Basketball - Men's
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Eutectics Close 2012-13 Season
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Senior Jimmy Gherna dribbles around a Logan Chiropractic defender at the homecoming game on Friday. Photo by Lindsy Benedict |
On Friday, Feb. 15, the Eutectics hosted the Logan Chiropractic College Llamas for the STLCOP homecoming
game. In their final home game in a STLCOP uniform, the three senior players on the team, Jimmy Gherna, Alish Kuply, and Luke O'Brien, were honored in front of the huge STLCOP crowd. Despite the crowd support, the game did not go as the Eutectic team had hoped. The Eutectic offense was sluggish, shooting 24 percent in the first half. They went into the locker room down 34-23. In the second half, the Euts matched the Llamas point for point, but could never make up the first half deficit, enduring a 70-59 loss. Menckowski collected 25 points and eight rebounds for the Euts, while Earhart had 18 points.
The Eutectic men's team finished the season with a 7-18 record and in ninth place in the KIAC. Menckowski and Uzendu have each earned three top-50 rankings in the entire NAIA in several statistical categories. Menckowski is currently 24th, 27th and 42nd for 3-point field goals per game (2.60), points per game (18.28), and three-point field goals (65). Uzendu ranks 25th for defensive rebounds per game (5.92), 32nd for total rebounds per game (8.28), and 49th for blocks per game (1.120). At the conference level, Menckowski leads the conference for three-point field goals per game. Between Menckowski, Uzendu, and second-year center Dan Hemann, the Eutectics account for 18 top ten rankings in 24 individual statistical categories.
Eutectics Lose Conference Game by Four
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Clayton Earhart put in 24 points |
The Eutectic men's basketball team immediately took charge of the game against the Brescia University Bearcats on Tuesday, Feb. 12 in the Pillbox. But, despite leading the Bearcats the entire first half, the Euts were unable to hang on to that lead in the end, losing 80-76. Second-year guard Shawn Menckowski dropped in four three-pointers and racked up 18 points to get things started in the first half along with second-year guard Clayton Earhart, who put in 14 points of his own. Thanks to six three-pointers of their own, the Bearcats managed to tie the score at 41 in the final minute of the first half.
In the second half, it was the Bearcats who scored several points before the Euts could get the ball in the basket. The Euts spent the rest of the game playing catch-up, but were
never able to make up the difference. Menckowski put in another 15 points in the second half to total 33 points in the game. Earhart added 24 points overall to the Eutectic total. In the end, the Eutectics played well as team, shooting 53 percent from the field, including 12 three-pointers, and making 12-of-14 free throws to come within four points of Brescia. It was the closest the Eutectics have come to a win against a tough group of KIAC teams this season.
The STLCOP men's basketball team is now 7-16 with two games left in the 2012-13 season. This Friday, Feb. 15, the Euts will host the Logan Chiropractic College Llamas in their homecoming game at 8 p.m. before heading to Crowley's Ridge College (Paragould, Ark.) on Saturday, Feb. 16 for their final game.
Euts Lose Two Games on the Road
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Shawn Menckowski led the team in points in Indiana. |
The Eutectic men's basketball team lost two games on the road over the weekend in Indiana. On Saturday, Feb. 9, the Euts took on conference leader Indiana University Southeast on their home court, losing 79-51. Second-year guard Shawn Menckowski led the Eutectic team with 17 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Second-year center Dan Hemann put in 14 points
and pulled down eight rebounds, while blocking three Grenadier shots.
The Eutectics met the Oakland City University Mighty Oaks at their home gym on Sunday, Feb. 10. Shooting 48 percent in the first half, the Eutectics were down by one point at half time, 30-29. The Euts could not continue the shooting streak in the second half, however, making only 6-of-29 attempts while the Mighty Oaks made 11-of-29. The Oaks outrebounded the Euts 52 to 30 in the game and STLCOP's 19 fouls allowed OCU to score 16 points from the free throw line. In the end, the Eutectics lost 67-44. Menckowski was again the high scorer with 14 points. Second-year forward Gozie Uzendu had 13 points and seven rebounds and Hemann blocked five OCU shots while turning in 10 points and six rebounds for the Euts.
The Eutectic team is now 7-15 with three games left in the regular season schedule. On Tuesday, Feb. 12,
the Euts will play their final conference game of the season when they host the Brescia University
Bearcats in the Pillbox at 8 p.m.
