By Reegan MacAulay

Bryce Corless had just broken his foot for the second time in five months.

He was training to get back on the basketball court after taking a break from the sport and school.

“It was mentally crushing and it didn’t feel good to have injuries,” Corless said.

Ironically, the Holland Hurricanes basketball star didn’t even want to play basketball at first.

Growing up in Quispamsis, N.B., he only wanted to play hockey, until one day, his parents put him in a New Brunswick “puppy” basketball league.

While he got through it, he didn’t play again until middle school.

In high school, his father sat him down for a talk.

“I honestly think you should choose basketball because you’re a little bit better at it,” his father said.

Multiple other coaches also encouraged him to continue playing.

During his final high school year, he was recruited by Tim Kendrick to play for the UPEI Panthers.

Kendrick was a former head coach of the Island Storm, a now-defunct National Basketball League (NBL) of Canada organization.

After playing one season in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS), he took a break.

Later, Corless was approached by Josh Whitty, the Holland Hurricanes men’s basketball head coach at the time, who signed Corless for the 2019-20 season.

Despite consistency issues, his transition from the AUS to the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) went well – at least, for one season.

COVID-19 hit and cut his second season at Holland short. He successfully got through his third season but didn’t have any money to continue school. He took a break and found a job.

Several months later, Kendrick contacted him and helped him begin training in December 2022 to return the following season.

During the Christmas break, he broke his foot and sat out for three months.

He eventually returned to training – and broke the same foot again in May.

In June, he decided to have surgery.

“I had been talking to a specialist and he said there was no chance of making it through a month of basketball.

“I think I 100% made the right decision going with surgery because I haven’t had many troubles ever since,” Corless said.

Troubles.

That hasn’t been a word in Corless’ dictionary this season, as after 12 regular-season games, Corless has 250 points, leading the ACAA and helping the Hurricanes to six wins so far.

Two of those wins came recently, last weekend when Holland beat Mount Allison 87-78 and Crandall 86-85.

With a combined 53 points, 25 rebounds, 10 assists, five steals, and two blocks between those two wins, plus two free-throws in overtime against Crandall, Corless was awarded the Holland Hurricanes Male Athlete of the Week for the week of Jan. 8-14, 2024.

Not only that, but he was also recognized by the ACAA as their male Athlete of the Week as well.

“It’s great to be recognized. It’s my first time through the whole (ACAA) and it’s really special. I told my parents, my roommates, everyone. I was super happy,” Corless said.

He followed this performance up with another big win on Sunday at the McMillan Centre over the University of King’s College (UKC) Blue Devils, a 78-60 victory where he contributed 16 points.  The ‘Canes improved to 6-6 with the win.

Corless said this season has been an emotional roller coaster.

“I wasn’t so sure who was coming in as it was a whole different squad. We’ve had guys that haven’t really fit the system and we’ve had a few speed bumps along the way,” Corless said.

The team won only three of nine games between October and December, but since then haven’t lost.

Corless said he doesn’t care about stats and he wants to help the team be successful in every game.

“I just want to win. If that means I have to score less points and distribute them for other players, I’m glad to do so because I didn’t come here just to score points. I came here to win.

“We’re gelling together quite well despite the speed bumps. It’s nice being top scorer and all, but at the end of the day, like our coaches say, it’s either the win or the loss, and that’s the most important thing,” Corless said.

The recent momentum will be important come March, as Holland College will host the 2024 ACAA Basketball Championships at the McMillan Centre in Charlottetown.

It’s all going to come full circle for Corless as his former recruiter Tim Kendrick will be along his side as head coach for what could be his final shot at a championship.

“What comes around goes around,” Corless said.

Corless is excited about the potential of what the event will bring to the college.

“I think it’s a really good opportunity for a bunch of people to come out and watch us. The entire athletics team do a really good job setting everything up.

“It’ll definitely show what the college culture is like, and I think it will be great,” Corless said.

Albert Roche, Holland College’s athletics director, said the tournament will be a must-see competition for collegiate basketball fans.

“We look forward to putting on a memorable show in our gymnasium where players and fans enjoy the intimate and exciting atmosphere. As always, we appreciate the support we have garnered from our community and we know the economic impact will be magnificent,” Roche said.

Kendrick is enthusiastic about the championships being hosted at what he calls a beautiful facility (the McMillan Centre) at Holland College.

“Our league is so tough with so many top-quality players and wonderfully coached teams. We are certainly hoping that playing in front of our great fans will help our team make a huge playoff run.

“Hosting such a prestigious event will allow our student-athletes to have special memories forever,” Kendrick said.

Chris Connolly, head coach of the women’s basketball team, said the tournament will be a wonderful experience for everyone.

“We are very excited to be hosting this season and have our players compete for a championship in front of our fans. The advantages of playing in our own gym and not having to travel are things we haven’t had in a long time,” Connolly said.

Danielle McKinnon, a guard on the women’s basketball team, will conclude her collegiate basketball career at the end of the championships, and she wants to take full advantage of her final opportunity at a championship in her fifth year with the ‘Canes.

“The girls are excited to have the opportunity to play championship weekend at home. It will benefit the team a lot having more home fans in the crowd, especially the student section. As a fifth-year player, it feels good to end my career at home in front of the fan that have supported us through all our wins and losses throughout the years,” McKinnon said.

Tickets for the 2024 ACAA Basketball Championships will go on sale soon.

For more information on the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association, visit www.acaa.ca.

Connect with the basketball ‘Canes at www.x.com/caneswbball, www.x.com/canesmbball and www.instagram.com/hurricanesbball.

For more information on the Holland Hurricanes, visit www.hollandhurricanes.com, www.facebook.com/hollandhurricanes, www.x.com/hc_hurricanes and www.instagram.com/hollandhurricanes.

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