Ft. Hays Chronicle


RMAC

#1 Metro State
Coach: chew , entering his 49th season
Last Season: 27-6 (Elite 8)

Coach Chew enters the season with Metro primed for a deep run this March. The pre-season favorite have only one senior on the team in David Calahan, but the junior class that consist of Frank Nichols, Craig Pigott and John Weber, is loaded.

Metro may be the most athletic squad in the country boasting a team ATH rating of 67. Equally impressive they might also be the top defensive team in the nation with a team DEF rating of 66. Metro also looks to have a formidable offense, where they will have balance scoring options and great team passing ability.

It was only two seasons ago that coach Chew led Metro to their 3rd title, and they should be in the running for a 4th this year. With a #1 ranking and one of the legendary d2 coaches, Metro will be tough for anyone this year.

Mid-Season Report

#11/#23 RPI ranked Metro went 9-1 during non-conference with two "okay" wins against Bemidji St. , and Queens. There lone loss was to a very tough #6 Mount Olive , coached now by emoney1414 , who steps in after the infamous colonels19, has retired after 70 seasons at Mount Olive. F. Nichols leads Metro headed into conference play averaging 13.3 ppg and dishing out a staggering 6.0 assist per game.

RMAC play will tell us just how good Metro is. Considering they went to the elite 8 last year and didn't lose much, we're guessing - pretty darn good.

#3 Colorado Mines
Coach: crushthebean, entering his 36th season at the school of mines
Last Season: 30-4 (Elite 8)

With five seniors on the roster this years Mines team has what last years didn't - experience. Mines has one of the best players in the nation in Travis Williams, a pre-season All-American. The junior is a legitimate NBA prospect. Williams will be accompanied by Santiago Vega, last years RMAC freshman of the year.

Mines has the second best team defensive rating in the country behind Metro, and one of the quicker squads in the nation. Mines looks to have some nice shooters from behind the arc to go with a great group of ball handler and passers. Last years RMAC Tourney champs, will be looking to cut down the only net more prestigious this March.

Crush always seems to have his players playing their best in March, this year shouldn't be any different.

Mid-Season Report

#4/#11 RPI ranked Mines swept their non-conference, including wins over top 50 programs, C. Washington, Pittsburgh, Johnstown, and

U. of the Sciences.

Mines is currently dominating opponents averaging 85.2 ppg to their opponents average of 59.2. The quad of T. Meadows, pre-seasons player of the year T. Williams, S. Vega and L. Lowry are all averaging double digits. Similar to Metro, aren't sure just how good Mines is yet. With the RMAC being as tough as it is, Crush was smart to play an easy schedule, work on any kinks, and let the RMAC play improve their RPI.

#6 Ft. Hays
Coach: thinair, entering his 18th year at the program
Last Season: 25-6 (Sweet 16)

Thinair's group returns all but Arthur Culberson, from last years squad. Christopher Sheeley, a pre-season All-American will try and help Ft. Hays advance further into the tourney this year. The senior was a first team all-conference selection after scoring 13.4 ppg. Down low Daniel Tickle will look to be an offensive threat for the Tigers. "Tickle is going to have a breakout year, just you watch. He might be the most improved player in the RMAC this season" -thinair

Ft. Hays, as usual, will hope to have an advantage on teams with their overall team speed and stamina. Coach thinair believes this is one of his more balanced teams ever, and is excited to have some perimeter shoots for the first time in a while. The expectations are high in Hays, "as always, we want to compete to win our division, and compete well in the CT. If you can do those two things then you have a great chance to be in the final four. I think this team has it in them. They aren't the most athletic team, but the roster is filled with some pretty good basketball players who hustle and can really put the ball in the net" - thinair

Mid-Season Report

#1/#1 RPI - Ft. Hays played a brutal non-conference schedule, and has no time to rest as they play last years National Champions, Adams St., in their opening RMAC game. Non-conference wins included three away victories over #2 RPI Pfeiffer , #6 RPI 14 Post, and #10 RPI 7 Mount Olive. The game against Post went into double overtime in-which coach thinair had the following to say, "easily one of the best games we've been apart of. Easily". Expectations are high as Ft. Hays enters conference play, "the goals haven't changed, we knew we had a good team, we expect to compete for the regular season title and then the CT. Hopefully we'll have an okay seed in the tourney and the guys stay disciplined".

#12 Western St.
Coach: byeags25, entering his 11th season
Last Season: 18-10 (1st Round)

Western will be led by sophomore David Price and junior John Moore. Moore was voted 2nd team all-conference last year after averaging 12.9 ppg, and 7.5 rpg. Western is a very quick team and can really shoot the three ball. The nice ball handling team also has this going for them, they have the highest rated team overall. Western state heads into the season with the #12th ranked team in the country but the #1 overall team rating of 644.

Western always seems to have one of the best offensive teams in the nation, this year they have the kind of athleticism to match their offensive threat on the defensive side. This is probably the best Western squad since season 98 when byeages led them to the Elite 8.

Coach byeags had kind words for the rest of the conference when thinking about his squad, "We are looking forward to the challenge of competing in the best D2 conference in the country. Our first goal is to win our division. Second is to win that elusive CT title. Those 2 things will position us to make a deep run in the NT."

Mid-Season Report

#22/#13 RPI Western State went 7-3 in non-conference including a huge win over #2 RPI Pfeiffer. They suffered a one point loss to #5 RPI New Mexico Highlands. J. Moore and D. Stovall are providing coach byeags25 with a dynamic duo as they are averaging 17 ppg and 8.0 rpg (moore) and 16.2 ppg from Stovall. Western St looks to be the real deal headed into RMAC play.

NR Colorado Springs
Coach: terps21234, entering his 8th year at UCCS.
Last Season: 6-21

UCCS looks to have a much better year this season. Returning practically the entire squad, the program has seen serious growth since the beginning of last season. UCCS will be led by sophomore Marshall Ruelas, who was very productive as a freshman as he averaged 11.6 ppg while also grabbing 6.6 rpg - numbers that historically are good enough to win freshman of the year. Also for UCCS is senior John Bolduc, who stands 7'1, he looks to be a dominant shot blocked in terps' 2-3 zone.

This is probably UCCS's top team since they went to the second round in 98'.

#34 RPI Colorado Springs went 7-3 in non-conference, with their best win being a 70-64 home win over #33 RPI Wisconsin, Parkside. Springs has already won three more games than all of last season - making coach terps21234 our early favorite to be the RMAC COY. Part of Regis's success is the post play of J. Bolduc, who is averaging 12.7 ppg, and 7.8 rpg. Coach terps21234 sat down with the Ft. Hays Chronicle and told us that his new years resolution is to bring back a title to the Springs.

NR Regis
Coach: kevodaphenom, entering his fifth year at the program, since returning from probation*****
Last Season: 15-14

Coach Kevo is working on the details, getting his kids back to play "Regis Basketball". After a sudden departure Kevo is back and looking to turn Regis into a power. Senior Jerrod Barscewski will be one of a couple of offensive weapons for Regis, as he is dangerous from the perimeter. Another senior, James Upham can score from the outside and hit the mid jumper. Junior David Boelter has spent time working on his low post moves, which should provide Regis with a nice inside presence.

#54 RPI Regis - is gaining steam as coach kevodaphenom has Regis playing with fire again. Regis went 6-4 in non-conference with their best win being over #65 RPI Alderson-Broaddus. kevodaphenom will be doing all he can to challenge Terps as the RMAC COY. Regis goes into RMAC play in full force as they play Mines, Metro and then UCCS. Is regis ready for RMAC play? We will find out soon enough. kevodaphenom will have to continue to draw up top notch x's and o's as he hits the road trying to bring in more talent. Senior J. Barscewski is destroying opponents averaging 25.3 ppg, making him a threat to win the RMAC POY, and potentially earn All-America honors.


NR Adams St.
Coach: aaronwins, entering his 28th season at Adams St.
Last Season: 31-3, won the National Championship

Last year coach Aaron broke through and won his first national title. Led by absurdly deep team, filled with athleticism and stout defense, Adams St. rolled though the tourney - proving themselves unmatched. Gone is the entire starting lineup which included Robert Conte, the RMAC POY who averaged 16.5 ppg.

Adams will once again be one of the most athletic and defensive teams in the nation. Last year, a subpar offensive began to roll for March. This years team lacks even more on the offensive end. With only one senior on the team, it might be a bit of a rebuilding season for Adams, but coach Aaron will try to reload.

Adams St. will be led by junior pg Derrick Lemay who averaged nearly 7 ppg while dishing about 3.3 ast.

Mid-Season Report

#38 RPI Adams St. went dead even during non-conference, showing that last years National Champions are in a bit of a rebuilding mode. Adams played a tough non-schedule that saw a victory over #21 RPI Missouri Western St.. Coach aaronwins is looking for his guys to continue their strong defense, while expecting more offensive output. Adams will open up RMAC play against Rival Ft. Hays, in Fort Hays.

Adams will continue to learn on sophomore W. Iverson as he is averaging 11.1ppg and 8.5 rpb.


NR Fort Lewis
Coach: slicknick777
Last Season: 4-23

Slick "willy" nick is back at the helm for Fort Lewis after coach thinair's invitation was just too much for him to ignore. Having previously led Fort Lewis to historic success, Slick took a job at UNLV. After discovering a gambling addiction he felt it was best he leave sin city. After a couple of more jobs he's found his way back to Durango and looks to get Fort Lewis back to the top.

Fort Lewis is a young team with six guys that can really shoot the 3 ball. They will continue to learn to play together and are happy to have Roger Caldwell eligible, a solid defender. Newcomers Joshua Greenwood, Timothy Gullette, and James Oehler instantly will make Fort Lewis better. Fort Lewis is a team to keep an eye on as the season progresses, and slick has words for the rest of the conference coaches....."We plan to get revenge on every team that beats us this season... 5 years from now", but the coaches in the RMAC are well aware that Fort Lewis will be challenging them before that five year mark...

Mid-Season Report

#64 RPI Fort Lewis - In what is a common theme this year in the RMAC, Ft. lewis is MUCH improved. After being run by a sim last seasons and finishing with a +200 RPI, Slick "willy" Nick has Fort Lewis on a bubble for the NT. Fort Lewis went 7-3 in non-conference but lacked any real quality win. Headed into RMAC play, there is a lot to still be discovered for Fort Lewis. But we know a few things - slicknick is back in action, and the town of Durango is excited about basketball again. The Junior duo of M. Vaughn and J. Oehler are efficiently putting the ball in the hoop and they're getting solid defense out of sophomore big Roger Caldwell.

