 "Photo: Jordan Gracie")
The men’s basketball team over the past few years has gone from pretender to contender.
The turnaround started in the 06-07 season when the team more than doubled their win total from the previous year. On that team there were four freshmen that have contributed to the turnaround in Medaille men’s basketball: Keith Hack, Chris Moscato, Kelly Condello, and Mike Berkun. Along the road they also picked up Ben Kopp as a transfer from Houghton College.
As the season continues the team is off to a hot start with a 2-0 conference record and 6-0 overall with the 5 seniors averaging almost a combined 40 points a game. These five guys have one goal in mind: repeat as AMCC champions and make it back to the NCAA tournament.
Anything less for the seniors is unacceptable because for most of them this is their last chance to play basketball at a high level.
Through the ups and down’s memories have been made for these guys. When asked about his favorite memory while playing at Medaille, senior Condello replied, “Cutting down the nets at home last year after winning the AMCC championship against Pitt-Bradford.”
But one isn’t enough, this year they need one more because once you get a taste of victory you constantly need it. “We’re fearless,” said Moscato when asked one word to describe this year’s team.
Another special year could be on the horizon for the Mavs, maybe even a nice run through the NCAA tournament.
“I think the best game was beating Pitt- Bradford in the conference finals last year. There’s no feeling like cutting down the nets on your home floor,” says Kopp.
“We would describe our career here as very successful, we helped change an image of a program and we made memories and poured blood, sweat and tears in that gym for four years and made memories that will last a life time. None of us will forget bringing a championship to Medaille,” said the seniors.
As their college careers are finally coming to an end, they can all leave Medaille knowing they left it all out on the floor the last four years.
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