SEASON OUTLOOK: New Look, Same Expectations For Tigers In 2014-15

After earning a berth in the NCAA Division III Tournament for the fourth time in the last five years, the operative phrase for the Wittenberg Tigers and Head Coach Bill Brown for the 2014-15 season is “back to the drawing board” as he welcomes just one starter back to the line-up.

The Tigers graduated four starters and a total of five letterwinners from last year’s team that compiled an overall record of 21-8. The quintet of Scott Masin, Zack Leahy, Steven Newell, Cole Bond and Justin McDowell accounted for 58 percent of the Tigers’ points, 46 percent of their rebounds and 60 percent of the assists in 2013-14.

Eight letterwinners return, however, starting with versatile senior wing Sam Collins (Cleveland Heights, Ohio/Cleveland Heights), who averaged 9.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game a year ago. The rest of the 2014-15 starting line-up is a work in progress, but the candidates are numerous. The list starts with junior forward Alex Fultz (Batavia, Ohio/Glen Este), who has 16 career starts in his first two seasons and has converted 55 three-pointers in his collegiate career.

Sophomores Brock Kiesler (Louisville, Ky./St. Xavier), a 6-8 center, and Landon Hormann (West Liberty, Ohio/Salem), a 6-6 forward, are also in the mix for starting positions in the frontcourt. Kiesler came off the bench in all 29 games a year ago, contributing 3.4 points and 2.4 rebounds per game, while Hormann saw action in 23 games.

The backcourt will likely feature a combination of sophomores Cody Phillippi (Xenia, Ohio/Xenia) at the point and Shane Edwards (Perrysburg, Ohio/Perrysburg) and Jaelin Williams (Springfield, Ohio/Shawnee) at the 2 guard. Phillippi averaged 4.2 points in 28 games off the bench, while Edwards steadily earned more and more playing time as the 2013-14 season progressed, finishing with averages of 5.1 points and 3.4 rebounds. Williams returns after dropping out of the program early last season.

Senior guard Ben Bowen (Arcadia, Ind./Hamilton Heights), senior forward John Albertson (Morrow, Ohio/Little Miami) and sophomore guard Connor Hartnett (Sylvania, Ohio/Northview) are also battling for important minutes. In addition, several talented newcomers are in the competition for playing time, led by 6-8 center Chad Roy (Toledo, Ohio/Holland Springfield), 6-3 guard Troy Mundy (Blacklick, Ohio/Gahanna Lincoln) and 6-5 forward Jesse Phlipot (Houston, Ohio/Houston).

Letterwinners Returning (8)
Sam Collins (G, 6-4, 185, Sr.)
Alex Fultz (F, 6-5, 200, Jr.)
Shane Edwards (G, 6-3, 175, So.)
Cody Phillippi (G, 5-11, 195, So.)
Ben Bowen (G, 6-0, 175, Sr.)
Landon Hormann (F, 6-6, 230, So.)
Brock Kiesler (P, 6-8, 245, So.)
John Albertson (F, 6-7, 200, Sr.)

Letterwinners Lost (4)
Scott Masin, Zack Leahy, Steven Newell, Cole Bond 

Starters Returning (5)
Sam Collins (G, 6-4, 185, Sr.)

Starters Lost (4)
Scott Masin, Zack Leahy, Steven Newell, Cole Bond