Marietta to host several basketball camps and shootouts during summer of 2009

May 28, 2009
MARIETTA, Ohio — Marietta College Head Men's Basketball Coach Jon VanderWal and his staff are hosting several individual and team camps during the 2009 summer.

For both JV and varsity players, Team Shootouts will take place on June 3 and June 13. Boy's Residential camp for grades 6-11 will be from June 14-17 followed by JV and Varsity Team Camps from June 22-24. Everyday is Boys Day for third through fifth graders June 29-July 1. Finally, the Elite Exposure camp will take place July 27-29.

>>Summer Camp brochures

Marietta basketball raises $1,230 for Coaches vs. Cancer in 2009
Donations will help American Cancer Society-approved research, education and patient services in Ohio

March 19, 2009
MARIETTA, Ohio — The Marietta College men's basketball teams joined forces with the American Cancer Society when they participated in a series of Coaches vs. Cancer programs during the first week of February. The final donations have been collected, and Head Coach Jon VanderWal's Pioneers are proud to announce that they raised $1,230 for the American Cancer Society.

Donations are used exclusively to fund the American Cancer Society-approved research, education and patient services in Ohio. The $1,230 will be presented to the American Cancer Society in the name of Mike Kubachka, Leslie Frye and Linda Marshall. Mike was the father of current Pioneer player Matt Kubachka, while Leslie and Linda were foster parents, former Marietta employees and friends. Their memories serve as a perpetual inspiration for the Pioneers to continue the battle of Coaches vs. Cancer.

>>Complete Story

Three Marietta men's basketball players named All-OAC honorable mention
Creasap, Halter and Knab all awarded league honor in 2008-09

March 3, 2009
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio —The success of this year’s Marietta College men’s basketball team can, in large part, be linked to the performance of three key players—senior Isaiah Creasap (Wooster/Northwestern), freshman Trevor Halter (Malvern) and freshman Kevin Knab (Lakewood). The Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) coaches recognized the trio for their efforts on Tuesday (March 3) morning, naming them All-OAC honorable mention in 2008-09.

Creasap, Halter and Knab averaged nearly 48% of the scoring for second-year Head Coach Jon VanderWal’s club, which finished the year 12-14 overall and placed sixth with a 7-11 record in the final OAC standings. The Pioneers posted the most wins since the 2001-02 team went 13-13. VanderWal also led Marietta to its first OAC Tournament appearance since the league changed to the eight-team format in 2003-04.

>>Complete Story

Ohio Northern ends Marietta's season with 62-52 win in OAC Quarterfinals
Head Coach Jon VanderWal's Pioneers post most wins in seven years

Feb. 25, 2009
ADA, Ohio — A 12-0 run midway through the second half propelled host and #3 Ohio Northern University to a 62-52 victory over #6 Marietta College Wednesday (Feb. 25) night in the Quarterfinals of the 2009 Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Men's Basketball Tournament.

With the loss, second-year Head Coach Jon VanderWal’s squad finished the year 12-14 overall. The Pioneers posted the most wins since the 2001-02 team went 13-13. VanderWal also led Marietta to its first OAC Tournament appearance since the league changed to the eight-team format in 2003-04. Ohio Northern (18-8) advances to take on #2 seed Capital University in the OAC Semifinals on Friday (Feb. 27) at John Carroll University.

>>Complete Story

Marietta men close regular season with loss at Baldwin-Wallace
Pioneers will open OAC Tournament play on Wednesday at Ohio Northern University

Feb. 21, 2009
BEREA, Ohio — Three Marietta College freshmen scored double digits in the men's basketball team's 76-64 loss at Baldwin-Wallace College on Saturday (Feb. 21) afternoon. With the loss, the Pioneers fell to 12-13 overall and finished the year with a 7-11 record in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). The Yellow Jackets ended their season 8-17 overall and 4-14 in the OAC.

Marietta, who locked up the #6 seed earlier in the week, now turns its attention to Wednesday (Feb. 25) night's OAC Tournament Quarterfinal game and a match-up at #3 seed Ohio Northern University. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m. The teams split the season series with both squads earning road victories. ONU won the first meeting, 74-49, in Marietta on Dec. 6, while the Pioneers won 69-67 in Ada on Jan. 24.

