FREELAND, Mich. -- The Trine men's basketball team was picked to finish third in the MIAA Preseason Poll, the conference announced today.
The Thunder received votes totaling 35 points in the poll. The preseason poll is voted on the by the conference's coaches, who cannot vote for their own team. Last season, Trine reached the MIAA Championship for the first time in program history after placing fourth in the conference. The Thunder finished the season with an 18-9 overall record, its best as a member of NCAA Division III. The team returns three starters and several other key contributors.
Headlining this year's returners is two-time All-MIAA First Team guard Will Dixon (Indianapolis, Ind. / Zionsville). The senior has averaged more than 16 points per game throughout his career. Dixon has started 74 consecutive games dating back to his freshman year. His scoring average of 16.8 points per game ranked fifth in the MIAA last year. He also finished among the league's top-five in assists (fifth) and steals (third).
Returning starters also include Kyle Dodson (Centerville, Ohio / Centerville) and Ellis Cummings (Ottawa Hills, Ohio / Ottawa Hills). Dodson gave Trine one of the top marksman in the MIAA from three-point range. He knocked down 46 percent of his attempts from long-distance during his freshman campaign. Cummings finished second in the conference in blocks and gives the Thunder an option with the ability to play above the rim.
Jordan Kreglow (Gibsonburg, Ohio / Gibsonburg) also returns after emerging as a key option off the Trine bench down the stretch last season. Kreglow figures to be in the mix for significant minutes at point guard. Other returners include seniors Adison Daub (Corunna, Ind. / DeKalb), Luke Wenger (Howell, Mich. / Livingston Christian) and Adam Ciszewski (Sacramento, Calif. / Bella Vista), as well as sophomores Darek Ditto (Mattawan, Mich. / Mattawan) and Jared Dishop (Napoleon, Ohio / Liberty Center).
Joining the returners are nine newcomers, including eight freshman. Sophomore Myles Copeland (Toledo, Ohio / St. John's) averaged 7.1 points per game and started 18 games at Siena Heights last season before transferring.
The season tips off Tuesday, Nov. 15 as the Thunder host defending Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference champion Defiance at 7:30 p.m. MIAA play opens Wednesday, Jan. 4 when Trine plays host to Calvin. CLICK HERE for a complete schedule.
The complete results of the MIAA Preseason Men's Basketball Poll are listed below.
MIAA Preseason Men's Basketball Poll
Place. Team, Points (First-place votes)
1. Hope, 48 (6)
2. Alma, 43 (2)
3. Trine, 35
4. Albion, 29
5. Calvin, 27
6. Kalamazoo, 20
7. Adrian, 13
8. Olivet, 9