CREDIT: MEGAN MCPHADEN
Fanshawe's Kyle McConnell pressures the ball during the Falcons 73-62 win over Sheridan. The win improved Fanshawe's record to 3-0. The Falcons host St. Clair on November 14. Women tip off at 6 p.m., men at 8:30 p.m.

The Fanshawe Falcons men's basketball team is looking to redeem themselves this year after a third-place finish in the Ontario College Athletic Association last season. Armed with a new head coach, Tony Marcotullio, the Falcons have already won their first two regular season games, beating last year's silver medalists the Humber Hawks. The Falcons played host to a tough Sheridan Bruins squad November 7 and beat them 73-62.

The Falcons have a long road ahead of them if they want to win an OCAA championship. "We're a lot more athletic and bigger this year, and we just try to prepare them mentally. We need to work hard and execute our plays," said assistant coach Bryan Kamerman.

The Falcons last won the OCAA in the 2006/07 season under the leadership of legendary coach Glenn Johnston, who stepped down last season as head coach. Johnston ended his 35-year tenure having won two national titles, six OCAA gold medals and over 400 games in his career. Although he has left huge shoes to fill, new head coach Marcotullio has an impressive resume of his own. Under his leadership, H.B Beal Secondary School in London went to seven Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations championships. A former Laurier varsity basketball player, Marcotullio has transitioned from a player to coach seamlessly and has showed winning form with his high school team.

"Tony and Glenn have very similar coaching styles; both are very intense and know the game well and are out there for the kids," said Kamerman. "Tony is very knowledgeable. He's succeeded at every level he's coached at, he knows the game in and out." It seems the Falcons have picked the right replacement for Johnston as they improved their record to 3-0 in the OCAA.

Sheridan Bruins assistant coach Leroy Casanova was impressed with Fanshawe's playing. "Well, it's always tough when we come into this building to play, they have a strong team and are off to a great start this year, looking at some of their results, their shooting and scoring the ball well." What could they have done better in the game? "We had a few too many turnovers and gave up some easy baskets early in the game."

Fortunately for the Falcons, they are led by star point guard Boyd Vassell, who hails from Kitchener, Ontario. Boyd plays an active role in the Falcon defence and offense, driving the ball down the hardwood and scoring on the fast breaks. Both teams were driving hard to the net, Sheridan struggling to break through the Falcon defence. Key players for Fanshawe included Mike Dubreuil, Bryan McDonald, Troy Barnes, John Brutto and Darcy Young. Young stands 6'11 and was a powerhouse for the Falcons; his height allowed him to get to those rebounds and put the ball in Vassell's hands.

The Falcons play St. Clair November 14, and currently are 3-0 in the OCAA West division.