Men's Basketball Set to Host Final Four
March 2 2009
Finishing the 2008-09 ACAC regular season with the best record in the ACAC North Division and the best record in the program's history the Concordia Thunder seemed poised for a run at the ACAC title however first they had to get past a determined MHC Rattlers team. Finishing first in the North Division the Thunder had earned home court advantage throughout the best of three quarter final series. In the first game of the series the Thunder would learn how tenacious the Rattlers could be fighting off a late run by MHC to secure a 98-90 win and take a 1-0 series lead. All-Conference forward Jamaal Bucknor would post a double double performance with 25 points and 10 rebounds while freshman guard Brett Melnick would pour in 25 points and haul in 5 rebounds in the win. Game two of the series Friday February 27th saw the Thunder battle once again with the Rattlers however this time the home team would be "snake bit" as MHC would manage to even the series at 1-1 handing Concordia a 75-69 loss. Jamaal Bucknor would again post a double double with 14 points and 12 rebounds while freshman guard Brett Kallio would add 14 points in the loss. Saturday February 28th with their season on the line Concordia would rise to the occasion with a 94-70 win to take the seires in three games. Now the Thunder prepare to host the ACAC Final Four begining Friday March 6th with the Thunder taking on the RDC Kings at 8:00pm at the Ralph King Athletic Center.
THURSDAY BOX SCORE
FRIDAY BOX SCORE
SATURDAY BOX SCORE
Paul Sir Named ACAC North Division Basketball Coach of the Year
February 27 2009
The ACAC announced today the winners of the North and South ACAC Men's Basketball Coach of the Year and Concordia Men's Head Coach Paul Sir has been named the ACAC North Division Coach of the Year. Click here for the official press release.
ACAC Announces Men's and Women's All-Conference Basketball Teams
February 27 2009
The ACAC has announced the Men's and Women's ACAC All-Conference Basketball awards for the 2008-09 season today and three Concordia athletes were named among those hounored. On the Women's side fourth year guard Cailin Lissel was named a first team All-Conference while on the Men's side both Jamaal Bucknor and Adnan Hajdarevic were both named to the first team.
ACAC Women's All-Conference Team
ACAC Men's All-Conference Team
Men's Basketball Win ACAC North Division Regular Season
February 16 2009
The Thunder Men's Basketball team has led the ACAC North Division the entire season and finished the regular season in top form sweeping the MacEwan Griffins in a pair of tightly contested games February 13th and 14th. Friday the 13th at the MacEwan Heath and Wellness Center the Thunder found themselves trailing the Griffins going into the fourth quarter however the Thunder out scored the Griffins 21-9 in the final frame to take Friday's game by a score of 75-70. Jamaal Bucknor would lead the Thunder posting 21 points and 15 rebounds in the win. Adnan Hajdarevic would add 17 points while Jason Burke and Ethan Sir would each tally 11 points in the win. Saturday the Thunder returned home for the final regular season game of the year and faced a determined MacEwan Griffins squad who would force overtime before falling to Concordia 97-93. Jamaal Bucknor would once again anchor the Thunder in the victory posting 27 points and 17 rebounds in the win, while Freshman forward Jared Cornish would add 19 points to the overtime victory. The pair of wins have the Thunder finish with a 21-3 record and first place in the ACAC North Division. Concordia will take to the court again February 26th for the ACAC Quarter Final best of three series against the MHC Rattlers, game time is set for 8:00pm.
FRIDAY BOX SCORE
SATURDAY BOX SCORE
Men's Basketball Winning Streak Ended by Lakeland
February 2 2009
Coming into this past weekends match up with the Lakeland College Rustlers the Thunder Men's Basketball team had won nine straight regular season games and improved their streak to ten wins on Friday January 30th at home with a 90-69 victory over the visiting Rustlers. Jason Burke would lead the way for the Thunder with 21 points while Brett Kallio would add 12 points, also hitting double figures in the win were Adnan Hajdarevic with 11 and Jamaal Bucknor with 10. Saturday however the Thunder would see their string of 10 consecutive wins snapped as they headed to Lloydminster to take on the Rustlers on the home court. The Thunder would struggle to find any offensive rhythm againt the aggressive Lakeland College team shooting only 36% from the floor in a 84-68 loss only the teams third loss of the regular season. The Thunder now have a bye week before playing the final pair of games in the ACAC regular season against the MacEwan Griffins February 13th and 14th
FRIDAY BOX SCORE
SATURDAY BOX SCORE
Men's Basketball Soundly Defeat Vikings
January 26 2009
The Thunder Men's Basketball team extended their winning streak to eight games this weekend with a pair of dominant victories over the Augustana Vikings. Friday January 23rd at Augustana, Concordia added another notch to the win column with a 95-68 win over the Vikings. The Thunder shot a blistering 40% from three point range in the win while forcing 29 turnovers in the game. Saturday on home court the Thunder rolled over the visiting Vikings with a 107-49 win. Five Concordia players were in double figures in the victory led by Freshman guard Brett Kallio with 17 points while fellow Freshman Jared Cornish added 15 points. Other players with double figures included Brett Melnick posting a double double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, Jason Burke with 14 points and Fuad Osman with 11 points. The Thunder take to the court again Friday January 30th to face the Lakeland College Rustlers tip off is set for 8:00pm.
