where I should be.”
Returning Lakehead head coach Scott Morrison said Thomson has been progressing along in his rehab and has been able to begin resuming basketball activities.
He believes Thomson can return to his 2012-2013 form where he averaged a career high 14.4 points per game and was named an OUA all-star.
“He’s been working with us since late February and I’ve had him on the court for the last two weeks. He’s still not 100 per cent but he’s still got to get in a little bit better shape but that’s understandable coming off the season long layoff,” Morrison said.
“Even if he gets close to the level of conditioning he was at before the injury he’s going to be one of the top players in the conference.”
Thomson suffered the injury during the final stages of the team’s second round playoff victory over the McMaster Marauders on Feb. 23, 2013.
The injury kept him out of the team’s run to the national championship game and forced him to postpone his fifth and final year of eligibility.
With former core pieces such as Greg Carter, Yoosrie Salhia and Joseph Jones having graduated, Thomson is one of the last carry-overs from Lakehead’s four straight trips to the national championship weekend.
Having missed the 2012 run with a foot injury before being sidelined for the final one with a knee injury, Thomson is determined to get the team back to the stage.
He thinks it’s a realistic goal for a team that finished fourth in the OUA West with a 9-13 record and will have a lot of players coming off their rookie seasons.
“This year it’s definitely something that’s on my mind,” he said. “It’s how I want to end my career. I think it would be a nice way to leave it, getting back. It would be satisfying more than anything.”
The six-foot-seven product of Oakville began his Lakehead tenure as a guard before developing a post game that enables him to play at the forward positions.
Despite developing his game down low, Thomson can still step outside and connect from long-range, as he is a career 44 per cent shooter from beyond the arc in OUA action.
His size and shooting ability allows Thomson to stretch the floor offensively for Lakehead, creating matchup nightmares for coaches across the conference.
His experience playing multiple positions makes him a cerebral player on the floor and allows him to take charge and lead the entire squad.
“He’s still one of the smartest players in the country when he’s on the court so I think he’s going to make a big difference for us,” Morrison said. “I feel when he’s on the court we have a chance to win because he’s like having an extra coach directing traffic and telling guys where to go.”
It was a lack of a calming veteran influence that Thomson noticed as the biggest difference between last year’s squad and the ones in years past that had reached the national stage.
There was no veteran who was accustomed to playing in high pressure situations to right the ship when things weren’t going the team’s way
“Sometimes we got a little frazzled out there when in past years we had a lot of fourth and fifth year guys that we could cohesively huddle and know things would be all right,” he said.
Both Morrison and Thomson are optimistic he’ll be ready to go for training camp in a few months.

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Morrison(s) Honoured by Sport PEI at Annual Awards

Lakehead Coach Scott Morrison was recently named the Sport P.E.I. "Coach of the Year" in Charlottetown at the sport governing body's annual dinner.  Coach Morrison was unable to attend the event and the award was accepted by his parents.  Coach George Morrison was also honoured as his 2012-13 Holland College men's basketball team received "Team of the Year".    Story link below

COACHING IN MORRISON'S BLOOD (Charlottetown, PEI - The Guardian)

Friday, February 28, 2014

Dwayne Harvey & Henry Tan Honoured By OUA

Harvey, Tan Among OUA All-Stars

February 27th, 2014

Author: Hugh Mullally
The OUA announced this year's crop of OUA West men's basketball All-Stars today, with Lakehead's Dwayne Harvey (Hamilton, Ont.) named to the 2nd team, while Henry Tan (Vaughan, Ont.) was named to the rookie team. A full list of OUA West All-Stars follows below.


Harvey was one of 3 returning seniors this year, and managed to lead his team to a 9-13 record and the rights to host a 1st round playoff game. Dwayne scored 12.8 points per game, his season high being a 26 point effort against Laurentian in November. Harvey's strength was his consistent play on both offense and defense, as he rebounded well for a guard (4.8/game) and was in charge of distributing the ball, averaging 4.0 assists, 2nd best in the OUA West.

Coach Matt Erdman adds, "Dwayne did a great job transitioning into his new role as a captain. His leadership and confidence in that role grew throughout the year and was evident in his play. Dwayne's' offensive versatility and consistency showed as he filled every category of the stat sheet."



Henry Tan impressed many around the league, leading the 'Wolves in scoring at 12.9 pts/game. His season high was a 26 point effort against Western on January 17th. Tan hit 28 three-pointers in 21 regular season games, and was #10 in the OUA West in made free throws (56), shooting 73% from the line.

Of Tan coach Erdman mentions, "As a freshman, Henry had some very big games for us this year and continued to improve and adjust as the season went on. Expectations were high for Henry and I think he did an unbelievable job of handling himself as he proved he's not afraid to take and make big shots for this program. The coaching staff is looking forward to seeing Henry grow as a player."

