The Oswego State Lakers ended their season on a disappointing note on March 8 in a 78-61 loss to the Marietta College Pioneers in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.
Solid performances from Quinn Carey, Liam Sanborn, Brandan Gartland and Tyler Pierre were not enough for the Lakers to come away with the win. The balance in scoring that has been a strength of the Lakers all season was matched by the Pioneers, who also had four players score in double figures.
The true game-changer throughout the game came from the three-point line, where the Lakers struggled shooting 7-19 and the Pioneers shot an impressive 11-22. The Pioneers showed their depth, scoring 40 bench points compared to the Lakers’ single bench point.
What came as a tough and disappointing loss gave the players and coaching staff time to reflect on the long season they have had. The Lakers finished their season with an overall record of 24-6, the best record they have had in seven years. Although the season stopped short of them winning the NCAA championship, the Lakers experienced much success throughout it. From winning the SUNYAC championship to grabbing the top seed in their conference and making it as far as the Sweet 16 in NCAA tournament, this season has been one of the more successful seasons the program has seen in recent years.
“I would describe it as incredibly rewarding and satisfying,” coach Jason Leone said about his team’s season. “This is the prototypical team you would like to have as a coach, guys who work hard during the offseason and integrated new players into the team.”
Leone did not hang his head on the season’s end. Instead, he found himself looking ahead on what future seasons will bring. After a successful season like this one, the program can only go up from here, and Leone is optimistic about the team going forward. With the season coming to an end, the seniors on the team will have to end the college basketball chapter of their lives to move on. Seniors Pierre, Carey and Allen Durutovic will all be graduating and leaving the team after this season.
“I think all three of them brought different qualities to our team,” Leone said.
This year’s senior class was unique to say the least. Center Pierre was transferred to the Lakers his sophomore season from Downing College. This has been Carey’s only season with the team, and Durutovic has played for the Lakers for all four years. Throughout the season, the players on the team have grown close and ultimately became a family, creating bonds that go beyond basketball.
“These are a really good group of guys, and I have made life-long friends and acquaintances,” Carey said.
Moments like these are often bittersweet for both the players and coaching staff. Carey described it as a “strange” and “odd” feeling.
“There was a sense of joy as coach subbed me out last minute,” Carey said. “I just sort of soaked up the last time I’ll be out there on a basketball court. It was definitely sad and emotional.”
As for his life after college hoops, Carey said he will be finishing off his last two months here at Oswego State and, after graduation, pursuing a masters degree in journalism. Carey averaged 11.3 points per game on the season and led the team in three-pointers made with 93.
Pierre, who has been the team’s leader on and off the court, shared similar sentiments as Carey when looking back on his time with the Lakers.
“These guys really became a family to me for all three years that I have been here, and even though we didn’t win the championship, I still had fun with these guys,” Pierre said.
Pierre, who has been a major force for the team on both sides of the ball, will leave a big hole to fill. His low post scoring and rebounding was one of the major components for the team’s success this season. Pierre led the team in points with 13.4 per game, rebounding with nine boards a game and total blocks with 25. Although his impact will be missed, he is looking forward to seeing what next season’s team has in store.
“You just have to keep your hopes up for the guys next season. I’ll be following them,” Pierre said.
After he graduates, Pierre plans on joining the U.S. Marines for four years, and through the leadership and hard work he has shown this season, he seems ready for what is to come.
The Lakers’ extraordinary season has come to an end. This year’s team has won trophies and raised banners and will go down as one of the best Oswego State teams in recent history.
Photo by: Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian
