By Dominic Rapposelli
Sports Editor
Washington College men’s basketball improves to 4-16 overall and 2-11 in Centennial Conference play with their win over the visiting Haverford College Fords. The Shoremen additionally surpassed last season’s win total with the victory.
WC’s Kedrick Frink paved the way for the Shoremen with a career best 32 points. Frink has 298 points on the season, averaging 15.7 points per game. Frink was also one of three shoremen to log three steals in the game. Fellow senior Jason Zelinski and junior Zack Skrocki also recorded three steals.
The squad also tied their season high in team steals with ten (against Salisbury Dec. 20). The Shoremen snapped a 12 game losing streak at home and grab their second in-conference win of the regular season.
“I feel like this win meant more for the team,” Frink said.“We have had a number of games where we were in the game but ended up losing and it felt great to finally break that losing streak at home in front of our amazing home crowd,”
The Shoremen have split the series with the Fords this season, after losing to them earlier in the year 68-53. The Fords had also won the last eight consecutive matchups, and still own the all-time series 38-22.
Late in the game, Frink landed a critical three point shot with just under seven minutes to go. Those three points gave the Shoremen a lead ,which they did not relinquish the rest of the way.
“Going into the game my goal was just to play my hardest and try to give my team the best chance to win the game. My shots started falling, opening the game with a deep three and I got going from there.”
Junior Precieux Tshibangu boasted a positive defensive
performance as well, adding a pair of blocks and four defensive rebounds. His play underneath gave the Shoremen valuable extra possessions and scoring opportunities to get the team on top.
“We definitely needed to get back on the winning side. It’s definitely been an up and down season, but one win is always good progress,” Tshibangu said.
The team was eliminated from the Centennial Conference playoff picture following their Feb. 3, loss to the Ursinus Bears. The Shoremen put up six points in the game’s final 20 seconds, but were unable to overcome the deficit.
With the final week of play approaching, the goal is to play hard the rest of the way, and also prepare for the next campaign in 2024-2025.
“Now, the rest of the season is looking forward to building for next season. Obviously finishing the season strong, but also setting the groundwork for next season,” Tshibangu said.
Going forward, the Shoremen have two home games remaining on their schedule. They will host Dickinson on Feb. 10, for the squad’s senior day. They will recognize Frink, Zelinski, and Sam Corrao.
After that, the Shoremen will host Johns Hopkins on Feb. 14, before traveling to Franklin and Marshall on Feb. 17, for their season finale.
Photo Caption: Shoreman of the Week: Kedrick Frink Men’s Basketball Career high 32 points vs Haverford.
Photo courtesy of WC Athletics
Photo Caption: Shorewoman of the Week: Serena Pluta Women’s Basketball Career high 24 points vs Haverford Season high 14 rebounds against Ursinus.
Photo courtesy of WC Athletics