MCLA Men's Basketball Opens Season Friday
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' men's basketball program got within a victory of an elusive NCAA tournament berth a year ago. That experience, along with the return of their top two scorers, has heightened expectations on the North Adams campus as the 2013-2014 Trailblazers prepare to open their season. Those expectations were more evident when the MASCAC coaches voted MCLA as the preseason favorite just one week ago.
Despite the loss, the Trailblazers were selected in a preseason poll to finish first.
After watching visiting Fitchburg State cut down the nets on their home floor, MCLA immediately set their sights on 2013-14. Returning is first team All-MASCAC guard John Jones and the 2013 MASCAC Rookie of the Year Paul Maurice. Jones was the team's leading scorer (14.6) and rebounder (9.9). More important than statistics though, he was undoubtedly the team leader. His tenacity and passion often inspired those around him.
Jones' ability to get into the paint provided many opportunities for Maurice. The first year sharpshooter netted 9.0 ppg and led MCLA with 46 three point field goals. He collected double figures in 13 games a year ago while also providing a defensive spark with 52 steals.
Along with the key returnees, the Trailblazers also return four players with significant experience in senior Ramon Viches, while juniors Ruben DelRosario, Anthony Barbosa, and Tyshawn McGee all are back.
Led by Head Coach Jamie Morrison, one of the Trailblazer strengths a year ago was their depth chart. MCLA used its bench to outlast their opponents, however this season Morrison will see many new faces off the bench. Newcomers Kraig Page, Isshiah Coleman, Jeremic Bennett, and Todd Hunt figure to grab minutes almost immediately. Both Hunt and Coleman will play down low and should help on the glass. Bennett and Page will add athleticism on the defensive side of the ball.
After MCLA opened play last year struggling on the defensive end, they clamped down upon MASCAC opponents yielding just 65 points a night in conference play. That defensive intensity will look to continue this season. The Trailblazers will feature an athletic backcourt that should be able to extend the floor at times.
MCLA will open up their season next week when they play in the Wesleyan (Conn.) tournament against Dickinson (Pa.). The schedule will be a challenging one for MCLA that features perennial regional powers in Williams, NYU, and Keene State. The Trailblazers will also be hosting the Tri-State Shootout in December featuring RPI, Southern Vermont, and St. Joe's (Vt.).
When asked to assess his program heading into the season, Morrison responded by saying "With the return of some key contributors and the addition of some role players, we feel strongly that we can compete for an NCAA tournament bid. We have experienced players, specifically in the backcourt, and enough depth to be flexible on offense that we should be able to adapt to different styles."
"Our schedule will not do us any favors early on, but it's important that we challenge our players building up to the MASCAC schedule in January," Morrison continued. "If we can come together and stay focused defensively, the rest will take care of itself."
