Statesmen Tabbed to Reclaim Title

Oskaloosa–The William Penn men’s basketball team is projected to regain league supremacy as the Heart of America Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll was released Tuesday.

The Heart’s 13 coaches awarded the Statesmen first place with 150 points and eight first-place votes.

WPU (22-12 last year, 14-10 Heart) claimed a six-point edge over Benedictine, which swept last year’s regular season and tournament titles. The Ravens also earned four first-place votes. Central Methodist is third with 122 points and the final first-place nod.

MidAmerica Nazarene and Peru State tied for fourth with 117 points. Clarke (88), Grand View (83), Mount Mercy (78), Missouri Valley (68), and Graceland (65) rounded out the top 10. Evangel (53), Baker (51), and Culver-Stockton (34) completed the poll.

William Penn opens the year Sunday by hosting Presentation at 3 p.m.

2019-2020 Heart Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
(Number in parentheses is first-place votes)
1. William Penn–150 (8)
2. Benedictine–144 (4)
3. Central Methodist–122 (1)
4. MidAmerica Nazarene–117
4. Peru State–117
6. Clarke–88
7. Grand View–83
8. Mount Mercy–78
9. Missouri Valley–68
10. Graceland–65
11. Evangel–53
12. Baker–51
13. Culver-Stockton–34