Radobenko no stranger to hard work
Reese Radobenko went out in style.
The 18-year-old guard poured in a team-high 17 points as Zone 3 dropped an 83-66 decision to Zone 4 in the top 10 Niagara Regional High School Basketball game Wednesday at Governor Simcoe.
It was a fitting way for the high-scoring guard to wind up his high school career.
“I just wanted to come out and have some fun. I didn’t really think about anything like that,” said Radobenko, an 18-year-old, Grade 12B student at Centennial. “I’m just focused on getting to the next level. I’m not really thinking about anything else.”
Radobenko, who plans to go to Brock next year and try his hand at university ball, is prepared to work for that goal.
“I just have to keep fighting and keep working,” he said. “I’m prepared to push to get to the next level.”
Former Centennial coach Phil Mosley, who now coaches at Niagara College, said work ethic was never an issue for Radobenko.
“He is the ultimate success story,” Mosley said. “He came into high school without the skill level but with the mindset he was just going to make himself better and he certainly did that.
“I don’t know if I have see a player progress from where he started in high school to where he is.”
Mosley said Radobenko also brought more than his shares of intangibles to the court.
“He’s fearless and plays every chance he gets. He’s always in the gym shooting. I know there are a lot of kids who do that, but he clearly made himself a great shooter.
“He’s a quality kid from a great family who I got close with. He’s one of the kids I will always remember when I look back.”
Radobenko citied last year’s Tribune Tournament final as his career highlight when the Cougars knocked off the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
“That was a great team with great camaraderie and great individual performances,” he said.
Radobenko said he will miss competing the most.
“Coming in it was a little intimidating at first and then after a few years, you get to know the guys you are playing against,” he said.
Organizers indicated $600 was raised from the games for Gillian’s Place.
THE SCOOP
Zone 4 83 Zone 3 66
Mick and Angelo’s/Johnny Rocco’s Players of the Game: Zone 4’s Sam Braithwaite with 18 points and Zone 3’s Reese Radobenko with 17 points.
Zone 4: Sam Braithwaite, St. Francis 18; Quinton Duemo, St. Francis 18; Igor M’Baya, St. Francis 16; Lucas Cino, Blessed Trinity 10; Max Grant, Governor Simcoe 6; Darren Johnston, Governor Simcoe 5; Zubeer Liban, Denis Morris 5; Mason MacEachern, Governor Simcoe 3; Noah Honsberger, Denis Morris 2; Colten Spencer, Thorold Golden Eagles, injured and didn’t play.
Zone 3: Reese Radobenko, Centennial 17; Shammar Campbell, Notre Dame 12; Cormac McMahon 9; Nick Murdaca, A.N. Myer 8; Jerwyn Tutanes, Saint Paul Patriots 6; Jacob Labonte, Jean Vanier 5; Nick Yioldassis, Centennial 4; Will Schmahl, Saint Paul 2; Jason Carter, E.L. Crossley 2; Andrew Zezela, Notre Dame, also played.
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