>>Complete Story

Shooting woes doom Marietta men in 63-60 loss to Mount Union
Pioneers close out regular season on Saturday at Baldwin-Wallace

Feb. 18, 2009
MARIETTA, Ohio — A cold shooting night by the Marietta College men's basketball team allowed visiting Mount Union College to escape Ban Johnson Arena with a 63-60 win on Wednesday (Feb. 18) night. The Pioneers, who shot just 21-of-56 (.375) from field and 2-of-22 (.091) from long range, fought back from a 20-point deficit and had a chance to tie the game on their final possession but a three-pointer was off the mark and the Purple Raiders held on for the three-point victory.

The loss dropped the Pioneers' record to 12-12 overall and 7-10 in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). Mount Union improved to 12-12 overall and 6-11 in the OAC, which secured it a spot in next week's OAC Tournament. Marietta had already qualified for the eight-team tournament and will be the #6 seed. Its opponent is yet to be determined.

>>Complete Story

>>After The Whistle (YouTube Video)

Pioneers fall 85-76 to OAC leading Blue Streaks
Four Marietta players score double figures in the loss

Feb. 14, 2009
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio —The Marietta College men’s basketball team led the first 18 minutes of Saturday (Feb. 14) afternoon’s Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) contest at John Carroll University. The first place Blue Streaks, however, controlled the rest of the game en route to an 85-76 win.

Marietta (12-11, 7-9 OAC) had four players finish in double figures. Senior wing Isaiah Creasap (Wooster/Northwestern) led the way with a game-high tying 15 points. Freshmen wings Trevor Halter (Malvern) and Joe Puch (Brunswick) both added 14 points, while freshman wing Rydell Chrisman (Coshocton) contributed 11 points. Puch also finished with five rebounds and three steals in the game.

>>Complete Story

Marietta OAC Tournament bound after 79-73 win over rival Muskingum
Pioneers clinch spot in year-end tournament for first time since 2003-04

Feb. 11, 2009
MARIETTA, Ohio — A 79-73 victory over visiting rival Muskingum College helped second-year Head Coach Jon VanderWal’s Marietta College men’s basketball team lock up a berth into the 2009 Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Tournament. It will be the first time that the Pioneers (12-10, 7-8 OAC) will compete in the league tournament since it was trimmed down to eight teams in 2004-05.

Marietta freshman post Kevin Knab (Lakewood) led the way with 20 points, scoring 10 in each half. Freshman wing Joe Puch (Brunswick) added 12 points and freshman wing Trevor Halter (Malvern) contributed 10 points and three of the Pioneers’ seven blocks in the win. Marietta also received nine points and eight rebounds from freshman post Zane Carter (Wellsville), nine points and five boards from senior wing Isaiah Creasap (Wooster/Northwestern) and eight points and six rebounds from freshman post Conner Kilpatrick (Bowling Green).

>>Complete Story

>>After the Whistle (YouTube video)

Marietta men withstand last second shot to defeat Heidelberg for second straight meeting
Pioneers improve to 11-10 with 67-65 victory at Ban Johnson Arena

Feb. 7, 2009
MARIETTA, Ohio — The Marietta College men's basketball slipped by a resilient Heidelberg University squad, 67-65, Saturday (Feb. 7) afternoon at Ban Johnson Arena. It was the second straight narrow victory for the Pioneers in the series, as they held off the Student Princes 70-69 in their first meeting on Dec. 20.

The Pioneers improved to 11-10 overall and 6-8 in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). The team's 11 wins are the most since the 2001-02 squad finished 13-13. Heidelberg fell to 7-14 overall and 4-10 in the OAC.

>>Complete Story

Marietta men fall 85-70 at #8 Capital
Trevor Halter leads Pioneers with 17 points

Feb. 4, 2009
COLUMBUS, Ohio — On Wednesday (Feb. 4) night, the Marietta College men's basketball team battled #8 Capital University in their second meeting in a two-week span. Once again, the Pioneers hung with the first place Crusaders only to fall in the end, 85-70. Capital (18-2, 11-2 OAC) defeated Marietta (10-10, 5-8 OAC) 84-75 in the initial meeting on Jan. 21.

