By Jonathan Brown
October 29, 2023 – Miami Gardens, FL –
As the sun has dawned on the new basketball season, the St. Thomas University Bobcats have geared up to embark on a journey filled with aspirations and challenges. The team kickstarted their season with a spirited exhibition against the formidable George Mason University, an NCAA DI school. Despite the scoreboard reading 64-52 in favor of George Mason, the Bobcats showcased a glimpse of the competitive fervor that they carry into the season. As the pages of the season narrative have begun to unfold, a significant chapter was written on October 26, 2023, against Washington Adventist University (WAU). The face-off on the court was more than just a game for Head Coach Patrick Crarey II, as it unraveled on the familiar terrain where he had once clinched a championship title as WAU’s head coach. The Bobcats, harnessing a blend of skill and strategy, etched a thrilling victory of 75-72, marking an early yet significant triumph in their season’s journey. The game against WAU was a canvas where the Bobcats’ players painted a picture of determination and skill. Milton Matthews emerged as a scoring maestro, netting 19 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, and maintaining a perfect streak at the free throw line going 4-4. Despite being encircled by WAU’s defensive tactics, Anthony Harris navigated through the challenges to contribute 8 points, with six of them coming from the free throw line. Cearius Warren was a pillar of strength in the paint, amassing 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks, encapsulating the essence of the Bobcats’ tenacity on the court.
In the broader spectrum of NAIA basketball, the Bobcats’ early triumphs have propelled them to a promising #11 ranking. This standing is not merely a numerical position but a representation of their potential and the earnest endeavors on the court. It’s a testament to the team’s burgeoning capability and a beacon of the high expectations that surround the Bobcats as they journey through the season. The narrative of Anthony Harris adds a layer of richness to the Bobcats’ story. His transition from the University of North Carolina to St. Thomas University brings along a legacy of resilience and a treasure of experience. The mesh of seasoned and budding talents like Milton Matthews, alongside the strategic acumen of Coach Crarey, crafts a promising tableau for the Bobcats as they venture deeper into the season.
The camaraderie within the team, the unwavering support from the St. Thomas community, and the seasoned guidance from the coaching staff are the threads that weave the fabric of the Bobcats’ journey in the 2023-2024 season. Each game is a steppingstone, each practice a forge where the mettle of the Bobcats is tested and honed. Looking ahead, the horizon is laden with challenges and opportunities. The Bobcats, with a blend of determination, skill, and a community of supporters, are on a quest to etch a remarkable chapter in the annals of NAIA basketball. The narrative of St. Thomas University’s men’s basketball team is not merely about chasing victories but about building a legacy of excellence, sportsmanship, and academic prowess. And as the Bobcats stride forward on this exciting journey, the eyes of the St. Thomas community and the broader basketball realm are keenly fixed on the unfolding saga of triumphs and learnings that define the essence of St. Thomas University basketball.
