By Marcus Rebelo

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL RECAP

Despite standout performances from Beyonce Hosang, Cori Browne and Keyanna Hyatt, the Centennial Colts fell short on Friday evening, 54-50, to the Seneca Sting on Seniors Night at Progress Campus. 

The Colts (6-10) had reached back-to-back wins for the first time this season — with Tuesday’s win over the UTM Eagles but the Sting (4-12) pulled away in the fourth quarter, led by Tiffany McNeil.

McNeil made two late free-throws to seal the victory and had a game-high 24 points and 12 rebounds in the contest. 

“We didn’t play to our potential tonight but credit to Seneca,” said head coach Justin Bobb, post-game.

After scoring only seven points in the first quarter compared to 16 by their opponent, Centennial featured a strong three quarters to follow, outscoring Seneca 43-38.

Hosang topped Centennial in scoring, with 17 points. She also added 12 rebounds in an outstanding performance in the paint.  

Hyatt, coming off an impressive performance, with 20 points and 13 rebounds coming from the bench Tuesday, continued her strong play against Seneca. The first-year player notched 10 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. 

Browne added 11 points and was one rebound shy of joining her two teammates with a double-double for the Colts.

“I think the effort from Beyoncé and Keyanna is what kept us in the game. Cori played hard tonight as well,” said Bobb. 

Although the Colts closed out their regular season with a loss, the night did not end on a sour night for the women’s squad as Judy Ta and Michelle Bowen were honoured as the two graduating seniors. 

Ta, a fifth year-guard, has made over 100 three-pointers in her OCAA career while Michelle Bowen’s bench presence and leadership did not go unnoticed by her teammates and coaching staff. 

“Michelle and Judy are a part of the culture and fabric and they mean so much more to us than just basketball,” Bobb said. “When we are recruiting, we are looking for players like Judy and Michelle."

Up next for the Colts is a playoff crossover that is to be determined. With a win, the Colts would advance to provincials. 

"This game and the season tells me that we have eight freshmen; we’re young and there’s going to (be) some inconsistencies.” 

MEN’S BASKETBALL RECAP

Kyrin Henlin put up another strong all-around performance but it wasn’t enough to save the Centennial Colts from an 92-89 loss to the Seneca Sting for Senior’s Night at Progress Campus.

Dakoda Lewis had 28 points on eight made triples. His last one put Seneca up for good with 9.5 seconds left.

With the Colts (10-10) down by three and with 6.6 seconds left, Henlin was unable to make all three free-throws after he was fouled attempting the game-tying shot. 

Isaiah Ankra helped the Sting (17-3) earn back-to-back victories with made free throws down the stretch and finished with a game-high 40 points, which included seven three-pointers. 

Henlin finished with a team high 36 points and four threes, shooting 10-of-20 from the field. 

Despite going into the OCAA postseason on a three-game losing streak, the second-year star believes his game and his squad’s game is suited to take down any team in the OCAA.

“I’m seeing the game better and I feel really good,” Henlin said, post-game. “It’s great because I’ve been putting in a lot of work in practice. The coaches were telling us how proud of us they are. 

“They are ranked No.10 in Canada, second in our conference, and we brought them right down to the wire.” 

Centennial’s offensive output, that spurred a near 18-point comeback, was also aided by Dieu Merci (DM) Betoukoumessou and Walshak Yusef. 

Betoukoumessou, one of two graduating seniors for the Colts had 15 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists while Yusef, who is used to being called off the bench, notched 13 points, five assists and five rebounds in a starting role. 

Carlo Pantaleon, the other graduating senior for Centennial, scored his second-best tally of the season — 19 points — against the UTM Eagles Tuesday night. 

Although Pantaleon was unable to turn in another offensive outburst on Friday, his defensive effort and leadership throughout the entire season, partnered with the leadership of Betoukoumessou, has not gone unnoticed. 

“Throughout the season, they have been the most consistent. They are vocal leaders, they are captains of the team and they try and make sure we stick together,” said Henlin. “I’m going to miss those guys a lot. Carlo takes care of me like an older brother and I’m happy we played like that in their last game here at home.”

The Colts had 21 turnovers against the Sting’s six, but the Colts claimed a higher field-goal percentage, three-point percentage, and free-throw percentage than their opponents.  

The Colts’ next challenge is still to be determined but it will comprise of a road playoff crossover.

“If we play hard, stick together and stick to the game plan, we can win against anybody. Me, personally, I feel really confident and I think the mood in the locker room is great. Nobody is really down. This week, in practice, we’re going to work hard and try to win this playoff game.”