The two teams traded baskets during the initial minutes of the first half; Capital led 17-15 with 10:47 to go in the period. Back-to-back three-pointers from Ross Niekamp helped the Crusaders stretch the lead to 10 points, 25-15, with 8:24 to play before halftime . A Trevor Halter (Malvern) three-pointer sparked the Pioneers' 8-1 run over the next two minutes to pull them within one possession, 26-23. Capital regained its momentum, however, and went into the locker room on top by seven points, 41-34.

>>Complete Story

Knab scores a career-high 26 points in Marietta's 61-53 loss to visiting Wilmington
Pioneers visit #5 Capital on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Jan. 31, 2009
MARIETTA, Ohio — Marietta College freshman post Kevin Knab (Lakewood) scored a career-high 26 points, but the Pioneers could not overcome 26 turnovers in a 61-53 loss to visiting Wilmington College on Saturday (Jan. 31) at Ban Johnson Arena.

Knab connected on 9-of-14 from the field and 8-of-8 from the free throw line while adding eight rebounds on the day for the Pioneers, who fell to 10-9 overall and 5-7 in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). Wilmington improved to 13-6 overall and 9-3 in the OAC, one game behind first place Capital University and John Carroll University.

>>Complete Story

>>After The Whistle (YouTube Video)

Pioneer men avenge earlier loss to Cardinals with 84-76 win at Ban Johnson Arena
Marietta notches 10 wins for first time since 2003-04

Jan. 29, 2009
MARIETTA, Ohio — The Marietta College men’s basketball team defeated visiting Otterbein College 84-76 on Thursday (Jan. 29) night at Ban Johnson Arena in a game that was moved from Wednesday (Jan. 28) due to bad weather conditions. The win improved Marietta’s overall record to 10-8 and its Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) mark to 5-6, which moved the Pioneers into a tie for fifth place in the league standings. Otterbein fell to 3-15 overall and 1-10 in the OAC.

The Pioneers, who have now won four of their last five games, jumped out to an early 10-point advantage, 20-10, after the first 9:18 of the game. The Marietta lead reached to 15 points, 32-17, with 5:58 to play in the first half before the Cardinals made a run. Otterbein outscored the Pioneers 21-6 to close the period, and the teams entered intermission tied 38-38.

>>Complete Story

Marietta basketball to sponsor Coaches vs. Cancer activities
Activities will begin on Saturday against Wilmington

Jan. 28, 2009
MARIETTA, Ohio — The Marietta College men's and women's basketball teams will be joining forces with the American Cancer Society when they participate in a series of Coaches vs. Cancer programs during the first week of February.

The Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers Awareness Weekend, a collaborative initiative of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and the American Cancer Society, is slated for Jan. 30-Feb. 1. Participating NABC-member college men’s basketball coaches, including Coach Jon VanderWal and his staff, will wear sneakers instead of dress shoes with their usual game attire during Saturday’s (Jan. 31) game against Wilmington College to demonstrate their support for the American Cancer Society and the fight against cancer.

>>Complete Story

Knab's basket with 22 seconds left lifts Marietta over host Ohio Northern 69-67
Young Pioneers have now won three of their last four OAC games

Jan. 24, 2009
ADA, Ohio — Freshman Kevin Knab's (Lakewood) layup with 22 seconds left in regulation helped lift the Marietta College men's basketball team to a 69-67 upset win over host Ohio Northern University on Saturday (Jan. 24) afternoon. The win improved Marietta's record to 9-8 overall and 4-6 in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). The Pioneers have now won three out of their last four Conference games. Ohio Northern, who entered the weekend in second place and won the initial meeting 74-49 on Dec. 6, 2008, fell to 12-5 overall and 7-3 in the OAC.

The Pioneers led for the first 26:13 of Saturday's ball game. Marietta built its lead to as many as 11 points in the first half before taking a 38-30 advantage into intermission. A jumper from Ohio Northern's Sam Bastian gave the Polar Bears their first lead, 50-49, with 13:13 to play in the game. The Polar Bears then stretched their lead to six points, 65-59, with 7:07 remaining. The Pioneers regained the upper hand, 66-65, after putting together a 7-0 run over the next three minutes.

