Heritage College Hurricanes rise to the top after winning first two games of 2024
Greg Newing
The Heritage Hurricanes men’s basketball team had a successful start to the 2023-2024 season, finishing 2nd in the South West Division 2 league at the end of the Fall semester and climbing to 1st after winning against Cegep André-Laurendeau on January 20 and Brébeuf College on Friday, January 26.
With a record of eight wins and two losses and lying ahead of Montreal’s Dawson College, the Hurricanes are optimistic about the second half of the season, “We’re really on a good path right now. We finished six and two at the end of the first semester and we’re going into the second semester strong,” said Franck Abraham, a small forward from Aylmer.
Players highlighted the supportive team spirit and encouragement from their new head coach, Justin Edwards, as reasons for their strong performance this season. “It’s an amazing team,” said guard-forward Joyce Dumbu. “Some of us have known each other for years and others are new this year, but we’re really like a family. We care about each other and we always push each other to improve.” Hans Biboum, who plays shooting guard and small forward, added, “Our coach really keeps us accountable. He tries to look for the best opportunities for us and really looks out for everyone. All of us are grateful to have him.”
Coach Justin Edwards said he expects the Hurricanes will make the provincial championships again this year after the team participated in the 2022-2023 championships last April. “I’m very optimistic about this season. Last year we finished 5th in the province and I think we’re going to be back in the mix again this year,” he said. “We have a competitive basketball program at Heritage, I think it has a lot to do with the culture. The quality of the student athletes has been getting better and better in recent years,” he said.
Edwards, who is serving his first year as Head Coach after nine years as lead assistant Coach, added that the team has not only been successful on the court, but has also excelled academically. “We’re proud that our student athletes continue to perform well in competition and in the classroom. Playing collegiate sports is a lifestyle; it’s not for everyone. It takes tremendous focus, effort and motivation to be an organized individual and balance all the competing responsibilities,” he said. He noted that an increased focus on academic performance in Heritage’s athletic programs meant that only a handful of the approximately 130 student athletes at Heritage ran into academic difficulties this year - a significant improvement compared to recent years.
The Hurricanes have four games coming up in February against Vanier, Édouard-Montpetit, Ahuntsic, and Dawson. If the Hurricanes maintain their high ranking, they will move on to the provincial championships in April.
Photo caption: Heritage Hurricanes men’s basketball team with head coach Justin Edwards (right).
Photo credit: Heritage College.
