Feb. 2, 2006

MC Men’s Basketball proud of their season

By RANDY PETIT
rtp001@marietta.edu

Throughout the five months that the Marietta College Men’s Basketball team has been on the court, they have experienced many injuries, illnesses, and setbacks. Add in the fact that their Christmas break was only a week long and that they had to endure multiple four-hour bus rides to WAY away games, a basketball season can take a toll on both one’s mind and their body.

Although there have been countless hurdles in their path, the Men’s Basketball team has seen it’s share of success. Though the record book begs to differ, but in a very challenging conference, where at one point there were three OAC teams ranked in the top 25 in the nation, the Pioneers have defiantly rattled some cages.

The Pioneers are 19 strong with many key and integral players in the nucleus. In a squad that houses no seniors, youth and inexperience certainly are a factor. Despite the lack of tenure, many young men who adorn a Pioneer jersey have stepped up and filled the void with excitement and eagerness.

The team owes a lot of it’s success to it’s starting five. Craig Stewart, a junior, leads the OAC in three-pointers made, and is an offensive powerhouse. He is a constant threat to opposing defenses, who must be on their guard whenever he touches the ball.

Matt Rucker, a junior, is the dominating force down low. Without his efforts and powerful post moves, there wouldn’t be a strong inside presence at Fenton Court.

Steve Luckhardt, a freshman, has stepped up as the starting point guard and has filled the role as leader of the court. He is always dangerous with his quick moves, a killer crossover and an uncanny ability to get to the hole.

Isaiah Creasap, a freshman, has been a great compliment to Craig Stewart and adds another weapon to the Pioneers long-range arsenal. Creasap is a match-up problem for opposing teams with his quick release and an unheard of range.
Sophomore Matt Phillips rounds out the starting five. Phillips has a vast repertoire of moves down low and has the ability to step back and hit a shot from long range, which is rare for a player of his size and position. When asked about his thought on the team, Phillips replied:

“We are a young team who have come a long way and have made vast improvements over the season. We get better with each game and situation we are put in. I look for us to make a run late in the season and we will definitely be a force to be reckoned with next year.”

The Men’s Basketball team has four remaining games on Fenton court. The student body has always been a key their achievements by providing excitement and support for the Pioneers, who attribute much of their success to the supportive fans. The men look for a great turn out and much support from the Pio fan club.

The Marietta College Men’s Basketball team is currently 4-19 overall, and 1-11 in the OAC. Although youth and inexperience is clearly evident by the numbers, don’t let the record fool you. What the MC Pioneers lack in the win column, they make up for it in heart and dedication. Most teams would have packed it in and called it quits by now, but not our Pios. Each and every game they go out there and play their best in order to bring joy to the fans in attendance.

The best way for you to thank these fine gentlemen for their sacrifices on the court is to get out there and cheer them on for the rest of the season. Everything may look over for this year, but you can bet that next year the team is going to come out strong, even if it means that they go down swinging.