Fayette men mix experience with depth
A number of injuries last season contributed to the men’s basketball program at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, winning just five games. But second-year coach Mark John is enthusiastic that a mix of experienced players and new additions can propel the Roaring Lions to success in the 2011-2012 season.
Junior forward David Winns and junior point guard James Pratt missed a combined 14 games last year, including several games in which both were unable to play.
Forward Ian McCombs also missed considerable time last season after an appendix operation. While McCombs is finishing his education at the State College campus this year, Winns and Pratt will be the cornerstones of a Roaring Lions unit that should have both strength and depth.
“We’re stepping out onto the court with the idea of competing on the state and national (USCAA) levels,” John said. “We have to stay healthy and eligible. Those are the two biggest things.”
Joining Winns and Pratt are junior guard and captain Will Gaines, forward Andrew Hoye, senior guard Josh Tomson, senior guard Anthony Howard, senior forward Chris Hunchuck, sophomore guards Tyler VanOlst and Alex Santella.
Hoye has made big strides to complement Winns under the basket, while Tomson has been a dangerous three-point shooter the past several seasons.
The coaching staff is expecting big things out of guard-forward Ryan Hart of Pittsburgh, who played at Keystone Oaks High School and in college at Grove City and CCAC.
John is excited about the addition of several freshman who come from near and far, including local recruits Brandon Michaux of California and Derek Jones from Brownsville, Davelle Bush from New York City, Brandon Cunningham of Los Angeles, Darius Mack from Washington, D.C., and Josiah Brady from Westmoreland County Christian Academy.
Of his newcomers, John said Cunningham “adds another dimension to the team” while Hart “is a great passer for a big man and is unselfish.”
In March, the Eberly Campus will host the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) national tournament for the fourth consecutive year. John said the event has helped the local campus in recruiting players like Cunningham. But he said the players and coaches are also aiming to make noise in the tournament this time around.
“It’s a long season and there will be enough playing time to go around for everybody. But depth is a good problem to have,” John said.
“This year we want people to see real college basketball. It will be something to watch.”