Captains of the basketball teams find more than love of the game on the court
By Courtnie Martin, Sports Reporter
“I’ve been in love with you since I was 11, and the shit won’t go away.” For those who remember the 2000 film Love and Basketball, many should recall actor Omar Epps playing Quincy McCall, the heavily recruited basketball player with a promiscuous father retired from the NBA, and his neighbour, Sanaa Lathan, playing Monica Wright, also a very talented ball player. The two fall in love, venture into college together, and are looked at as a power couple.
Now, with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, Douglas College can direct its attention toward two phenomenal individuals whom resemble the core of the movie. Chloe Kennedy, captain of the women’s basketball team and one of the team’s leading scorers, found herself coaching little league basketball last year in a winter camp with the captain of the men’s basketball team, and a leading scorer as well, Andrew Baron.
One thing led to another and the two have been inseparable ever since. The two demonstrate what it is to be a leader on the floor and still maintain a satisfying relationship off the court.
“I love Andrew’s sense of humour. He is so nice to me and everyone around him. He is such a hard worker. We both make each other better,” said Kennedy. She continued with a smile, “And he is definitely very attractive too.”
Kennedy acknowledged Baron’s efforts on the floor as a leader, and how he drives her to put forth the same effort. Baron clearly exemplifies his hard work and dedication to not only his team but his education, family, and as jokingly stated by Kennedy, his “best asset.”
On the other hand, Baron boasted what an exceptional player and person his girlfriend is and how she also contributes to who he is.
“I love her smile. She is so easy-going and I love her sense of humour. I also admire that she has a great relationship with her family. Oh, and obviously her physical appearance—she is beautiful,” Baron said.
During the season the two manage their hectic schedules while still maintaining a very strong relationship—supporting each other throughout. On their downtime you can find both Baron and Kennedy goofing off with Maggie, Chloe’s pet rabbit. Their sense of humour clearly matches one another.
In the off-season, they spend much of their time working out together in the weight room and on the court. Of course, a little one-on-one basketball never hurt.
“Sometimes, she beats me one-on-one,” said Baron. He added, “And I don’t go easy on her; her three-ball is money.” The two also play in a co-ed league with some of their fellow teammates.
Their peers and fellow teammates look up to them and respect them both as players and individuals.
“[They] are easily respected here at the college. They demonstrate characteristics both as leaders and fun human beings. They don’t walk around with extra PDA; they just take care of business and you can see they are happy,” said Baron’s teammate, Ethan McKean.