>>Complete Story

#8 Capital holds off Marietta men 84-75
OAC Player of the Week Kevin Knab led all scorers with 19 points

Jan. 21, 2009
MARIETTA, Ohio — The Marietta College men’s basketball team gave #8 Capital University all that it could handle Wednesday (Jan. 21) night in front of a packed crowd at Ban Johnson Arena but in the end Capital prevailed 84-75.

The score was tied, 66-66, with 7:01 to go in the game before the visiting Crusaders, who started five seniors, took the lead for good and survived what was a valiant effort by Head Coach Jon VanderWal’s young squad, which started five freshmen. The loss dropped Marietta’s record back to 8-8 overall 3-6 in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). The Crusaders, who entered the game in sole possession of first place in the OAC, improved to 15-1 overall and 8-1 in the Conference.

>>Complete Story

Marietta to host Youth Basketball Shootout March 14-15
Teams will be guaranteed two pool play games and one tournament game

Jan. 21, 2009
MARIETTA, Ohio — Marietta College men's basketball will host a Youth Basketball Shootout on March 14-15 at the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center. The Shootout will feature four divisions—fourth grade, fifth grade, sixth grade and seventh and eighth grade—and each team is guaranteed two pool play games on March 14 and one tournament game on March 15.

The cost is $200 per team; a $50 deposit is required to secure your team's spot in the Shootout. For more information contact Marietta Assistant Basketball Coach Andy Bucheit at (740) 376-4520 or adb003@marietta.edu.

>>Registration Form (.pdf.)

Marietta's Knab named OAC Player of the Week
Freshman averaged 17.0 points and 9.5 rebounds in pair of wins

Jan. 19, 2009
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio — Marietta College freshman post Kevin Knab (Lakewood) is the latest Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Men’s Basketball Player of the Week. The announcement came from the league office on Monday (Jan. 19) afternoon.

Knab, one of the Pioneers' four freshman starters, has battled back from an early-season hand injury to provide a stable presence inside the paint and was a key contributor in a pair of wins last week.

>>Complete Story

Marietta tops visiting Baldwin-Wallace 71-59
Pioneers' bench scores 30 points in the victory

Jan. 17, 2009
MARIETTA, Ohio — Head Coach Jon VanderWal’s men's basketball team shot a season-high 62.8% and received a solid effort from its bench in Saturday (Jan. 17) afternoon’s 71-59 win over visiting Baldwin-Wallace College. Marietta improved to 8-7 overall and 3-5 in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). Baldwin-Wallace fell to 6-9 overall and 2-6 in the OAC.

The Pioneers were a perfect 10-for-10 from the floor in the first eight minutes to help them build an early 26-8 lead. Baldwin-Wallace managed to slow Marietta down offensively and fought its way back into the game. Despite shooting only 25.0% (8-of-32) in the first half, the Yellow Jackets trailed by only 11 points, 37-26, at intermission.

>>Complete Story

Creasap eclipses 1,000 career points as Marietta defeats Mount Union 86-73
Senior becomes 27th Marietta player to go over the 1,000-point mark

Jan. 14, 2009
ALLIANCE, Ohio — With 8:55 to play in the second half of Wednesday (Jan. 14) night's Marietta College 86-73 victory over Mount Union, Pioneer senior guard Isaiah Creasap (Wooster/Northwestern) drained a three-pointer to give the Pioneers a 69-62 lead in a crucial Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) road game. That bucket, which gave him 1,001 career points, also put Creasap among the elite players in Marietta College history, as he became the 27th player to eclipse the 1,000-point mark for a career and the first since Matt Hines '05 did it during the 2003-04 season.

The win improved Marietta's record to 7-7 overall and 2-5 in the OAC, while Mount Union fell to 9-6 overall and 3-5 in the OAC. The victory also gave the young Pioneers their most wins in a season since finishing 10-16 in 2003-04.