NR Mesa St.
Coach: postmike13, entering his first season at Mesa.
Last Season: Did not coach. Led Coker to a 29-2 season in 97', where the team made it to the second round.

Post looks to turn things around at Mesa St. Mesa has not been to the NT since 79'. A struggling RMAC program, Mesa set out to find a great coach, and it looks like they found their man in postmike.

Sophomore Willie Thomas looks to be a solid distributer while junior John Freeman may be their best offensive weapon. The junior shot 40% from the arch and averaged 7.1 ppg last season. Mesa will look to get their feet wet this year as they get excited about bringing in some talent, and mixing it up in the seasons to follow.

Mid-Season Report

#RPI 275 Mesa St. got swept during non-conference losing to all sims, and worse, reigny. The rest of the RMAC is hoping that post mike is real and alive and excited to bounce back next season, but the unfortunate reality is that Mesa is a ghost ship. Postmike, if you are reading this, the Ft. Hays Chronicle believes in you, and you have many great coaches in the RMAC willing to help if you want any - except for Chew and Aaron (those guys suck).

Pre-Season All-RMAC team

Guard: Bryan Riggio Ft. Hays 7.6 ppg, 3.3 rpb, 1.5 apg
Guard: Christopher Sheeley Ft. Hays 18.9 ppg, 1.7 apg, 1.9 spg
Guard/Post: Travis Williams Mines 12.3 ppg, 4.6 rpb, 2.6 spg, 1.1 apg
Post: John Moore Western 17.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg
Post: David Calahan Metro 11.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.0 spg

Season 101 Recap

RMAC RPI = .5557

#1 Fort Hays St. 33-2, National Champs, RPI = .7082

After cutting down the nets for the 4th time in 12 years, coach thinair was all smiles, and had this to say, "honestly, this team was great, we talked about competing well in the RMAC and all that, and hoping to make the final four, but really anything short of an NT and these guys were going to go home upset. They were one of the top two or three most talented teams out there, I just tried staying out of their way."

Senior Christopher Sheeley led a balanced offense throughout the season; and tourney. "Christopher Sheeley is one of the best players we have ever had. The kid could average 10 ppg more if he wanted to. And here's the kicked, he was the conference player of the year. Tremendous young man. We are going to miss him. We are going to miss all of our seniors. Nick Hunt did it all man. He ran the show, his assist to turnover ration was insane".

But coach thinair got a little choked up when it came to the next player, "Joseph Mitchell, man, what to say about this kid. Guy never started a game. Not one. The kid will leave here as 18th on the all-time most points, 2nd in steals. Off the bench. Are you kidding me? The last three games of the season he was 13 for 20. This kid could have transferred, he could have quit, but nope, he stuck with it, embraced his role, and now will get a ring."

Outlook for next season: "I think we will be competitive. I'm not sure we will be as good as this year, I might not ever have a team as good as this year. We lose three pretty good guys and honestly recruiting isn't going great. We'll have one of the best front courts in the nation, but to replace those guards, man, that's hard to do. And these damn RMAC coaches keep finding ways to reload, so I guess we'll need too as well. Western returns a lot, Metro is going to be unbelievable. Those boys we played in the NT are returning everyone I believe. I'm damn glad we peaked this season!"

#5 Metropolitan St., 28-6, Final Four

A very good team that found a way to improve even more, had another successful run in the tourney before falling to RMAC rival, and eventual national champion, Ft. Hays. Metro was the co-champion of the south division, and was also the CT runner-up.

Metro was led by 1st team all conference selections, junior Frank Nichols and senior David Calahan. Nichols averaged 11.9 ppg while dishing out 5.2 assist. He was equally impressive on the defensive end, using is athleticism and on ball defense skills to wreak havoc on opposing teams.

Outlook for next season: Two years ago Metro was in the elite 8, this year the final four. Next year...? That's right, Metro St, much against coach Chew's wishes, is our early season favorite to win the national title. Chew loses one guy and returns a team that is good enough to make the D1 tourney as a mid-major.

I mean his potential starting line up include give guys in Frank Nichols, Jerry Lemke, Craig Pigott, John Weber, and Issac Mendivil who all are over 700 overall rating with cores that are even more impressive! You're talking about not only maybe the best defensive team in the nation, but they could very well be the top offensive team boasting a current team rating of 56/54 Lp/Pe.

You're talking about one of the most loaded rosters in the nation with one of the best coaches in the land. Metro will go far. Quote us on it.


Adams St. 17-14, Elite 8

After a rough start to the season, coach aaronwins had his boys peaking at the right time. We talked to coach Aaron personally and he told us this year was about basking in the sun, laying on the beach and smoking cigars - but then confusion hit when the recruits didn't pile up at his front door or on the steps of campus. After some pressure from that athletic director aaron got back to work; but it wasn't till Adams' loss to winless Mesa St. in the conference tourney, that they truly had their wake up call.

Adams dropped huge RPI points and found themselves - impossibly - in the NT as a #15 seed. The wins were of narrow margins, but they kept coming, all the way to the elite 8. Adams St. hunkered down, played excellent defense, and found a way to show people that they weren't just a one hit wonder.

Outlook for next season: Adams St. only loses one guy, that's it, one guy. Senior Carlos Carter will surely be missed, his play and his leadership skills but Adams appears to be much stronger this upcoming season. With some key core improvement, and new found ability to put the ball in the hoop, who knows how far this group can go next season. Did Adams get luck this year, or is aaronwins that good? With an national title and now an elite 8, it appears that only sitting on the beach, and smoking cigars can get in aarons way. Luckily Slick "Willy" Nick will have sent him some margaritas by the time this article is done, and Kevo will have had his embargo from Cuba on the way to aarons office. Let's hope he gets to that package before his AD does.

#10 Colorado School of Mines, 27-4, Sweet 16

Mines cruised through non-conference play, then only lost two conference games to Ft. Hays. In the CT Mines lost to RMAC rival Metro in the semi final. Headed into the tourney coach crush had to be feeling good about things as he had few losses, and all of them to quality squads. Mines cruised through their first tourney game against Bemidji St., won a close second round matchup against #22 Lane, 81-78 before falling to one of the most talented teams in the country in #4 W. Florida. It's easy to think that Mines was a team that could have played a long way into the tourney, and it was disappointing they had to play such a quality team in the sweet 16.

Outlook for next season: Mines loses five solid seniors, but still returns a lot of talent. First team all-conference member Travis Williams will lead the squad. coach crush will also look to get more out of one time Syracuse transfer John Moore, who has turned himself into an offensive weapon. One thing is for certain, and that's that crush always has Mines ready to roll. Mines has had consistent NT success, in the past six years alone Mines has a national title, a runner-up finish, two elite 8's and a sweet 16 appearance. I think it's safe to say that Mines will continue to be a national power next year, and every year.

Western St., 21-8, First Round.

Western played a solid non-conference schedule, allowing them to be ready for the always tough RMAC play. Co-South champions, they had highlight wins over both Ft. Hays and Metro. A #5 seed in the tourney, Western faced a solid squad, won almost every category, but fell just short. Coach byeags put together one of the better squads Western has seen, so certainly the first round exit was difficult.

Junior John Moore was explosive all season long. The honorable AA, and first team all-conf average 15.8 ppg while picking up 8.5 rpg. He is an early favorite to be the RMAC POY next season.

Outlook for next season: Hella Good. Western loses Parker Roberts and Anthony Webb but returns studs in John Moore, David Price and Dennis Applegate. The scary thing is, we could list more, but those three certainly standout. I think Western has all the ingredients to make a run next year. They have a couple of decent point guards, solid defense, and outstanding offensive to boot. Put that together with a team that's hungry from an early tournament loss - yikes, watch out.

Colorado, Colorado Springs, 18-10, First Round.

Terms was the RMAC COY, and that was because he flat out coached UCCS to a heck of a season. Last years 6-21 squad went 18-10 this year with RMAC wins over Adams, Western, and Metro. An overtime loss in the first round was heartbreaking, but that game does not mean the season was a loss. UCCS was led by senior John Bolduc who averaged 11.7 ppg and grabbed 7.6 rpg. The senior will leave UCCS with the 8th most blocks in school history.

Outlook for next season: UCCS loses two other seniors besides bolduc, but does return three starts, as well as the rest of the team - including R. Foskey, I. Roose and M. Ruelas who all averaged double digits. With two really quality pg's in Richard Foskey and Dwight King, it appears that UCCS may be able to equal this years success, and hope to earn a win or more in the NT.


Regis, 14-16, PI (2nd Round)

While still transitioning, and having more freshman than seniors, coach Kevo knew his hands were going to be full this year. Regis stayed away from any bad losses and pick up a great win over UCCS. A #7 seed in the PI, coach Kevo pulled off an upset against Winowa St, but the season would end in their next game.

J. Barscewski did it all for Regis, although the RMAC all-conference voters snubbed him, as he was only selected as an HR all-con performer. His 24 ppg and and solid rebounding skills for a guard will be sorely missed.

Outlook for next season: It's hard to think that Regis won't be better. They got some serious growth this year out of two of their freshman. Scott Walker improved 88 points and Isaac Bishop 87. Both started, as did freshman Michael Sellers. With three freshman having started this year for Regis, the future looks bring.

Fort Lewis, 11-16.

Coach Slick focused on two things this year in Durgan, one, individual player improvement (see Jeffery Carr) and two, recruit his *** off. Slicks newcomers helped dramatically, and certainly so will his next group. In year one Fort Lewis chopped the previous seasons RPI down by 50, can he do it again next season? Considering he only has one senior on the team, who received the third least amount of playing time, that seems safe.

Outlook for next season: This team will be way better next year. This team is always way better than game one. Sophomore bigs Roger Caldwell and Christopher Haight are very solid defenders. Timothy Gullette who led the team in points will look to do the same again next season as he has improved his 3pt game, not too mention he's almost a totally different kind of defender than where he was earlier in the year.

Forgive the grammatical errors. Our editor is out of town (or she is still hungover celebrating the teams victory). Yes. Definitely one of those.

I say this with the utmost respect a douche guy like me can muster, I'll play any of you pansies, any year, any where.

xoxoxo,

Trenton Joe

Game on Trenton. You know, you could play all of us, all the time, if you came over to the dark side. We are a bit lonely in the North.

