NPH CIS Preview: Cape Breton Capers

Last Season:

Head Coach: Matt Skinn

Assistant Coach: Len Harvey, Ron Shaw, Kenneth MacQueen

2011-12 Record: 11-9 (AUS)

Key Players: Jimmy Dorsey, Meshack Lufile, Shaquille Keith

Incoming Recruits: 

• Shaquille Keith
• Chris Stanhope
• Shacier Locke
• Brennen Fule
• Sean McCormick
• Kayon Mayers
• Cedric Kasongo

Departures: Al Alliovic

There’s a new coach in town, and his name is Matt Skinn. An alumnus of CBU, Skinn is looking to take the Capers back to the AUS championships as they fell just short in making a CIS Final 8 appearance losing to St. FX in the Semi-Finals.

“It has been great to come back to my alma mater, and I am proud to represent CBU in the community.  As far as taking over a playoff team, I think that CBU has set a standard of excellence with all of their athletic programs that our program will continue to aspire to. We will do our best to work hard, represent ourselves in the community in a way that everyone can get behind us, and hopefully, success will be a result of doing the right things on a daily basis.”

The Capers are bringing back the reigning AUS MVP, Jimmy Dorsey. Dorsey set the league on fire last year, leading the league in points and assists per game with 22.5 and 8.6 respectively. His MVP season could be summed up with his triple double performance or the 49 point explosion he put on.

However, not everyone is returning to the Cape; Al Alilovic the utility man finished his five years of eligibility, yet there are plenty of new recruits ready to step in and fill the shoes of those who have moved on.

“As far as this class is concerned, I think every year you are trying to do everything you can to get the best people and players to your program. I feel that we have brought in some pieces that we are trying to fit together to make a successful team,” explained Skinn.

“As a coach, you always hope that success and player success can breed that into future classes, and I hope for the same thing. We have identified the type of people and players we want for our program, and will continue to try to get the right mix to form the best team on the court. I am definitely excited about what this young group can do. If we can learn and adapt quickly enough, we should provide tough games for teams in our conference.”

One of the recruits that has many people excited in Caper land is Shaquille Keith, who had major D1 interest and will bring an instant impact to the Capers.

With the AUS only getting stronger this year and few players leaving due to graduation, expect Cape Breton to make a push for the top four of the AUS again with Jimmy Dorsey leading the way, complimented with a strong supporting cast.

Don’t be surprised if you see the Orange Army travelling all the way to Ottawa come March.