By Dominic Rapposelli
Sports Editor
WC men’s basketball came up short in their regular season finale to the Franklin and Marshall Diplomats 66-55. WC fell to 4-21 overall, and 2-16 in Centennial Conference action.
Sophomore Davis Bland gave the Shoremen their first lead of the contest with his first of two three point baskets. Fellow sophomore Marcus Scott Jr. reclaimed the final lead of the game with a layup just over four minutes into the game to go ahead 9-7. The Diplomats would take a 10 point lead into halftime 26-36 before outsourcing the Shoremen 30-29 in the second half.
“It has been great to see where we are now as a team compared to the beginning of the year. Our goal was to be the best team we can by the end of the year, and we have worked hard towards that goal. I am excited to see the younger guys develop and continue to grow in the future,” senior Jason Zeilinski said.
Zeilinski finished his WC career with 520 total points, and was a team captain in his senior season. Additionally, he was named Shoreman of the week twice, and GooseNation TV Shoremen player of the game four times.
“I just wanted to lead and set the best example that I could for my teammates. The best part has been enjoying the little things like team dinners and activities because those are where some of the best memories and relationships are made,” Zeilinski said. “Every person on this team showed up each day and worked hard, no matter the circumstances. There has been a lot of adversity, but it has shaped our team and made us better people on and off the court.”
Zeilinski joins fellow seniors Sam Corrao and Kedrick Frink who made their final start with the Shoremen on Saturday, Feb. 17.
Corrao ends his career with 517 total points and 154 rebounds. He was named player of the game three times in his career along with earning Shoreman of the week honors once.
Frink will leave the Shoremen with 1,058 career points in three seasons with the team. An impressive feat for him in that span. Frink tallied 10 Shoreman of the week honors and nine GooseNation TV player of the game nods.
“These bonds and relationships built will last beyond my time at Washington College, and I can’t thank them enough, as well as the coaches for the year we’ve had and their commitment,” Frink said.
The 2023-2024 campaign for the Shoremen ended up with the team eclipsing their win total of three in the 2022-2023 season. The Shoremen will be back next winter to start their next season.