With all of the love and respect that the RMAC has to offer (which isn't much)

thin (who is so graciously speaking for the entirety of the RMAC)

Season 102

Top #10 NATIONAL PREVIEW

Pre-Season top 10

1) Metropolitan St. - The team to beat. Four Pre-Season All-Americans. Best defensive team in the country. #1 RPI

2) Fort Hays St. - Last years National Champs. Returns three starters. Well rounded, will look to run on teams. #2 RPI

3) Tusculum - Last years runner-up. Only loses one senior from last year. Very talented and well-balanced team that will run. #3 RPI

4) W. Florida - Very athletic, great defensively, and easily the quickest team in the nation. Will make a run for the ship. #4 RPI

5) Western St. - Loaded Offensively and has a solid amount of athletes that can play D. Great ball movement and very quick. #5 RPI

6) New Jersey Tech. - Very nice offensive team that plays solid D. Great starting lineup. NR

7) New Mexico Highlands - Well rounded team that can really shoot the 3 ball. Very good passing and ball handling. #10 RPO

8) Mercyhurst - Solid starting line-up. Has five-six athletes that can really score. #9 RPI

9) E. New Mexico - Deep team that is solid in the core areas, especially defense with outstanding BH/P #12 RPI

10) Midwestern St. - Better 3pt shooting team in the nation. #21 RPI

Headed into CT top 10

1. Metropolitan St.

2. Fort Hays St.

3. Tusculum

4. W. Florida

5. Western St.

6. U. of the Sciences

7. LIU, CW Post

8. Bowie St.

9. Mercyhurst

10. New Mexico Highlands

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RMAC PREVIEW

#1 Metro St.- chew (50th year)

Last Season: 28-6, Final Four

Key Returners:Frank Nichols (Pre-Season 1st team AA), Jerry Lemke (Pre-Season 2nd team AA), Craig Pigott (Pre-Season 2nd team AA), John Weber (Pre-Season 2nd team AA), and Issac Mendivil (Pre-Season 3rd team AA)

Key Losses: David Calahan

Freshman: Darrell Kinsey (#81 PG)

Outlook: Coach chew and Metro are loaded. Completely loaded. Six players with over 700 total rating - two of those may break 800. Frank Nichols is one of the best guards in the nation, so is Jerry Lemke. Craig Pigott may be the best SF in the nation, and frankly John Weber and Issac Mendivil are two of the best bigs out there. Coach Chew himself said this may be the best team in Metro’s history. For a coach and program that have won 3 NC Titles, that is saying something. Everyone on scholarship can score, and they will have a team defensive and athleticism rating over 70 by the time the tourney hits. They are the second highest overall rating, the second most athletic, the best defensive rating and that’s with two walk-ons. They are may be equally as scary on the offensive end. Last year Metro came into the season ranked #1, this year is no different, and they undoubtedly look like the top team in the country.

This just in. Chew has four f****** pre-season all-americans.

#1 RPI Metro St. - Metro has been perfect so far. Going 26-0, Metro has not blinked an eye during non-conference of brutal RMAC play, making work of some of the best teams in the nation. They are averaging a ridiculous 25 ppg margin of victory while leading the nation in FG% , second in 3pt%, and boast one of the top defenses in the nation. Metro has four players averaging double digits and have a fifth just under. This loaded team has actually gotten better and will look to cap off a remarkable season.

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#2 Ft. Hays - thinair (19th year)

Last Season: 33-2, National Champs

Returning Starters: Bryan Riggio (Pre-Season HM AA), Daniel Tickle (Pre-season 2nd team AA), and Michael Fletcher
Key Losses: Nick Hunt, Christopher Sheeley and Joseph Mitchel
Freshman: Micheal Potts (#162 PG) , Jesse Silvestri (#67 PG), and Michael Holder

Outlook: Ft. Hays returns their entire front court, but lost three guards including RMAC POY Christopher Sheeley. When discussing Christopher Sheeley, coach thinair had the following to say, “Sheeley will be missed, he was a heck of a ball player - he’s off in Europe right now continuing to do what he loves”. We lost two other really solid players too, including our point guard. Evan Towles will step up that role this year for us. He’s been groomed for it for a while now. He’s a pretty good all around player. “

What does your starting five look like? How about the freshman recruits?

"We have a solid starting five and a really deep front court. We are fairly balanced, which I like. I think for us to have a run in the tourney our freshman are going to have to grow up fast. We need Micheal Potts to get quicker, Michael Holder is a pretty talented kid but he’s raw. He needs to get quicker as well but really practice his defensive skills. Jesse Silvestri is the most complete freshman we have. He will give us solid minutes instantly. If those three listen to their elders, and play unselfish Ft. Hay’s basketball we may find a way to win some games again. Not 30, but hopefully a good number. This team has five seniors on the roster, and that’s rarely a bad thing. For those guys this is four years of learning how to play Ft. Hays basketball. We are a system type program, we don’t try to hide that. We are looking for guys that fit our mold, and these seniors not only fit that mode, but have now excelled at it."

We asked coach thinair about the recent changes to the RMAC coaching carousel and he had the following to say, “it’s pretty exciting to have coach mattstarks join us. He’s one of the best coaches in the country, and he clearly came here to try and win one of the coveted RMAC rings. For Baums_away to pack his bags and make the trip as well - outstanding. Thankfully kevodaphenom stayed in the RMAC after accepting a gig at Chadron.

We don’t want to lose to any of them (the RMAC teams), but it’s going to be damn hard to run the table on these guys ever again. Then again, have you guys seen Chew’s squad this year? My lord. What a fun game that’ll be February 4th.

#2 RPI Ft. Hays - Ft. Hays has gone 22-4 while claiming the outright North conference championship making that a decade in a row of at least sharing the title. After a slow start to the season D. Tickle has really came on strong in conference play, "yeah I'm biased, but I definitely think he has played well enough to earn RMAC POY, but D. Tickle would be the first to tell you he doesn't really care about the individual stuff. Bryan Riggio is the same way. Bryan Riggio was the NT player of the game last year and his trophy just sits in his closet. But his ring, he wheres that thing everywhere. They want another one, but yikes, have you guys seen that Metro State team Chew has this year?

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#5 Western St. - byeags25 (12th Year)

Last Season: 21-8, First Round

Key Returners: John Moore (Honorable Mention All-American last year and pre-season HR AA) David Price and Dennis Applegate

Key Losses: Parker Roberts and Anthony Webb

Freshman: Shawn Conover (#112 SG) , Michael Baldwin (#188 PF) and Keith Shackleford (#96 PF)

Western St may have the top shooters in the nation. They will be straight lethal from behind the 3pt line. With four players with 90+ PER rating, one in the 80’s and two more in the 70’s, this gives them seven guys that can shoot from the deep line. That’s not the only way the Mountaineers can score, these guys can also really pick up some buckets down low too. With great Ball Handling and really solid Speed, this Western St. Squad will look to outscore everyone they face. Last year John Moore received HM AA Honors, he will look to have an even more successful season this year, and lead Western to a tourney run during his last season on campus.

Western State has third highest overall rating in D2, which can be credited to coach byeags25, who has always been complimented on his talented recruiting capabilities.

Coach byeags25 has the following to say about this upcoming season, “This is a big year for Western State. We bring a lot of talent back and have high expectations. The guys are motivated by an early exit from the national tournament last year and are looking to make a deep run. Before that though, we need to get through the gauntlet that is the RMAC. The conference added some great coaches this offseason to make an already tough conference even tougher. No nights off here. Hopefully our depth and offensive talent are enough to compete on a nightly basis.”

#5 RPI Western St. - Western is 21-5 and three of those come to the #1 and #2 ranked RPI squads in the nation. They are averaging 85 ppg and both J. Moore and D. Stovall are legit RMAC POY candidates. With eight upperclassmen on the roster, Western St. seems like an easy pick to make a run in the NT.

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#18 Colorado Mines - crushthebean (37th year)

Last Season: 27-4, Sweet 16

Key Returners: Santiago Vega, Travis Williams (pre-season 1st team AA), and John Moore

Key Losses: Thomas Meadows, Mile Kovaleski, Charles Lewis, Lynn Lowry, and Luis Dean

Freshman: Paul Clay (#85 PG), Robert Farfan (#127 PG), John Harris (#96 PG), Steven Pilger (#155 C) and John Shay (#135 C)

Coach crushthebean will have to try and replace a very strong class of seniors from last year. In order to replicate Mines’ seemingly year in year out success, the team will have to reply on the three key returners listed about. Vega is a very good pass pass first PG. John Moore has fantastic offensive ability with 74/66 LP/PER rating. And superman Travis Williams who was ALL RMAC last season, will continue to do not just a little of everything, but A LOT. With five freshman on the roster, Williams will have an even larger role in season 102.

There are rumors of Paul Clay being a complete stud. The Point Guard comes from the prestigious West Texas grounds of Odessa, the famous football town featured in Friday Night Lights. Clay will tell you that football was indeed his first love, he may decide to play football as well for the Orediggers next fall. Coming to Mines for an engineering degree, and having graduate with only a 2.98, he thought it would be best to focus on his primary recruited sport where he was one of the top 100 Point Guards in the nation for several recruiting agencies across the country.

#22 RPI Colorado Mines - Mines is 20-6 for the year, in-which five of those losses came from RMAC squads. S. Vega has led the way offensively averaging 14.2 ppg, while T. Williams has done a little of everything. Both players would have been great RMAC fantasy basketball picks! Mines has gotten some very key rating improvement throughout the year and looks like they may be gelling at the right time having won their last four games.

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UCCS - terps21234, (9th year)

Last Season: 18-10, First Round

Key Returners:Richard Foskey, Kenneth McMahon, and Isaac Roose.

Key Losses: Douglas Alexander, Duane Dickson, and John Bolduc (2nd Team All-Rmac)

Freshman: Harry Moore, James Allen, and Daniel Riccardi

Last seasons RMAC COY terps21234, had a disappointing end to the season, but that doesn’t mean that he and UCCS did not have a fantastic season. The good news is that terps21234 returns some studs from last years squad. Foskey is one of the better distributors in the conference, McMahon is their best defensive wing, Roose is a not only a solid rebounder but also a defender and Marshall Ruelas will give them points from the post position.

