Mountaineers victorious over Marauders in front of 613 high school students

HAMILTON, Ont. – On Tuesday afternoon, the Mohawk Mountaineers men's basketball team hosted the McMaster Marauders for a preseason game at the David Braley Athletic and Recreation Centre, drawing an impressive crowd of 613 high school students from the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board.

Overall, the game drew more than 700 spectators.

"This was a great way to showcase both teams," said Mohawk head coach Jamie Girolametto. "It's early in the season, but hopefully this generates some fans for both teams moving forward."

Before the game, Girolametto addressed the large crowd of students, discussing the commitment required to be a post-secondary student-athlete. The ultimate goal was to provide the students early guidance and inspiration regarding the day-to-day life of a collegiate athlete.

"I really hope the kids took away something from the message that was delivered, and I hope they continue to come out and support us," Girolametto said.

The inspiration for this event came from Hamilton basketball icon Joe Raso, who coached at McMaster for 18 years and mentored Girolametto at both St. Mary's Catholic Secondary and McMaster. In 2003, Raso organized a Basketball versus Bullying game that attracted over 11,000 students and included a seminar on bullying. Over four years, the annual event drew more than 35,000 attendees to the original Copps Coliseum.

Girolametto hopes to establish a similar event annually, bringing the local basketball community together while sharing an important message with students.

"I know we have the support to continue to grow this," Girolametto explained.

In the game the Mountaineers defeated the Marauders 85-83, marking the second consecutive year Mohawk has claimed a preseason victory over McMaster.

Raivone Young (Halifax, NS) led all scorers for the Mountaineers with 13 points, while Charlie Hennessy (Windsor, Ont.) contributed 12 points. Dante Richards (Oakville, Ont.) had 11 points in his Mohawk debut and Marko Dosen (Hamilton, Ont.) added 10 points.

Mohawk will continue their preseason on Sept. 26 when they host the UNBC Timberwolves in the DBARC. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m., following the women's game against the Guelph Gryphons at 6 p.m.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Satbir Singh
Sports Information, Media & Marketing Coordinator
satbir.sing6@mohawkcollege.ca

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Players Mentioned

#11 Raivone Young: G; 6' 2"; Junior

#6 Charlie Hennessy: G; 6' 4"; Freshman

#20 Marko Dosen: F; 6' 8"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#11 Raivone Young
: 6' 2"; Junior
: G

#6 Charlie Hennessy
: 6' 4"; Freshman
: G

#20 Marko Dosen
: 6' 8"; Sophomore
: F

Players Mentioned

#11 Raivone Young

#6 Charlie Hennessy

#20 Marko Dosen

Players Mentioned

#11 Raivone Young

#6 Charlie Hennessy

#20 Marko Dosen