Learning the MVC Ropes
(St. Louis, MO) – Indiana State’s Josh Schertz’s first season in the Missouri Valley Conference was extremely difficult, but the Sycamore’s head coach spent the season learning the MVC ropes. While the team won just four conference games, Schertz liked the way his team played. However, their ability to win close games or make big shots was limited.
Schertz has five returning starters and has added some significant players to the team. While many players could have jumped into the transfer portal, key members from ISU’s 11-win team chose to return. Leading scorers Cooper Neese (15.0 ppg) and Cameron Henry (14.3 ppg) return along with Xavier Bledson, Kailex Stephens and Julian Larry.
(See our exclusive Cooper Neese interview right here)
The addition of Courvoisier McCauley (DePaul), Jayson Kent (Bradley) and Cade McKnight (Truman State) will bring immediate veteran talent to a team that struggled to win close games. Freshmen recruits Robbie Avila (Oak Forest, IL) and Rob Martin (St. Louis, MO) should contribute this season.
Schertz is looking for great improvement for his team through making more ‘sound plays’ and limiting turnovers. Here is our entire conversation.
People may be undervaluing the Sycamores because several of their incoming players are coming from the Division 2 level, but McKnight was a D2 all-American. Trent Gibson scored over 1,600 D2 points and Masen Miller was the Great Lakes Valley Conference Freshman of the Year.
Schertz won 80% of his D2 games and after learning the MVC ropes, this year’s team should be more dangerous.
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Flooding, lightning strikes, etc. have cost @RacersHoops two home games. Had to play 'neutral site' tonight instead of at home and Wednesday's goes from home to away. Tough break for the Racers, and the whole area has been hit with difficulties. #FatherHarry
Murray State's scheduled home game Wednesday vs. Southern Illinois being moved to Banterra Center in Carbondale. #ValleyHoops
Gigantic game for @BradleyUMBB today in Des Moines. If they have a chance to catch @DrakeBulldogsMB, they have to win today. The Bulldogs can basically win the title today. @BustingBrackets breaks it all down. #FatherHarry https://bit.ly/3EGiVgi
Not rooting for any particular @ValleyHoops, but chaos is always fun. If things break certain ways, after today there could be a six-way tie for fifth place.
Fun to listen to @MLBLarry on the @SIU_Basketball/@BelmontMBB game tonight. Good job brother. #FatherHarry