STLCOP Takes Tough Loss to LCU in the Pillbox
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Dan Hemann (with the ball) had 10 points for the Eutectics against LCU on Thursday. |
The Eutectics' hopes for another win over Lincoln Christian University this season were dashed when the LCU Red Lions took control in the second half of a game on Thursday, Feb. 7, in the Pillbox. The score was close at the half with the Red Lions up 32-27, But LCU shooting guard Brady Cremeens returned from half time with his batteries fully charged, draining eight of nine three-pointers, and completely swinging the momentum over to the Red Lions. Cremeens finished the game with 37 points and the Red Lions won 84-74.
Second-year Eutectic guard Clayton Earhart had five three-pointers among his 23 points. Fourth-year guard Shawn Menckowski put in 18 points for the Euts and second-year forward Gozie Uzendu racked up his eighth double-double of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds to tie the STLCOP record for double-doubles in a season.
The Eutectics are now 7-13 for the season with five games left in regular season play. This weekend, the STLCOP basketball team will travel to Indiana to play a conference game against Indiana Univeristy Southeast on Saturday, Feb. 9, then take on Oakland City University on Sunday, Feb. 10.
Eutectics Conquer Concordia Preachers
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Clayton Earhart had 16 points against the Preachers. |
In the second half, the Preachers picked up the pace, making more shots and coming within two points of the Euts. The STLCOP squad felt the Preachers nip at their heels, but never lost the lead, pulling down 24 rebounds and enduring 12 fouls from the Preachers' in the second half. Fourteen of the Eutectic's second-half points were from free throws - eight from fourth-year guard Shawn Menckowski, who was at the line 11 times.
Uzendu was the high scorer from the Euts, racking up 22 points and eight rebounds. Menckowski chipped in 20 points and pulled down eight rebounds, while Earhart had 16 points and nine rebounds.
The Eutectics will host the Lincoln Christian University Red Lions on Thursday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. in the Pillbox.
Euts Fall to Crowley's Ridge
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Center Dan Hemann takes the ball to |
The Eutectic men's basketball team lost to the Crowley's Ridge College Pioneers 84-67 in the Pillbox on Tuesday, Jan. 29. After suffering a one point loss, 50-49, to the Pioneers at the Lindenwood-Belleville Classic on Nov. 3, the Euts were disappointed they were uable to exact the revenge they wanted on home turf. Down 40-32 at the half, the Eutectics had trouble handling the intense pressure of the Pioneer defense and despite shooting a respectable 47 percent, were never able to come within five points of the Pioneers.
Second-year forward Gozie Uzendu was the high scorer for the Eutectics with 17 points, going 5-for-5 from the three-point line. Second-year center Dan Hemann had 14 points and fourth-year guard Shawn Menckowski had 11.
The Eutectics are now 6-10 for the season. This weekend, they play conference members Indiana University East in Richmond, Ind., and Cincinnati Christian University on the road.
Eagles Defeat Eutectics
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Gozie Uzendu picked up his fifth double-double of the season Saturday against Asbury. |
The Asbury University Eagles' defense shut down the Eutectic offense on Saturday, Jan. 26 in the Pillbox, scoring a decisive win. In keeping the Euts to seven points in the first half, the Eagles dominated the court, scoring 41 points. In the second half, the Eutectics picked up the pace a bit, putting in 22 points, but the Eagles continued their stellar defense, collecting 13 steals, and racked up another 49 points. In the end, the Eagles picked up a 90-29 win over the Euts.
Second-year forward Gozie Uzendu still managed to earn his fifth double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The Eutectics are now 6-8 for the season and 0-4 in the KIAC. Tuesday, Jan. 29 the Euts will try for another tick in the "W" column when they host Crowley's Ridge College in the
Pillbox at 7 p.m.
STLCOP Beats Principia in Overtime
The Eutectic men's basketball team came home with a win after a trip to Elsah, Ill., to complete the "home and home" series against Principia College on Tuesday, Jan. 23. In November, the Euts hosted a close game against Principia in the Pillbox, turning in a 71-68 win. Tuesday's match-up against Principia was even tighter. Tied at 67 after regulation, the Euts scored one more than Principia in overtime, clinching a 76-75 win. Fourth-year guard Shawn Menckowski shot the lights out with 28 points, including four three-pointers, and pulled down six rebounds. Third-year Jimmy Gherna had 14 points and three assists, while second-year Clayton Earhart pulled down 11 rebounds while contributing nine points and four rebounds for the Euts. In addition to his 13 points and four assists, second-year Gozie Uzendu
helped on the defensive end with five blocks, four steals, and four rebounds.
