Seniors play final home games for Capers basketball
February 22, 2013
Jimmy Dorsey’s biggest fan will be in attendance to watch him play his final set of games on the Sullivan Fieldhouse hardwood this weekend against the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds.
His mom, Gail Walton, is making the trip to Canada for the first time. It’s also the first time she’ll see him play basketball in person in six years.
“I’m trying not to think about it too much because I’m kind of having mixed emotions,” said the fifth-year guard from Baltimore, Md. “I’m happy because I get to play in front of a lot of fans...but everything is really going to hit me after Saturday’s game and I finally walk off the floor for the last time. That’s when all my emotions will probably hit me.”
Dorsey and Capers women’s players Justine MacNeil and Brittany Hollins will take to the home court for the final time this weekend, as the graduating players are lauded for their contribution to Capers athletics.
It’s been a stellar career for Dorsey, one that he and his team hope to extend in the playoffs next weekend. He was a member of the Capers team that won the Atlantic University Sport title at Centre 200 in 2010. Last season, the perennial all-star was named the most valuable player and holds the CBU single-game scoring record with 49 points.
But it’s the support he’s received from fans and the athletic department that has stood out for Dorsey in his time at CBU.
“Every day, there’s really never a dull moment and everywhere I go, I get a lot of love,” he said. “To go out and be able to play a sport that I love, and for everyone to recognize that I do work hard and I want to win in any way possible, they show me that love back. For them to recognize that and give me the support, that’s what I appreciate the most.”
The Capers men have first place in the conference locked up with a 17-1 record. They’ll look to build some momentum heading into next weekend’s conference championship in Halifax against a UNB team that’s still fighting to make the post-season.
“I think we treat it like any other weekend,” said Capers head coach Matt Skinn. “We respect every opponent in the same regard. We’re going to prepare just as hard for any team that we play.”
They challenge the last-place UNB squad, hosts of this year’s championship tournament.
MacNeil, a fourth-year forward from Waterloo, Ont., will graduate as a member of two AUS championship teams. She said her fondest memory was winning the title in her rookie season.
“I think we treat it like any other weekend,” said Capers head coach Matt Skinn. “We respect every opponent in the same regard. We’re going to prepare just as hard for any team that we play.”
The Capers women will play their final games of the 2012-13 season this weekend, but will be looking to end the campaign on a high note. CBU is missing the playoffs for the first time in over a decade.
They challenge the last-place UNB squad, hosts of this year’s championship tournament.
“The goal is to go out and keep with the process here,” said head coach Fabian McKenzie. “The process is we’re building toward the future and just try to get some good results.”
MacNeil, a fourth-year forward from Waterloo, Ont., will graduate as a member of two AUS championship teams. She said her fondest memory was winning the title in her rookie season.
“Being a part of three years of being nationally ranked, I don’t think I would have got that experience anywhere else or with any coach other than Fabe,” said MacNeil, who’s father, Dave, is a Sydney native.
MacNeil and her teammates are also spearheading a special project off the court as well, and will be looking for the fan’s support this weekend.
They’re working with Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization, and their turning on the tap program that provides clean water to families in developing countries. The team will be taking donations all weekend, and will also be selling T-shirts, baked goods and water.
They’re asking fans to bring their loose change to donate as well.
They’re asking fans to bring their loose change to donate as well.
“We chose it because everyone drinks water, but as athletes, it seems more important to us than the everyday person because we can’t function properly if we don’t have water,” she said. “We thought it was really fitting to be something we could give back to.