2007-08 Outlook

The building of a championship team continues for the Tri-State University men’s basketball program, as they look at the upcoming season with great anticipation. A solid foundation has been laid over the last several years, and the Thunder are ready to put the finishing touches on what they hope to build into one of best D-III programs in the country. This project started in the 2004-05 season, as the Thunder struggled to a 5-21 record and a last-place finish in the always rugged Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association. Improvement came in 2005-06, as the win total climbed to a respectful 11-15 record while finishing fifth in the MIAA. Last year the Thunder finished 16-10 and posted a third-place finish, allowing them to host their first-ever MIAA tournament game. This year’s team motto is “Don’t be satisfied.” A solid framework is established and the Thunder look to continue with the success achieved last year, as they build toward an MIAA conference title.

As always the schedule will be demanding, as the Thunder play as many as six teams who were ranked in the top 25 last year in D-III. Despite losing four seniors, the Thunder return eight lettermen who saw extensive action last year. “We have a core group of returning players who have worked harder than any other group that I have coached, and I expect it to pay off this season,” stated sixth-year head coach Rob Harmon.

Leading the way for the Thunder will be junior Tony Benford, a first team All-MIAA performer last season, who averaged 18 points per game. Support will come from junior Andre Patrick, who averaged nine points per game before an injury ended his season.  Senior John Moore and sophomore Wes Weir return to give the Thunder quality experience at the point guard and shooting guard positions. Two returning sophomore post players who gained valuable varsity experience last year include Glen Alfieri and Matt Scudder. Junior Adam Clark and sophomore Eric Everett look to move up from the junior varsity team and provide depth at the post position. A group of sophomores who will provide guard depth include Reid McNally, Ivan Toliver, Clayton Napier, and Josh Dittman.

“This group of newcomers definitely equals last year’s talent level, and has our coaching staff very excited about the future of Tri-State basketball,” Harmon said. As many as five newcomers could have an immediate impact for the Thunder this year. Leading the way are two transfer guards, 6’2” Brian Dutton (Olivet College) and 6’2” Ivan Danzy (Trinity Christian College). Another transfer looking to make an impact is 6’4” Tim Raftery (BellermineUniveristy). Two freshman standouts include 6’5” Chris Mislan from Indianapolis, Ind., and 6’3” Chris Villalovos from Wauseon, Ohio. The remaining newcomers include Josh Armstead, transfer Josh Gard, Adam Tuttle, Andrew Grismore, Randall Harris, Matt Hilkins, Derek Jaeger, Justin Osentoski, and Jason Shouse.