MCLA Men's Basketball ready for season opener on Monday vs. Nichols

North Adams, MA- The MCLA Men's Basketball team will be looking to improve upon last season's 8-19 record with a roster that has seen many changes from a year ago.  Gone are All MASCAC performers Chris Harris and Jamal Brown, as well as eight other players who saw time a year ago.  The Trailblazers will get underway on Monday when they host Nichols College.

MCLA, under the direction of sixth year head coach Jamie Morrison, were selected to finish fifth in the MASCAC preseason poll.  His program's style has become a staple in the competitive MASCAC.  MCLA will turn up the pressure on opposing teams, using defensive pressure and an up tempo offensive style to put points on the board.  This season, Morrison will rely on a deep bench to keep constant pressure on the opponents.

Although MCLA graduated four starters from last season's club, the Trailblazers return many players who saw significant action.   Senior Vernon Cross, Junior Ramon Viches, and senior Richard Johnson all saw quality minutes a year ago and will be counted on in the frontcourt.  Bilal Shabazz returns to run the point, but will be pushed by a host of newcomers, many of which can score from beyond the arc.

Other returners looking to make contributions include sophomores Tyshawn McGee and Dominique Bostick, along with junior Mitch Scace. 

Newcomers looking to make an impact this season will be transfer John Jones.  Jones was a prolific scorer at Quinsigamond Community College before enrolling at MCLA.  Freshman Paul Maurice will also provide a nice spark as a scoring guard.  The first year can shoot the three and also slash to the basket, stretching the opposing defenses in the process.

Morrison is confident that his troops can turn things around from a deceptive mark a year ago.  "I think we will have a competitive team that will play exciting basketball. Last year we lost eight games by three points or less, I predict we will again be in a lot of close games down the stretch and if we execute and take care of the ball, we should be able to come out on the winning side of those games this season," the coach stated.

MCLA will play a very demanding schedule as they will challenge perennial non-conference powers in Williams College, Keene State, Wesleyan (CT), and also compete in the Staten Island tournament in late December.  Staten Island was a sweet sixteen performer a year ago.

The MASCAC schedule opens with a home date against reigning champion Salem State in January.