THUNDER BAY – Three-point specialist Bridget O’Reilly has been named to the OUA’s second all-star team.
The Lakehead Thunderwolves forward was 24th in the league in scoring with an 11.2 points-per-game average, hitting two three-pointers a night for the Wolves, who made it to the second round of the women’s basketball playoffs before bowing out last weekend to Queen’s.
O’Reilly had the fifth-best three-point shooting percentage in the OUA and hauled in the 13th-most defensive rebounds, with a total of 87.
The all-around forward was also fourth in total steals, with 49.
“Bridget O’Reilly’s junior season was a great one for us. She battled through some early injuries to have a very strong pre-season where she earned tournament all star at the University of Alberta tournament. She was our team’s leading scorer and rebounder during league play and was one of the top shooters in the OUA,” coach Jon Kreiner said in a release issued by the team.
“If you wanted to shut the Thunderwolves down it started with Bridget and on most nights she found a way to beat you as she improved her driving game and became a steals leader in the OUA defensively. I still feel Bridget’s game has room to grow, but this season was a great stepping stone towards preparing her for her senior year.”
O’Reilly wasn’t the only LU player honoured on Tuesday.
First-year guard Nikki Ylagan, no slouch herself from beyond the arc, was named to the OUA all-rookie team.
Ylagan topped the team with 46 three-pointers, fourth-best in the OUA, and was 21st in steals with 29.
“Nikki Ylagan has had a tremendous first year. She was given the opportunity to step up for our team due to injuries and she ran with it,” Kreiner said.
“She is a pure a shooter as I have seen and isn’t afraid to take the big shot. Nikki is a gamer who lives for the moment and loves the game. She gained a lot of experience in her first year which will go a long way towards preparing her for her sophomore season.”