FRIDAY BOX SCORE
SATURDAY BOX SCORE
Men's Basketball Continue Winning Ways
January 19 2009
Thunder Men's Basketball added two more notches to the win column this weekend against the visiting GPRC Wolves extending their record to an impressive 16-2 and sole possession of the top spot in the ACAC North Division. Friday January 16th the Thunder relied on their stingy defense to secure a 70-45 win over the visiting Wolves. Adnan Hajdarevic would lead the Thunder with 20 points and 5 rebounds while Jamaal Bucknor would record 12 points and 9 rebounds and Jason Burke would contribute 12 points and 8 rebounds in the win. Saturday January 17th in a rare afternoon game the Thunder took to the floor determined to elevate their level of play from the night before and they rose to the occasion posting a 92-56 victory over the Wolves. A total of six Thunder players hit double figures in the blow out including team leading Jason Burke with 21 points and 4 rebounds, Jamaal Bucknor with 14 points 9 rebounds , Jared Cornish and Ethan Sir both with 11 points as well as Adnan Hajdarevic and Sam Sir each adding 10 to the Thunder totals. Up next of the Thunder are the Augustana Vikings (3-13) Friday January 23rd on the road and returning home Saturday January 24th tip off is set for 8:00pm.
Men's Basketball Take Two from Kings
January 12 2009
The Concordia University College of Alberta Men's Basketball team began the new year with a bang in ACAC regular season play by sweeping the Kings University College Eagles January 9th and 10th. Friday January 9th the Thunder hosted the Eagles at the Ralph King Athletic Center dominating the visiting Eagles 99-52. In his first regualar season game as a Thunder Jason Burke would score 14 points and haul in 4 rebounds while Ethan Sir would lead Concordia with 17 points while Brett Kallio and Adnan Hajdarvic would each hit double figures in the win with 13 and 12 points respectively. Saturday the Thunder headed to the Eagles Nest where they recorded a 91-79 point win. Concordia controlled the game through out three quarters and weathered a late Eagles run to secure the win. Jason Burke would lead the Thunder with 19 points 4 rebounds while Adnan Hajdarevic would add 18 points to the totals. Jamal Bucknor, Brett Kallio, and Ethan Sir would each hit double figures with Bucknor recording 12 points 7 rebounds, Kallio 11 point on 9 for 10 from the Free Throw line and Sir with 10 points. Both wins help to keep Concordia in first place in the ACAC North Division. The Thunder next host a pair of home games January 16th and 17th against the GPRC Wolves game times are 8:00pm Friday January 16th and 3:00pm Saturday January 17th.
FRIDAY BOX SCORE
SATURDAY BOX SCORE
Men's Basketball Use Overtime to Down Ooks
December 1 2008
It would take overtime but the Thunder Men's Basketball would win their final home game of 2008 against the NAIT Ooks by a score of 79-77. While the Thunder remained in control throughout the first half leading 37-25 at the break however the Ooks would use their pressure defense to close the gap in the fourth quarter and tie the game in the dying seconds forcing the Thunder into overtime for the first time in 2008. It would be fourth year guard Adnan Hajdarevic who would carry the day for Concordia leading all scorers with an outstanding 38 point preformance to secure the two point win. Saturday November 29th the Thunder headed to the NAIT gym for the final game of 2008 where Concordia would use the momentum from the night before to control all four quarters on their way to a 72-51 win. Once again Adnan Hajdarevic would lead in scoring with a 25 point output along with 7 rebounds to record an incredible 63 point weekend. Hajdarevic was helped in this night by Freshman guard Brett Kallio who added 20 points and three rebounds to the Thunder totals. The weekend sweep improves the Thunder's record to 12-2 and they now hold a 3 game lead on first place heading into the Christmas Break.
