HUNTINGDON, Pa.- Last week, the Landmark Conference released its 2016-17 men's basketball preseason poll. Juniata was slated to finish fourth and received two first place votes. It should seem like no surprise considering the Eagles were fourth last year and returned to the LC playoffs for the first time in three seasons. JC got out to a program-best 8-0 start and won nine of its first 10 games on its way to a 16-11 finish and qualified for the both the Landmark and ECAC Tournaments.
"With the strength of the league last year and three teams in the top 20, every other night we were playing somebody that was as good as anyone in the country," said head coach Greg Curley, who is entering his 16th season. "It should give us some confidence when we execute our stuff and there is a core of guys that played considerable minutes that when they play at their best, they have the chance to compete against anybody."
Returners
The Eagles have a total of 10 returners with four new players joining the team this season. Three seniors make up Juniata this year. Dennis Fisher (Bellefonte, Pa./Bald Eagle Area) started 23 games for Juniata in 2015-16 and had the second-best shooting percentage among returning players at 50.7%. Trevor Clune (Meadville, Pa./Meadville Area) played in all but one game and was a key contributor coming off the bench. Coach Curley described both as steady, workmanlike, reliable, and competitors in their own way. Curley also had praise for his third senior, Braden Becker (Littlestown, Pa./Littlestown). "His leadership has been outstanding, Curley stated. "He's a guy we know we can count on for whatever we need from him. He is an unsung hero of this group. Any success we have this year will be a real credit to Braden and his approach."
The junior class is solid and led by Landmark First Teamer Marcus Lee (Carrolltown, Pa./Bishop Carroll). Lee led the Eagles in scoring and had eight games with 20 or more points which Juniata was 7-1 in.
Seth Brewer (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township HS) and Damon Rickens (Altoona, Pa./Bishop Guilfoyle) are two players that gained a lot of experience last season. Brewer started every game for Juniata and was second on the team in assists with 73. Rickens played in 25 games and was the Eagles' best shooter from outside the three-point arc. Curley sees improvement from both players. "It's a growth and a step in the progression that we want and I think they are ready for it," he said. He does acknowledge that there will be growing pains and that the coaching staff has to do what they can to get both players through the process.
Wil Peralta (Hagerstown, Md./North Hagerstown) saw playing time in nine games as he continued to recover from a prior injury. "His game experience and basketball IQ are going to be valuable to us," noted Curley. "He has to be a guy who is ready when needed."
Sophomore Brandon Martinazzi (Cresson, Pa./Bishop Carroll) will look to build upon a solid freshman campaign. He was the only freshman to play all 27 games last year and averaged 9.5 points per game while tying for the team lead in steals with 17. "I think the great thing about Brandon is he is an ultimate team guy and he is willing to do the work as he progresses and gets better," said Curley. "His evolution into a 30 minute a night guy that does the things that a 30 minute a night guy does is really important to our success this season."
Noah Neville (Westminster, Md./North Carroll) and Paul Martello (York, Pa./York Catholic) are two players that Curley describes as "consummate gym rats." "They have really put in a lot of work over the summer," he said. "They have a year in the system and have an idea of what is going on. Both of those guys have a chance to help us in spots."
Newcomers
Curley sees incoming freshman Jake Holsopple (Hollidaysburg, Pa./Hollidaysburg) as playing a key role coming off the bench and contributing on a nightly basis. Nathan Markey (York, Pa./Central York) and Kyle Krout (Hanover, Pa./Hanover) have really improved. Zach Engle (Spring Mills, Pa./Penns Valley Area HS) has a huge upside and a lot of potential. "He is up for the task and a very smart kid that's shown the ability to improve," Curley noted.
Schedule
The Eagles tip off the new season this weekend at the Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament hosted by Mount Aloysius. The home opener is November 22 against Washington and Jefferson.
"I think this is one of the most competitive schedules we have had starting this weekend against Penn State Altoona and Mount Aloysius," noted Curley. Bethany, another team in the tournament, was 17-10 overall and 12-6 in its conference in 2015-16 and are coached by former Juniata player and assistant coach Nick Hager.
An improved Marymount squad from the Capital Athletic Conference will be here on November 27. The annual Doc Greene Tournament will be held December 9 and 10 and features some impressive teams in Lynchburg and Case Western. The Hornets won the Old Dominion Athletic Conference a year ago and advanced to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament. The Spartans compete in a very competitive University Athletic Association.
Lancaster Bible from the NEAC comes to Huntingdon on January 3. The Chargers were 27-1 last season with the only loss coming in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
"The big task is can we stay together," said Curley. "If we stay together, learn the lessons, and scratch out a few wins, we are hopeful it will prepare and give us the best opportunity to be playing our best when January hits."
Conference play for Juniata begins in December 5 at Scranton and resumes on January 7 at home against Catholic. One thing for sure is that the competiveness of the Landmark will be a constant once again this year with a conference that features defending champion Susquehanna, the Royals, and Cardinals who all qualified for the NCAA Tournament last season. "There are traditionally very strong teams," noted Curley. "I expect it to be another competitive year. Anyone picked anywhere can finish anywhere right now."