The Eutectics are now 6-8 for the season. They play their first home game of 2013 on Saturday, Jan. 26, hosting KIAC member Asbury College at 3 p.m.
Eutectics Lose Two Conference Games
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Shawn Menckowski totaled 26 points for the Euts this weekend. |
The Eutectic men's basketball team traveled to Berea, Ky., over the weekend to play two more conference games before second semester classes began on Tuesday. Friday, Jan. 18, the Euts faced the Alice Lloyd College Eagles in the Berea gym. Behind by 10 at the half, the Euts could never catch the Eagles, who won 71-43. Fourth-year guard Shawn Menckowski had 12 points and six rebounds, while second-year guard Clayton Earhart had seven points and eight rebounds for the Euts.
On Saturday, Jan. 19, against the Berea College Mountaineers, the fate of the Eutectics was much the same. Down 48-35 at the half, the Euts struggled to a 91-52 loss against the Mountaineers. Menckowski had 14 points and seven rebounds for the Euts. Second-year forward Gozie Uzendu matched Menckowski's 14 points and pulled down six rebounds, while Earhart had 13 points. Second-year center Dan Hemann had seven rebounds.
The Eutectics are now 5-8 for the season and 0-3 in the KIAC. They take a break from conference competition tonight when they travel across the Mississippi River to Elsah, Ill., to play Principia College at 8 p.m.
Eutectics Split Games on the Road
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Gozie Uzendu led the Euts in their win against Boyce College. |
After a month off for semester break, the Eutectic men's basketball team returned to campus last week to prepare for the second half of the season. Several roadtrips were on the schedule before classes begin on Jan. 22. First up was a trip to Kentucky for a neutral site game on Sunday, Jan. 13, against conference newcomer Point Park University from Pittsburgh, Penn. While the Euts played well, scoring 37 points and shooting 47 percent in the first half, it didn't make a dent in the score against the Pioneers, whose 70 percent shooting helped them rack up 68 points. Despite defensive pressure by the Eutectic squad throughout the game, the Pioneers continued to sink basket after basket, totaling 128 points to STLCOP's 68 at the final buzzer. STLCOP's Shawn Menckowski had 21 points and four rebounds, while Clayton Earhart put in 15 points for the Euts.
Two days later, on Tuesday, Jan. 15, the STLCOP team was in Louisville, Ky., to return a game against Boyce College. The Euts sought payback for a loss to the Boyce Bulldogs in the Pillbox on Dec. 1. Down 32-28 at the half, the Eutectics never gave up. With 30 seconds left in the game, Eutectic center Gozie Uzendu rebounded his own missed shot and sunk it to gain a one point lead for the Eutectics. None of the Bulldogs' following shot attempts went in, and when Menckowski finally came down with a rebound, he was immediately fouled and went to the line. By making both free throws in the final seconds of the game, Menckowski secured the game for the Eutectics, who brought home a 65-62 win. Uzendu led the Eutectics, scoring 21 points and collecting eight rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals. Menckowski had 18 points and nine rebounds.
The Eutectic team is now 5-6 for the season with 14 games left in regular season play. Next up, the Euts head to Berea, Ky., to play two more conference games. They take on Alice Lloyd College (Pippa Passes, Ky.) on Friday, Jan. 18, and Berea College on Saturday, Jan. 19.
Players Return to Campus
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Shawn Menckowski leads the KIAC in three-point field goals per game. |
After more than a month off from competition for finals and semester break, the Eutectic men's basketball team should return refreshed today, Wednesday, Jan. 9, to begin practicing for the second half of the season. On Sunday, Jan. 13, the Euts will play their first conference game of the season against KIAC newcomer Point Park University of Pittsburgh at Midway College as the neutral site. The Euts then follow that up with a stop in Louisville, Ky., to play Boyce College on Tuesday, Jan. 15.
The STLCOP team is 4-5 with 16 games left in regular season play. While the Euts are not yet ranked in the conference, last year's all-conference player Shawn Menckowski leads the KIAC in three point field goals made per game with three per game. The fourth-year guard for the Eutectics also ranks second in the conference in
scoring, averaging 19.56 points per game.
Menckowski is joined by teammates Gozie Uzendu and Dan Hemann in the top-ten statistical lists. Uzendu, a second-year center, is ranked second in the conference in rebounds per game (9.44), third in blocks per game (1.22), and fourth in double-doubles (4). Hemann, also a center, is ranked for rebounds, as well.
