Before the start of each Brandon varsity basketball game, Brandon Olejnik represents the Blackhawks as the team’s captain when meeting with the officials.
Olejnik has stood alone all season as the Blackhawks? lone senior, while other teams bring two or three captains to the pregame meeting.
At Senior Night, preceding the Blackhawks? final game of the regular season Feb. 25 against Holly, Olejnik will be recognized for leading a young Blackhawks squad throughout the season.
A 6?4? forward, Olejnik has been an anchor in the Blackhawks? starting lineup all year, doing the little things both on and off the court to set an example for his younger teammates.
‘If I were to have only one senior, he was the perfect senior to have,? Brandon coach Tim Donnan said.
The Blackhawks are currently 3-16 on the season, including a 3-8 record in Flint Metro League play, after a Feb. 22 loss to Lapeer West.
Yet, Olejnik has never wavered in his commitment to the team and his desire to help out his teammates, Donnan said.
‘He has shown a lot of leadership, not only by example and showing the work ethic a varsity athlete should have, but by his focus,? Donnan said. ‘He has always stepped up and said the right thing at the right time to the rest of the guys.?
The fact that Olejnik bought into Donnan’s system in his first year as the Brandon varsity coach also set a positive example for the underclassmen, he said.
‘He will be sorely missed,? Donnan said. ‘He brings a lot on and off the court.?
After taking on Holly, the Blackhawks open district action Monday, Feb. 28 when they take on Clarkston at Waterford Kettering High School.
The Blackhawks lost a tough league contest against visiting Oxford Feb. 18, falling 64-63 in overtime to the Wildcats.
Junior guard Gary Glasby was one of the bright spots for the Blackhawks, connecting on five three-pointers in the game on his way to a team-leading 23 points.
In addition to Glasby’s efforts, Carter added 13 points and 13 rebounds, while Andy Harding added 10. Allan Willar led the Wildcats (6-12, 5-5 in the league) with 18 points.