UCCS has eight upperclassmen on the team, giving them a solid team IQ rating which always helps when you are trying to run a top notch 2-3 zone. UCCS, the Syracuse of d2 continues to tweak their zone defense in order to frustrate RMAC foe. Last season UCCS probably should have won a game or two in the tourney, and this years squad is probably just as good? With a solid junior class it appears that terps21234 will consistently have UCCS in the NT.

Coach Terp will have to find a way to replace John Bolduc who was arguable the best player to come out of UCCS in some time. The 7’1, 245 pound Center was a beast down low.

#39 RPI UCCS heads into the CT with a huge win over Western St. They also have a quality win over #26 Adams st. UCCS really only had one bad loss, and their two stud frosh Harry Moore and Daniel Riccardi have really shown improvement which has the town excited about the rest of their career in the springs. At 16-10 they are safe to make the NT, what is unknown is just how many games UCCS can pull off the W. They are a very fundamental squad and have gotten more athletic. The fact that they don't beat themselves is a huge trait to have come March.

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Colorado Christian - Baums_away (First Year)

Las Season: 12-15 (under sim)

Key Returners: David Clyburn, David Smith and Mike Bynum

Key Losses: Ben Payne and Brian Sailer

Freshman: Isaac Petrillo (#84 PG), Jimmy Weikel (#190 C)

Outlook: Colorado Christian will look to use their team speed to their advantage. Both Clyburn and Smith can really turn a corner. Offensive production is likely to come from Clyburn who can shoot the 3 ball when it’s in his hands - and might even be more dangerous as a distributor. Other weapons are seniors Bynum and Manning who have both solid low post moves and mid-range shooting abilities. Colorado Christian doesn’t have a lot of athletes, but they are quick, with solid bh/p which should allow for their shooters to go on runs. CCU has six seniors, which should provide a nice transition for Baums to get his own guys. Will Baums_away stay local and get to learn the regional area, or will he continue to pull recruits from the Carolina area, where both he and Starks built many connections? Only time will tell.

There is a lot of talk regarding freshman Isaac Petrillo. Coming from Olympia High School, Petrillo was a top 100 PG recruit. Baums sold him on the benefits of playing d2. Following Baums name, Isaac Petrillo comes to CCU with a very nice high school shooting percentage from beyond the arch. The 5’10 PG should not be underestimated, and it will be interesting to see how much playing time he gets during his freshman campaign.

#142 Colorado Christian - Baums has CCU headed in the right direction. They pulled off a solid win over over Ft. Lewis earlier in the year and freshman Isaac Petrillo has improved by 70+ points. 9-17 as a first year coach in the RMAC really ain't shabby, and even more impressive when you realize that the roster is made up of simai. CCU will need to shock the world in order to make the NT but crazier things have happened - well, maybe not.

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Adams St. - aaronwins (29th Year)

Last Season: 17-14, Elite Eight

Key Returners: Derrick Lemay, Michael Cunniff, and Eric Taylor

Key Losses: Carlos Carter

Freshman: Michael Hough (#106 PG)

Outlook: Coach aaronwins led Adams St to the Elite Eight after having won the NT the year prior. Last years run was almost equally impressive given the talent on their roster. To go 17-14 but make the elite eight, talk about peaking right...

This years Adams St squad appears to be stronger than last year. They are seemingly 12 deep and the roster is filled with lock down defenders and athletes. The guards can really handle the rock and have great court vision. All three of the key returners listed about average over 2 assist per game. Coach aaronwins only has two seniors on the roster, luckily one of them is Derrick Lemay. The senior guard from Loveland Colorado, will look to lead his team to another deep tourney run come March. Last year he scored 11.2 ppg.

This years team is a reminiscing of the national champs squad from just two short seasons ago. The same questions remain, can this team put the ball in the hoop enough to play with anyone? We will have to see, but they have the fourth highest ATH and DEF rating in all of D2. When the game gets gritty and the score is close, Adams St and their disciplined man to man defense is the last thing you want to see.

#26 RPI Adams St. heads to the CT with an NT birth secure but will be looking for an upset of two in order to improve seeding. After going 8-2 in non conference Adams struggled a bit going only 9-7 in RMAC play. This team looks pretty similar to last years squad that only managed a win/loss record of 17-14 yet made the elite 8. With quality wins over five different top 50 RPI squads, Adams St. is going to be an unpleasant seed for someone in the tourney. With ATH and DEF creeping towards 70, Adams may be able to pull off another miracle run.

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Ft. Lewis - slicknick777 (2nd Year)

Last Season: 11-16

Key Returners: Timothy Gullette, Roger Caldwell and Christopher Haight

Key Losses: Gino Esposito,

Freshmen: Garret Carlton (#181 PG) and Kevin Patton (#156 PG)

Slick “Willy” Nick has Fort Lewis back. It’s all anyone around Durango can talk about. In just one year he’s taken an average program and turned them into contenders for an NT birth. Greenwood is a solid PG and the junior bigs Caldwell and Haight are forces down low. Gullette is a solid defender who can hit the three ball as well. Slick’s group is reasonable athletic, plays solid defense, can rebound and has five “shooters”. Slick was smart to schedule what appears to be a low key non-conference as RMAC play will be brutal. With five seniors on the roster, Slick will have some experience on the roster, and at the same time will be able to bring in five more guys next year that know how to play the kind of ball that Slick enjoys. It’s a win-win.

#65 Ft. Lewis - Straight up, Ft. Lewis needs to win a game or two to make it to the tourney. They are completely on the fringe of making the NT. Coach Slick, who should really be considered for RMAC COY, has Ft. Lewis back in the game. They are 17-9 for the season, with big wins over Mines and UCCS. These Durango boys are scrappy and have found a way to win a lot of close games down the stretch. With their slow down tempo, and scrappy D, Ft. Lewis screams upset potential.

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Chadon St. - kevodaphenom (1st Year)

Last Season: 10-18 (under a sim coach)

Key Returners: Kenneth Freeman, Kenneth White and Cory Boutte

Key Losses: Mark Damato, Randy Smith and Shawn Sublett

Freshman: Robert Wallis (#122 SF), Irwin Austin, Herbert Bueno (#135 PF) , and Mark Johnston

Coach kevodaphenom is always keeping us on our toes. The well traveled RMACtonian has now coaches at UCCS, Regis and now will take the helm at Chadron. During season 100 Chadron made the NT, that was the first time since season 43! Expectations have been low at Chadron, but that will be no more. With the hiring of coach kevodaphenom, Chadron will expect to make the NT again, and to make it soon.

Chadron has two pretty nice senior guards in Kenneth Freeman and Cory Boutte. Both can move the ball around and Freeman is a nice offensive weapon. 6’9 sophomore Clyde Smith gives them size down low, and will look to be in the starting lineup for his sophomore campaign.

#78 Chadron - Kevo has done a great job in his first year at Chadron. They had a ridiculously tough schedule and still managed to get close to being .500. They had three wins over top 100 RPI squads and took Ft. Hays to overtime. Senior K. Freeman has averaged 17.7 ppg, proving to be one of the best offensive players in the RMAC. Chadron will not make the NT unless they win the NT, but the PI is quite realistic. We say, PI this year, and next year Kevo has these Nebraska boys in the big dance.

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Regis - mattstarks (First Year)

Last Season: 14-16, PI Second Round (under coach kevo)

Key Returners:Ernest Gentry, Scott Walker, Michael Sellers

Key Losses: Jerrod Barscewski

Freshman: Jonathan Pulido (#139 SG) , David Fifield, and Billy Loucks (#137 C)

Outlook: Coach mattstarks takes over a solid Regis program after coach kevodaphenom headed to Chadron.

His sophomore trio of Scott Walker, Isaac Bishop and Michael Sellers give Regis a nice amount of young talent to mix with five seniors on the roster. Regis looks to be one of the stronger rebounding teams in the conference, while also having a number of big men with solid low post moves. Coach mattstarks took the time to sit down with us and share some of his thoughts for the season.

"I'm excited to start my journey here in Denver at Regis University. I've asked the administration, alumni, and fans to be patient as we build and develop our guys into a strong team that will make them proud. Having incredible coaches and dominant teams in the RMAC to compete with day in and day out won't make it any easier. However, don't get me wrong. We will bring a title to Regis, I guarantee it!"

Coach mattstarks said many kind words regarding the conference, and those that coach in it; but also showed confidence in his promise to bring Denver back a national title.

Jerrod Barscewski led the conference in scoring with 24.0 ppg. The guy was lights out. It’s not clear who will step up for Regis with Jerrod Barscewski now gone. Sr big David Boelter average 11 off the bench last year, and will certainly look to fill some of those 24 ppg that will be missing this year.

#85 RPI Regis - Coach Starks hasn't looked please on the sideline, and some RMAC coaches are hoping that he has not regretted joining the RMAC. Going 9-17, coach Starks isn't use to losing. In first year at the helm Regis pulled quality wins over UCCS and Adams St. Regis had a lot of close losses. Right now Starks is having to rely on his X's and O's. Once a few athletes show up to campus, the script will get flipped quick. J Cole is partly to blame as his tour obligations have kept him from visiting Regi's home games.

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Pre Season All-RMAC Team

Guard: Frank Nichols - Metro
Guard: Jerry Lemke - Metro
Guard/Post: Travis Williams - Mines
Post: Daniel Tickle - Ft. Hays
Post: John Weber - Metro

Season 102 Recap

Conference RPI = .5747

#3 Fort Hays St. 29-5 Final Four

Fort Hays seemed to be peaking right as they surprised Metro in the CT championship. They made a quick run of things before meeting conference mate, #12 Colorado School of Mines, where they were lucky to hold off the orediggers and advance to the semi-final. The team felt like it was the national championship, not to overlook the standout teams on the other side of the bracket, but with Metro out, W. Florida appeared to be the clear favorites. Ft. Hays gave them as good of a game as they could. They shot lights out from the floor, but they shot poorly from the line, made less three points, and most importantly turned the ball over too many times - “go back and look through the season stats. Look through everyones stats. Not to use a baseball reference but generally the team that can throw and catch the ball the best wins the game. Mines and Metro beat us earlier in the year the same way. When we broke through we got a layup, when we didn’t, it was their ball going the other way.”

Daniel Tickle was voted conference POY and earned HM all-america honors. Bryan Riggio was the conference and national defensive player of the year while also earning a spot on the all-american HM list.

Next years early outlook: “We lose five really good seniors. Riggion and Tickle are as good as anyone that has came through the program. Fletcher has started every game the past two years. Local recruit Jackson is arguably the best fifth man we’ve ever had and Towles leaves the program with the fourth most assist in school history.

