“The commitments from Mike and Joey this week highlight what we believe has been an excellent recruiting year for our program. Both guys are highly rated at their position nationally and we are familiar with them to the point we have no doubt they will fit in with our returning players.” Said Coach Morrison of his latest blue-chip recruits.
Nitychoruk, a 6’6” wing, is a rapidly developing all-around player who has excelled both on the perimeter, in transition, and in the post position. At St. Paul’s High School, he led his squad to a tournament championship at the prestigious WIT tournament with an MVP performance and was considered by many local pundits to be the top graduating player in Manitoba in 2011. He also was a starter on the Mantioba U17 provincial team last summer.
Barry Hayes of Hoopstars Canada recruiting service has Nitychoruk ranked amongst his top 10 Canadian high school small forwards; “At 6’5” Joey stretches opponents with his abilities to run and shoot like a guard, while rebounding and defending like a forward. It gives him a type of versatility that will translate well to CIS competition.”
Dan Becker, top development coach with Basketball Manitoba echoes Hayes’ statement about the potential of Nitychoruk; “Joey has a chance to be an impact player in the CIS. He has the size, length and agility to be a versatile weapon for Morrison. However his greatest asset may be his motor and competitive spirit. Lakehead has landed a great recruit with a bright future.”
Thorne-Finch is a true post who already possesses a nice touch around the basket and excellent face up jumper. He is a strong rebounder who has been recognized this season with an all-star and top defensive player at the WIT tournament as well as being mentioned as a top-5 player in Manitoba by the Winnipeg Sun. Thorne-Finch also represented Manitoba at the National Cadet U17 training camp last summer.
Thorne-Finch is also highly rated at his position and nationally by recruiting guru Barry Hayes;
“Michael’s ability to use his strong, wide-body frame to outmanouvre and fatigue opposing big men in the paint has provided him plenty of double-doubles as a high school star.”
Michael’s coach at Kelvin High School, Chris Young, has high expectations for his future; “Mike should make an immediate impact at the CIS level. He brings great toughness, rebounding and shot blocking to the Lakehead program. He is a hard working and thoughtful young man who is determined to get better and should be a great asset to the team at Lakehead both on and off the court.”
The two Manitoba stars represent the 3rd and 4thcommitments that Coach Morrison and Lakehead have received from high school players this spring. Earlier the team announced 6’2” guards Alex Robichaud (Superior HS) and, the first of three Winnipeg products, J.R. Alexander of Grant Park.