Zachary Worstell
zdw001@marietta.edu
The Marietta College Men’s Basketball team was not able to replicate the success they had just a short two years ago. However, it is hard to go back to the NCAA DIII Final Four. Last season, the Pioneers finished 17-11 and ended their season with a loss to Mount Union in the OAC Championship. How did they fare this season?
Marietta’s season began with the annual Marietta Shrine Tournament. Here, Marietta gained two victories one of which being against #1 ranked Christopher Newport University. This home court advantage would be a trend for the season as they went 10-2 at home.
The following weekend Marietta traveled to Springfield, Ohio for the Great Lakes Invitational. Here, Marietta suffered their first loss of the season against #10 ranked Calvin University. However, the Pioneers regained momentum the following day getting a win over Illinois Wesleyan University.
Marietta moved on to their first round of conference matchups in December. Here they saw a great deal of success improving their record to 7-2. To round out the year, the men’s basketball team traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico for the Puerto Rico Classic. In Puerto Rico the Pioneers went undefeated finishing the year 9-2.
Once everyone returned from Winter break, the men’s basketball team continued for their second round of OAC matchups. Marietta struggled on the road going 2-5 against their conference opponents and finishing 4-7 overall away. The Pioneers primary losses came against Otterbein, John Carroll, and Mount Union as they were unable to outscore any of them.
Entering the OAC Tournament, Marietta squared off against Otterbein in the first round. Fortunately for the Pios, they ran off with the lead in the first half. Outscoring Otterbein 73-67, Marietta moved on to the semifinals against #3 ranked John Carroll. Last season, the Pios were able to upset John Carroll and move on to the OAC Finals, this year was not the same. The Pioneers were not able to keep up with the Blue Streaks and lost 88-69. The Pioneers season ended here, and they finished with an overall record of 17-10.
Leading the Pioneer’s this season was senior Sahmi Willoughby. Willoughby was named to the D3hoops.com All Region third team and was also named to the All-OAC first team this season. He led the Pioneers in points (341/12.6ppg), rebounds (269/10rpg), blocks (26), and many other categories. Willoughby also led the OAC in offensive rebounds with 120.
While the Pioneers lose Willoughby and other key pieces of their team this year such as David Sanford and Jac Alexander, the Pioneers have a large class of freshmen who will see more playing time next year. As well as exciting new recruits such as Parkersburg South Senior Malaki Sylvia. Coach Jon Vanderwal states that next year’s team will, “return wiser and hungrier to be playing basketball in March.”