Next year we will do our best to reload, but looks like a down year. How down will be decided by how good of a job I can do with finishing out recruiting. We return some offensive weapons but lose most of our best defenders. Jesse Silvestri was the conference freshman of the year, I’d expect him to start next year.

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#4 Metropolitan St. 31-2 Elite 8

Everyone knows that the goal for coach Chew was to bring back a title. This was one of the more talented squads put together, but unfortunately a dice roll got the best of Metro in an elite 8 matchup with Lees-McRae. Metro rolled through both non-conference and conference playing outscoring opponents by an average of 22 points ppg.

Even through Metro surely did not intend for an elite 8 exit, they are a very impressive five year stretch that included a sweet 16, two elite 8’s, a final four and a national title. Metro is on the short list of national powers and will likely be back in contention soon.

Frank Nichols and Issac Mendivil led the way, both being named to the All-RMAC First Team.

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#12 Colorado School of Mines 23-8 Elite 8

Mines had a really nice season. With five freshman (two of them walk-ons) this wasn’t Mines’ most talented squad yet they still reached the elite 8. A balanced team, they suffered only one loss in non-conference in an away game to #20 U. of the Sciences. After an early CT loss to UCCS, coach Crush had to have been concerned, but they answered those concerns by narrowly winning their two tourney games, then convincingly beating #5 Ouachita Baptist before losing to conference foe Ft. Hays in the elite 8.

Mines was led by 2nd team all-rmac junior Santiago Vega.

Next years outlook: Mines looks to be pretty solid next season. They lose a quality class including seniors John Moore and the talented Travis Williams, but they return Santiago Vega and a decent supporting class around him. Crush has led Mines to an elite 8, sweet 16, elite 8, the PI, elite 8, National Title, Championship game in the past consecutive 7 years. It’s safe to say that Mines will find their way to a run in the NT.

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Colorado, Colorado Springs 20-12 Sweet 16

Coach terps led UCCS to their best season in school history. Never had a UCCS squad made the sweet 16 before season 102.

After going only 9-7 in brutal RMAC play, UCCS peaked well, upsetting Colorado Mines in the CT. UCCS then went on to beat Quincy in round 1 before taking on legend rocksolid33 and #14 Bowie St. Where they won 68-60. They fell in the sweet 16 to #24 Lees-McRae. UCCS was led by junior stud Marshall Ruelas who earned HM all-america honors after averaging 13.5 ppg,

Coach Teros: “Post season [thoughts] are we finally played up to our potential and exceeded making the SW16. Foskey was the key as him at PG he avg 4.6 ***/G. He lead the off. and Wagner played so much better this season at SG and shot 44% from 3 land. My big men Rueles and Roose kept my reb. margin close as you know is hard in a zone. They avg. 14 Reb/G. Overall a very good season.

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Adams St. 21-11 Sweet 16

Adams had a similar season to last year, as Adams barely hit the 20 game win mark, yet made the sweet 16. Last year they were 17-14 and made an elite 8 run. If there is one thing we have learned about Adams, it’s that they will play their best ball towards the end of the year.

Adams was led by standout Derrick Lemay (12.8 ppg) who was a HM all-rmac selectee.

Next years outlook: Should compete for an RMAC title. Michael Cunniff and Mark Foster are great distributors and

Eric Taylor is a shutdown wing. Adams will be very deep down low as they return almost their entire front court, led by

Senior to be, Willie Iverson.

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#15 Western St. 23 - 7 Sweet 16

Western had a fantastic season, finishing with the #6 RPI and making the sweet 16. Coach byeags led the squad to a 12-4 conference season, which surely prepped them for their nationals run.

Western was led by senior John Moore (1st team AA) and junior Daniel Stovall who looks poised to become Western States all time scoring leader by the end of next season.

Coach byeags shared his thoughts on the season with us, “We wanted to make a deeper run in the tourney, but I am proud of the effort. Playing in the toughest conference in the country makes it a battle night in and night out. We were able to make it to the sweet 16 and just ran into a tough matchup against a very good New Mexico Highlands team. We are bringing back 3 starters for next season and hope to improve on our finish. We lose 2 starters and they are big shoes to fill. Jamie Smith only started for 1 year, but really helped the offensive efficiency. John Moore was a 3 year starter and will be tough to replace. The 3 starters coming back, Applegate, Stovall, and Price will look to carry the team and improve on this season's finish. With the quality of coaches in this conference, we know that won't be easy and are looking forward to the challenge.”

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Fort Lewis 18-11 First Round

Coach Slick finished RMAC play with a .500 record which was good enough to get into the NCAA Tournament. This was the first time Fort Lewis has made the tourney since season 72, in which you guessed it, slick willy himself guided the program to a second round finish. Fort Lewis looks to be back on track and although they lose a solid graduating class, Slick returns quality seniors in Jeffery Carr, Roger Caldwell and Christopher Haight.

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Chadron St. 12-17 PI First Round

Under first year coach Kevo, Chadron made it the PI, where they lost in the first round. Kevo will look to senior to be

Clyde Smith, to carry Chadron to their first NT birth in years. As a junior Smith averaged 8.8 ppg and 7.0 rpg. The 6’10 230 pound PF will look to continue his quality play and make his hometown of Northrop Minnesota proud.

Coach Kevo misses the mountains of Colorado but has found new hobbies that involve milking and corn (separate hobbies, not together).

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Colorado Christian 9-18

In Baum’s first year at Colorado Christian, CCU secured three solid RMAC victories laying the ground work for next season. Buam’s will return sophomore Isaac Petrillo, who as a true freshman averaged 8.4 ppg.

Mike Bynum will look to be the big man on campus. Although it is a contest between his GPA and 3 pt shooting percentage to see which will be lowest - somehow he is eligible for his senior season. The 5th year senior to be averaged 9.0 ppg and 6.3 rpb while providing value in almost every facet of the game.

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Regis 9-18

Coach Starks spent most of the season begging J cole to come to town to help with motivating his current squad, he had to settle for J cole’s help strictly in recruiting. The two spent time discussing whether it was a mistake for him to come to the RMAC as he missed his North Carolina guys, but J cole reminded him that his decision was crucial to becoming Legendary.

Coach Starks will continue to better Regis and will look to playmakers Scott Walker (10.4 ppg) Isaac Bishop and Michael Sellers to get Regis back into the tourney and to be an RMAC force to be reckoned with.

Season 103 Preview

#2 Metropolitan St.

chew (51st year)

Last Season: 31-2

Key Returners: Pre-Seasons All-Americans Nathan Black , Issac Mendivil and John Carr.

Freshman: Randolph Solomon (106 pg), Joel Madson and Nathaniel Cockburn (60 c)

Metro is on a roll, having made it to at least the sweet 16 since season 97’. It’s hard to think this squad will do anything less, as they come into the season with #2 ranking in the nation.

Metro maybe have the best starting five in the nation and will once again rely on their athleticism and defense throughout the upcoming season. This team doesn’t look to have the same offensive fire power as last year, but last year they were insane. They have some serious weapons on the wing in Darrell Kinsey, Nathan Black, and John Carr. Down low Kevin Isabelle, Issac Mendivil, and Travis Plummer will all be efficient scorers for Metro.

#11 Metropolitan St. - Metro is off to an 8-2 start, with losses only to the #1 and #3 RPI teams in the country. Metro has quality wins over CSU, Los Angeles and #14 Montana St., Billings. N. Black is averaging 16.9 (ppg) and 4.1 (apg) and big man I. Mendivil is averaging 14.6 (ppg) and 6.6 (RPG). If those two continue to play well, Metro will be looking to secure a solid seed for the tourney.

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#8 Western St.

byeags25 (13th year)

Last Season: 23-7

Key Returners: Daniel Stovall, Dennis Applegate, and David Price.

Freshman: Shawn Conover (RS 112 pg), Jeffrey Smith (180 sg), Maurice Campbell (71 pg), Craig Waggoner (96 C) and Kyle Dennis

Western State lost five seniors from last years sweet 16 squad, but returns (as always) a seriously potent offense. They look to be solid on offense and defense, quite quick, and should really be dangerous from the 3pt line due to their shooters and bh/p/spd combination.

Daniel Stovall is a first team all-Rmac who is one of the early season favorites to be the RMAC POY. Teammate Dennis Applegate will also be one of the best players in the conference.

Western has the 7th best overall rating in D2, the 4th quickest, 3rd best 3pt rating, and 2nd best BH rating. This talented Western State should contend for the RMAC crown come CT time.

Coach byeags sat down with us and shared his thoughts about the upcoming season, “As always, Western St is looking to improve over the previous year and compete in the extremely difficult RMAC. This team will go as far as our 4 seniors will take us. We will really look for Applegate, Price, Stovall, and Halls to carry us while our youth develops. If we can get those young guys ready, we could be a tough out in the postseason. It won't be easy though. There are landmines everywhere in this conference and we can't afford to take a night off.”

#8 Western St. - Western is off to a very nice 8-2 start with quality away wins over #22 St. Mary's (TX) and BYU, Hawaii. Their only two losses were to quality teams in #1 W. Florida and at #18 Bowie St.. Western has four seniors scoring in the double digits - those seniors are D. Price, D. Stovall, D. Applegate and W. Halls.

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#16 Adams St.

Aaronwins (((30th year)

Last Season: 21-11

Key Returners: Rufus Henderson, Willie Iverson and Eric Taylor.

Freshman: None

Adams State seems to always shake heads come NT time. Whether their coach is busy twiddling his thumbs during the season, or simply saving all of his motivational speeches for the end, we may never know.

This is a very Adams St like team. They are athletic and defensively sound, and now this year, they have an “at least average offensive squad”. The past two years they have struggled to put the ball in the hoop, but this year Michael Cunniff, Michael Hough and Rufus Henderson give them scoring options that have been missing in the most recent, prior seasons.

Eric Taylor is the son of famous Friday Night Lights coach Eric Taylor. Yes, the son we never knew about. The fact that they keep the “jr” part out of his name is interesting to us. Also his home town is from Oklahoma, and we are pretty sure that the Taylors ended up somewhere our East, so the Mrs. Could teach. Anyway, potentially it’s his estranged son who didn’t wish to dominate the gridiron and instead ended up hoopin’ in the sooner state. Regardless, both Eric Taylors lived in hell holes because the only place uglier than West Texas is that armpit people call Alamosa.

