THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – The Lakehead Thunderwolves women’s basketball team will be back in the Fieldhouse this weekend to host the Lakehead Women’s Basketball Tournament.
The Thunderwolves will be playing games Friday, Saturday and Sunday as they host the Memorial Sea-Hawks, Winnipeg Wesmen and Algoma Thunderhawks.
“We have our final three pre-season games this weekend as we host a strong mix of teams in Winnipeg, Memorial and Algoma,” said head coach Jon Kreiner.
The Thunderwolves’ first game, on Friday, Oct. 18, will be played against the Sea-Hawks. The Memorial team, coached by Mark English, has gone 2-2 this preseason. English is returning to Lakehead for this first time since his time as an assistant coach for Scott Morrison and the Thunderwolves.
“Memorial (St. John’s, NF) is a high scoring team with some good depth,” said Kreiner.
“They like to attack the paint and have some good shooters. Haille Nickerson has been their top player so far this year as several of their starters from a year ago have graduated.”
On Saturday, Oct. 19, the Thunderwolves will be looking to get revenge and a win from the Winnipeg Wesmen. The Wesmen are 5-0 so far this preseason after they defeated the Wolves’ at the Bob FM Shootout just last weekend.
“Winnipeg has come out strong this year and looks to be a strong contender for USports top 10,” said Kreiner.
“They have length and athleticism and use it well in transition and defensively. They also have a potential All-Canadian in Faith Hezekiah.”
Lakehead’s final game of the weekend will come against the Algoma Thunderbirds on Sunday, Oct. 20. The Thunderbirds have gone 2-1 in their preseason games. Their two wins come against the Nipissing Lakers and Laurentian Voyageurs. Returning to Thunder Bay with the Thunderbirds will be high school standouts Kayla and Kerya Gallo.
“Algoma has a couple of wins against Laurentian and Nipissing this preseason and have much of their top personnel back and had a solid recruiting class,” said Kreiner.
“We would like to see our play over 40 minutes improve with a consistent ball and player movement and defensive ball containment.”
Full tournament schedule
Friday, Oct. 18
6:00 PM – Memorial vs Lakehead
8:00 PM – Winnipeg vs Algoma
Saturday, Oct. 19
5:00 PM – Algoma vs Memorial
7:00 PM – Lakehead vs Winnipeg
Sunday, Oct. 20
10:00 AM – Memorial vs Winnipeg
12:00 PM – Algoma vs Lakehead
