STM 2012 Season in Review
The Senior Knights finished this year with a record of 20-14, ending with a hard fought loss to Cardinal Newman – the eventual city champions – in the HWCDSB semi finals.
The team seemed to be snake-bit by injuries, playing several games with only 6 available players and losing star guard, Lamar Barr (last year’s leading scorer; 2011 all star at the Silver Fox, the Chancellor and the Mark Walton Invitational), for the entire season due to a knee injury. Though he was unable to play, Lamar displayed great loyality and commitment to his teammates, attending every practice and game and offering encouragement and advice. Thus, given the injuries, the coaches were very impressed with the 2nd place finish in the always competitive Hamilton Catholic League.
Despite the injuries, the team competed very well and did not duck the best competition in Ontario, facing perennial powers Eastern Commerce (lost by 3) Oakville Loyola (2 wins: won by 15, won by 2) Ottawa St Pats (won by 11) Toronto Oakwood (lost by 1) and Toronto St Mikes (2 losses). The team won the Towler/Roach Flight Championship at the Silver Fox Tournament defeating Hamilton Sherwood in the semi finals and Kingston Holy Cross in the finals. Another hilight was the 2nd place finish at the McDowell Holiday Tournament in Erie PA.
Congratulations to Paul Petruccelli who was chosen as team MVP. Paul had an outstanding career at STM winning a city championship, GHAC Championship and OFSAA AAAA silver medal and was a two time league all star. Paul was always up to the challenge of defending the opponent’s best player, whether it was a guard or a post, played both inside and outside on the offensive end and led the team in rebounding. Paul will continue his studies and athletic career at York University under Coach Oliveri. (Pictured above, Paul Petruccelli)
Congratulations to Xzennis Brereton who will be continuing his academic and basketball career under Coach Jonker at Mohawk College. Xzennis originally planned to attend the University of Windsor, but had a change of heart in September and chose to stay close to home. Xzennis was a transfer student from Toronto power Oakwood CI who used his final season to showcase his basketball talents and incredible athleticism. Xzennis was selected as a second team all star at The Mark Walton Invitational and the Silver Fox Invitational and a player of the game award in Erie PA. Xzennis was also selected to the league all star team.
Matt Brown showed tremendous improvement, both on offense and defense, in his second year and was awarded the Roger Viola Award as the team’s best defensive player. First year senior, Ryan Doornick, battled trough injury this year, but showed great promise, skill and leadership this season. Ryan was selected to the league all star team, an impressive achievement for a grade 11.
Congratulations to Santino Pecora (McMaster University) who played important roles off the bench this year who will be leaving STM along with Paul, Xzennis and Lamar (Mohawk College). All 4 graduates will be continuing their studies at the post secondary level. Congratulations to all graduating seniors on your athletic and, more importantly, your scholastic achievements.
Big things are expected from returning players – Robert Harrison, Matt Brown, Mike Brown, Chemezie Chris Ike, Jon Asante, Jeremy Angelini, Gatluak Kong and Ryan Doornick. However, competition will be intense for next year’s senior team with an outstanding junior team moving up to the senior ranks as well as many hardworking players who did not make last year’s team. Use the summer to improve and come back ready to continue STM’s strong basketball tradition.
