Wolves women look for size in basketball recruits

Size matters in basketball, and the Lakehead Thunderwolves found plenty of it this offseason.

Wolves women’s coach Jon Kreiner on Thursday announced a trio of freshmen recruits who’ll hit the hard court at the Thunderdome this fall.

Six-foot forward Jessica de Haan, a product of the Hammarskjold Vikings program is the start of Kreiner’s attempt to replace retired pivots Lacey McNulty and Lindsay Druery, who wrapped up stellar university basketball careers in 2012.

De Haan averaged 12 points and eight boards a game with the Vikings in 2010, winning a regional high school girls championship in the process.

I'm really excited to play with this team. I've been watching them play for two years and they have inspired me to play again," said de Hann in a release. "I know they're a great group of competitors and I am looking forward to being a part of it."

Kreiner is equally excited.

“I recruited Jessica two years ago and it is my pleasure to finally have her decide to play for Lakehead University. Jessica has a great basketball physique – long, strong and very athletic.  She is a competitor and hates to lose.  Jessica will give us much needed depth in the forward position and will be well suited for our style of play.”

True to the roots of the franchise’s recent success, Kreiner once again reached back to the Maritimes, where he snagged Riverview, N.B.’s Gabrielle Robin, a 5-foot-10 forward who averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds a game with the Riverview High Royals.
Robin never lost a game in four years of high school basketball, winning titles in 2008, 2009 and 2010. An honour roll student, Robin said the Thunder Bay school is a great fit for her game and academic dreams.

"I chose Lakehead University because, quite simply, I think it is a good fit for me. I felt very welcomed by the coaches, team, and the community. Coach Kreiner's enthusiasm and dedication are akin to my beliefs of hard work and perseverance, they always pay off. I believe that my love for basketball is perfectly matched with those at Lakehead,” she said.

“I am excited to play for the Thunderwolves in the fall, while pursuing my academic goals."

Kreiner called landing Robin a real coup.

“have had my eye on Gab for a while and she is a straight up winner.  First to arrive and last to leave the gym describes Gabrielle best.

She hails from one of the most successful female basketball programs in the country and with that a great basketball sense.  Gabrielle has been well coached and brings experience, versatility and a passion for the game of basketball."

Kreiner has also tapped the British Isles for a second straight offseason, hoping to duplicate last year’s success with outside threat Kelsey Bardsley.

Rachael Bland is a 5-foot-8 guard who spent last season with Leeds Carnegie and hails from Washington, Tyne and Wear in England.

"Playing overseas has always been a big ambition of mine, after having two successful years playing for Leeds Carnegie in Division 1 in England."

“I want to take the next step in my basketball career, and Lakehead University is just the place to do this. With high expectations on the importance of hard work shared by both the coaching staff and players as a Thunderwolf, this is an environment I feel I will thrive in,” she said.

Kreiner has high hopes for his second British import.

“Rachael has done a lot already in her great basketball career and we are thrilled that she will bring that experience to Lakehead University. Rachael is a tough defender who has great basketball IQ,” Kreiner said.

“She is great in the dribble drive game and can play all guard positions.  What I liked most about Rachael was her focus on hard work & team play.  She also brings a confidence to the table which will certainly raise our level of play.”

Lakehead finished 10-12 last season, missing the playoffs.