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2009-2010 Spartan Men

2009-2010 Men's Basketball Preview

The Spartan Men's Basketball team is coming off a 20-10 season from a year ago and have six returning players from that squad. Their regular season schedule open at M State in Fergus Falls on Monday, November 9 against the Jamestown Junior Varsity with a 7:00pm tip-off.

"It's a blessing to have a solid core of sophomores who are great leaders," stated Spartan head coach Jason Retzlaff when assessing his 2009-2010 team. "This should be a fun team to watch. We are quicker than we have been in past years and will really look to pressure the ball on the defensive end. Offensively, we will look to push the ball up the florr very quickly in transition."

Here is a look at the players who will make up the roster this season.

#3 - Ray Gardner (Tri-Captain) is a 5'6" sophomore guard from Detroit, Michigan. Ray has tremendous quickness and is an excellent on-ball defender. He is one of the definitive leaders of this team and brings an endless amount of energy to the gym each day.

#5 - Jerome Vaughn (Tri-Captain) is a 6'4" sophomore wing from Minneapolis, Minnesota. He averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds per game as a freshman and was named All MCAC-Southern Division in 2008-2009. Jerome is a rare player that has quickness and athleticism in the frame of a strong 6'4" body. He can score, handle the ball, rebound and defend. He is the true definition of an all-around player.

#11 - Travon McKee is a 5'11" freshman guard from St. Paul, Minnesota. Travon is an excellent ball handler who has tremendous speed. He has the ability to score and create for teammates. We also look for him to be a tough defender.

#13 - DeWon McKenzie is a 5'11" freshman guard from Minneapolis, Minnesota. DeWon is currently sidelined with a knee injury. We hope to get him back soon. DeWon is a good outside shooter and a very good on-ball defender.

#15 - Chris Wichterman is a 5'10" freshman guard from St. Cloud, Minnesota. Chris is a strong and physical guard who can really get to the basket. He is a good athlete with a strong, competitive edge.

#21 - Sam Neumann is a 6'6" sophomore wing from Hawley, Minnesota. Sam is a very skilled and smart player. He is one of our best passers who has sown difinite improvements from a year ago.

#23 - Wiley Jiles is a 6'3" sophomore wing from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Wiley averaged 15 points and 7 rebounds per game during his freshman season and was named All-MCAC Southern Divison in 2008-2009. Wiley is a very talented player who works extremely hard. He is a great outside shooter, but can also go inside as well. His versatility should be a tough matchup for the opposition.

#25 - Jordan Johnsrud (Tri-Captain) is a 6'7" sophomore post from Starbuck, Minnesota. He averaged 16 points and 7 rebounds per game his freshman season and was named All-Region XIII and All MCAC in 2008-2009. Jordan is a rare talent in that he possesses the skills of a guard in a post man's body. He is extremely atheltic and can score and pass. He may be the most agile player for his size that we have had here in many years.

#31 - Stoney Grant is a 6'1" sophomore guard from Henning, Minnesota. Stoney transferred in from Riverland Community College. He is a good shooter and a tough competitor. He will give us some depth at the guard spot.

#33 - Zaire Saunders is a 6'0" freshman guard from Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Zaire is a very skilled guard who plays the point or off guard position. He is smart and competitive to go along with his excellent offensive skills.

#35 - Kyle Shaikoski is a 6'1" freshman guard from Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Kyle has proven to be a solid all-around player and very savvy as well. He is a good passer who plays very hard.

#41 - Gabe Johnson is a 6'4" freshman wing from St. Paul, Minnesota. Gabe is a very good outside shooter and skilled offensive player. He will bring some added size to our perimeter play.

#43 - Pete Rikhus is a 6'10" sophomore post from Richfield, Minnesota. Pete is greatly improved from a year ago. He has worked extremely hard. He has a good mid-range jump shot, rebounds well, and does all the little things.

#45 - Darius Juneau is a 6'8" freshman post from Houston, Texas. Darius gives us some valuable post depth. He has the ability to rebound and block shots in the paint.

#53 - Nate Clark is a 6'4" freshman wing from St. Paul, Minnesota. Nate is a good athlete with a nice outside jumper that will give us added depth at the wing spot.

For the fourth straight season, all Spartan Men's and Women's games will be broadcast live over the internet through www.craigolsonsports.com. Just click on the CO Sports Audio link on the home page to access the games, including archived games from previous seasons.

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