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NAIA Coverage
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2001 - 2002 Men's Basketball Season Review
Throughout the year Trevecca Men's basketball team found themselves facing an enemy tougher than any opposing team this season: adversity. The Trojans were forced to confront adversity from several different areas both on and off the court. Injuries and single digit losses all contributed to a rough road for the Trojans on their journey through the season.
Despite the hard times, under the leadership of Head Coach Sam Harris, the Trojans were able to transform what would have been a dismal year into a positive season, gaining both experience and unity. Early in the season, the Trojans lost sophomore post player David Stark for three games due to an injury; however, the team was able to mount an impressive record, 13-4 heading into conference play. Then freshman phenom Wesley Poe was involved in a minor car accident. Despite the incident, Poe didn't miss a single game and ended up breaking the record for blocked shots in a season, swatting 54 blocks, shattering the previous record of 40 set back in the 1990-91 season. Poe went on to win a spot on the TranSouth All-Freshman Team. The team went to work, and by the beginning of February, the Trojans led the TranSouth Conference in scoring and were ranked 2nd in both field goal percentage and three-point shooting.
As the season concluded, the Trojans put two players on the TranSouth All-Conference Second Team. Juniors Will Partin and Marshall Hyler both received the All-Conference honors and with good reason. Partin, who played with a broken left hand through much of the year, finished the season ranked 3rd in the conference in three-point shooting, 4th in assists, and 10th in scoring. Hyler completed the season ranked 7th in the conference in scoring, 9th in field goal percentage, and 18th in rebounding. Also finishing strong were juniors Jared Austin and Darryl Keckler. Austin, who also battled injuries throughout the season, played through the pain and ended up ranked 8th in the conference in free throw percentage, 11th in rebounding, and 23rd in scoring. Keckler finished ranked 8th in the conference in assists, 12th in three point shooting, and 22nd in scoring.
Overall, the Trojans finished with a 16-14 record and anticipate next season with great expectations. The Trojans will return 4 senior starters and with that kind of leadership and experience, hope to complete another successful season.
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