FREELAND, Mich.-- The Trine men's basketball team has been picked to finish second in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association by the conference's coaches in the league's preseason poll, released Friday.
The Thunder received one first-place vote and totaled 41 points overall in the poll. Trine was one of three teams to receive first-place votes, with preseason-favorite Hope earning six and third-place Calvin also earning one vote. The preseason poll is voted on by the conference's coaches, who cannot vote for their own team.
Last season, the Thunder finished 17-9 overall and tied for second in the league with a 10-4 mark in conference action. The second-place finish was the team's best in the MIAA since debuting in the league in 2004. The team returns three starters, including two All-MIAA First Team performers.
Headlining this year's returners are All-MIAA First Teamers Jared Holmquist (Reed City, Mich./Reed City) and Will Dixon (Indianapolis, Ind./Zionsville). Ben Syroka (Toledo, Ohio/Whitmer) also returns with starting experience in the backcourt.
Holmquist had a breakout campaign last season as a junior as he won the MIAA scoring title for conference games, averaging 18.4 points per game. Holmquist also finished second in the MIAA in rebounding in league action. He shot 51 percent from the field overall and 85 percent from the free throw line. Holmquist also chipped in defensively with 1.2 blocks and 1.3 steals per contest.
Dixon was second only to Holmquist in scoring in conference action and led the Thunder in scoring overall, averaging 17.5 points per game. Dixon shot 44 percent from the field and 88 percent from the free throw line. The junior guard added 1.6 steals on the defensive end last year.
Syroka acclimated himself well to Trine's system in his first year in the program as a junior. Syroka's 3.2 assist-to-turnover ratio led the MIAA, while his 3.4 assists per game ranked second.
Guards Tarvis Malone (Toledo, Ohio/St. John's Jesuit) and Adison Daub (Corunna, Ind./DeKalb), and center Ellis Cummings (Ottawa Hills, Ohio/Ottawa Hills) also return after seeing regular action in last season's playing rotation.
Joining the returners are eight newcomers to the program, made up of five guards and three forwards. The coaching staff expects several newcomers to challenge for playing time and potentially start.
The season tips off Monday, Nov. 16 as Trine hosts Heidelberg at 7 p.m. in Hershey Hall. The Thunder will open MIAA play Wednesday, Jan. 6 at Calvin. CLICK HERE for complete schedule.
The complete results of the MIAA Preseason Poll are listed below.
Team | Points (First-Place Votes) | |
1. | Hope | 48 (6) |
2. | Trine | 41 (1) |
3. | Calvin | 38 (1) |
4. | Alma | 33 |
5. | Albion | 24 |
6. | Adrian | 20 |
7. | Kalamazoo | 11 |
8. | Olivet | 9 |