Men's Basketball Split with Griffins
November 24 2008
The Thunder Men's Basketball team saw their 7 game winning streak brought to and end this past weekend with a split over cross town rivals the MacEwan Griffins. Friday Concordia was able to continue it's winning ways with a 67-60 win over the Griffins. Jamaal Bucknor and Brett Kalio would each lead the Thunder with 15 points each while Adnan Hajdarevic would add 12 points to the Concordia totals. Saturday Concordia would face MacEwan in the second game of the weekend series in which the Thunder would suffer their first loss in seven games dropping a 78-62 decision to MacEwan. Despite the loss the Thunder still sit in first place in the ACAC North Division with a 10-2 record as they now prepare for the final weekend of league play before the exam break against the NAIT Ooks. Concordia takes on NAIT at home Friday November 28th with tip off set for 8:00pm at the Ralph King Athletics Center.
Men's Basketball Edge Out Rustlers
November 10 2008
The Concordia University College of Alberta Men's Basketball team took to the court this past weekend to face the talent ladden Lakeland College Rustlers in ACAC Basketball action. Friday November 7th the Thunder were in Lloydminister to play the Rustlers on thier home floor where Lakeland is always a challenge. Concordia steped up to the challenge in a tightly contested game that saw the lead change hands several times before the Thunder would use their stiffling defence on Lakelands final play to force a missed shot and secure a 76-74 victory. Freshman Jared Cornish would lead Concordia with 19 points 4 rebounds and 4 assists on the night while Jamaal Bucknor would add 13 points and 7 rebounds and Brett Melnick would chip in 11 points in the win. Saturday the Thunder returned home for the second game of the weekend series. Much like the Friday's game Saturday's contest would be doubt until the dying seconds of the game where clutch Free Throw shooting by Jamaal Bucknor who would post a game high 21 points and 7 rebounds along with Doron Nand's 17 points and Ethan Sir's 14 points which helped Concordia to a 75-71 win over the Rustlers. The sweep improves the Thunder's record to 9-1 as they sit in first place in the ACAC North Division. Men's Basketball is on a bye week and takes to the floor again Saturday November 22nd when the face the MacEwan Griffins.
FRIDAY BOX SCORE
SATURDAY BOX SCORE
Men's and Women's Basketball Nationally Ranked
November 4 2008
The CCAA has released the first Top 15 National Rankings of the 2008-09 CCAA Basketball season and both Men's and Women's Basketball teams have been ranked among the top teams in Canada. The Women's team has been ranked 9th in the CCAA while the Men's team has been ranked 11th. For a complete list of the CCAA Rankings please click here.
Men's Basketball Extend Winning Streak
November 3 2008
The Concordia University College of Alberta Men's Basketball team was able to increase its regular season winning streak to six games with a pair of victories on the road over the GPRC Wolves. Friday October 31st the Thunder stormed the Wolves with a 94-58 win. Adnan Hajdarevic would lead Concordia with 19 points and 5 rebounds while Jamaal Bucknor would add 17 points and 5 rebounds to the win. Saturday the Wolves would come out much more aggressive playing even with the Thunder in the first frame 19-19 however Concordia would pull away over the next three quarters to post a 83-71 win over GPRC. Jamaal Bucknor would lead the Thunder in scoring with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists while Freshman guard Brett Kalio and Brett Melnick would each add 13 to the final score. The Thunder now boast a 7-1 record and sit in first place in the ACAC North Division. Concordia continues life on the road this next weekend as Friday November 7th they get ready to play the Lakeland College Rustlers who sit at 4-1 on the season tip off set for 8:00pm.
FRIDAY BOX SCORE
SATURDAY BOX SCORE
Men's Basketball Sweep Kings
October 27 2008
The Thunder Men's Basketball team was in action this past weekend against the Kings University College Eagles with the Friday October 24th game being played at Kings campus. The Thunder established control early in Friday's game with a 23-10 first quarter continued to put on the pressure over the remaining three quarters to post a 76-61 win. Adnan Hajdarevic would lead the Thunder in scoring with 15 points while freshman guard Brett Melnick would post a double double with 11 points and 10 rebounds in the win. Saturday October 25th Concordia returned home to the Ralph King Athletic Center where the Thunder used an explosive 30 point fourth quarter to secure a 90-72 win over the Eagles to finish the weekend sweep. Adnan Hajdarevic would anchor the Thunder scoring again with 23 points while Ethan Sir and Jared Cornish each tallied 14 points in the win. The sweep improves the Men's Basketball record to 5-1 as they sit in first place in the ACAC North Division. The Thunder have a pair of road games this week as they head to Grande Prairie to face the GPRC Wolves.
