Through their first 15 games of the season the Adrian College men’s basketball team is off to its best start since 1960. The Bulldogs have been playing their best basketball under head coach Mark White since he took over in 2009. Under White, the team has yet to have a losing season, is 11-5 on the year so far, and 7-3 in non-conference games.
This season, the team was hit with injuries, two of which were returning starters from last year, but that hasn’t stopped them from having a productive season.
“I’m proud of these guys, they have stepped up to every challenge. Especially for how young we are, it’s good to see them playing well together,” White said.
So far this year, the Bulldogs have only lost one game at home against the College of Wooster (Ohio), who is ranked sixth in the nation. The Bulldogs came into the first round of conference play with only three games out of seven at home and have won all three.
“We have been playing well at home, that’s a big factor for us. We’re showing that we are protecting our home court and making it tough to play here,” White said.
The conference is set up in two rounds during the regular season and only four teams go to the conference tournament. As of right now, the Bulldogs are in second place. If the team is able to keep hold of second going into the conference tournament they will be able to have a home game, which is something that the team is excited about.
Over winter break, the team played five games, only losing one at Division 3 No. 3-ranked Hope. Playing well over break has eased the strain on the team, with an additional boost coming from sophomore transfer student Richaud Pack.
“Having him coming to play for us was definitely a nice addition to the team. He brings a lot of depth. Before, we were only playing seven or eight guys a game,” White said. “Now we have the ability to go deeper into the bench as well. Richaud is a good addition to the team. He has a lot of versatility and can play guard or forward for us.”
The team is still young, but a lot of the younger players are starting to step up and gaining more experience each game they play at the collegiate level.
“I’m proud of how these guys have played this season. They’re young and they are only going to get better game by game,” White said.
Freshmen Adam Meier and Eric Lewis have stepped up for the team this year. Both are receiving good playing time, especially for being freshmen.
Overall, the team is stepping in the right direction and becoming a steady contender to win the MIAA title each year.
“This team has a lot of focus and determination to win, and it is showing on and off the court this year,” White said.
The future is looking bright for the Bulldogs; the MIAA is starting to notice that this team is going to compete and be determined to win the conference.