M State Men's Basketball (Season Preview)

Dave Cresap is in his 40th year as a basketball coach, 37 decorated seasons as a high school coach and now beginning year number three as head coach of the M State Spartans in Fergus Falls.  Year two was one for the record books as the Spartans went 30-4, won their first conference championship in 21 years with an 11-1 MCAC Southern Division record, and took fourth place at the NJCAA Division III National Tournament in New York.

The Spartans lost all but one starter off that team with several players moving on to four year schools, including three, Yonis Mohamud, Foday Sheriff and Javin Tindall at William Penn in Iowa.  Mason Muir is at Panhandle State in Oklahoma.  Tyson McArthur is attending MSUM and Nate Vinson is at Oak Hills Christian College in Bemidji.

Sophomore guard Braylon Baldwin is the only returning starter.  Others back from last year are guards Brody Beaver and Hayden Knick, and forwards Carter Clark and Leng Akol.

The Spartans will be looking to freshmen Ty Vig, Akeem Moko, Ali Shahid, Riley Opheim, Eddie Garza, Nick Risen, Mach Mayen, James Hamilton and Drew Overby, along with transfers Devon Berg and Seth Hamilton to battle for court time.

"We are optimistic this team will grow and be a competitive team come conference play in January," said Cresap.  "Lot of new guys means there will be some ups and downs until we get it all figured out.  We have a great group of guys who are willing to work hard.  We would like to compete for a chance to play in the regional tournament at the end of the season.  We have a good shooting team and guys who like to get after it on defense.  Our ability to rebound and take care of the ball vs pressure still remain to be seen."

Cresap, who will be assisted by Brian Schwantz, says Riverland, Rochester, Ridgewater and Anoka-Ramsey will be very competitive in the Division, while Minnesota West and St. Cloud also are putting competitive teams on the court.  "Like always, the southern half is loaded," stated Cresap.  "The North half should be led by Central Lakes, Rainy River and Hibbing."