Statesmen Picked to Defend League Title
William Penn University Athletics
Oskaloosa–The names on the roster will be very different, but one thing remains the same–the William Penn men’s basketball team will served as the hunted as the Midwest Collegiate Conference preseason coaches’ poll was released today.
The Statesmen return from a record-breaking 34-2 season (12-0 MCC) that witnessed the program reach its first-ever national championship game. While only a few of those individuals are back on the hardwood, the navy and gold are expected to once again lead the MCC. William Penn garnered 48 points, highlighted by six first-place votes.
The lineup is not entirely void of returning leadership as all-MCC performers Blake Walker (Sr., Rose Garden, Ga., Physical Education) and Kevin Fay (Sr., Hennepin, Ill., Education) are back for the Statesmen.
Viterbo is a distant second with 35 points and the last first-place vote, while St. Ambrose is third with 33 points. Mount Mercy, which graduated much of its squad that qualified for nationals, is picked fourth with 28 points. Grand View (24), Clarke (17), and AIB (11) round out the poll.
William Penn opens its season next Friday by hosting Morningside in non-conference action at 5:30 p.m.
2013-2014 MCC Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Poll
(Number in parentheses is first-place votes)
1. William Penn 48 (6)
2. Viterbo 35 (1)
3. St. Ambrose 33
4. Mount Mercy 28
5. Grand View 24
6. Clarke 17
7. AIB
