2004-05 Season Preview
The 2004-05 Alma College men's basketball team looks for improvement
under the direction of fourth-year head coach Ed Kohtala. The Scots
return sophomore Anthony "AJ" Jones at guard after a breakout freshman
season in which he become the first freshman to lead the MIAA in
scoring since the early 1970s, averaging over 18 points per game.
Kohtala will be assisted by Rob Boden, Dave Smith and Josh Shattuck on the bench
and the staff looks forward to a season in which they have a more experienced
team than in years past.
"I accepted early on that the primary focus of the rebuilding
effort would involve recruitment and then a commitment to playing those
young players," said Kohtala. "Without question, it has been a coaching
challenge to keep the team moving forward and not overly discouraged -
especially because of the high level of talent in the MIAA. We have
emphasized continual improvement and I tailored my expectations in that
direction."
With the return of Jones at the guard position, Kohtala looks to senior guard
Jayme Fazi to continue to play a key role. Despite being recruited as a shooting
guard out of junior college, Fazi was moved to the point after last year's starting
point guard departed midway through the season. Kohtala hopes to see Fazi in action
at both the point and shooting guard positions throughout the season.
Junior Carlton Hill also returns for the Scots. A member of Kohtala's first recruiting
class, Hill will be looked to for both experience and leadership on and off the
court. Ricky Clarkson is back at guard after facing the challenge last season
of playing point guard in a very strong MIAA. After solid improvements in the
off-season, Clarkson has the tools to push the Scots throughout the season with
good speed and shooting abilities.
Sophomores Isaac Smith and Mike Thompson are welcomed back into the fold by Kohtala
and his staff. Smith is a versatile forward with strong rebounding and passing
skills while Thompson will be counted on for his abilities on defense.
Sophomore forward Anthony Naylor returns after sitting out his freshman season
due to academic difficulties. He has worked diligently throughout the past year
and looks forward to hitting the hardwood for the Maroon and Cream.
The Scots also look to 6-4, 195-pound Mark Barnes, a multi-talented player from
the tradition-rich Saginaw High School program. Barnes was a team captain, co-MVP
and first team All-Saginaw Valley
selection at Saginaw High and has the tools to make an immediate impact.
"This team will have tremendous speed, a deep bench, proven scoring and improved
perimeter shooting," states Kohtala. "There is enough flexibility in the roster
to allow Alma to match up with small, quick teams, as well as bigger, more physical
teams. Establishment of unselfish play and a strong defense, along with a tough
rebounding mentality, will be the keys to success."
Schedule
This year's schedule will be a challenging draw for the Scots. The league schedule
includes perennial powerhouses Hope, Calvin and Albion, along with a very talented
Adrian squad that could challenge for the league championship. The Scots will
also face Division II opponents Lake Superior State and Ferris State.Alma hosts
its annual Alma-St. Louis Rotary Classic and faces both Marygrove and Elmhurst
in the early portion of the schedule.
Posted: Wed, November 3rd, 2004 at 8:58PM
