THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – Lakehead Thunderwolves basketball travels to Hamilton this weekend to take on the McMaster Marauders, Friday and Saturday evening.
This will be Lakehead’s first taste of ‘divisional rival’ competition, the Central Division also including McMaster, Guelph and Brock, and all of whom Lakehead will play twice in the regular season.
Women (2-0)
The women’s Thunderwolf squad started the season off with a bang, knocking off #8 Queen’s in the home opener, which included Jylisa Williams’ 42 point explosion. The going won’t get any easier against McMaster (2-0, CIS #6)), who beat Ottawa and Carleton last weekend.
The Marauders are led by Hilary Hanaka, a freshman 5’10” forward who averaged 17.0 ppg last weekend, alongside veteran guard Danielle Boiago and 6’0″ forward Clare Kenny (18.0 ppg). Last season Lakehead split the series with McMaster.
Coach Jon Kreiner shares, “Playing in the Hammer is never easy and McMaster has been playing very well (as reflected with their ranking). They have one of the top backcourts in the country and Kenny is playing very well. Defence will remain the key this weekend as we look to contain Boiago and Hanaka.”
Men (2-0)
The men’s team has shown grittiness in their debut home stand, and will need all they can muster against the Marauders (0-2), who went through the Ottawa gauntlet last weekend to begin their season.
The Marauders have plenty of offensive threats, including veterans Adam Presutti (16.5 ppg), and Taylor Black (10.5 ppg). Last season the Marauders swept the ‘Wolves in the Thunderdome, 85-74 and 101-64.
Lakehead coach Manny Furtado is driven to upset his alma mater this weekend.
“This weekend will be a true test for our team. We’re facing a top 5 team in the country on the road in there home opener, and it’s a divisional opponent. We need to keep the distractions to a minimum and focus on what our team needs to do to give ourselves a chance.”
Webcast coverage of these game will be available via OUA TV (www.oua.tv)
Weekend Schedule @ McMaster
Friday, Nov 14
6:00pm – women
8:00pm – men
Saturday, Nov 15
6:00pm – women
8:00pm – men
