The Lycoming College men’s basketball team opens its season this weekend with the Lycoming Tip-Off Tournament. The Warriors take on PSU-Altoona on Friday evening, November 16 at 6:00 p.m., followed by King’s College versus the College of New Jersey. The winners then face off on Saturday at 4:00, directly after the consolation game at 2:00.

This year’s Warriors join the Commonwealth arm of the Middle Atlantic Conference. Lycoming returns nearly all of its roster from 2006-2007 and boasts a stellar group of incoming freshmen. Depth at every position will be a key asset this season, providing fresh legs and multiple looks throughout the campaign.

The guard position is particularly rife with talent. Junior Anthony Watson (Philadelphia, PA) garnered tremendous minutes at point guard last season and looks to direct the Warriors again in 2007-2008. Watson led the Warriors with 86 assists, appearing in all 25 games last year. He averaged over 27 minutes per contest and really raised his game when he started taking the ball to the hole.

Head coach Don Friday appreciates Watson because “he’s excellent in the classroom, the locker room and on the court. He’s one of the more popular players in our program.”

 

Senior David Wilson (Pottsville, PA) wants to finish his Lycoming career in style. Wilson worked hard in the offseason to maintain his physical edge and his 92-percent free throw average. He scored 11.9 points in 30-plus minutes per game last season while serving as the team's co-captain.

             

Junior Jemayne Nowlin (Gaithersburg, MD) brings the spark that is speed to the Warriors. Nowlin averaged 10.3 points per game and sank 37 three-pointers in 2007-2008. His quick hands also led to 30 steals on the season. Coach Friday brings Nowlin into the game knowing he can count on him to make plays night after night.

Senior swingman Kevin Morris (Camp Hill, PA) combines good inside height with true perimeter talent. He dropped a team-high 59 threes in the bucket last season, while averaging 12.9 points per game. His team-leading 322 points owed largely to a 38-percent success rate from behind the arc, as well as an 82-percent free throw average. Look for Morris to be a consistent offensive threat in 2007-2008, as well as a candidate for academic all-american.

True forward, junior Greg Sye (Chantilly, VA) is anxious to rise with the cream again in 2007-2008. Sye, the 2006 Freedom Conference Rookie of the Year, missed a few games last year with an injury, but still managed to compile 314 points. His team-leading 13.7 points per contest is a testimony to his ability to take over a game. Sye possesses an impressive first step to the basket, bringing big points as well as rebounds at both ends of the court.

“Greg is one of our frontline players,” says Friday. “His size creates match-up difficulties for opponents and we look for him to bring a high level of intensity and concentration night in and night out.”

Another big, physical athlete in the Warrior frontcourt is sophomore Rickey Varnell (Patterson, NY).  Varnell came on strong as a freshman, making an immediate contribution in the paint. Appearing in 22 games last year, he averaged 4.8 rebounds and 6.7 points per game. Of his 105 total rebounds, 49 were offensive, good for second on the team. His physicality and toughness inside will be vital to the Warriors in 2007-2008.

“Ricky is a mobile big man, capable of special things in a Lycoming uniform,” remarks Friday.

Likewise, sophomores James Oberlies (Philadelphia, PA) and Billy Goodell (Williamsport, PA) have earned Friday’s praise with their hard work and development. Both should prove to be key ingredients in the mix this year. Last season, Oberlies saw action in 23 of the Warriors 25 games and brings a winning mentality and energy to the court. Goodell appeared in 18 games as a freshman and bulked up in the offseason for a more physical style in 2007-2008.

Fellow sophomore Jim Sauls (Perkiomenville, PA) stands at 6’8” and should contribute in the low post for the Warriors this year. Meanwhile, junior Brandon Wilkinson (Piscataway, NJ) represents a long-distance threat off the bench. His ability to stretch the zone can be devastating.

             

This brings us to the bumper crop of new faces on Lycoming’s roster, including sophomore Eric Anthony (Wheeling, WV). Entering his first season as a Warrior, Anthony brings remarkable athleticism and talent at guard. The former Wheeling Central Catholic star led his high school to four, yes four, state championship games.

             

Freshman Sebastian Sabella (Bayside, NY) could also make a name for himself early in his Lycoming career. At 6’3”, Sabella combines size and athleticism and will compete for minutes with Friday’s large pool of guards. This past summer Sabella received the Frank Scott Award from The Boy’s Club of New York, for his excellence in the classroom and on the court.

             

Local standout Will Kelly (Williamsport, PA) brings a complete style of play to his hometown college. He has been a cornerstone of success for the Loyalsock Township High School program, topping 1000 career points, and he has already impressed Lycoming’s coaches with his focus and hard work.

             

Coming from one of the premier basketball conferences in the country, Aaron DeVane (Upper Marlboro, MD) brings winning experience with him to Lycoming. A combination guard, he will make strides throughout the course of the season and push for playing time early for the Warriors.

             

First-year forward Josh Artis (Upper Marlboro, MD) has great instincts as a face-up, athletic four-man. His size will make him a valuable resource in the rebounding department as he plays very aggressively in the paint.

             

"In order to cut down nets in March, this team must learn to win on the road,” states Friday.

The 2006-2007 Warriors posted a 10-3 record in Lamade Gymnasium, but went 2-8 on the road. With a year of experience and an infusion of talented youth, Lycoming is looking to make the jump to becoming an elite team in the Commonwealth Conference and beyond.