Concordia Looking Like Contender Early On, Laurier Goes Down In Hard Fought Loss to Stingers

NPH Top Performers

Concordia

• Adam Chmielewski- 22pts, 5rbs, 5ast
• Kafil Eyitayo- 20 pts, 6rbs
• Zach Brisebois- 17pts, 9rbs
• Jean-Andre Moussignac- 15pts, 4rbs, 4ast

WATERLOO, ON–Normally, once a bee loses its stinger it falls dead shortly after; yet for the 2012-2013 season the Concordia Stingers are defying the laws of nature and actually getting stronger without fellow Stingers Evens Laroche and Kyle Demarais. While at the Laurier Golden Hawks Challenge this weekend Concordia had a strong showing that was lead by PG Adam Chmielewski, a strong scoring guard that can hurt an opponent in many ways. Chmielewski finished with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in a exhibition win against Laurier’s Golden Hawks, 94-86.

The Golden Hawks also had a solid outing with great contributions from their big three, Patrick Donnelly,Maxwell Allin and William Coulthard who combined for 58 of the teams 86 points.

Nothing can be said to downsize the efforts of Laurier, they played an excellent game shooting 46% as a unit, guys came off the bench and provided energy and extra rebounding while pitching in for 13 on the score board.

Their shot selection in this game was much better from what we had seen in the hard fought loss to UBC. The group is collectively making better decision and helping each other be aware of the shot clock, which is in turn causing fewer turnovers and more opportunities to execute offensively.

The factor in this game, as he’s been all weekend, is Chmieleski. He is a difficult player to defend because he can expose the first line of defense by creating for himself as well as provide scoring chances for teammates by his penetration. He’s the type of players that demands attention from all opposing players. Once he gets them to focus on him he finds open teammates in the lane receiving his scoop and bounce passes.

“It has been one of our weaknessess… A true point guard, but Adam solidifies that”, said head coach of the Stingers John Dore.

This Stingers squad has other options in the back court who are able to defend and hit the three ball and should be just fine in their conference with whatever combination is on the floor.

In the frontcourt big man Zach Brisebois is holding things down with a strong frame which he uses to seal out guys and snatch rebounds. Briseboise registered 17 points and 9 boards in the win over Laurier.

After Coach Dore was asked about expectations about the upcoming season, he commented short and sweet.

“Just win”.

They got the job done this weekend, however this will be a team with a whole new swagger and further confidence once some of glue guys return. Jerome Blake, Evens Laroche and Kyle Desmarais are expected to return following the Christmas break. Another piece that went down this weekend with a sprained knee was 6’7 Center, Taylor Garner.

Coach Dore expresses his feelings about the team.

“I’m excited about the team, I like what I see but we want to get the pieces together so we can complete the puzzle”.

We’re predicting to see Concordia in Ottawa at the end of the regular season for CIS Final 8.