>>Complete Story

John Carroll's comeback shocks upset-minded Marietta 71-66
Pioneers let second half lead slip away in final minute at Ban Johnson Arena

Jan. 10, 2009
MARIETTA, Ohio — Second-year Head Coach Jon VanderWal’s young Marietta College men’s basketball team outplayed visiting John Carroll University for 39 minutes on Saturday (Jan. 10) afternoon at Ban Johnson Arena. Unfortunately, three untimely turnovers in the 40th minute allowed the Blue Streaks to take their first lead of the second half and hold on for the 71-66 Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) victory.

The Pioneers (6-7, 1-5 OAC), who hit a season-high 13 three-pointers, were clinging to a four-point lead, 66-62, as the teams approached the final 60 seconds. John Carroll (9-4, 5-2 OAC) guard Joey Meyer took advantage of a Marietta foul on his three-point attempt by hitting all three from the line to pull his team within a point, 66-65, with 1:04 left to play. The Blue Streaks’ full-court press then forced one of their 27 turnovers, and Rudy Kirbus converted it into a go-ahead layup. Another Marietta turnover led to two more free throws by Meyer. Kirbus then sealed the win with final pair from the line after a third straight Pioneer giveaway.

>>Complete Story

Marietta men’s basketball renews “Dream to Read” program for 12th consecutive year
Participants invited to Saturday’s game against John Carroll

Jan. 8, 2009
MARIETTA, Ohio — Wednesday (Jan. 7) morning marked the 12th straight year that the Marietta College men’s basketball team brought the national “Dream to Read” program into local elementary schools.

17 Pioneer players and the coaching staff visited 400 students at Harmar Elementary, Phillips Elementary and Washington Elementary. The players, who split up into groups, selected a book to read to each class. They followed it up with a question and answer session where the kids asked questions about college and basketball. The players then signed autographs.

>>Complete Story

Slow start dooms Marietta men at Muskingum
Fighting Muskies top Pioneers 77-64

Jan. 7, 2009
NEW CONCORD, Ohio — Marietta College could not overcome a slow start and its opponent’s hot shooting as the Pioneers’ fell 77-64 to host Muskingum College in Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) men’s basketball action on Wednesday (Jan. 7) evening. With the win, the Fighting Muskies improved to 6-7 overall and 3-3 in league play. Marietta fell to 6-6, 1-4 in the OAC.

Muskingum built an early 10-0 lead just 2:25 into the game. Marietta cut it to five points, 16-11, four minutes later. The Fighting Muskies, however, shot 60% (18-of-30) in the first half and took a 42-26 lead into the locker room.

>>Complete Story

Pioneers claim second straight Marietta Shrine title by defeating D-II Brevard 76-72
MVP Joe Puch scores 21 in victory

Dec. 30, 2008
MARIETTA, Ohio — The Marietta College men's basketball team knocked off NCAA Division II Brevard (N.C.) College 76-72 to capture the 38th annual Marietta Shrine Tournament, sponsored by the Holiday Inn and Dixie Sporting Goods, on Tuesday (Dec. 30) night at Ban Johnson Arena. The victory, a perfect 30th birthday present for second-year Head Coach Jon VanderWal, gave the Pioneers their 17th Shrine title and second straight under VanderWal. Emory & Henry (Va.) College captured the consolation game with a 104-84 win against Westminster (Pa.) College earlier in the evening.

>>Complete Story

Marietta and Brevard will meet in the 38th annual Shrine Tournament finals
Emory & Henry takes on Westminster in consolation game

Dec. 29, 2008
MARIETTA, Ohio — Marietta College, playing without two key seniors, had its starting five produce 71 of the team's 77 points in a 77-63 victory over Westminster (Pa.) College Monday (Dec. 29) night in the opening round of the 38th annual Marietta Shrine Tournament, sponsored by the Holiday Inn and Dixie Sporting Goods. NCAA Division II Brevard (N.C.) College overcame a five-point halftime deficit to cruise past Emory & Henry (Va.) College, 89-73, to set up a match-up between the Tornados and Pioneers in Tuesday (Dec. 30) night's championship game, which tips off at 8 p.m. The Titans and the Wasps will play in the consolation game at 6 p.m.