The Eutectics will take care of some traveling for conference games before classes begin on Jan. 22. The first home game in the Pillbox will be Saturday, Jan. 26 at 3 p.m. following the women's game at
1 p.m.
STLCOP's Gozie Uzendu Makes the News
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Second-year center Gozie Uzendu was featured in a sports story on St. Louis' KSDK NewsChannel 5 on Tuesday, Dec. 4. Uzendu was interviewed by channel 5 sports reporter Rene Knott in the Pillbox about his success on the basketball court and in the pharmacy classroom. Uzendu's statistics (14 points and nine rebounds per game) caught Knott's interest to develop the human interest story which aired on the 5 o'clock news. You can watch the video of the interview, including Uzendu shooting (and dunking) in the Pillbox, at http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=350573.
Eutectics Lose to Boyce Thanks to Weak Second Half
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Gozie Uzendu had his fourth double-double of the season against Boyce. |
The Eutectic men's basketball team shot 51 percent, put in 48 points and claimed a 10-point lead over Boyce College, 48-38, at half time on Saturday, Dec. 1 in the Pillbox. Unfortunately, the second half was a whole different story, as the Boyce Bulldogs went on a run in the first five minutes, pulling ahead of the Euts, who began to struggle. As the Euts' field-goal percentage dropped to 15 percent in the second half, the Bulldogs charged forward, adding 40 more points to their score. The Eutectics were never able to find an answer, and the Bulldogs won the game, 78-66.
Second-year guard Clayton Earhart was the high scorer for the Euts with 19 points. Second-year center Gozie Uzend had his fourth double-double of the year with 13 points and 15 rebounds, and fourth-year Shawn Menckowski had five assists.
The Eutectics are now 4-5 for the season. After some time off for finals and semester break, they will return to competition on Jan. 13 for their first conference game at Point Park College in Midway, Ky.
Menckowski's Three-Point Buzzer-Beater Clinches Win Over Logan
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Shawn Menckowski sunk a three point buzzer-beater to win the game against Logan Chiropractic. |
Eutectics were cold in the first half, shooting 36 percent and down 10 points at half time. Head coach Brian Swift had to make some adjustments in the second half, including pulling his starters for a few minutes, to try to kickstart the team. Still trailing the Logan Llamas for most of the second half, the Euts eventually gained ground and tied it up at 66 with 17 seconds left in the game and Logan in possession.
After a controversial foul call on Clayton Earhart that knocked him out of the game, Logan's Mitch Howard was at the free throw line for two shots. Howard made the first free throw, putting the Llamas ahead by one. After he missed the second shot, the Eutectic's Jimmy Gherna grabbed the rebound and called a time out with 3.9 seconds left on the clock. With instructions from Swift, Gherna inbounded the ball to Shawn Menckowski, who weaved his way through several defenders on his way down the court and threw up a shot from well behind the three-point line as the buzzer sounded. The shot dropped in with a swish and the Eutectic bench cleared as the players ran out to celebrate the incredible shot and the win over the Llamas, 69-67.
Earhart was the Eutectic high scorer with 19 points, while Dan Hemann had nine rebounds and Nick Kovarik had four assists. Meckowski and Gherna had 13 and 12 points, respectively.
The win put the Eutectics back at .500 for the season (4-4). On Saturday, Dec. 1, they host Boyce College at 2 p.m.
in the Pillbox.
Eutectics Lose to Greenville
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Clayton Earhart had 30 points for the Eutectics against Greenville. |
The Eutectic men's basketball team suffered a loss against Greenville College on Tuesday, Nov. 27, in the Pillbox. The Panthers took the lead at the tipoff and never looked back, shooting 52 percent and racking up a whopping 119 points by the end. Despite shooting 51 percent in the first half, the Euts headed to the locker rooms down 59-42 at half time. The second half proved to be much of the same, with the Euts putting in 38 to the Panthers' 60. The final score was 119-80, Panthers.
Second-year guard Clayton Earhart was the high scorer for the Eutectics, shooting 63 percent. He collected 30 points for the Eutectics and pulled down five rebounds. Fourth-year guard Shawn Menckowski had 19 points, while second-year center Gozie Uzendu had nine points and six rebounds.
The STLCOP men's team is now 3-4 for the season. On Thursday, Nov. 29, the Euts will host Logan Chiropractic College at 7 p.m. in the Pillbox.
