As the Yeomen get set to tip off their season this Saturday at Hanover College in Indiana, expectations are high for this young squad. With only one senior and four juniors returning to the team, the first-year class will be expected to acclimate to the college level immediately and provide consistent energy, while the sophomore class will hope to continue its excellent production from last season.

Leading the way for the Yeomen this season is Andrew Fox. After earning All- North Coast Athletic Conference Honors last season, and as the only senior on the roster, Fox has the burden of moving into the primary leadership role. Last year, Fox led the team with 339 points and 254 rebounds while averaging a double-double with 13.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. Fox has high expectations for this season.

“Being consistent and playing hard are two things we must do if we want to be successful,” Fox noted. “There is a tendency for younger teams like ours to be inconsistent, but I think we have strong leadership that should help us put in the necessary work, day in and day out at practice. This should translate into wins and a successful season.”

Also returning for the Yeomen are notable juniors Geoff Simpson and Emmanuel Lewis. Both players have been reliable contributors, each playing all 25 games last season. Simpson was the third-highest scorer for the team, averaging 10 points per game, while Lewis was a constant deep threat, posting the second-highest three-point field goal percentage.

“We’re a very young team this year, but at the same time we are experienced,” Simpson said. “We’re going to rely heavily on our upperclassmen to help bring along the younger guys so that they can contribute.”

With a strong recruiting class, the team has the talent necessary to have a very strong season. First-years Randy Ollie and Jack Gorland, 6’9” and 6’7” respectively, add significant size to the Yeomen roster and will cause problems for any team attempting to pick up points in the paint.

Matthew Walker, Sam Black and Ian Campbell, whom the team will look to for contributions from the start, complete the first-year class. Sophomores Seth Flatt, Miles Gueno, Austin Little and Jesse Neugarten will hope to continue their strong first-year performances into this season. With all the pieces in place for a successful season, the Yeomen are optimistic about their chances.

Simpson summed it up, explaining, “We had a productive off-season and preseason leading up to this coming year. We know the formula necessary to win games. We know we have an opportunity to be a very good team and surprise some people.”

With a multifaceted collection of talent and many individuals ready to lead, the Yeomen are in a great spot to have a successful season.