Statesmen Top Heart Preseason Poll

Oskaloosa–The William Penn men’s basketball team will again have a bullseye on its back as the Heart of America Athletic Conference preseason coaches poll was announced Wednesday.

WPU, which was 31-2 last year (18-1 Heart) is picked first in the 14-team league with 167 points. The Statesmen swept the Heart’s regular season and postseason crowns last season.

Defending Heart Tournament runner-up Evangel is tied with MidAmerica Nazarene for second with 148 points, while Peru State is fourth with 139 points. Central Methodist also eclipsed the century mark, taking fifth with 122 points.

Benedictine (98) is sixth, while Grand View and Park (93) are tied for seventh. Baker (64), Clarke (61), Culver-Stockton (53), Missouri Valley (51), Mount Mercy (40), and Graceland (19) round out the poll.

William Penn opens the campaign on October 28-29 by traveling to Chicago, Ill. for the Governors State Classic. The Statesmen face Great Lakes Christian on October 28 at 5 p.m. and take on Governors State on October 29 at 3 p.m.

2022-2023 Heart Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. William Penn–167
2. Evangel–148
2. MidAmerica Nazarene–148
4. Peru State–139
5. Central Methodist–122
6. Benedictine–98
7. Grand View–93
7. Park–93
9. Baker–64
10. Clarke–61
11. Culver-Stockton–53
12. Missouri Valley–51
13. Mount Mercy–40
14. Graceland–19