Trailblazers Looking to Rise

The MCLA Men's Basketball team is hoping to take two steps forward after taking a step back last season. "I knew we would struggle last season and was prepared for it, it doesn't make going through it any easier, but we are looking forward to this season. We still aren't where we need to be, but we are clearly now heading in the right direction."

The right direction will be led by 2^nd team All-MASCAC selection Jon Greenberg. The junior from Antwerp, Belgium concluded the 2008-09 season in the top ten nationwide in rebounding and was one of only two players in the MASCAC to average a double-double for the season. Greenberg will be helped by senior Mike Perreault. Perreault averaged 9.3ppg last season and shot 37% from behind the arc. Perreault and Greenberg figure to get a lot more open shots this season with the return of point guard Benny Cuprill. Cuprill led the MASCAC in assists as a sophomore in 07-08, but sat out the 08-09 season.  The other top returners are Chris Harris who is now fully recovered from a 2008 knee injury and center Pat Ryan. Harris started twenty-three games as a freshman and finished 2^nd in Rookie of the Year voting. The 6'8 Ryan has made steady improvements every year and appeared in twenty games last season.

The bench will feature a much new look; with Kris McLaughlin (Pittsfield, MA) the only returner who played more than ten minutes a game last season.  Seniors Derek Gibbons and Joey Paoletti will add some much needed toughness up front, while junior Marvin Thompson will be a key cog on the defensive side of the ball. James Rivers (Dalton, MA) will provide three-point shooting.

The other keys off the bench will be several newcomers. Brendan Kordana (Adams, MA) was an All-Conference selection at Southern Vermont and will provide scoring off the bench and upgrade the backcourt depth. Mike Robinson from Quinsigamond CC and freshman Bilal Shabazz will also play major roles, giving the team three quality point guards and depth at the shooting guard spot as well.

The front court will get a lift from the return of 6'4 Karl Sims, as well as a pair of freshman in 6'5 Tyler Lennox and the 6'4 Ross Miner who can play both inside and out. Another Quinsigamond CC transfer E'lon Julien will allow versatility at both forward positions and Ben Correia and Maurice Brown will provide depth at small forward.

The Trailblazers schedule is highlighted with home games against perennial New England and MASCAC powers Keene State (Dec. 8), Bridgewater State (Jan. 26) and Salem State (Feb. 2). The Trailblazers will also renew their cross town rivalry at home with Williams College (Nov. 29) The Trailblazers will compete in the 1^st annual Tri-State Shootout (Dec. 5 & 6) with Southern Vermont, Albany Pharmacy and the host RPI; and head south over the break to take on Randolph-Macon in the 1^st round of the Randolph-Macon Coaches Classic.  The Trailblazers will open up at home on Sunday November 15^th against Albany College of Pharmacy at 4:00.