By Rachel Morse, Staff Writer
Already halfway into their seasons, the men’s and women’s basketball teams are taking strides toward success.
The women’s team is 18 games into their regular 30-game season, of which they are 17-1.
The women’s season began with two exhibition matches against Kansas State University and Texas A&M University, two of the top National Collegiate Athletic Association teams, Coach Rob Edmisson said.
“Those games set the tone for what the expectations of the year would be,” he said. “Even though we lost those games, we played really well.”
The team has been successful not only against opponents such as Union University, who was ranked second in National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, but also in the classroom, Edmisson said. The team finished the fall semester with a 3.4 cumulative GPA.
Junior Guard Lauren Gober, Senior Guard Emily Davis and Sophomore Guard Kayla MacKenzie are candidates for the NAIA Academic All-American award, but Edmisson said he hopes the entire team will remain eligible by sustaining a high GPA.
“Our No. 1 goal is to see our team receive the award,” he said.
This season alone holds a different meaning and a new challenge for the team, Edmisson said. His son died last April.
While it’s been a difficult year, Edmisson said his team has been a constant encouragement. They have found numerous ways to honor his son’s memory, including personalizing their shoes with his name.
“They have done a great job of supporting me in what has been the most difficult time of my life,” he said.
The men’s team faced a season of changes as well, one being Coach Dionne Phelps, the new head coach.
Phelps replaced Kevin Morrissey, who resigned last year after totaling 49-39 during his three-season coaching term.
The team’s willingness to learn and be successful has made transitioning into the role of new head coach an easy job, Phelps said.
“Anytime you walk into an environment like that where everyone’s eager, you’re walking in the right direction,” he said.
The men’s team lost game 12 of their season, out of which they are 6-6.
They have come together this season, working hard for each other during every game, Phelps said. This season’s wins and losses are what he considers “on course.”
“The thing I want to see is if we have maximized our potential,” he said. “I just really want this team to solidify.”
The team demonstrated defensive improvement and was ranked within the top 10 defensive teams of the NAIA at the end of Fall 2011, Phelps said. Also, the improvements of Junior Point Guard, Senior Forward Orlan Jackman and Sophomore Center Tim Morton have positively impacted the team’s performance this season.
“When those three guys are playing and are at the top of their abilities, we are a pretty good team,” he said.
Jones said the season highlight for him was winning the Jan. 7 game against John Brown University at the final buzzer.
“Our coach did a real good job of keeping us together and giving us hope,” he said. “We pulled it out.”
The women’s and men’s teams will play against Oklahoma Christian University Thursday at 6 p.m. in Abe Lemons Arena in Henry J. Freede Wellness and Activity Center.
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