By: Nicholas Storms
January 21, 2026
Kenneth Rankin dribbles the ball up the court in Reeves Gymnasium on January 21, 2026. (Photo by Nick Storms)
The Centenary Cyclones of the Men’s Basketball Team prepared for their matchup against Gwynedd Mercy University with high energy from the opening tip. Justin Carbone sparked early momentum with a catch-and-shoot three, followed by strong transition play that led to fast-break layups. Both teams started strong, competing with intense energy, aggressive defense, and teamwork.
Devin Strickland and Kenneth Rankin helped maintain momentum for the Cyclones through effective ball movement and finishes at the rim. The squeaks of the court echoed throughout the gym as the crowd cheered with excitement. At halftime, the Cyclones trailed 41–48 but refused to back down as they regrouped heading into the second half under Coach Chris Labelle.
As both teams returned to the court, the intensity remained high. The Cyclones played with strong effort, moving the ball effectively but struggling to convert scoring opportunities. Gwynedd Mercy capitalized to regain control, but Centenary continued to show resilience and determination.
Despite being down by nine, the Cyclones kept the game competitive, putting up a dogfight until the final buzzer. Although Centenary fell 94–83, the team’s effort and resilience were evident throughout the stretch. While the result did not go their way, the performance reflected a group that continues to grow and battle every possession.