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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2009 |
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Petrels
Eye Potential Conference Championship in 2009-2010
2009-2010 Schedule
On the heels of recording successive 16 win seasons in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009, the outlook for the 2009-2010 Oglethorpe University men’s basketball team is bright. After all, the 32 total wins are the most for the program since the combination of the 1993-1994 and 1994-1995 seasons and the 2009-2010 squad returns with the starting five intact and over 99% of the scoring and rebounding back on the roster. With the Stormy Petrels scoring the most points, forcing the most turnovers and recording more steals than any team in the conference in the past six years, 2009-2010 could be the season that Oglethorpe claims the SCAC Championship and returns to the NCAA Tournament.
One of only four SCAC teams to qualify for the conference tournament in each of the past six years, the 2009-2010 roster is loaded with battle-tested players ready to fight for the conference crown. Leading the way is All-SCAC First Team selection junior Todd Ward of Venice, Florida. Ward was a monster for Oglethorpe in 2008-2009, leading the conference in rebounding and double-doubles while scoring a conference third-best 17 points per game. Joining Ward on the floor will be backcourt mates senior David Allison of Stuart, Florida and junior Joe Kennedy of Gainesville, Georgia. Kennedy, an All-SCAC Third Team selection in 2008-2009, was 12th in the league in scoring and 10th overall in assists in 2008-2009. Allison, as All-SCAC Honorable Mention selection, finished 9th in the conference in scoring with 14.7 points per game and dished out 72 assists to place him 13th in that category.
The Petrels also return starters Alex Richey and Wade Weldon to the 2009-2010 rotation of players. Richey, a junior from Alpharetta, Georgia, nailed 59 three-pointers last season to place him 5th overall in the SCAC. Weldon, a junior from Dunwoody, Georgia, is a physical wing player who finished 13th in the conference in defensive rebounding in 2008-2009 with 4.4 per game. Oglethorpe also returns key bench performers from 2008-2009 in the form of Erik Strong and Eddie Buckley. Strong, a sophomore from Stone Mountain, Georgia, brings defensive intensity to the floor and a rebounding presence while Buckley, a senior from Hernando, Florida, is a long wing player known for his slashing ability.
In addition to the seven core players from last season, Coach Ponder believes that three or four players among the returners and new recruits could make a serious impact with playing time. Returning candidates for minutes are juniors Colin Ray, Chris Schneider and Robertas Kleiva and sophomores Chandler Rierson, Sam Purdy, Andrew Steioff (transfer) and Tyler Cerone (transfer). New recruits vying for playing time as freshmen include Alec Pitts, Christian Molinet, Branden Jovaag, Scott Newton, Price Hamilton and Steven Davis.
Regarding the 2009-2010 recruiting class haul, coach Ponder said, “This is one of the top two recruiting classes we have had. I think we'll be bigger, deeper, and have more shooters, and because of that, we'll have the flexibility to do a lot more on both ends of the court this year as compared to last. Last year, we had to use some smoke and mirrors to get by, while this years team has the potential to play the way I'd like us to play."
Considering the firepower the Stormy Petrels return to the court in 2009-2010, the cause for optimism is just. In summing up his team’s chances, Ponder added, "We've been getting better every year, and I feel like this is the most talented team we've had since I've been coach. The schedule is much tougher, and we'll need to avoid injuries and come together as a team, but I feel like we have a chance to do some really good things this year."
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