Eutectics Defeat Principia in Final Seconds
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Dan Hemann collected his first double-double of the season against Principia. |
On Tuesday, Nov. 20, the Eutectic men's basketball team hosted Principia College in the Pillbox. It was clear from the tip-off that the game would be close, with STLCOP trailing for most of the first half, but finding themselves up one point at halftime, 33-32.
The second half was much like the first, with the Euts down a few points for the first 10 minutes, but evening the score in the last few minutes. Finally, at 68-68, with 15 seconds left on the clock, head coach Brian Swift called a time out and set up a play to put the ball into STLCOP
high-scorer Shawn Menckowski's hands. The play worked beautifully, and Menckowski drained a three-pointer, putting the Euts ahead 71-68. Principia tried a play of their own, but could not answer the Euts in the final six seconds. The Euts collected the win, bringing their season record to 3-3.
Menckowski was the high scorer for the the Euts with 28 points and five rebounds. Second-year center Dan Hemann also made his mark with his first double-double of the year (18 points and 12 rebounds).
Up next, the Eutectics host Greenville College on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 8 p.m. in the Pillbox.
Eutectics Lose Apothecary Cup in Double Overtime
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Gozie Uzendu earned his third double-double of the season. |
The Eutectic men's basketball team came home empty handed from a thrilling double overtime game against Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. In the battle for the Apothecary Cup on Saturday, Nov. 17 in Albany, N.Y., the Euts led 43-29 at the half, but the Panthers would battle back to tie it at 65-65 at the end of regulation. Nothing was resolved during the first overtime, when both teams scored 12 points. The second overtime made the
difference, with the Panthers outscoring the Euts 13-6 and winning the Apothecary Cup, 90-83. Second-year forward Gozie Uzendu had his third double-double of the season with 28 points and 13 rebounds for the Euts. Third-year guard Shawn Menckowski scored 27 and pulled down nine rebounds.
After spending the year in St. Louis after the Euts' victory last year, the Apothecary Cup will stay in Albany until the ACPHAS and STLCOP women's teams decide its fate with a game in St. Louis next fall.
On Tuesday, Nov. 13, the Eutectics picked up a win at Lincoln Christian University, 59-46. Uzendu again led STLCOP with 16 points and nine rebounds. Menckowski added 13 points, while second-year center Dan Hemann had 13 rebounds and second-year guard Clayton Earhart had five assist.
The Eutectics are now 2-3 for the season with four more games before semester break. Next up, the Euts host Principia College in a doubleheader with the women's teams in the Pillbox on Tuesday, Nov. 20 starting at 6 p.m.
Pharmageddon
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The Apothecary Cup currently resides at STLCOP. |
Fate of Apothecary Cup Hangs in the Balance
The St. Louis College of Pharmacy men’s basketball team travels to New York next week for Pharmageddon against the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The Eutectics will be looking to retain the Apothecary Cup, a symbol of a budding rivalry between the two colleges of pharmacy. This year’s match-up will take place in Albany on Saturday, Nov. 17.
Right now, the Apothecary Cup is proudly displayed outside the Pillbox, the College’s gym. “It was an instant rivalry when we played last year,” says St. Louis College of Pharmacy Head Coach Brian Swift. “We met for dinner the night before, and the teams did not want to eat together. It was like a grudge match the next day on the court. This year will be even more heated. They want the cup, and we want to keep it.”
Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference leading scorer Shawn Menckowski leads the team again this season. The fourth-year student and 2011-12 All-Conference guard averaged more than 20 points per game last season. His double-double was instrumental in the first Pharmageddon, which St. Louis won 67-52.
“I expect Shawn will have a target on his chest every game,” Swift says. “If opponents try to shut him down, we have a group of very strong returning players and some new faces expected to take on a big role.” In 2013 and 2014, the rivalry will be turned over to the women’s teams.
Eutectics Power Through Injuries
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Luke O'Brien had eight points and four assists before he was injured in the game at Concordia Seminary. |
The Eutectic men's basketball team's entire season outlook changed in an instant on Thursday, Nov. 8. During the second half of their game at Concordia Seminary, veteran starting guard and team leader Luke O'Brien went down with a torn ACL that will keep him off the court for the rest of the season. Starting point guard Jonathan Tran also dropped out of the game with an ankle injury that will put him on the disabled list for several weeks.
