Coming off a 4-12 season, the men's basketball team looks to improve in many ways. It was a tough season for first year Head Coach Doug Schneider, but the season had it's share of highlights. The team propelled itself forward by defeating PSUAC rival Penn State Greater Allegheny twice. Additionally, numerous freshmen established themselves as key contributors within the program. These newcomers will have a tall task ahead of them as captain Justin Reed will be sorely missed. Junior guard Darryl Harrington recognizes the leadership opportunity with resulting from Justin's graduation. "Playing with Justin for the past two years, I have learned a lot from him, but now it's my time to lead this team to a championship. Last season was tough and did not go the way we wanted it to, but with all the returning players, we are going to make a run at this thing."
Lamont Wright and Daryl Harrington look to improve on last year's success. They are expected to form one of the best guard tandems in the PSUAC conference. Wright and Harrington combined for 38 points-per-game. Lamont Wright said before practice "I know I impressed a lot of people with my play, but all along in my head I knew I was this good. Even though my stats were pretty good, it's about the team not me. I worked extremely hard this summer on my game, and this year we are going be better. Darryl and I worked out a ton this summer, and as a team I think we really gelled as a team playing with each other against stiff competition in summer leagues."
Dillen Statler and Shaquille Hager comprised one of the bigger front lines in the conference. Dillen and Shaquille were laughing before practice and said, "I can't remember a game where Shaq and I weren't the tallest players on the court." Looking forward to next season, Dillen and Shaq are going to once again be one of the tallest forecourt duos in the conference. "I know that a lot is expected out of Dillen and I, and we are ready for the challenge. This summer we worked out together and pushed each other every day to improve." Abe Strapac, Victor Chaneyfield, and Anthony Brown should all contend for a starting position.
The New Kensington Men's Basketball team looks poised to make a run deep into the playoffs and compete for the PSUAC title. With the talented guard play of Wright and Harrington plus Statler and Hager in the forecourt, hopes are high for the upcoming season. The team looks to improve on lessons learned from last season, and make a deep run in the playoffs.
