SHREVEPORT, La. - Fresh off the best season in 24 years, the Centenary men's basketball team looks to build on the success of the 2013-14 campaign and return to the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship game. The Gents, who finished 18-10 last season, open the 2014-15 season on Nov. 15 as they travel to Portland, Ore., to face Lewis and Clark University in the opening of the Bon Appetite NWC Tipoff Classic.
"Our guys got a taste of the championship last season," said Centenary head coach Adam Walsh. "We return guys who are hungry and know it's like to play three games in three days and get to that championship game."
The fifth-year head coach returns 13 players from a season ago who helped lead the squad to the SCAC title game led by 2013-14 Newcomer of the Year and All-SCAC Third Team selection Kendall Demouchet, fellow third team honoree Caden Cheramie and James Sapp.
Demouchet and Sapp finished their debut seasons among the leaders in the conference. Demouchet finished second in the conference in steals (1.9) and blocks (1.8) per game. Sapp, who grabbed a SCAC Tournament record 39, rebounds including a tournament best 20 in the championship game, averaged 6.5 rebounds which was second in the league last season.
Cheramie is one of four seniors that will be depended on to provide leadership for the Maroon and White. The Galliano, La., native is joined by Isaiah Whitaker, Hayward Martin and Saro Ntagha.
"Our seniors have shown up every day," Walsh said. "They are setting the example that everyone needs to be held accountable and learn to finish this season and play with the attitude and effort it takes to win a championship."
Centenary added four newcomers to the roster during the offseason in Travion Kirkendoll, Jacob Broussard, Dyllon Weaver and Trey Barstow. The quartet of guards adds depth to the Gents' backcourt after the graduation of Jairus Browning and back-to-back SCAC Player of the Jonathan Blount.
"We went out and brought in a group of guards that will primarily play the 1-3 spots on the floor," Walsh said. "They've come in and challenged our returning guys. Dyllon won a state title at Natchitoches Central High School and Travion's team finished runner-up at Lakeview High School. We are trying to build our program with people who know what it's like to win."
"Coming off of the late successes of this past season, we are excited about getting the 2014-15 season underway. As a program, our annual goal for on-court success is to win the conference tournament and we expect to be in contention again this season," said Walsh. "Our schedule this year presents the most challenging Division III slate we have ever faced, being highlighted by a very strong non-conference group of opponents. The two Classics in November will provide quite the barometer for where we are at the time of those games and where we would like to see ourselves in March."
Centenary was selected third in the SCAC in a vote of the conference's head coaches. The Maroon and White were two points back of Colorado College and Trinity who shared the top spot. The Gents grabbed two first place votes behind the three for the conference's two sets of Tigers.
The Gents open their home slate on Nov. 20 in the first of two outings against McMurry. Tip is slated for 6 p.m.
