BY SCOTT
HADDOW
No matter what has transpired in their careers, Laurentian
University basketball players always leave the program with
their heads held high.
This is true for three recent players - Lisa Roberts, Erica
Johnson and Brody Bishop.
All three wrapped up their final seasons this year with the
Laurentian squads.
Roberts played five years, while Johnson and Bishop competed
for four seasons.
While the players never realized their dreams of bringing a
provincial or national championship to Laurentian, they did,
however, absorb a tremendous amount of positive experiences
they are able to carry with them as they leave university and
venture into different careers.
"Being part of the Lady Vees' basketball team was incredible,"
said Johnson, a Sudbury girl. "It taught me to be disciplined
in sports, and, more importantly, in life. I matured a lot in
my time at Laurentian. It gave me positive characteristics I
can bring with me for the rest of my life."
Bishop couldn't have picked a better place to play university
ball.
"It was a good decision to go to Laurentian...head coach Virgil
Hill is one of the premier coaches in the country and takes
care of his players," said the 22-year-old. "It meant a lot to
me to be part of the tradition here...it's hard to explain in
words how the program affected me. There's a lot of pride and
tradition at Laurentian...it's something I will remember
forever."
Laurentian basketball, especially it's rowdy fan base at the
Ben Avery Gymnasium, always made for a perfect environment to
play basketball.
"My top memory was my first game ever at Laurentian," said
Roberts. "Just walking in and see the gym packed with wild fans
was unreal. The atmosphere was unbelievable...fans were banging
pots and making all kinds of noise. It was just a regular
season game...I couldn't believe it. I will always remember the
atmosphere of our home games."
Roberts and Johnson provided the Lady Vees with plenty of savvy
and inspirational play during their time.
"Lisa came into the program when we needed veteran play and she
provided it," said women's head coach Mike Clarke. "She was a
real leader and an all-star. "Erica battled severe asthma
during her time...she always provided us with mental toughness.
She wasn't intimidated by anyone and brought an edge. Nothing
ever fazed her. Lisa and Erica played honest games...they were
key members."
The players excelled on the court.
"In his time...Brody became one of the most proficient shooters
in the OUA," said Hill. "On any given day, he could get it
going and be very difficult to stop."
Roberts really relished her final season. The native of Burnaby
B.C., got the rare opportunity to play with a sibling at the
elite university level, taking to the court with her younger
sister Norma-Jean.
"I took her under my wing...we had a great time this season,"
said Roberts. "It was an awesome experience to share with
her...it was my last year and her first year so we tried to
make it count. Not too many people get the opportunity to play
with a sibling at this level at the same time on the same
team...it was amazing and something I will cherish."
Laurentian has a way of putting its hooks into players.
"I am so grateful I came here to play," said Roberts. "I came
from B.C. And I didn't know what I was getting myself into. It
was everything I dreamed it could be. I learned so much and had
a lot of fun...I wish it didn't have to end. It's my dream to
be a basketball coach, and I learned plenty from Mike
Clarke...he's the coach I want to be like."
For Johnson, she will miss performing for local fans.
"We have the best fans in the OUA," said the Lasalle Secondary
graduate. "It was always amazing to play in front of the
Laurentian fans...they were crazy. I made a lot of great
friends for life...I was lucky to play at Laurentian."
The Voyageurs experience has prepared Bishop for his next
adventures in life and sport.
"My time at Laurentian went by too fast," said Bishop. "I
developed as a player and person...I'm ready for whatever
happens next. I've been talking to player agents about playing
pro in Europe next season."
