As the 2024-25 season approaches, Penn State Shenango Men's Basketball is ready to take another leap forward under Head Coach Michael Wernicki. With a senior-heavy roster and a blend of experience and new talent, the Lions are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting season on the hardwood.

"I am very excited about the 24-25 campaign and the opportunities it affords us for growth and competition, on and off the court," said Wernicki. "With seven seniors, we will look to build upon their experiences and hard work to help lay a foundation for success this season, and the seasons to follow."

2023-24 Season Recap

Last season saw Penn State Shenango finish with a 9-20 overall record, including a 7-12 mark in conference play. Despite the challenges they faced, the team found some success at home, posting a solid 6-5 record in Buhl Club Gym. On the road, however, the Lions struggled, going 3-13, something they will look to improve on this year. The team averaged 77.3 points per game but allowed 82.6 points, highlighting the need for stronger defensive performances.

Coach Wernicki recognizes the areas for growth but also sees the opportunities ahead: "We have a challenging, and exciting non-conference schedule that will prepare us well for league play. I'm looking forward to watching each of our young men grow and improve as the season progresses."

Players to Watch

Penn State Shenango will rely heavily on key returning players to lead the charge, including 1,000-point scorer D'Montez Owens, leading rebounder Cameron Brown, sharpshooter Izzy Santiago, and the versatile Devin Alston.

• D'Montez Owens: A dynamic scorer, Owens returns for his senior season after averaging 17.7 points per game last year. He shot 30.6% from the field and an impressive 77.9% from the free-throw line. Owens' ability to create offense will be crucial as he looks to improve his efficiency from beyond the arc, where he shot 22.2% last season. Known for his tenacity, Owens also chipped in 3.8 rebounds per game, despite playing primarily as a guard. With his experience and leadership, Owens will be a focal point for the Lions' offense.
• Cameron Brown: The team's leading rebounder, Brown averaged 6.8 boards per game, while also contributing 10.9 points. His physical presence in the paint and consistent free-throw shooting (76.1%) make him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor. Brown's ability to crash the boards and finish around the rim will be key to controlling games, especially against more physical opponents.
• Izzy Santiago: Santiago provides a long-range shooting threat for the Lions, as he knocked down 32.7% of his three-point attempts last season. He averaged 9.9 points per game, providing the team with much-needed spacing on offense. Santiago will look to build on his conference-only numbers, where he averaged 11.3 points per game and shot 33.3% from deep.
• Devin Alston: Another key player to watch is Alston, who averaged 9.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per game while shooting 42.9% from the field. Alston's ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting (34.3%) and contribute on the glass gives Penn State Shenango versatility in their lineup. His consistency on both ends of the floor will be a significant factor for the team's success.

Non-Conference Schedule: A Test of Strength

The non-conference schedule for Penn State Shenango will be no walk in the park. The Lions will face several tough opponents that will test their resilience and readiness for conference play, like Division 2 Malone University and Point Park University as well as Division 1 Saint Francis University. According to Coach Wernicki, these early matchups will play a pivotal role in shaping the team's identity: "We have a challenging, and exciting non-conference schedule that will prepare us well for league play."

Looking Ahead

The 2024-25 season promises to be one filled with excitement, growth, and opportunities. As Coach Wernicki continues to develop the program, the focus will be on building a culture of competitiveness and resilience, something that will serve the team not only this season but in years to come.

"I am looking forward to watching each of our young men grow and improve as the season progresses," Wernicki added, emphasizing the importance of both individual and team development.

With a mix of senior leadership and promising young talent, the Lions are poised to make waves in the upcoming season. The foundation is in place, and now it's time to see how far this team can go.