Algoma Thunderbird Women and Men Face Tough Losses in Weekend Series Against Windsor Lancers at the Leach -

Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos

The Algoma Thunderbirds faced a tough challenge over the January 24th and 25th weekend, as they were defeated in both games by the visiting Windsor Lancers. Despite valiant efforts from key players, the Thunderbirds could not overcome the Lancers’ strong performances in both matchups.

The Thunderbirds were overpowered by the Windsor Lancers in the first game of the weekend, falling 64-40. While the Thunderbirds fought hard throughout the contest, the Lancers’ defense proved to be too much to handle.

Riya Donnelly played 31 minutes, contributing 12 points and two rebounds. Despite her best efforts on the offensive end, the Thunderbirds struggled to generate consistent scoring opportunities. Kaila Fong also played a key role, logging 33 minutes on the floor. She finished with ten points and five rebounds, but couldn’t find a way to break through the Lancers’ defense.

Sadie Grawbarger played the full 40 minutes, putting up seven points and four rebounds. Her ability to attack the paint was a bright spot for the Thunderbirds, Algoma managed to score 20 points in the paint. The Thunderbirds made an impact on defense, contributing 11 points off turnovers.

The Thunderbirds were again unable to overcome the Lancers in the second game of the weekend, falling 70-56. Despite some strong individual performances, the Lancers pulled away late to secure the victory.

Kaila Fong once again played a major role in the game, logging 39 minutes and scoring 13 points. She also grabbed five rebounds and played tough defense, but the Lancers’ depth and pressure proved too much for the Thunderbirds to overcome.

Sadie Grawbarger had another standout performance, playing 38 minutes and finishing with 12 rebounds and 14 points. Her rebounding presence kept the Thunderbirds competitive on the boards, but she couldn’t lead her team to victory. Grawbarger’s all-around game showed heart and hustle, but her efforts weren’t enough to close the gap.

Brooke Gruhn also provided a solid offensive spark, scoring 13 points in 28 minutes of play. Algoma put up 18 points inside and contributed 16 points off turnovers. Despite the Thunderbirds aggressive play and ability to capitalize on defensive opportunities, they could not get over the hump as the Lancers continued to assert control.

Thunderbird women’s coach Katie Hamilton told Saultsports that “I honestly couldn’t have been prouder of our girls this weekend. We had a very hard road trip, being on the road for 5 straight days. They made no excuses in their prep for Windsor and they executed things exactly as we asked. Other than a couple lapses here and there each game, we really went toe to toe with one of the countries best and most physical teams. It doesn’t get any easier for us this weekend with two great and well coached teams coming in, but we believe if we can stick with it and execute for 40 minutes that we can be competitive with anyone.”

The Algoma Thunderbirds men’s basketball team had a challenging weekend at the George Leach Centre, falling to the Windsor Lancers in both games of their series. Despite some strong individual performances, the Thunderbirds struggled to keep pace with the Lancers, ultimately losing 86-57 in game one and 69-58 in game two.
In the opening game of the weekend for Algoma, the Thunderbirds were unable to overcome the Lancers’ offensive firepower, dropping the contest 86-57. Despite the loss, Algoma showed moments of resilience, with key players contributing solid efforts.

Jean Michael Senatus played 20 minutes and was one of the most effective scorers for the Thunderbirds, posting 10 points and pulling down six rebounds. His aggressive play on both ends of the floor kept Algoma competitive. Ibrahima Yansane also had a strong showing with eight points in 24 minutes of action, adding two rebounds to his stat line.

Alex Semenov contributed 27 minutes on the court, finishing with five points and two rebounds. While the offense struggled as a whole, the Thunderbirds did manage to score 22 points in the paint and capitalize on turnovers, scoring 16 points off of Lancers mistakes. However, it wasn’t enough to offset Windsor’s offensive efficiency.

The Thunderbirds’ offense continued to face challenges in the second game, as they fell to the Lancers 69-58. While Algoma fought hard, the Lancers maintained control throughout the contest, securing their second win of the weekend.

Kur Mayuom led the Thunderbirds in scoring with 13 points in 33 minutes of play, also contributing four rebounds. His all-around performance kept Algoma within striking distance, but the team could not get over the hump against the Lancers’ defense.

Ibrahima Yansane played a crucial 30 minutes and finished with 11 points and five rebounds, contributing significantly to the team’s effort, but ultimately, it wasn’t enough to push Algoma ahead. Jean Michael Senatus also added to his weekend total with seven points and four rebounds in 19 minutes of action.

The Thunderbirds found success in the paint again, putting up 24 points in the interior, and they scored 15 points off turnovers, but their shooting struggles and the Lancers’ consistent play sealed the win for Windsor.

Despite the losses, the Thunderbirds showed moments of grit, and players like Mayuom, Yansane, and Senatus provided valuable contributions. Moving forward, the team will look to build on their strengths, particularly in transition and in the paint, while looking to improve their overall offensive execution in upcoming matchups.

Visit Freeze Frame Photos by Bob Davies photo gallery of the Windsor Lancers versus Algoma Thunderbirds in women’s OUA action.

The women and men Thunderbirds are back on the hardcourt at the George Leach Centre in Sault Ste Marie on the January 31st and February 1st weekend when they host the Laurentian Voyageurs on January 31st with tipoff times of 6:00 p.m (women) and 8:00 p.m (men) followed February 1st contests against the visiting Nipissing Lakers with start times of 6:00 p.m (women) and 8:00 p.m (men).