Adams St. - Adams has played a brutal non-conference schedule, so being .500 isn't all that bad. They have quality wins over Central Missouri, and New Haven. Their losses have came from #11 Bowie St., at #11 Montana St., Billings, St. Mary's (TX), #19 Coker, and t #16 N.W. Nazarene. Two of those were overtime games and another was a one-point loss. This Adams team was very close to being an 8-2 squad that has the 3rd hardest SOS.

Sparknotes: They are underrated.

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Colorado, Colorado Springs

Terps21234 (10th year)

Last Season: 20-12

Key Returners: Marshall Ruelas, Terry Wagner and Harry Moore

Freshman: Ramon Flores, Daryl Gaylord (61 C),

It seems silly that UCCS isn’t ranked. Last year the team made the sweet 16 and they are returning six seniors. The Ft. Hays Chronicle finds this disrespectful.

This years UCCS squad may be better than last years. Marshall Ruelas will lead the squad as he earned HM AA honors last year - yet he was only a 3rd team all RMAC. Yep, that’s right, the RMAC is f’kin crazy.

UCCS looks to have depth to go with two solid studs. They are sound at BH/P while also sporting good cores in athleticism, speed and defense. With at least five confident scoring options, UCCS is a squad that doesn’t have a lot of weaknesses, which goes a long way come March.

#5 Colorado, Colorado Springs - People knew UCCS would be good, but I'm not sure anyone knew they'd be this good. The #5 team in the nation is undefeated with quality wins over Alabama, Huntsville, Lock Haven, at New Haven and #8 RPI #9 Missouri Southern St..UCCS is being led by four strong seniors, and M. Ruelas looks to be an early season RMAC POY threat.

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Fort Hays St.

Thinair (20th year)

Last Season: 29-5

Key Returners: William Blose, and Paul Brzozowski

Freshman: Alvin Gilmour, Samuel Stebbins (99 SG), James Brooks (48 PF), Zachary Boysen, James Hubbs (112 C)

After a decent three years run, Fort Hays will be in a bit of a rebuilding year.

Coach thinair shared his thoughts with us - “We aren’t really sure what to expect this year. We will probably start two freshman and I’m not sure our Bench will be anywhere close to what we’ve had the past few years. We only have four upperclassmen, and we will really be relying on them. William Blose is a monster that has been sort of buried, and our guards should be pretty good at moving the ball around. We have a few guys that can knock the three ball down, but I’ve never been a fan of living and dying on the 3pt line.

Keep an eye out for Samuel Stebbins. He’s a really talented kid that had numerous of D1 offers. We are pretty humbled to have him show up on campus.

Fort Hays St. - After starting out 0-5, Ft. Hays heads into RMAC play with a 4-6 record. Their losses come to solid programs, but they are yet to prove they can beat anyone in the top 80 RPI. If they want to make the tourney, they will need to find a way to win a decent amount of RMAC games.

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Fort Lewis

Slicknick777 (3rd year)

Last Season: 18-11

Key Returners: Jeffery Carr, Thomas O'Hair and Christopher Haight

Freshman: Chad Cosey (134 pg), Luis Weldon, Douglas Kaufman, Brandon Mechling, Neville Waters

Slick got Ft. Lewis back into the NT this year, and we don’t expect them to ever miss it again. Ft Lewis has seen a sudden rise since Slick took the gig back
over. This years squad features an athletic , defensive minded squad that should be able to keep control of the ball.

Garret Carlton and Luis Weldon can known down the three ball and will need to, to keep defenses at bay. Ft. Lewis is an interesting squad, because although they have five seniors, they also have five freshman. Hopefully what they means is that this years seniors can show leadership and achieve some wins before handing down a new tradition to the youngins’.

Fort Lewis - 6-4 so far for the season with their best win being over Merrimack. Three of their four losses come to programs with top 35 RPI showing that Ft. Lewis is a better team than their record. Freshman Douglas Kaufman has started every game for Fort Lewis, and his potential is climbing the charts.

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Colorado Christian

Baums_away (2nd year)

Last Season 9-18

Key Returners: Mike Bynum, and James Whitesel

Freshman: Michael Parrish (196 pg), David Iversen, Christopher Daniels (183 PF), William White (152 PF)

CCU should have a pretty well rounded starting five. Their strengths should be their team speed and ability to shoot the 3pt. A squad that features only one senior on the roster, will be hoping this year goes by quick while their young talent develops. This years squad will certainly rely on how quickly some of their projects and become day in day out players for the improving CCU squad. Senior Mike Bynum and coach Baums will shoulder most of Lakewood expectations.

Baums is optimistic about the season as he had the following to say, "We are going to suck."

CCU split non-conference with a 5-5 record. Their last two non-conference games were their most impressive wins, as they notched a W over Hawaii Pacific and New York Tech., both top 50 RPI teams. Senior M. Bynum has been very impressive for CCU averaging 18.7 ppg in a very efficient manner, and 7.6 rpg. CCU is destined for the NT already due to Baums_away quick rebuild efforts. Baums predicted that they would suck, but it turns out he was quite wrong.

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Regis

Mattstarks (2nd year)

Last Season: 9-18

Key Returners: Scott Walker, Isaac Bishop and Michael Sellers

Freshman: William Reynolds (130 pg), Kent Riebe (199 pf), John Arnold, Christopher Gregory (175 pf) and Billy Loucks (137 C)

Regis has zero seniors on the roster - zero. But what the team does have, is some young talent to go with a solid junior class. Scott Walker is a solid point guard who can distribute, score and play defense. Both Bishop and Sellers are quiet low post offensively speaking, but do all of the dirty work down low. They are the kind of guys who generally don’t get recognized during award seasons, yet - were crucial in almost all games won.

Freshman John Arnold and Christopher Gregory look to be a very talented freshman.

Coach Starks was equally optimistic in saying, "We are going to suck."

Regis had a nice non-conference with a 7-3 finish with a close to the heart win over the alma mater and #19 RPI Lees-McRae. Juniors S. Walker (15.1 ppg) and M. Sellers (15.5 ppg), (9.4 rpg) have been leading the squad. Regis will head into conference play as a borderline NT squad, with all the promise in the world. With no seniors on the team, Regis' young talent will look to win the games they should win, and steal a game or two they shouldn't.

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Mesa St.

Jmorgalis (year 1)

Last Season: 5-22 (sim coach)

Key Returners: Lawrence Carroll, James Doolittle and Willie Thomas

Freshman: Joseph Zaharis, Tony Lindley, Daniel Quinn, Amos Mangum (173 sf), Isaac Simmons (157 pf),

Coach jmorgalis joins us after having been at Nebraska for the past 17 seasons. The former D1 coach takes over a Mesa St. Program in need of a transformation.

Jmorg will have a few pieces of the puzzle already established, for the piece of art he hopes to create. Senior Willie Thomas is a good distributor who can hit the 3 ball, and junior Lawrence Carroll is a solid low post who can rebound and block shots.

There's no easy way to put this, Mesa had a rough non-conference. Winless so far, Mesa will look to try and keep out of the toilet bowl come RMAC season. All they need is a win to build on things. Although winless, there have been bright spots for Mesa - W. Thomas is averaging 15.5 ppg, sophomore S. Foster has efficiently averaged 11.9 ppg and 6.7 rpg. P. Smith has almost the same numbers as Foster, and J. Miller is also averaging double digits scoring 10.9 ppg.

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Chadron St.

Kevodaphenom (2nd year)

Last Season: 12-17

Key Returners: Clyde Smith, James Drury

Freshman: Shaun Barton (148 pg), Michael Williams (164 pg), Robert Wallis (122 sf) John Thomas, Chris Glessner, and Matthew Noack

Now having eight signees on the roster, coach kevodaphenom should have Chadron advancing further than last years initial PI visit.. It is possible that freshman James Drury will run point for them. While it is never great to have a freshman running point, it also speaks to have good of a recruit James Drury is, and how dangerous Chadron may be in a few years with an experiences pg at the helm. Clyde Smith (8.8 ppg), (7.0 rpg) is the real deal, he is a very good center anywhere. He is easily one of the best rebounders in the RMAC.

There are no seniors on the roster, so kevo will be hoping to see potentials rise immediately. Chadron will be better in the years to come, but this season should be a nice stepping stone.

Chadron State is 3-8 on the season. Four of their losses came to top 50 ranked RPI teams, proving that Chadron may be a formidable RMAC squad come conference play. C. Smith is close to averaging a double double averaging 14.5 ppg and 8.9 rpg, making him one of the better performers in the conference. Chadron is another young squad who will be dangerous late in the season. No one wants to play a team with an RPI that doesn't match the quality of the improved squad.

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Colorado School of Mines

Crushthebean (38th year)

Last Season: 23-8

Key Returners: Santiago Vega, Robert Case

Freshman: Chester Williams (40 pg), Brian Whicker

Colorado Mines looks to be down a bit. They should have a decent starting five, but are lacking their normal depth. The rumor is, that mines had verbal commitments from some serious D1 athletes to go a long with potential freshman of the year Chester Williams, but the major d1’s came swooping in, and Mines has been left with a few walk-ons that were simply on campus to get their engineering degree.

Mines has a 27 year streak of making a post conference tournament, and sources close to the coach tell us he’s worried they may fail to do so. We are the chronicle don’t share the concern, sure Mines is down this year coach Crush is one of the best in the game, and he’ll find a way to get things done.

Mines is decently athletic, quick and plays solid defense. If the corse continue to improve, and the other ratings can rise a bit, Mines may look a lot different come conference tourney time.

Power, Colorado Mines, is 9-1 through non-conference. Crush doesn't seem to have high expectations, and their non-conference schedule was rather weak, but they are winning, Mines seems to always win. They do have a quality win over what is always a very good Angelo St. program, and that's a good sign as Mines enters RMAC play.

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Pre-Season All-RMAC Team

G Nathan Black
G Santiago Vega
G/P Dennis Applegate
P Issac Mendivil
P Kevin Isabelle

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Season 103 Recap RMAC RPI Ranking #1 - RPI .5602

#12 Fort Hays St. 20-12 Final Four

After starting off 0-5, Ft. Hays surprisingly put together a solid string of RMAC wins.

"Normally it can be the other way around, a team can win a bunch of non-conference games, but then get their butt whooped, but we accidentally scheduled the toughest schedule in the nation, and honestly, we just weren't very good early on".