FRIDAY BOX SCORE
SATURDAY BOX SCORE
Men's Basketball Take Two from Vikings
October 20 2008
The Thunder Men's Basketball team was on the hardwood this past weekend to face the Augustana Vikings in ACAC regular season play. Friday October 17th the Thunder were able to remain perfect on their home floor at the Ralph King Athletic Center with a 103-75 victory over the Vikings. Freshman guard Brett Melnick would lead all scorers with 29 points including shooting a blistering 5-6 from three point range. Adnan Hajdarevic would add 16 points to the Thunder totals while second year forward Jamaal Bucknor would score 12 points and haul in 8 rebounds. Freshman guard Matt Kallio would post a double double with 11 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists and Ethan Sir and Jacob Wojcicki would each add 10 points to the final score. Saturday October 18th Concordia headed to Camrose for the second game of the weekend series in which the Thunder were victorious in a 88-58 win. The Thunder would use an explosive 28-7 third quarter to extend a slim 39-35 half time lead. The pair of wins improves the Thunder record to 3-1, up next for Concordia are the Kings Eagles October 24th at Kings and October 25th at Concordia tip off is set for 8:00pm both games.
FRIDAY BOX SCORE
SATURDAY BOX SCORE
Men's Basketball Split Opening Weekend
October 13 2008
In what has become something of a Fall tradition the Concordia University College of Alberta Men's Basketball team began the regular season against NAIT for the thrid year in a row. Friday October 10th the Thunder faced the Ooks at the Ralph King Athletic Center. Despite leading by as much as 22 points in the third quarter the Thunder faced a relentless NAIT squad who were able to chew into the lead with a 34 point fourth quarter. Concordia would weather the NAIT final charge and hold on to secure a 77-73 point win. Fourth year guard Adnan Hajdarevic would lead all scorers with 23 points on the night while second year forward Jamaal Bucknor would pull in a double double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Saturday October 11th the Thunder headed cross town to NAIT to face the Ooks at home. Trailing by 7 points at the end of the first quarter Concordia was forced to play catch-up through out the game but even a 27-16 fourth quarter could not overcome the deficit and Concordia would loose 93-80. Ethan Sir would pace Concordia with 18 points while Jamaal Bucknor would add 17 points and Freshman Jared Cornish would notch 12 in a loosing cause. Up next for Concordia is the Augustana Vikings Friday October 17th at the Ralph King Athletic Center, Tip-Off set for 8:00pm
FRIDAY BOX SCORE
SATURDAY BOX SCORE
Men's Basketball 2-1 at Kings Hoopfest
October 6 2008
The Concordia University College of Alberta Men's Basketball team ended the preseason with a 3-2 record after finishing the annual Kings Hoopfest tournament with a 2-1 total. The Thunder were able to secure a solid 89-61 win in the first game of the tournament against the Keyano College Huskies of the ACAL, then when on to face the Red Deer Kings in a remach of the 2007-08 ACAC Quarterfinal series. Concordia was able to edge out the Kings by one with a last second buzzer beater by second year forward Jamaal Bucknor. In the final game of the tournament the Thunder faced the Mount Royal Cougars who handed Concordia their only defeat of the tournament. Head Coach Paul Sir said "This weekend showed glimmers of what this team can become. Keyano is tough; they beat both NAIT and Grande Prairie in the following games in the tournament. Red Deer is a very talented team and our guys came back from being down in double digits in the 3rd period for a dramatic win. Mount Royal is the class of the ACAC at this point in the season. They are well coached, experienced, talented and unselfish. They did a great job of revealing our weaknesses and showing us how hard we have to work to become a better team." The Thunder Basketball teams begin regular seaon play this weekend against the NAIT Ooks, with the regular season home opener scheduled for Friday October 10th at the Ralph King Athletics Center. Women's game begins at 6:00pm the Men's game at 8:00pm.
