New-Look Statesmen Drop Crossroads 87-52 in Season Opener
William Penn University Athletics
Oskaloosa–Fans first taking their seats in Penn Gymnasium Friday night were probably wondering who all the new faces were in the navy and gold, but by game’s end they were happily welcoming them into the fold as the Penn men’s basketball team defeated Crossroads (Minn.) 87-52 in non-conference play Friday.
The Statesmen (1-0) only returned two letterwinners from last year’s squad, but it is apparent the coaching staff did a fine job recruiting as well as developing players inside the junior varsity/redshirt program. Nick Coffey (Sr., Hinsdale, Ill., Hinsdale Central HS) and Deon Bergeron (Sr., Lake Charles, La., Grand Lake HS) are the lone lettermen and Coffey was the only to start, but it did not affect the home team.
2009-2010 redshirts Alan Douglas (Jr., Champaign, Ill., Lakeland CC) and Blake Walker (Fr., Smyrna, Ga., Campbell HS), former junior varsity star Ryan Wilson (Sr., Ballwin, Mo., Missouri-Kansas City), and transfer Huzie Hambrite (Jr., Indianapolis, Ind., Ball State) all reached double figures to pace the Statesmen.
Douglas led all players with 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting (3-of-3 3-PT), while Walker (7-of-12 FG) and Wilson (6-of-8 FG) contributed 14 points. Hambrite was all over the court with ten points and team bests of five assists and five steals. Wilson recorded a double-double with 14 rebounds as Penn dominated the glass with a 65-29 edge in caroms, highlighted by 27 offensive rebounds (22 second-chance points).
In a game that witnessed three early ties, but not a single lead change, Penn was ahead 44-22 at halftime, capped by a running three-pointer by Hambrite at the buzzer. The Statesmen outshot the Knights 45.1%-32.8% from the field.
Bergeron just missed double figures with nine (4-of-5 FG), while Wiebe Goodyk (So., Oskaloosa, Iowa Central CC) tallied eight in front of his hometown fans.
Coffey had an off night with his shot, tallying just three points, but he pulled down 11 rebounds to even it out a bit.
The home team was sloppy at times, committing one more turnover than Crossroads (23-22), but it was much more opportunistic with a 28-13 advantage in points off turnovers. Penn also won in fast-break points (8-2), points in the paint (54-32), and bench points (25-7).
“Any win is a good win,” Statesmen Head Coach John Henry said. “We were a bit sloppy tonight, but with so many new players that is to be expected. It feels good to get that first one, but we will have to play much better tomorrow to get a victory.”
Next: Penn stays at home tomorrow to host Graceland in non-conference action at 5 p.m.
Wade Steinlage
