Men's Basketball hoping to improve as they turn attention to season opener on Tuesday
The MCLA Men's basketball team will have a different look this season as the Trailblazers have a new head coach and a host of newcomers. One of the top returners is Joe Wiggins who will be counted on to pick up the slack offensively
North Adams, MA- For the third time in three seasons, the MCLA Men's Basketball program will open with a new leader. In August, Derek Shell took over the reigns replacing interim head coach Anthony Skiffington. The Shell era will kick off on Tuesday night when the Trailblazers head to Lyndon State in the 2016-17 season opener.
Shell inherits a program that went just 6-19 a year ago and missed the MASCAC playoffs. Shell is no stranger to the conference as the last game he coached was at MCLA as he led the Fitchburg State Falcons to a conference championship in 2013. Shell knows that this season will a challenge from many angles, but most notably will be the roster.
"We lost a number of key players off of last year's roster so we know there will be challenges," Shell stated. "But my goal is build a program and continually try to get better and play our best basketball in February."
Shell is referring to the fact that only two of the top seven scorers from a year ago return to the roster. Leading the way is Joe Wiggins (Pittsfield, MA). The guard averaged just under 9 ppg last season that was highlighted by a 24 point performance against Pine Manor. He will be counted on to lead the team in 2016-17.
Another key returner will be center Isshiah Coleman. The 6'5 big man averaged just four points, but is the leading returning rebounder. He had a 16 point effort in a game against Sage last season.
Other returners looking to see time include sophomore guard Collin Parrott (Dalton, MA) who will play the point guard position. Merle Darling (Plainfield, VT), Travis Rice (Springfield, MA), Tyler McKay (Clifton Park, NY), and Joshwa Hall (Boston, MA) round out the veterans.
Some of the key newcomers to the roster include Nolan Bird (Clarksburg, MA), Joe Murray (Cairo, NY), and Keiland Cross (Pittsfield, MA). Bird will play the four and will be counted on to score. Murray provides some size off the bench at 6'5 and has a good touch around the rim while Cross is a slasher who can create some matchup problems on the perimeter with his versatility.
The Trailblazers will open play on Tuesday at Lyndon State and will continue on the road for their first five games. MCLA has the home opener set for December 1st when they host Wesleyan (CT). The non league schedule remains a challenge and will close the first semester with the Tri State shootout on December 9-10 at home.
MASCAC play opens on January 4th when MCLA hosts Worcester State.
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