Erdman adds, "Anytime you're recognized by the conference is a great accomplishment. Both Dwayne and Henry are very deserving of their awards."






2013-14 OUA WEST ALL-STARS

FIRST TEAM

Lien Phillip - Windsor
Taylor Black – McMaster
Max Allin - Laurier
Enrico Diloreto - Windsor
Joe Rocca – McMaster

SECOND TEAM

Greg Morrow - Western
Dani Elgadi - Brock
Josh Collins - Windsor
Dwayne Harvey - Lakehead
Zachary Angus - Guelph

ALL-ROOKIE TEAM

Dani Elgadi - Brock
Myles Charvis - Waterloo
Henry Tan - Lakehead
Jack Simmons - Laurier
Taylor Boers - Guelph

Thursday, February 20, 2014

'Wolves Eliminated From OUA Play-offs After Close Loss

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department

www.thunderwolves.ca
T-Wolves Falter, Mustangs Win 68-65
Season concludes for T-Wolves
February 19, 2014 — Thunder Bay, Ont.
The men's basketball team failed to extend their season on Wednesday evening, losing their first round playoff game to Western, 68-65.


It was a great battle for fans to watch, as both teams gave it their all, Western leading 34-31 at the half. Lakehead was able to slow down Peter Scholtes, but failed to get much going on the interior themselves. Dwayne Harvey sat for 14 minutes of the first half with 2 fouls.

Jamar Coke carried the offensive load for the 'Wolves in the first half, scoring 9 points (2 three's and a three-point play), while Quinn Henderson hit 3 long-range bombs for 9 first half points as well.

Lakehead managed to break loose from the Mustangs' defense in the third quarter, putting up 24 points and leading 55-50 with 10 minutes to play.

The 'Wolves would seem to be closing the door on the visitors as the 4th quarter crept by. But Western hung around, and with the score 65-60, Lakehead would fail to capitalize on an open lay-up, and Western returned down the floor with a 3-point play to make it a 2-point game again with under 3 minutes to play. Lakehead wouldn't score again, and Western's Quinn Henderson gave his team a 1-point lead courtesy of a three-ball with under a minute to play.

Jamar Coke scored 15 points on the game, with 7 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 blocked shots. 5th year Justin Bell finishes his CIS career, and scored 6 points with 3 rebounds and an assist in his final game.

Greg Morrow was the scoring leader for the Mustangs, putting up 14 points with 3 steals.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"It's a tough pill to swallow having a lead and letting it slip away at the very end. Considering we shot 50% from the floor, it was the 20 turnovers that killed us. I'm proud of this group and feel bad it ended like this. We have built a great foundation moving forward and regardless of how it feels right now, these guys did a great job in a very tough situation this year."



– 30 –

MEDIA:  For more information, or to request an interview, please contact Lakehead Sports Information Director, Hugh Mullally, at (807) 766-7157, or spinfo@lakeheadu.ca.
Lakehead University’s Athletics Department features a comprehensive Campus Recreation program across both its Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario campuses. Working hard to promote a healthy and active campus lifestyle, Campus Recreation provides a great selection of outdoor and indoor intramurals with its C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (containing a 15,000 square foot Thunderdome gymnasium, state-of-the-art Wolves' Den fitness centre, 50-metre eight-lane swimming pool, cardio room, Kinesiology labs, squash court, and change rooms complete with saunas) and the 50,000 square foot ‘Hangar’ building (an athletic facility home to a 200-metre track, pro-grade artificial turf field, climbing wall, weight training, aerobic and cardio areas, as well as the University’s Sports Medicine Clinic) .

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department

www.thunderwolves.ca
T-Wolves Face Marauders, Mustangs Wednesday
Basketball teams seek to extend win streaks into the playoffs
February 17, 2014 — Thunder Bay, Ont.
The OUA playoffs commence this Wednesday for Lakehead's basketball teams, with the men hosting the Western Mustangs in the Thunderdome at 7:00pm.

Men (9-13, 4th OUA West)

The men's team accomplished the improbable, getting some help from OUA opponents last week and winning their last 3 games to slip into 4th place in the OUA West, thus earning a home playoff game.

The Mustangs are coming off 4 straight losses (2 of them by 1 point), and will play their 4th game in 8 days against the ThunderwolvesWednesday night.

Lakehead lost 73-72 to the Mustangs back in January in their first match-up before dropping a lop-sided 73-47 decision to them the following night. The 'Wolves will hope to get help from the high intensity playoff environment in the Thunderdome, where the 'Wolves haven't lost a playoff game since 2001.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"We finished the regular season on a positive note so hopefully that confidence carries over to Wednesday night. It's great everything aligned and we're able to play at home with a short turnaround. Western is a tough match-up for anyone because they have some extremely versatile players and our guys must understand playoffs are a whole new animal."

