Signs of A Long Season

Stingers Start Season With 0-2 Record for First Time Since 2001

SportsJulian McKenzie — Published November 18, 2013 | Updated November 19, 2013 at 2:35am

Two weeks into this season, the Stingers’ record is just the opposite—and a playoff spot looks anything but guaranteed.

Hosting the Bishop’s Gaiters in their home opener on Saturday, the Stingers matched their opponents blow-for-blow in the first half, leading 38-36 at halftime. But they were unable to keep pace come the second half, ultimately falling 70-55.

“The story of our season is that we lose focus,” said Concordia head coach John Dore.

“We’ve got to maintain focus for the 40 minutes, we’ve got to be more cerebral about we’re doing, understand what’s going on, and not make the mistakes we make.”

Including the preseason, the Stingers have now lost 10 games in a row and currently sit in last place in the Réseau du sport étudiant conference. Saturday’s loss marks the first time since the 2001-2002 season that the Stingers start 0-2. They finished 2-13 that season.

The performance of third-year guard Adam Chmielewski was one of Concordia’s only bright spots on the night. Chmielewski led the Stingers with 17 points, including a three-point buzzer beater at the end of the second period.

This season has seen Chmielewski step into a bigger role following the departure of former RSEQ MVP Evens Laroche and All-Canadian Kyle Desmarais, two crucial pieces to the Stingers’ playoff appearance last year.

“For personal growth, this is [the role] that I want,” said Chmielewski, who played a team-high 38 minutes Saturday.

“It’s been tough times, obviously, but we’re going to find a way to turn it around.”

Helping Chmielewski fill the void left by Laroche and Desmarais has been first-year Stingers forward Mukiya Post, who took on his former team for the first time in a maroon and gold uniform.

“I approached [the game] the same way I would for any other league game,” said Post, who spent two seasons at Bishop’s. “Just because I know guys on the team doesn’t mean that I hold any kind of resentment towards them. I don’t hold any kind of favourtism to them.”

Despite his new team’s lack of success so far this year Post, who scored nine points and amassed eight rebounds in Concordia’s loss, is determined the team will turn things around.

“We’ve got ways to go, but we’re getting closer and closer,” he said.

The Stingers now turn their attention to their longtime foes the McGill Redmen, who they’ll face this Thursday at McGill. Tip-off is at 8 p.m.