After an early round exit in the CT, 7th seeded Ft. Hay's made a run for things.

"I thought we'd win that first game, every game after that I didn't think we were the favorites. I thought we had a chance in each game (up till W. Florida) but I wouldn't have put money on us. Paul Brzozowski was unreal for us, and I just really couldn't be more proud of these guys. For this group to make the final four - unreal.

Senior William Blose led the way with his first team all-rmac honors.

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#8 Adams St. 25-8 Elite 8

The RMAC Northern champs rolled through the RMAC only loosing two games, one to Ft. Hays and one to Metro. After escaping a first round CT game
against Slick, Adams made easy work of UCCS and Metro, earning their first CT title since season 99. Their post play was exception as the group was led by RMAC second teamers W. Iverson and junior R. Henderson. This is their four trip in a row to at least the sweet 16, which included two elite 8 appearances and a national title.

Adams returns a fantastic junior class and should compete for the RMAC title once again, and more.

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#10 Metropolitan St. 26-6 Sweet 16

Chew only had nine guys on scholarship, but damn those nine guys were solid. The RMAC southern champs were fairly dominant as they only lost to #1 W. Florida and at #1 U. of the Sciences during non-conference. During RMAC they were six points away and an overtime game from sweeping through regular play.

A #1 seed in the tourney, Metro won their first two games convincingly before loosing a heart breaker to a very well coached Grand Valley squad.

Issac Mendivil earned HM AA honors, and also took home the RMAC POY and DPOY. Randolph Solomon was the RMAC FOY.

Metro will loose a talented senior class that helped Metro to a final four, two elite eights and a sweet 16 the past four years.

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#18 Colorado, Colorado Springs 25-5 2nd Round

Terps was frustrated with UCCS’s 2nd round loss, as he and the school and town had lofty ambitions. Early on UCCS looked like they may win the southern division, and they carried one of the top RPI’s in the land. With two guards earning first team RMAC honors, UCCS was on top of their game.

Richard Foskey and especially Terry Wagner (16.7 ppg) were lights out all year long.

UCCS won their first round game easily before facing on against a well under-ranked New Jersey Tech. Squad.

UCCS will loose a big and talented senior class but they return a fantastic sophomore in Harry Moore.

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Colorado School of Mines 18-11 First Round

Crush really got the most out of this squad. With only one senior on the squad, two juniors and three walk-ons, Mines still found a way into the tourney in what was one of the more under the radar and impressive achievements of the season. The lone senior led the way for the Ordiggers as S. Vega averaged 11.5 ppg, 4.9 assist, 2.2 reb, and 1.8 steals per game - which would have made him an awesome fantasy basketball selectee if we were still doing such. Freshman C. Williams looks to become a force in the RMAC as he continues on after a stellar first year that saw him averaging 9.0 ppg.

Mines split RMAC play going 8-8, but as long as recruiting goes well for the Ordiggers, they should be a dangerous team next year.

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Western St. 21-9 First Round

Western seemed posed for a tourney run, but ran into a weird first round game in-which free throw shooting was the death of them. Western still managed to finish in the top 20 RPI, in large part to the play of 3rd team all-RMAC’ers Dennis Applegate and David Price, two of the better products to come out of Gunnison, ever.

Western will lose four absolute studs that made up 56 points of their average of 78.5 ppg.

Western will return a great distributor in Jason Truong, a young talent in Shawn Conover and a solid sophomore post in Keith Shackleford.

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Regis 17-16 PI Runner-Up

After not making the NT, Regis showed the committee that they had made a mistake. With a runner-up finish in the PI, Regis looks poised to make a statement next season. 17-16 with a 5-11 conference record is just the start of things for Regis as they return everyone for next season. They were most likely one bad loss away (congrats jmorg) from making this years tourney, where they likely would have won a game as they improved greatly throughout the season.

Regis had three players make the all-rmac HM list, those players were Dustin Whalen, Michael Sellers and Scott Walker.

Coach Mattstarks had the following to say about their season, and gave us a little preview of next year too - “We will return our entire scholarship roster and added a great addition. We aren't anywhere close to where we want to be, but we may be turning the corner to be semi competitive in this league”.

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Fort Lewis 14-15 PI First Round

Fort Lewis ended up in the PI this year, a positive results after making the tourney the previous season with some key upperclassmen.

Seniors Christopher Haight may have been the most impressive player as he averaged 9.0 (ppg) and 7.0 (rpg). Thomas O'Hair also impressed, as he averaged 10.5 (ppg) and 6.0 (rpg), and was voted All-RMAC Honorable Mention. Season 103 marks two straights years of post-season play for Ft. Lewis, and no one should plan on that changing soon.

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Colorado Christian 9-18

Mike Bynum had one of the better single seasons in CCU history. Bynum averaged 15.8 (ppg) 6.6 (rpg) and affected the game in multiple ways. The man could do a little of everything. Bynum led CCU to 9 wins,their season was almost identical to season 102, as they look to make it to the post season next year. They had a strong junior class of three that should lead the team next year, including PG James Whitesel.

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Chadron St. 7-20

Honestly, we can’t even recap Chadron because we are too excited about them bringing everyone back. Coach kevodaphenom probably wasn’t too excited about his season, but it was only his second year at the helm, and is clearly leading them in the right direction. They have gone 4-12 the past two seasons, depending on how recruiting goes for them, we could see them flipping and going 12-4.

How Shaun Barton didn’t win freshman of the year is beyond us. The kid averaged 11.5 (ppg) fairly efficiently. As a FRESHMAN. This freshman class for Chadron is talented. How fast they can develop will decide when they start winning - but win they will

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Mesa St. 1-26

It was a glorious February night. The sky was lit by faint moon light, but it was a clear sky and the few expectations that existed in the gym were high. Winless, and down, the crowd could be seen on their iphones checking their whatif box scores, and checking what d1 jobs would be available to them (as if they would actually, truly leave their d2 power conference). This is what the fans were doing as the Mesa St team was being introduced in their game against Regis. The music was dated, like their jerseys and jmorgalis sweater vest. The ref blew his whistle, tossed the ball up, and Mesa st did something that no one saw coming. They won. And like a struggling shooter who finally gets a lay up or a free throw, Mesa is hoping that the “easy” bucket they just got will translate into more confidence, and turn the tide.

Season 104 RMAC Preview

#5 Adams St. 25-8

Aaronwins (31st year)

Key Returners: Eric Taylor, Rufus Henderson, and Mark Foster

Rufus Henderson is a pre-season first team all-american, and the only expectations in town bigger than his, are his teams. Adams is the 8th most athletic, and the 2nd best defensive team in the nation. With solid BH/P and a much better offense than normal, especially in the low post - this Adams State squad is a threat. They are the clear RMAC favorites and should content for an NT. There’s really not much this team can’t do, and they have six seniors on the squad. The rest of the RMAC will be trying to figure out a way to beat them.

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#10 Metropolitan St. 26-6
Chew (52nd year)

Key Returners: Travis Plummer, Randolph Solomon and Darrell Kinsey

Plummer is a pre-season 1st team all-american, and is probably the best player in the RMAC. He didn’t put up much offensive numbers last year - but he was on a stacked Metro team in-which he wasn’t even the best big on the team. Kinsey is a talented point guard who distributes well and Solomon was the RMAC freshman of the year, who looks to have a big sophomore season. Solomon is one of the quickest guards in the conference can defend, pass and shot the ball well. Metro has five freshman on the roster and another three walk-ons. If there is a crutch, It’s this, but their starting five should match up well with anyone in the nation.

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#25 Western St. 21-9
Byeags25 (14th year)

Key Returners: Keith Shackleford, Shawn Conover and Jason Truong

Coach byeags isn’t sure his young squad should be ranked, but we disagree. He has a decently athletic/quick team that can really move the ball around, a number of shooters including Truong, who is lights out and two very good low post options. They can also really rebound the ball. They lack some on the defensive side, and depending on how much room for growth they have their, will determine whether this team is justified at their #25 rankings, or whether they are actually much better. Coach byeags shared some of his thoughts on the upcoming season, when he wrote to us saying, “"Young. That is the best way to describe this years Western St team. Of our 11 scholarship players, 8 of them are freshmen or sophomores. Because of that youth, we expect this to be more of a rebuilding year. Our hope is to get some playing time for those young guys early so they are ready for RMAC play. They all have talent and will be able to contribute. It is just a question as to when they will be ready to compete in this conference. We are really excited about our incoming freshmen. Lowell Hwang looks like a future all-RMAC performer. Vincent Darcy is 1 of the better guard prospects we have recruited. He has a lot of offensive upside and will also be able to defend well at this level. John Kilpatrick is a true PG. He may never be much of a scorer, but he will be able to come in and distribute. Combining these 3 with the recruits from the last 2 classes and the future is bright for WSU."

- Editors note, our very own thinair attended Western State College when it was, simply that, a college. Now the school goes by Western State Colorado University, or some **** like that.

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#21 Regis 17-16
Mattstarks (3rd year)

Key Returners: Scott Walker, Isaac Bishop and Michael Sellers

Regis basketball is back. After a kick start from kevo, and now the continuation of coach starks getting them going, Regis basketball is finally back. We’ve all heard the talk, “THE BIG 3”. That’s right, the key returners listed above may be the best tripplet of players in the country. They can straight up ball. Walker will compete for the RMAC POY, and the bigs are the kind of bigs you need to bring home a conference title. They are tied with being the #9th fastest team in the country, and are the #3 rated rebounding team. They are athletic, defend well, have 3pt shooters and can distribute. We still believe that Adams is the best team in the conference, but we think Regis is the clear #2.

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Chadron St. 7-20
Kevodaphenom (3rd year)

Key Returners: Thomas Boothe, Clyde Smith and Mark Johnston

Coach Kevo finally has his roster mostly filler with his own recruits, which means Chadron is going to be the best they’ve been in a long, long time. This is a pretty well rounded team but their strength will be their defense. Leading that charge will be senior Clyde Smith. He’s not only their defensive anchor, but is one of the best rebounders in the nation. He’s averaged 9.0 (rpg) the past two years while starting every game for Chadron. Almost everyone the team can score, so as long as they move the ball around, Chadron St. Is another RMAC squad looking to improve drastically from last season.

