By: Severn Zieman 

Mohawk Mountaineers men's basketball began the 2022 season with a statement victory, defeating the Canadore Panthers 125-75.

The Mountaineers took the lead early following a 33-point first quarter, and while the Panthers tried to make a push in the second quarter, Mohawk was able to hold on comfortably.  

Stefan Anisko (Haldimand County, ON) led all scorers with 26 points in 19 minutes off the bench in his first-career OCAA game. Anisko and veteran guard Rommel Calura (Hamilton, ON) led the way in three-pointers, each hitting five shots from beyond the arc. Mohawk' shooting as a team was red-hot, scoring on over 41 per cent of their attempted threes.

Head coach Brian Jonker felt that the team displayed tremendous belief in their shooting ability as a team,

"I thought we shot it really well tonight, confidence wise it was good," said Jonker.

Coach Jonker expects similar showings of dominance like tonight as the season continues.

"We believe we have the pieces to challenge for a championship, and that's the goal," said Jonker

Daniel Graham (Hamilton, ON) added 20-points and Calura scored 15. The Mountaineers also got double digit scoring from Jerry Mercury Jr. (Scarborough, ON) who scored 15 as well, Cale Calura (Hamilton, ON contributed 11 and Michael Barry (Hamilton, ON) added 10.

Mohawk will look to carry their momentum into their next game on Oct. 29 when they host the Fanshawe Falcons at 8 p.m.

Mountaineers women's basketball will also begin their 2022 season on that date with they host the Falcons at 6 p.m.

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