BRANDON – One senior member of the Brandon University Bobcats and one relative newcomer are being praised for their performances in January and being named the Smitty's Sportsline Lounge Athletes of the Month. Gillian Leech of the Bobcats women's volleyball team and Tyvon Cooper of the men's basketball team were named this month's recipients on Wednesday afternoon.
 
Gillian Leech has been the picture of consistency when the Bobcats needed it most this season, especially in the month of January. The fifth-year libero and Brandon product has registered double-digit digs in every match but one in 2017, and led the 'Cats back to playoff contention in the process.
 
"Gillian has had some great performances and great stats this season, but it's the intangibles that she brings that make us better," says coach Lee Carter. "Her leadership, her work ethic and her attitude are constant sources of inspiration for her teammates, and her drive wills us to be better as a team. What she provides makes us better as a team, and I'm very thankful for what she's brought to our team both in January and all season."
 
Leech's spectacular defensive play has been exactly what the doctor ordered for the 'Cats. After losing fellow fifth-year Jodie Baker for the remainder of the season in mid-January, Leech has shored up the defense and provided leadership to a young group that has filled in. Leech has played in every set of every match this season, and she currently leads the Canada West conference in total digs (279).
 
Leech and the Bobcats went 5-3 in January and are currently tied with the Mount Royal Cougars for the final playoff spot, who they play this weekend in Calgary. Both matches can be seen live at www.canadawest.tv.
 
Tyvon Cooper has quickly climbed the ranks as one of Canada West's elite point guards, and in doing so the American import player has elevated the Bobcats' chances of making the playoffs for the first time in eight years.
 
"Tyvon has led us on both ends of the court this season," says coach Gil Cheung. "He is one of the top scorers in the Canada West conference, but even more so he brings a valued maturity, as well as his ability to bring a great attitude every day. We are lucky to have him as part of our program."
 
Cooper currently ranks third in the conference in total points (368) on the season, thanks in large part to his stellar performance in January. Cooper has had double-digit scoring performances in every game in January.
 
Cooper and the Bobcats have a record of 9-11 entering the last weekend of competition, but the Bobcats have a bye. The remaining games this weekend will determine playoff standings, and whether or not the Bobcats will qualify for the post-season for the first time since the 2008-09 season.
 
The first round of the Canada West conference playoffs is scheduled for February 17-19.