>>Complete Story

Marietta men defeat host Heidelberg 70-69
Lutes scores a career-high 24 points in victory

Dec. 20, 2008
TIFFIN, Ohio — Head Coach Jon VanderWal and his Marietta College men’s basketball squad celebrated their first Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) victory of the season on Saturday (Dec. 20) afternoon, defeating host Heidelberg College 70-69 at Seiberling Gymnasium. Both teams moved their record to 4-5 overall and 1-3 in the OAC.

After suffering two heartbreaking road losses to Wilmington College and Otterbein College over the last week, Marietta held off Heidelberg’s second half rally to pull out the win, which snapped a six-game losing streak in the series.

>>Complete Story

Marietta falls on the road at Otterbein 76-68
Pioneers visit Heidelberg Saturday at 3 p.m.

Dec. 17, 2008
WESTERVILLE, Ohio — The Marietta College men’s basketball team dropped a tough decision on the road Wednesday (Dec. 17) night, falling 76-68 to Otterbein College. The loss dropped the Pioneers’ record to 3-5 overall and 0-3 in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). Otterbein improved to 2-5 overall and 1-2 in the OAC.

Freshman Trevor Halter (Malvern) paced the Pioneers with 16 points while grabbing seven rebounds. Senior Matt Kubachka (Shade/Alexander) was the only other Pioneer to score in double figures; he finished with 13 points. Kubachka also collected a team-high eight rebounds and recorded three blocks. Freshman Conner Kilpatrick (Bowling Green) scored eight points and grabbed eight rebounds off the bench for Marietta.

>>Complete Story

Marietta men denied in upset bid at Wilmington
Quakers hold off Pioneers 66-63

Dec. 13, 2008
WILMINGTON, Ohio — The Marietta College men's basketball team had a chance to upset host Wilmington College on Saturday (Dec. 13) afternoon, but the Quakers held on for a 66-63 Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) victory at Fred Raizk Arena. The loss dropped the Pioneers' record to 3-4 overall and 0-2 in league play. The Quakers improved to 5-3, 2-1 in the OAC.

Freshman post Zane Carter (Wellsville) paced Marietta with 13 points and seven rebounds. Senior post Matt Kubachka (Shade/Alexander) added season-high 11 points and six boards. Freshmen Trevor Halter (Malvern), Kyle Lindquist (Columbus/Kilbourne), Joe Puch (Brunswick) and Conner Kilpatrick (Bowling Green) all had eight points in the loss.

>>Complete Story

Ohio Northern tops Marietta in OAC men's basketball opener
Pioneers visit Wilmington Saturday at 3 p.m.

Dec. 6, 2008
MARIETTA, Ohio — The Marietta College men’s basketball team dropped its Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) opener to visiting Ohio Northern University, 75-49, on Saturday (Dec. 6) afternoon at Ban Johnson Arena. The Polar Bears improved to 5-1 overall and 1-0 in the OAC, while the Pioneers fell to 3-3, 0-1 in league play.

The Polar Bears led wire-to-wire on Saturday. Ohio Northern held a 42-26 advantage at the half and stretched the lead to as many as 27 points before leaving Fenton Court with a 74-49 win.

>>Complete Story

Pioneers down visiting Denison 84-71 in home opener at Fenton Court
Halter's 19 points paces four in double figures

Dec. 3, 2008
MARIETTA, Ohio — A Marietta College “White Out” at Fenton Court, sponsored by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), helped propel Jon VanderWal’s Pioneers to a 84-71 victory over the visiting Denison University Big Red on Wednesday (Dec. 3) night. The win improved Marietta’s record to 3-2, while Denison fell to 1-4.

Fenton Court was rocking from the start due to the “White Out” with students filling the whole student section in Ban Johnson Arena. The young Pioneers noticeably fed off the ruckus crowd.

>>Complete Story

>>After the Whistle with Coach VanderWal (YouTube Video)

Shooting woes doom Marietta men in loss to Kenyon
Pioneers shot just 26% in 75-48 loss to Lords

Nov. 30, 2008
GAMBIER, Ohio — The Marietta College men’s basketball team had its shooters go cold on Sunday (Nov. 30) afternoon, which resulted in a 75-48 loss to host Kenyon College. The Pioneers record dropped to 2-2, while the Lords improved to 4-1 on the year.

