This week's column delivers a grab bag of sport shorts.

From The City of Brotherly Love, Bishop Ryan High School alumnus Merrick Thomson chronicles "life as a pro lacrosse player" for the National Lacrosse League's (NLL) Philadelphia Wings.

"I was so lucky to be drafted (first round, second pick overall) by such a big sports city like Philadelphia. Playing in front of thousands of people is something that I never imagined when I was younger. They are crazy about lacrosse here. It's an exciting time.

"Playing pro has elevated my game. I feel like I am in the best shape I have been in and that my stick skills and knowledge of the game have been elevated as well.

"When you are playing against the best players in the world you have to. I love it," said Merrick.

"I was lucky we had a long training camp so that I could adjust (from field) back to box lacrosse. Growing up playing box, it did not take long to get back into it. It's a challenge getting back into box but, you learn to adjust.

"My fav pro moment was scoring my first goal. I was so nervous at first, but once I got that goal I was finally able to relax (and just play).

"I am happy with my play right now, but there is still room for lots of improvement," concluded the former U Albany All-American.

The wily winger was named rookie of the week, as well as NLL January rookie of the month. The NLL first rounder has registered 22 points in four league games.

Dave Huntley, coach of the Wings, spoke with the Philadelphia Inquirer about Merrick's baptism into the NLL. "Merrick's off to a great start and we expect him to continue to have a terrific rookie season."

During the weekdays, Merrick pursues a masters degree in education administration at U Albany (Albany) and on weekends flies to Philly for games and practices.

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From Thunder Bay, Chris O'Rourke, basketball coach of the Guelph Gryphons, sent this dispatch about the Gryphs' recent matchup with the Lakehead T-Birds. "What an atmosphere -- it was a war, that's for sure."

The Gryphons managed to bag The Birds, winning the double-dip at The T-Dome. Soaring for the Gryphs was Burlington's Jay Mott, a Robert Bateman (formerly Lord Elgin) High School graduate, popping a collegiate career-high 29 points in the 78-76 victory.

"Jay was huge in the first half, keeping us in the game. And down the stretch he was deadly from the outside. The amazing thing is that he is playing with a broken bone in his shooting hand.

"Jay's a competitor and starting to mature into the role we had envisioned for him."

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And from Guelph, a dispatch announced the celebration of Gryphons Seniors Day where St. Mary's alumna Heather Angus was honoured.

"Heather has been phenomenal this year," said basketball coach Angela Orton. "She's the best player she's been in four years.

"Stats aside, the intangibles Heather brings are huge. From leadership and leading by example, to her performance on defence and versatility, she has been outstanding. It's hard to quantify what Heather's meant to us this year."