Final farewell
Capers basketball grads play final home game tonight versus Acadia
The game may not affect the final standings, but tonight’s regular season finale against Acadia University will have plenty of meaning for four Cape Breton Capers players as they hit the hardwood at Sullivan Field House for the last time.
Alison Keough, Sandra Amoah and Valentina Primossi of the women’s team and Kyle Hankins of the men’s team are all graduating from the program. The Capers women face the Axewomen tonight at 6 p.m. followed by the Capers men taking on the Axemen at 8 p.m.
“It’s bittersweet,” said Keough of Marion Bridge. The 6-1 forward set the record for most points as a Caper and a new conference benchmark for rebounds. “It’s been a great five years here and it’s going to be emotional (tonight).”
Keough said winning an AUS title last season was an obvious highlight in her time at CBU but she believes the relationships she’s built over the years are also important.
“Definitely the coach/player relationships I’ve developed over the years with (head coach Fabian McKenzie and assistant coach Doug Connors), that’s something that will stick for life, so I’m really grateful for that,” said Keough, 22, the national rookie of the year in 2014. “Same with my teammates.”
Amoah, a 23-year-old guard/ forward from Toronto, transferred from Memorial University and joined the Capers last season. The move paid off, as she helped CBU earn an Atlantic University Sport banner.
“It was scary because leaving a school you were so comfortable at, there’s a big risk as well,” she said. Amoah will graduate from the bachelor of education program. “I’m glad I came to CBU. It was a big obstacle I had to overcome, but no regrets at all.”
The move was even farther for Primossi, a 5-7 guard from Trieste, Italy. She sacrificed plenty to come to North America and play basketball, but the master of business administration student said she plans on staying in Nova Scotia after she graduates.
“I love this place and I’m glad I chose Cape Breton because the people here are amazing,” said the 26-year-old. “I decided to finish my five years over here, all my eligibility, because I love my team. That’s going to be a weird thing to say bye to.”
For Hankins, he’s looking to go out with a win in his final university basketball game.
The fifth-year guard/forward from Burlington, Ont., is the lone graduating player on a young Capers men’s squad. The team is out of playoff contention with a 2-17 record and hope to snap a 13-game losing streak.
“I have a lot of love for the guys on this team,” said the 25-year-old, who plans to pursue an MBA in Ontario after he graduates. “I met most of them this August for pre-season and there’s a lot of talent on the team and a lot of promising young dudes. I’m looking forward to seeing what they do in the years after I’m gone.”
Although the Capers men will be done for the season after tonight, the Capers women will be preparing to defend their AUS title at the upcoming championship tournament to be held in Halifax, March 2-4. Secondplace CBU (13-6) has already secured a bye to the March 3 semifinal round.