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Men’s Basketball Preseason Poll
Dana College men’s basketball
totaled 21 points and was picked to be 13th in the
preseason Great Plains Athletic Conference coaches’ poll.
Northwestern College totaled 144 points and is the preseason
coaches’ selection to win the conference. The Vikings return 10
players from last year’s squad.
“We are looking to improve on
last year’s performance,” said Head Basketball Coach Chris Fear.
“We have several players who gained valuable experience last season
and we are looking to build on that.”
Returning to the hardwood are
three starters from last season’s 8-22 team. Doug Huston
(JR, Olathe, Kan.) looks to be the triggerman for the Dana offense.
Huston averaged 3.8 points per game and 3.6 assists in 2006-07.
Trent Mumma (SR, Bennington, Neb.) returns for his senior season
at small forward. Mumma is the second leading scorer returning for
the Vikings. Last year, Mumma averaged 7.6 points and 2.6 rebounds
per game. Eric Maassen (JR, Hancock, Iowa) returns for his
junior campaign at center. Maassen averaged 9.6 points per game and
5.1 rebounds per game as he garnered honorable mention
all-conference honors.
Dana returns several other
players with extensive experience. Jon Person (JR, Olathe,
Kan.) played in 29 games last season at forward and center. Person
averaged 4.6 points and 2.3 rebounds. Gabe Bross (JR, Omaha,
Neb.) started 13 games and saw action in all 30 games last year.
Bross averaged 3.6 rebounds and 6.6 points per game. Sharp-shooter
Zach Genant (JR, Springfield, S.D.) looks to give the Vikings
a long distance threat. Genant drained 17 three-pointers last
season and averaged 3.9 points per game.
Sean Johnson
(SO, Council Bluffs, Iowa) brings a blue-collar work
ethic to the floor. Johnson earned all-tournament honors in Hawaii
last season. Johnson is a scrappy defender who is a solid
one-on-one defender at the two guard spot. Nate Thies (SR,
Norfolk, Neb.) and Trent Albers (SR, Davenport, Neb.) will
bring more toughness to the Viking front court. AJ Arkfeld
(SO, Harlan, Iowa) played well as a back-up guard last season.
Arkfeld dished out 1.9 assists per game and scored 2.5 points per
game.
“This season will be a complete
group effort,” added Fear. “We have several options to go to and
everyone on this team is unselfish.
The Vikings were one of the top defensive teams last season. Dana
held their opponents to a 45.6 shooting percentage from the floor
and only gave up 75.8 points per game. The Vikings will be looking
to improve on their rebounding.
“Our post play is one of our
strengths this season,” said Fear. “The key to our season is to
improve our rebounding from last year. If we can control the
boards, we can control the game.”
The Vikings start their season
on Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m. at home against Peru State. Last season the
Vikings lost to the Bobcats 89-74 on the road. Dana will host
Midland Lutheran on Nov. 20 in the first GPAC game.
For More Information, please contact:
Shad Beam, Sports Information Director,
402-426-7389 or sbeam@dana.edu
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