A pair of Keene State Owls made their mark in Keene Men’s Basketball program history last week.
Fifth-year center Jeff Hunter became the third player in team history to record 1,000 rebounds.
In the same game, junior guard Octavio Brito became the 39th Owl to achieve 1,000 career points. The duo of Hunter and Brito helped lead Keene State to an LEC championship last year and an NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance.
Head Coach David Hastings reflected on the two players and their work ethic. “Jeff and Octavio both possess outstanding leadership skills but in different ways,” said Hastings. “Jeff delivers his message in a more humble way and is very open to discussion regarding his off-court activities. Octavio is a more high-energy, excitable leader, his actions are worn on his sleeve for everyone to see and follow.” Off the court, Hastings said he is proud of the way they carry themselves in the classroom and set an example for their younger teammates. Both take the time to help tutor other teammates in the classroom and also help them learn on the court.
The Lincoln, Rhode Island native Brito attributes his collegiate success to his work ethic and consistency. “The biggest factor in achieving the success I’ve had at the college level is the work ethic that I’ve held myself to. I’ve consistently stuck with the routine I set, and I’m able to track the things I do daily,” said Brito. He said he hopes continuing this work ethic will help him and his team achieve their goals, which include being named LEC Player of the Year, National player of the year and winning a national championship.
For the 2023-2024 season, the Owls have put together a record of 4-1. This is the first season for Hastings as head coach; before, he was an assistant coach on staff. Brito hasn’t experienced any learning curve. Brito said Keene State has a structure they have built and are sticking to it. Early in the season, Hastings is happy with what he has seen from his team so far. “It is still very early in the season but I have been happy with the progress we have made so far. We look forward to continued success on and off the court for our team,” said Hastings.
Five games into the season, Hunter and Brito are one and two on the team in points and rebounds, while Brito also leads the team with a perfect 100% from the free-throw line going 16-16. Keene State will return home on Dec. 2 at 3 p.m., where they will take on the Southern Maine Huskies for their first LEC game of the season.
Cal Thompson can be contacted
at callan@kscequinox.com
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