Wolves women add 6-foot-4 pivot

The Lakehead Thunderwolves needed to get big in the paint.

Women’s coach Jon Kreiner accomplished that in one signing, nabbing 6-foot-4 giant Sarah Barclay to fill a gaping hole at centre that opened after last season with the departure of both Lindsay Druery and Lacy McNulty.

Barclay, a graduate of Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School, averaged six points and six rebounds, shooting 55 per cent from the field and 89 per cent from the free-throw line in 2011-12. She’s also spent time with the Manitoba provincial team and twice led her high school squad to the provincial seminfinals.

"Lakehead University is not only an opportunity to develop and grow as a player, but have the chance to take the next step in life at a place that opens doors on and off the court,” Barclay said in a release issued by the university.

“It's a place where I can blend all my passions into one amazing experience. By going to Lakehead it gives me more years in the sport and the chance to be a part of a hard working program that shares the love for the game at the CIS level. “

Kreiner is looking forward to adding so much size down the middle.

"Sarah is a tall post with good size and experience.  She is a very intelligent player with a tremendous passion for basketball and life in general,” Kreiner said.

“Sarah comes from tremendous pedigree with her sister winning CIS MVP for volleyball at UBC this past season. I believe with hard work Sarah has the potential to make her own mark in basketball at the CIS level and I look forward to helping her develop at Lakehead University.”

Barclay is one of six recruits the Wolves have added over the summer, a group that includes point guard Emily Lerette, from Tasia McKenna’s hometown of Timberlea, N.S., Helena Steeves of Bedford, N.S., England’s Rachael Bland, forward Gabrielle Robin of Riverview, N.B. and Thunder Bay’s own Jessica DeHaan.