Statesmen Unanimous #1 in Heart

William Penn University Athletics

Oskaloosa–The William Penn men’s basketball team will have the rest of the league staring up at it to open the 2021-2022 season as the Heart of America Athletic Conference preseason coaches poll was announced Friday.

WPU, which was 25-2 last year (18-1 Heart) is picked first in the 14-team league with the maximum 169 points. The Statesmen swept the regular season and postseason crowns a year ago.

Benedictine is locked in for second in the conference with 156 points, while Park is also figured to be near the top in third with 145 points. MidAmerica Nazarene, with 123 points, and Baker, with 119, also eclipsed the century plateau.

Central Methodist and its 94 points start the remainder of the poll. Evangel (83) is next, while Clarke (80), Mount Mercy (78), and Grand View (68) wrap up the top 10. Missouri Valley and Peru State are tied for 11th with 60 points each, and Culver-Stockton (22) and Graceland (17) end the standings.

William Penn opens the campaign next Friday by facing Dordt as part of the Governors Classic. The Statesmen begin Heart competition at home on November 16 against Peru State.

2021-2022 Heart Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. William Penn–169
2. Benedictine–156
3. Park–145
4. MidAmerica Nazarene–123
5. Baker–119
6. Central Methodist–94
7. Evangel–83
8. Clarke–80
9. Mount Mercy–78
10. Grand View–68
11. Missouri Valley–60
11. Peru State–60
13. Culver-Stockton–22
14. Graceland–17