Despite Tran's early exit from the game, the Eutectics were playing at their best. Leading scorer Shawn Menckowski had 20 points in the first half as the Eutectics headed to the locker room up by 21 points. It was well into the second half when O'Brien's injury occurred and put a shadow over the Eutectic team that they couldn't shake off. Their lead was quickly cut by the scrappy Preachers, who won the game with a three-point shot at the buzzer, 85-84. Menckowski had his first double double of the year with 34 points and 10 rebounds.
Losing such a prominent figure as O'Brien was a huge blow to the team."You can't tell it from looking at the numbers, but Luke's presence on the court is huge for our guys," said head coach Brian Swift. "Without the intangibles he brings to the team on the court things will be more difficult for us this season."
O'Brien's and Tran's absence did not keep the Eutectics from earning another win however on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Lincoln Christian College, 59-46. Ahead by two points at the half, 32-30, the Euts defense effectively shut down the Red Lions in the second half, limiting them to 16 points. Forward Gozie Uzendu led the Eutectics with 18 points and six rebounds. Center Dan Hemann collected 13 rebounds and two blocks in the game to go with his eight points for the Euts.
The Eutectics are now 2-2 for the season. They head to Albany, N.Y., to play Albany College of Pharmacy and
Health Sciences for the Apothecary Cup on Saturday, Nov. 17.
Eutectics Start the 2012-13 Season
After practicing since September, the Eutectic men's basketball team hosted Morthland College in the Pillbox on
Tuesday, Oct. 30 for an exhibition game. Knowing that the Euts would have to play the Morthland Patriots again on Friday in their first official game of the season, Head Coach Brian Swift gave everyone playing time and made sure not to give away the Eutectic plays on the court. His strategy resulted in a 99-96 loss in the exhibition game, but a 68-64 win when it counted on Friday at the Lindenwood University-Belleville Classic.
The exhibition game was all about offense, with fourth-year star Shawn Menckowski dropping in 38 points
for the Eutectics. At the LUB Classic, defense was more of a factor for the Eutectic win. Menckowski still put in
21 points, while second-year forward Gozie Uzendu had a double double with 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Euts.
On the second day of the classic, Saturday, Nov. 3, the Eutectics lost a hearbreaker to Crowley's Ridge College,
49-50. Uzendu had his second double double in as many games (11 points, 11 rebounds), while Menckowski was limited to 12 points. It was second-year guard Clayton Earhart who stepped up, shooting four of six from three-point range and racking up 16 points for the Euts. Both teams, however, shot 26 percent from the court. Free throws made the difference for the Pioneers, who went 23 for 33 at the line against the Euts' six for ten.
Up next for the Eutectics is a trip across Forest Park to play the Concordia Seminary Preachers on Thursday, Nov. 8.
Eutectic Men's Basketball Season Preview
Head Coach Brian Swift is very optimistic about the Eutectic men's basketball team this season. With a strong
returning squad and the addition of key newcomers, Swift expects to win at least 15 of 25 games this year. His
goal is for the team to be 8-2 at winter break.
2011-12 KIAC leading scorer and all-conference fourth-year guard Shawn Menckowski will return to his place in the
starting lineup. Menckowski averaged 20.3 points per game last year and Swift expects the same again, even if he
now has a "target on his chest" every time they play. But, if opponents try to shut Menckowski down, the Euts won't have
to look far to find points from other starters.
Swift expects big things from second-year forward/center Gozie Uzendu. "He was very raw last year, but he's the type of kid I can see as a conference player-of-the year," Swift said. "He has that type of ability." Fourth-year guard Luke O'Brien gets big props from Swift as well. "I hope to see a little more scoring from Luke this year, but he is the best all-around player on the team," he said. "Great ball-handling, great defense."
Second-year center Dan Hemann has the big shoes of last year's Alec Daily, now a sixth-year, to fill. "Dan lacks experience," Swift said, "but should give us more points under the basket." Second-year Jonathon Tran, who redshirted last season due to an ankle injury, will run the floor at point guard. "JT practices high and above everyone else," Swift said. "The kid is amazing in practice everyday."
The fifth starting position may rotate between three players: second-years Nick Kovarik and Clayton Earhart and first-year Aaron Onkle. Swift says all three will get minutes on the court. First-year Steven Cowdin will join veterans
Jimmy Gherna, Dan McGraw, Alish Patel and Josh Kuhn as a strong contingent off the bench.
The Eutectics will kick off the season with an exhibition game on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 5 p.m. in the Pillbox.
