GCSU men’s and women’s basketball teams faced off against the University of North Georgia (UNG) on Wednesday, Feb. 18, commemorating both teams’ seniors before each contest.
Most of the seniors provided quotes to the GCSU Athletic Department following their senior nights, reflecting on their time on the team.
The women’s team defeated the UNG Nighthawks to open the day, winning 67-65 as senior guard Deshona Gaither put together a 25-point performance to fuel the GCSU offense.
Gaither, following the contest, explained not only how GCSU athletics helped her during her time on the team, but also how it will prepare her for what comes afterwards.
“Balancing academics and collegiate basketball taught me leadership, perseverance, and the value of hard work,” Gaither said.
The GCSU women’s team and its five senior players have been through ups and downs throughout the seniors’ four years on the team, and, coming into the season, also had a brand-new coaching setup. Those same seniors, even through hardship, have stepped up immensely during their final season.
Gaither led the GCSU team with 359 points in the regular season, while Natalia Bolden placed third in points on the team with 222, and Bailey Vick approached the century mark with 95 points as well.
Following her career at GCSU, Vick shared with the athletic department advice for upcoming collegiate athletes.
“I would say to enjoy every moment and opportunity you are given,” Vick said. “Not everyone is given the chance to play a college sport, so enjoy it while it lasts.”
Rose Bone, who was unable to play due to a season-ending injury early in the season, still stayed on the sidelines throughout the year in support of the team. The final women’s basketball senior commemorated was multi-sport athlete Hayley Shepherd, who was celebrated during women’s volleyball’s senior day and also received a nod of appreciation for her efforts in helping the basketball team.
The final games of the women’s basketball seniors’ season will be during the Peach Belt Conference Tournament, as Gaither and Bolden teamed up for a combined 42 points, helping GCSU take down Flagler College, 71-63, and secure a spot in the tournament.
The men’s team fell to UNG 80-79 on senior night. Senior forwards Oscar Lynch and Tony Carpio had 14 points and senior guard Aidan Kudlas contributed a pair of points as well in his limited time.
Following the conclusion of the men’s basketball senior night, the senior players reflected on their time as Bobcats.
During his time at GCSU, Oscar Lynch contributed in multiple ways to the GCSU athletic department. Not only was he a force to be reckoned with on the court, but he also provided photographs of multiple GCSU sporting events.
After senior night, he spoke about his time at GCSU.
“I have absolutely loved my time at GCSU,” Lynch said. “Being a part of the basketball team, being involved with Campus Catholics, making so many amazing friendships, enjoying the academics of the CoBT (College of Business and Technology) and so much more.”
Carpio, Lynch and Kudlas sit at fourth, fifth and sixth in scoring for the Bobcats this season, with 189, 169 and 145 points, respectively.
Kudlas commented to the athletic department about what basketball meant to him.
“All the memories and lessons I could have ever imagined,” Kudlas said. “How to be a teammate, leader and competitor. How to win with humility and fail without giving up. It has given me the ability to know what true hard work is. It has been my outlet, emotionally and physically, all my life.”
The final games of the men’s basketball seniors’ season will be during the Peach Belt Conference Tournament, as the Bobcats fell to Flagler College, 75-57, leading to the clinch of the sixth-seed position in the tournament.