Marietta freshman Trevor Halter (Malvern) scored a career-high 16 points, hitting 9-of-11 from the free throw line, but the Pioneers’ struggles from the floor enabled Kenyon to cruise to the 26-point win.

>>Complete Story

Pioneer men suffer first loss of the season at Ohio Wesleyan 80-58
Marietta plays at Kenyon Sunday at 3 p.m.

Nov. 29, 2008
DELAWARE, Ohio — Jon VanderWal’s Marietta College basketball squad suffered its first loss of the season Saturday (Nov. 29) afternoon, falling 80-58 at Ohio Wesleyan. The loss dropped Marietta’s record to 2-1, while the Bishops improved to 2-1.

Junior Daun Lutes (New Matamoras/Frontier) led the Pioneers with 13 points and seven rebounds. Senior Isaiah Creasap (Wooster/Northwestern) and freshman Trevor Halter (Malvern) both scored 11 points in the loss. In addition, freshman Zane Carter (Wellsville) added nine points and eight rebounds off the bench.

>>Complete Story

Creasap's three-pointer helps Marietta down host Adrian 66-65
Pioneers overcome nine-point deficit in final two minutes to improve to 2-0

Nov. 23, 2008
ADRIAN, Michigan — Senior standout Isaiah Creasap (Wooster/Northwestern) drilled the game-winning three-point field goal with eight seconds left to complete a nine-point comeback over the final two minutes and give the Marietta College men's basketball team a 66-65 victory over host Adrian (Mich.) College in the final game of the John Dawson Tournament on Sunday (Nov. 23) afternoon.

Second-year Head Coach Jon VanderWal's Pioneers improved its record to 2-0 on the young season. It was the program's first victory in three tries over the Bulldogs, who fell to 2-2.

>>Complete Story

Marietta men open season with 86-67 win over Marygrove
Pioneers battle Adrian on Sunday at 3 p.m.

Nov. 22, 2008
ADRIAN, Michigan — The Marietta College men’s basketball team opened its 2008-09 season with an 86-67 victory over Marygrove College from Detroit, Michigan, in the John Dawson Tournament, hosted by Adrian (Mich.) College Saturday (Nov. 22) afternoon. The Pioneers improved to 1-0 on the season, while the Mustangs, a NAIA team, fell to 0-5.

The Pioneers built a 27-point halftime lead and cruised to the 19-point victory to win their second season opener in the last three years. Freshman wing Trevor Halter (Malvern) led the way with 15 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Fellow freshmen Kevin Knab (Lakewood) and Joe Puch (Brunswick) followed with 14 points and 10 points, respectively, in their Pioneer debuts.

>>Complete Story

2008-09 Marietta College men's basketball preview
Pioneers will bring youthful enthusiasm to the court this winter

Nov. 13, 2008
MARIETTA, Ohio — With a full year of recruiting under his belt, second-year Head Coach Jon VanderWal is cautiously optimistic that his young team will continue their development, as the Pioneers look to lay a solid foundation for success on the hard court in the Ohio Athletic Conference. VanderWal welcomed six veterans and 11 talented newcomers to Fenton Court when preseason practice began in mid October.

Marietta’s coaches will once again look for senior All-OAC guard Isaiah Creasap to provide the on-court leadership necessary while the younger players make their adjustment to collegiate basketball. Creasap, who averaged 14.5 points last year, enters his final season as the school’s all-time leader in three-point field goals, having connected on 217 attempts from long range. Creasap, who has scored 898 career points, is just 58 three-pointers shy of the OAC’s all-time record of 275.

>>Complete Story

Bucheit joins Marietta College athletics staff
Former Wittenberg graduate named head men's tennis and assistant men's basketball coach

June 5, 2008
MARIETTA, Ohio — Marietta College Athletics Director Larry Hiser recently announced the hiring of Andy Bucheit as the Pioneers new men’s head tennis and men’s assistant basketball coach.

"I want to thank Coach VanderWal, Larry Hiser and Marietta College for providing me with an excellent opportunity,” Bucheit said. “I am excited to get on the hardwood this fall and begin working with our players.”

>>Complete Story