THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – Lakehead Thunderwolves Basketball will host the Western Mustangs for the final home games of the regular season, this Saturday evening, women at 6pm, men at 8pm.
Saturday will also serve as the annual Seniors’ Night, with both teams paying tribute to their 5th year graduating players in a ceremony that will take place after the women’s game and before the men’s.
The women’s team will honor 5th year athletes Katie Ulakovic, Jylisa Williams, and Corina Bruni. The men’s team will present honors to 5th year athletes Anthony McIntosh, Dwayne Harvey and Ryan Thomson.
Women (12-4, OUA #3)
The women’s team had their 8-game win streak snapped last week, but look to begin another against the Mustangs (6-11). The Mustangs have seen their share of challenges this year with a young roster (7 rookies and 1 fourth-year veteran among a mix of sophomores and juniors).
Western’s lone senior Caroline Wolynski is scoring 12.5 points per game.
Coach Jon Kreiner says, “Seniors’ night is a very special night. Jylisa Williams, Corina Bruni and Katie Ulakovic will play their last home regular season game at the Thunderdome. Western is the opponent and they started the year struggling with a very young team but are now averaging 62 PPG and 40% from the field. This should be a very tough match up and we must be aggressive on offence and sharp on defence.”
Men (9-7, OUA #6)
The men’s team from Western (11-6) presents a number of challenges for the Lakehead defense, primarily in guard/forward Greg Morrow.
The 4th year senior has scored 22.7 points per game this season, and despite his 6’2 frame, is a very capable scorer in the lane against taller defenders. He possesses a remarkable vertical leap, and will pose problems for Lakehead defenders on the glass if not blocked out and challenged physically.
Overall this is a Western team that grinds out wins, and Lakehead must answer the bell with rebounding, securing the 50/50 balls, and being accountable to their teammates on defense.
Western took three games of the Thunderwolves last season (all played in the Thunderdome), including a first round playoff game, 68-65.
Coach Manny Furtado predicts, “Western is a very tough, athletic, and physical team. We need to be focused and determined with our preparation and practices this week.”
Webcast Coverage will be available via OUA TV, with audio broadcast via CILU Radio, 102.7FM.
Weekend Schedule
Sat, Feb 14 vs. Western Mustangs
6:00pm- Women
8:00pm – Men
