A core group of returners on both the St. Thomas men’s and women’s basketball teams, including center Tommy Hannon and forward Taylor Young, look to lift the Tommies to new heights this season.
The No. 3 women’s basketball team, who graduated key players Sarah Smith and Ali Johnson, opens its season Nov. 16 at the Millikin Tournament in Illinois, where it will face No. 1 Calvin in the season opener.
The Tommies also have a big matchup in their Nov. 25 home opener, as they take on No. 7 Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Coach Ruth Sinn said she is excited to see competition at the highest level.
“We gained a lot of experience last year, seeing some of the best teams,” Sinn said. “We like to play good teams so we can see where we need to improve and get better.”
Guard Kellie Ring expects a lot out of this upcoming season.
“We have a very determined team,” Ring said. “We have high standards and a lot of talent, which will benefit us all year.”
Also returning for the Tommies are Young, center Maggie Weiers and guard Kelly Brandenburg, who all played solid minutes in the team’s top-three finish last season.
Young, who was named a Division III preseason All-American, said the team must focus each day in practice.
“We need to be consistent throughout the entire season,” Young said. “That will help us be prepared once we reach the playoffs.”
Even with strong upperclassmen, the Tommies have young talent ready.
“We had a very talented freshman class last year,” Sinn said. “They have an opportunity to step up and make an impact this year.”
Although the team hopes to compete for the NCAA championship, Sinn is aware of the importance of getting better every single day.
“We want to challenge ourselves in practice, scrimmages and games,” Sinn said. “Our goal every day is to be our best.”
Men’s basketball hopes to continue the tradition of success
Last season, St. Thomas became the first program in 60 years to win or share seven consecutive MIAC men’s basketball championships. Coach John Tauer expects his team to be in the mix for another conference title.
“To do something no program has done in 100 years would be incredible,” Tauer said. “This team certainly has its goals set as high as they can be.”
No. 11-ranked St. Thomas defeated seventh-ranked Division II Winona State 93-83 Nov. 1. Guard Will Deberg lead the Tommies with a game-high 24 points. Although it was an exhibition game, Tauer was pleased with his team’s effort.
“I liked the energy that we played with,” Tauer said.
The Tommies return six starters from last season. Senior center Tommy Hannon, who averaged 16 points and seven rebounds per game through nine games, was sidelined for the remainder of last season due to a knee injury.
Hannon says he’s ready to get back on the court.
“The knee (is at) 100 percent and no pain,” Hannon said. “The coaches limit me a little in the preseason, but it feels great to be back out with the team.”
Forward John Nance will also be a go-to player. Nance, who averaged 11.8 points per game last season, will be a strong defender and leader for the Tommies.
“We want to focus on practicing hard and going 100 percent every day,” Nance said. “We have a lot of depth and guys that can step up and contribute.”
St. Thomas will open its regular season in Washington this week with games against Whitman College and Whitworth University.
“We like to see competition from all around the country,” Tauer said. “These early games will be good tests for our team, as well as chances to develop our team.”
Kyle Jonas can be reached at jona7984@stthomas.edu.