Sheldon Edwards and the New Look Beacons

New Look Beacons’ Young Star

(St. Louis, MO) – Sheldon Edwards has been featured on Sports Center’s Top Ten, named the the Missouri Valley Conference’s all-freshman team and likes the feel of the new look Beacons. Valparaiso’s name change from Crusaders to Beacons happened in the offseason and as did a massive roster overhaul.

Nine former Crusaders left by transfer or graduation and eight new Beacons arrived. One of those remaining is the 6’6 sophomore from West Palm Beach, Florida. During is freshman season Edwards averaged 8.1 points and 2.9 rebounds and had a bounce and a flair about his game that is unique.

Edwards loves playing at Valpo’s Athletics-Recreation Center. Seven of his nine double digit scoring performances happened at the ARC, including his dramatic late January performance against Bradley. The double-overtime win was sparked by Edwards game-high 18 points, including 11 during the overtime periods.

During a wild game, where five players received technical fouls, the freshman came through with big time plays. Just over a week later, Edwards made that Sports Center appearance with a ‘top play’ dunk during an upset win over #25 Drake. Edwards says landing on Sports Center was a bit surreal.

 

 

Who Has Influenced His Game

During our conversation he listed Steph Curry and St. Louis natives Jayson Tatum and Bradley Beal as players that have influenced his game. He sees things in their games that be believes he can attempt to emulate.

 

 

Edwards’ uncle Louis Graham, has been a huge influence on his life and his basketball skills. He says his uncle is a great role model and is one of the major reasons he has progressed this far. His uncle taught him, “you get out what you put in.”

 

 

Confidence in the New Look Beacons

Head coach Matt Lottich reached into the Big Ten Conference to replace departed veterans and Edwards loves what he sees in the new look Beacons. Three former Wisconsin Badgers are wearing the Brown and Gold, and a former Michigan State Spartan has joined them.

Trevor Anderson, Joe Hedstrom and Kobe King previously played at Wisconsin. Thomas Kithier is the former Spartan. Edwards says the older players are helping the younger Beacons grow and understand the college game. He notes that Anderson is a ‘true point guard.’

 

 

Hedstrom is a 7-footer and Kithier is an active 6’8 player and Edwards describes them both as hard workers that do ‘the dirty work’. Kithier is a player Edwards says he has learned a lot from and that Hedstrom does all the little things. He says the 240 pound center is big and sets sturdy screens.

 

 

He calls King ‘a beast’ and the master of the midrange pull up jumper. Edwards describes virtually every newcomer to us at Valley Hoops Insider Podcasts.

During an April conversation with Lottich, we learned his perspective on the newcomers.

Great Confidence in New Look Beacons

Edwards loves the current crop of Beacons and believes they will perform at a much higher level than league prognosticators believe. Kevion Taylor could be in the starting lineup. The Winona State transfer averaged over 20 points per game at the Division II level last season.

Last year’s leading scorer, Ben Krikke returns. The third-team all-Valley forward averaged 12.3 points and 4.2 rebounds for the 10-18 team. Lottich says Krikke never leaves the gym and is ready for even more improvement from a player who was on the league’s ‘most-improved team’ last year.

Edwards believes his team can battle with anyone in the league.

 

 

This is the oldest and most veteran team Matt Lottich has coached since joining the Valley. Holdovers Eron Gordon, Krikke and Edwards have been reignited by the influx of veteran talent and some outstanding incoming freshmen.

Valpo’s four-year record in Valley play is 29-43. They have gone 3-4 at Arch Madness. Lottich’s team will need heavy contributions from Edwards, Krikke and the new players to change the trajectory of the program. Edwards believes the new look Beacons are good enough to be amongst the league’s better teams.

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