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Colorado School of Mines 18-11
Crushthebean (39th year)

Key Returners: Robert Case, Chester Williams and John Harris

Mines had an unusual year least year, how so, you ask? Well, they didn’t make it to the sweet 16. In the past decade Mines has won a national title, made the championship game, gone to at least the elite 8 three times (not including when they advanced past) and two sweet 16’s. So last year when they only went to the first round should have been considered an off year, and maybe it was to them, but when you looked at the roster, in our opinion, it was one of the quiet impressive jobs done around the country. This years team is young, like a lot of the RMAC squads, but they are much more talented than last years team. This team is pretty athletic, solid defensively, and quicker than most teams. It’s not clear yet where their offensive output will come from, but if it does indeed come, watch out, this team may find a way to sneak up on some people after a quiet season, last.

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Fort Hays St. Last Season: 20-12

Thinair (21st Season)

Key Returners: Jesse Silvestri, James Hubbs and Samuel Stebbins

Outlook: Ft. Hays has made the final four the past three seasons after an unexpected run last year. “This is the first year in a good while we haven’t had a very good player on the team. I like to think we play good team basketball, but having an all-american or two really helps to spread the ball around. I’m not sure we have a guy that other teams will have to focus in on. I’m not sure we’ve ever had a team with such similar guys. I’m not sure it matters who I start. We have a very balanced team that should defend pretty well come tournament time. I’m not sure who will score for us, but hopefully someone will. We have one senior and 8 underclassmen, yet we return 9 guys from last years final four team, so all in all that makes for an exciting year full of different possibilities. It’d be nice to not start the season off 0-5 this year, I’ll say that much.

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Fort Lewis 14-15

Slicknick777 (4th year)

Key Returners: Jeffery Carr, Roger Caldwell and G. Carlton

Ft. Lewis is an athletic and defensive minded squad, two things you have to have to win games in this conference. They also will be able to rebound well with the likes of Caldwell, and freshman Donald Plain. Having a good point guard is a must, and they are a rarity, yet Ft. Lewis has multiple guys that can run the point, especially sophomore Luis Weldon who will not only be a good distributor for the squad, but can also knock down the three ball. Ft. Lewis has been on the verge of being above .500 play - while playing some of the top programs close - this may be the year they cross that threshold. They only have two seniors, but that has to count for something. We reached out for a comment on whether they just stuck around to be apart of something special, or if they are just simply dumber than a rock. No reply, yet.

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Colorado Christian 9-18

Baums_away (3rd)

Key Returners: Isaac Petrillo, James Whitesel and Daniel Lackey

CCU is going to MUCH better than they have been in a while. CCU has mid 50 ratings in athleticism, defense, and speed to go along with some serious shooters and a very good point guard in Petrillo, to lead the offense. Whitesel is a very good shooter who will also be their best perimeter defender. John Gunter, a true freshman scored a bunch of points as a high school senior, and it will be interesting to see how coach baums utilizes his versatile scoring. We are pretty sure this is CCU’s best squad since 97’.

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Mesa St. 1-26

Jmorgalis (2nd)

Key Returners: Paul Smith, James Doolittle and Lawrence Carroll

This roster looks nothing like a team that only won a single game in the previous season. They are the 4th most athletic team in the juggernaut RMAC conference with two studs in Doolittle and Smith. They are not a very quick team, but they are athletic, will play solid defense, can rebound and a few versatile scorers that can hit the 3pt shot and make the mid-range jumper. Mesa’s biggest challenge will be the little things, like throwing and catching the ball (baseball reference, I know..) Mesa won’t be winning the RMAC this year, but they should be competitive in their non-conference, and will look to wins many more games come RMAC play.

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Colorado, Colorado Springs 25-5
Terps21234 (11th year)

Key Returners: Harry Moore, Daniel Riccardi and Daryl Gaylord

UCCS lost a big class, and has no seniors on the roster, but it’s not all doom and gloom for UCCS. Moore is a very talented guard, Riccardi can do a little of everything and Gaylord gives them a solid presence down low. This Is a pretty darn good defensive team that will take care of the basketball. How good they will be this year will have a lot to do with how rapid their youngins’ can improve. UCCS is primed for their fourth consecutive tourney appearance, which include a trip to the sweet 16.

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CSU-Pueblo
Arain (1st year)

Outlook: Coach Arain joins us from Humbolt St where he spent a year getting a second hand high, daily. He decided to try a different kind of high, this time it was altitude though, becoming the new coach at CSU-Pueblo. Looking to join a conference with coaches who like to talk a lot and pretend that they know a thing or two, coach Arain is chomping at the bit to improve his squad by adding his type of players, in an effort to compete for the hallowed RMAC crown. Arain picked up two recruits in his short time on campus, Stanley Austin and Calvin Hedin. CSU is actually a fairly quick team that can really shoot the 3 ball. With four seniors on the team, and their ability to hit the long ball they just might surprise a team or two.

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Pre-Season All-RMAC Team

G Scott Walker
G Mark Foster
G/P Jeffery Carr
P Rufus Henderson
P Travis Plummer

Pre-Season 2nd team

G Jason Truong
G Eric Taylor
G/P Harry Moore
P Isaac Bishop
P Keith Shackleford

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Nice job thin! Thanks for your time here and making us laugh. I love it when I get so much love on here, thanks for kicking my *** to inspire me. I love the baseball references and it helps me understand your concept more. I do love basketball, (I just wish I was good at it) and this is the best time of the year for it. But after just a few more March Madness games that will include Zags vs Ducks for it all, it is officially baseball season.

If only there were a college baseball game on here....

Season 104 Recap

It was a season of dominance for aaronwins and his Adams St. squad. The Grizzlies swept the RMAC during regular season en route to claiming the coveted RMAC CT title - their second in a row. Mark Foster was named RMAC POY for his efforts, the senior averaged 17.0 ppg while leading the charge. Rolling into the NT with a single loss, expectations were high, and their elite 8 finish left a sour taste in their mouths.

"I failed. I failed my players, my AD, and my conference mates for not bringing another ring back to Alamosa. That was one of the best teams to ever play at this school, maybe the best."

Coach aaronwins may feel like a failure, but he was named the NCOY, an honor we find him worthy of. One game does not change how good your season was, and Adams St had a fantastic team and year.

Coach mattstarks led regis to a phenomenal year, which saw Regis earn a #1 seed and a trip to the sweet 16. This was only coach Stark's four year in the conference, and his presence has absolutely been felt.

"I thought we would be strong, but I didn't expect to do as well as we did nor getting a one seed in big dance. However, losing four seniors (not to mention my four best players) this will be a down year for the rangers."

Coach thinair led Ft. Hays to a sweet 16 finish, and with the season behind them, coach thin wasn't sure what to think about the season.

"We didn't have many experienced guys, but we were talented. I thought this team was more talented than last years, but we were a bit younger overall, and I think you saw that in the NT. Can't be too disappointed with a sweet 16 finish I suppose, especially when we simply lost to a better team".

Coach byeags25 and his Western St. squad made it to the 2nd round of the NT. If there is a team that shows how difficult the RMAC has become, it was Western St. Western went 19-12 and 8 of their losses were in RMAC play. Western, a force on the national scene, managed to only be .500 in conference play, yikes.

Chadron St. led by coach kevodaphenom has a fantastic turnaround, taking the #172 RPI program and finishing with an RPI of #81 and an NT berth. Coach Kevo returns a slew of players including John Thomas and Herbert Bueno.

Coach terps21234 and Colorado, Colorado Springs had a bit of a down season going 11-16 overall and 5-11 in conference. That's coming after an exceptional year, and terps is returning a lot of talent for next season. Sometimes in order to survive in this conference, down years are actually important.

Coach chew led Metropolitan St. to the NT once again. They had an early exit in the first round' but Chew has a monster of a team forming. If there's anything we've learned from Metro, is that Chew is always trying to build national title contenders. There's only one trophy that matters to coach chew. I'm convinced he'd rather lose every game for three years and win a national title than finish runner-up four years in a row.

jmorgalis led Mesa St. to one of the more impressive turn arounds in recent memory. jmorg took a team that finished with an RPI of 257 to 69, and an NT berth in a single year. With Amos Mangum and Shaun Foster returning, Mesa will be an uprising RMAC squad once again.

This is going to get repetitive, but coach Baums_away has really turned around Colorado Christian. It was truly a year of comebacks for many RMAC schools. After previously going 9-18 for two consecutive seasons, UCC managed to go .500, but more importantly, 9-7 in RMAC play to qualify for an NT berth.

Coach crushthebean has a bit of a quiet year at Mines, but most of that has to do with the lofty expectations that come out of Golden Co. each season. Mines went 19-10 and lost in the first round, but Crush is quietly building a monster of a team again. They will only lose a couple of players and return the likes of John Harris and Chester Williams, two players who make be pre-season all-americans next season.


Coach arain did well with Colorado St., Pueblo in his first year at the helm. Certainly he is excited to be hitting the recruiting trails, chasing players of his own to add to the roster. Pueblo finished with the 127th best RPI, pretty darn solid for a bunch of simai players. All the credit to coach for making the best with what he had to work with.

Coach slicknick777 didn't have the year he wanted at Fort Lewis. Fort Lewis went 10-19 overall and 3-13 in conference. Slick is a fantastic coach and should have a much better squad next year with Douglas Kaufman, Garret Carlton and freshman study Donald Plain returning.

Season 105

Preview

Pre-Season Rankings


Ft. Hays Chronicle

For the first time, the Ft. Hays Chronicle will be putting out their own rankings, but remember, these are highly independent, and we want to be friends with all the RMAC schools. We will do our very best to stay neutral, and our rankings are based off what we see on each teams roster, nothing to do with coaching ability. We are simply trying to honor the outstanding basketball conference that is the RMAC. These are NOT predictions, they are rankings.

Pre-Season

1. Colorado Mines
2. Ft. Hays St.
3. Metro St.
4. UCCS
5. Western St.
6. Colorado Christian
7. Fort Lewis
8. Mesa
9. Regis
10. Chadron
11. Adams St.
12. CSU Pueblo

Pre-Season 1st Team All-Conference

G: Randolph Solomon (POY)
G: Harry Moore
G: Chester Williams
P: Gary Batiste
P: Luther Chouinard

Potential All-American Watch List
Randolph Solomon Metropolitan St.
Harry Moore Colorado, Colorado Springs
Michael Williams Chadron St.
Luis Weldon Fort Lewis
James Allen Colorado, Colorado Springs
Craig Waggoner Western St.
Shaun Foster Mesa St.