Panthers embrace the hunt as defending AUS champions

By Thomas Becker

Twenty-two years is a long time to wait, but the UPEI Panthers made every second of it worth it. After capturing their first Atlantic University Sport (AUS) championship since 2003, the Panthers are no longer chasing history—they're defending it.

But with the losses of emotional leader Kamari Scott and enforcer Daniel Gonzalez Longarela, the question looms: how does a champion handle being hunted?

The weight of winning

Last season's triumph was built on toughness and togetherness, values that Scott and Gonzalez Longarela embodied every night. Now, the challenge is finding that same edge in new ways. Without their heartbeat in the backcourt and their anchor in the paint, UPEI's focus shifts to rediscovering its identity through growth, balance, and depth. 

That process begins with head coach Darrell Glenn, who's made it clear that last year's success can't simply be repeated, it has to be redefined with his current roster.

"You can't put a value on the impact Dani and Kamari had on our team. They were both extremely unselfish players who made personal sacrifices for the betterment of the group," Glenn said. "My hope is that we can fill the gaps by committee rather than individuals."

A new voice emerges

Leading the charge is Kyree Thompson, the explosive guard now stepping into the go-to scoring role. After flashing star potential during the championship run, Thompson is ready to embrace the responsibility that comes with being "the guy."

"The team is feeling energized as we head into the season," said Thompson, who averaged 14.2 points per game last season. "We've put in a lot of hard work during the offseason, and everyone's excited to showcase our progress and chemistry on the court."

Thompson's evolution from spark plug to leader will be key, but his mindset remains grounded. 

"Every game's a new challenge, and we can't take anything for granted," he said. "Staying motivated and keeping that underdog mentality should keep us sharp every night." 

Strength in numbers

Around him, a deep supporting cast is eager to prove last year's success was no fluke. Sophomore guards Hugo Bermejo and Tarrence Booker impressed as rookies and have the potential to become fixtures in UPEI's next era. Veterans Sam Chisholm and Owen Smith will help steady the backcourt, while newcomer Aleer Aleer-Leek, who joins from the Toronto Varsity Blues, adds athleticism and a defensive edge that fits Glenn's system perfectly. 

Up front, the Panthers' identity will look different without the bruising presence of Daniel Gonzalez Longarela. His brother Nicolas will take on a larger role in the paint alongside Sam Dyck, with Abilash Surendran and Cameron Brown providing a modern frontcourt combination of size, shooting, and above-the-rim athleticism that adds a new layer of versatility to UPEI's lineup.

The standard remains

For Glenn, last year's championship was special, but it's in the past.

"We don't spend a lot of time looking backwards," he said. "We consistently outline our areas for improvement and strive to get better every day. Our motto 'Let's Beat Yesterday' is the driving force behind everything we do."

That same mentality has been embraced by Thompson, who now stands at the forefront of the program's next chapter. As the Panthers look to defend their title, Thompson's growth as both a scorer and leader will be central to how far they go.

"I'm embracing the responsibility of being a leader by holding myself accountable and setting the example," he said. "My goal is to push my teammates to be their best on and off the court as we chase another championship."

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