Men's Basketball Exhibition Scores
September 29 2008
The Concordia University College of Alberta Men's Basketball team were on the hardwood this weekend in Calgary for the Mount Royal College preseason tournament. In the first game of the tournament the Thunder faced a rematch of the 2007-08 ACAC Bronze medal game against the host MRC Cougars. The Cougars proved too much for the Thunder as they would loose 74-49. In the second game of the tournament Concordia edged out SAIT 62-60. ‘We like having the opportunity to evaluate all of our players in game situations so the weekend was very valuable. We have a lot to work on as a team. Having Jamaal and Ethan back from injury this week will help us prepare for the Kings University tournament this weekend.’ said Head Coach Paul Sir about the weekend action.
Men's Basketball 2008-09 Outlook
September 29 2008
Concordia Thunder Men’s Basketball Plan to ‘Shoot for the Moon’ in the 2008 – 2009 Season The Concordia Thunder Men’s Basketball Team has set their sights high as the new season nears. The team motto is ‘Shoot for the Moon’ as they strive to improve on their 22 -13 overall record and 14 – 10 ACAC North record and 4th place finish in the ACAC Final 4 this past season. Coach Paul Sir feels that this team has every reason to set their sights high. ‘Our team sat down and set very solid goals for the season. Rather than focus on wins and losses, the players are focusing on giving their best effort every day in practice to continually improve. Each game is to be treated as the only one that matters. They believe the results will come if we all are on the same page.’ ‘This is a very athletic team with a nice blend of veterans and rookies,’ Sir continues. ‘Having All - ACAC performers Jamaal Bucknor and Adnan Hajderevic back gives us strong inside and outside scoring. Sam Sir has had his best preseason. Ethan Sir had a great off season and appears ready to really contribute. Doron Nand gives us strong defensive play at the point guard, as well. Mat Jones and Jordan Chyzowski redshirted last year and have come ready to step in, as well. Jason Burke transferred from NAIT and his floor game is very, very good.‘Our true rookie class is very exciting. Jared Cornish was the City Conference Player of the Year at Jasper Place, who finished 3rd in the 4A Provincials. He is joined by teammates Spencer Campbell, a high energy point guard, and shooting guard, Brett Melnyk, who is the hardest working player I have ever coached. Brett Kallio was 1 vote behind Jared for Player of the Year and is very tough at both the point and the wing. Jacob Wojicki brings physical play to our front court. Jordan MacKenzie and Fuad Osman have joined us from Calgary and really have impressed early. Rhyse Marshall will red shirt this season for us.’‘We have had a lot of injuries early but hope to be a full strength for the King’s University Tournament on October 4 -6. We will strive to give every night our best effort as we head into the season. I really enjoy this group of young men, our assistant coaches Reagan Wood and Rick Hendricks, our managers, Jen Kruse and Brodie Hamilton. We look forward to the challenge of this sesaon!’ Thunder Men's Basketball Head Coach Paul Sir is pleased to announce the addition of a number of new players for the 2008-09 ACAC Basketball season. A total of eight new players will wear the Concordia colors next fall, this years recruiting class includes 6'4" Jared Cornish a Jasper Place product, Jared was named the City Conference Player of the Year this past season. Coach Sir describes Cornish as " a multi-talented, athletic swingman who can score inside and out he is also very good passer and shot blocker." Also joining the Thunder is Brett Kallio a 6'2" guard out of M.E. LaZerte can play point or shooting guard positions. Coach Sir has great expectations of Brett " he is very quick, can shoot, pass and is an excellent defender he will help us right away" The Thunder added some size with the commitment of 6'6" St. Francis Xavier High School Froward Jacob Woijicki, who was named a Journal All Star "Jacob brings physical force inside with soft touch around the basket as well as step outside and score" says Coach Sir of Woijicki. The Thunder will also add championship experience with the addition of 4A Provincial Champion Paul Kane Blues player 5'10" Marcus Bennett. Bennett was the starting point guard who Coach Sir describes as "a lock down defender with great feet and hands, Marcus makes his teammates better as a pass first point guard." Rounding out the 2008-09 recruiting class are a pair of 5'10" Rebels from Jasper Place Brett Melnyk and Spencer Campbell who Coach Sir feels will help the Thunder next season "both Brett and Spencer are relentless competitors who know what it takes to be successful I have no doubt they will contribute to our team next season"
Men's Basketball Announces 2008-09 Recruiting Class
May 16 2008