Game Schedule

Wed, Feb 19


Men vs. Western - 7:00pm - Webcast available via SSN Canada

Monday, February 17, 2014

WOLVES SWEEP GUELPH EARN 4th PLACE FINISH IN OUA WEST

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department

www.thunderwolves.ca
'Wolves Finish Regular Season With 3rd Straight Win
Lakehead men secure home playoff game
February 15, 2014 — Thunder Bay, Ont.
The men's basketball team pulled out a 70-56 win over the Guelph Gryphons on Saturday evening, launching them into 4th place in the OUA West and thus securing home court for the 1st round of the playoffs.


Such a notion seemed inconceivable to many following a shaky month of January for the men's squad.

The first half of Saturday's matchup was slow to say the least, with Guelph clinging to a 24-21 lead at halftime.

Lakehead would finally get the lead out in the 3rd, scoring 24 points and finding different ways to score.

One Thunderwolf who did so in a big way was Alex Robichaud, who scored a career-high 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting, much to the delight of the Thunderdome faithful.

Dwayne Harvey put together another complete game, scoring 15 points with 8 assists and 5 rebounds.

5th year senior forward Justin Bell (Mississauga, Ont.) was honored pre-game with a plaque as part of senior's night presentations.

For Guelph, Michel Clark scored 12 points with 5 rebounds.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"Our offense left us early but our defense was what kept us in the game. It took us some time to figure it out on offense but credit to our guys for making a conscious effort to execute."

Lakehead will next face the Western Mustangs on Wednesday evening at 7pm in the Thunderdome in the 1st round of the playoffs.


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MEDIA:  For more information, or to request an interview, please contact Lakehead Sports Information Director, Hugh Mullally, at (807) 766-7157, or spinfo@lakeheadu.ca.
Lakehead University’s Athletics Department features a comprehensive Campus Recreation program across both its Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ontario campuses. Working hard to promote a healthy and active campus lifestyle, Campus Recreation provides a great selection of outdoor and indoor intramurals with its C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (containing a 15,000 square foot Thunderdome gymnasium, state-of-the-art Wolves' Den fitness centre, 50-metre eight-lane swimming pool, cardio room, Kinesiology labs, squash court, and change rooms complete with saunas) and the 50,000 square foot ‘Hangar’ building (an athletic facility home to a 200-metre track, pro-grade artificial turf field, climbing wall, weight training, aerobic and cardio areas, as well as the University’s Sports Medicine Clinic) .

Friday, February 14, 2014

Lakehead Tops Guelph in OT

Media Release
Lakehead University Athletics Department

www.thunderwolves.ca
Joey Nitro Steals the Show in OT
Nitychoruk's steal and finish with 10 seconds left gets OT victory
February 14, 2014— Thunder Bay, Ont.
The collective heartbeat of Thunderwolf Nation beat a little faster on Valentine's day, thanks to a 80-76 overtime thriller over the Guelph Gryphonson Friday evening. And perhaps, too, from the handy work of Joseph Nitychoruk, better known as Joey Nitro.


The beginning of the game kicked off with a thud for the home side, as the Gryphons led 18-11 after one quarter and 33-24 at the break.

As Lakehead slowly picked up their game, thanks in part to an effective zone defense, they were able to chip away at the lead, putting up 24 3rd quarter points to close the gap to 1, 49-48 after three quarters.

As the 4th quarter wore down both sides, neither team could establish any lead, exchanging baskets and body shots while doing their best to stay afloat.

Dwayne Harvey was on point down the stretch, coming up with big plays when the T-Wolves needed them. He would finish with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

Rookie guard Henry Tan made a huge three-pointer to tie the game at 68 with under a minute left, and finished the game with 8 points and 3 assists.

As overtime took its toll, Alex Robichaud fouled out with under two minutes remaining, which brought Joey Nitro off the bench.

On the following possession the 6'7 forward finished with a post move inside, tying the game. His biggest play came in the final 24 seconds, matched up against veteran guard Zach Angus with the game tied at 76. After working the clock down under 15 seconds, Angus tried to initiate contact and draw a foul, only to have Nitychoruk back up, then force the ball out of Angus' hands, leading to an uncontested layup, and sealing the game.

Nitychoruk finished the game with 10 points, 3 blocks and 3 steals in 14 minutes of play. Fellow forward Igor Lebov earned a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Jamar Coke hit 2 three's for Lakehead and scored 12 points with 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals.

Michel Clark shot an impressive 7-of-9 from the field (including 5 three's) to finish with 21 points to lead the Gryphons.

Coach Matt Erdman:

"We started off slow and Guelph took full advantage of our complacency. Seeing the way we responded after a bunch of set backs is a step in the right direction. Our guys made some big plays on both ends down the stretch, some more obvious than others but credit to our guys for a character win."

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The two teams will rematch tomorrow evening at 8:00pm.