The Chaminade University men’s basketball team ended the season with a 94-86 victory against the UH-Hilo Vulcans on Senior Night on Saturday March 3.
The Swords finished the season 11-14 overall and 9-9 in the Pac West Conference.
“The season didn’t go as planned,” said first year head coach Bovaird. “We were going good 8-1 at one point . . . but then we entered a seven-game losing streak. It was a great learning experience overall.”
The Silverswords were excited about the close of the season. The last home game against the University of Hawaii Hilo was in part a celebration of the last game seniors Rickey Clayborn and Matthew Cousins would play with the Silverswords.
“It’s tough to replace Rickey and Matt . . . Matt is the best center in the league,” said Bovaird who coached Clayborn and Cousins for the first time this past season.
There was no uncertainty for the Silverswords on Saturday. For this last time as a team, the Silverswords did not walk out of the McCabe Gym at halftime with their heads hanging; they were excited and ready to close the season. After a tough homestand that ended in 1-5in late January through early February, the Silverswords had every intention to give the fans a show and close on a good note.
After being a part of the Chaminade family for about six years on and off due to injuries and eligibility, Clayborn has completed his four-year eligibility as a basketball player. He ended his career as a Silversword with two dunks, something he has been known for through the time he has been playing. His last game at the McCabe Gym, Clayborn played 27 minutes scored 13 points and had three blocks. Although Calyborn is a senior, he is not due to graduate until December with a Bachelor of Arts in History.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet . . . maybe it will when the boys start practicing again in March,” said Clayborn, a center for the Silverswords.
Along with Clayborn, Cousins, a center, played his final game at the McCabe Gym. The Silversword has plans to take his talents overseas after he graduates this May with a Bachelor of Art in Business Administration. He ended his Chaminade basketball career playing 34 minutes and scoring six points.
“I’m happy to graduate . . . I mean I put in a lot of hard work over the past three years so I’m excited,” Cousins said.
As the seniors closed the season with a win, they decided it was a good way to close their basketball career at Chaminade. This last game for some of the Swords was a hard one, knowing that their two of the influential players on the team will not be returning to practice in March.
“It was kind of sad especially because they were big parts and leaders of the team,” said point guard Lee Bailey who scored a game high of 30 points in the win. “They taught me a lot on and off the court about college, so I’ll miss them,”
Coach Eric Bovaird completed his first season as the head basketball coach for the Silverswords playing his last game on a note that he wants to start the next season.
“It feels good to finally finish my basketball career at Chaminade University with the boys on the team,” Clayborn said.