Lakehead University

LU heads to US for two games with NAIA teams

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Head coach Scott Morrison's Lakehead Thunderwolves men's basketball will head south of the border this week as they tune up for their OUA regular season with two games and a scrimmage session with American competition. The Wolves start their trip with a Wednesday scrimmage at Rainy River Community College in International Fall, MN before heading to North Dakota to play the Valley City State Vikings on Thursday, and the Jamestown College Jimmies on Friday.

Lakehead has posted a 4-1 preseason record and is coming off a tournament win at the Brandon Super 8 at Brandon University. This trip will be their last opportunity to prepare for their OUA season opener, November 6 at Queen's.

The Thunderwolves have faced their share of injuries during the preseason and coach Morrison has juggled his lineup in recent weeks to adjust. Making their Thunderwolves debuts two weekends ago at the Super 8 Tournament were guards Cam Hornby and Matt Nagy, and forward Anthony McIntosh. Post Brendan King is out, however, and will not play after sustaining a foot injury in practice. Four Wolves players missed practice last week with H1N1-like symptoms but are expected back for the roadtrip.

Increased depth has allowed the Thunderwolves to continue their strong play and they will count on several players to compete well for the team.

Yoosrie Salhia has been impressive and was MVP of the Super 8 despite sustaining a nasty gash above his right eye in the Wolves' win over Brandon. In four preseason games, the sophomore post has averaged 18.5 PPG and 10.25 RPG.

In the backcourt, senior Jamie Searle has been the team's top shooting threat and averaged 16.0 PPG in being named to the All-Tournament team at Brandon. Point guard Greg Carter's defensive and playmaking abilities will be key for the Thunderwolves against the Vikings and Jimmies as the team looks to improve their efficiency on defence and to cut down their turnovers on the attacking end.

"Like most teams in the country we have been battling injury and illness while preparing for the start of conference play next weekend," says coach Morrison. "We are hoping to show our best basketball of the non-conference schedule and improve on some areas of focus from our last action. Jamestown and Valley City play a fundamentally sound and tough brand of basketball which is a perfect tune up for what we can expect in OUA play." 

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Last Edited: October 27th, 2009