BY SCOTT HADDOW
Ontario University Athletics (OUA) basketball
action returns to Laurentian for the first time this
season.
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Cassandra Carpenter (9) and the
Lady Voyageurs host Lakehead in their home opener. The
men also play their home opener against Lakehead. |
The Laurentian University womens and mens
teams host their 2005-06 season home openers this
weekend.
Invading the Ben Avery Gymnasium on Friday
will be Lakehead (women play at 6 pm, men at 8 pm). On
Saturday, McMaster marches in (women play at 6 pm, men at 8
pm).
Both Laurentian squads have 1-2 records to
start the season.
Here's a quick look at both teams.
Lady Vees
2004-05 record and playoff result: 15-7, lost
in the OUA East final to Ottawa.
2005-06 key players: Cassandra Carpenter,
Lisa Roberts, Ashley MacSporran and Darrah Bumstead. Carpenter
is an all-around force, capable of scoring 25+ points a game
and reaching double figures in rebounds. Roberts and MacSporran
create offence and both can shoot great. Bumstead is regarded
as a tough rebounder and has excellent defensive skills.
Sudbury flavour: Erica Johnson and Shannon
Chellew. Johnson brings experience and has cleaver passing
skills and guts. Chellew is a big, strong post player.
Bottom line: The Lady Vees are looking for
another top spot in the standings, followed by a long run
ending at the national championships.
"We are going to be known as a physical,
inside-oriented team that can really rebound and defend,"
said head coach Mike Clarke.
The Voyageurs
2004-05 record and playoff result: 8-14, lost
to Ottawa in OUA East quarter final.
2005-06 key players: Ben Palmer, Matt Brown,
Brody Bishop and Jesse Piercey. Palmer is a veteran who can
score 20+ points a game and pull in many rebounds . Brown and
Bishop are also capable of putting up big numbers as well.
Piercey is a reliable rebounder.
Sudbury flavour: Brady Bolan. The Lasalle
graduate will be counted on to supply scoring off the
bench.
Bottom line: The Voyageurs are looking to use
their depth to secure a home playoff game, followed by a run at
the national championship.
"Consistent team play and a positive
resilient attitude (will be keys to success)," said head
coach Virgil Hill. "Our team has toughness and
versatility."
