Basketball bounces back into action

The men's basketball team is a team in transition this season.

After suffering a season opening 74-49 loss to William Jewell College, the men travelled to Fayette, Mo. to compete in the KCAC/HAAC Classic.

The team lost both games, the first to Central Methodist University 72-57 and then to Baker University, a 93-66 defeat.

Head Coach Andy Carrier looked at youth as an indicator of the team's early struggles.

"We're very young and inexperienced right now," Carrier said. "We have a good young core of players to improve with."

The Braves won their first game of the season Nov. 11 against Haskell Indian Nations University, which was starting point guard Isaac Johnston's first game back since suffering a pre-season injury.

Johnston is the lone returning starter from last season, and he feels that the Braves have time to improve.

"We're struggling a little bit, but overall we're OK," Johnston said. "We just have to work on a couple things."

While the men's team is building around new talent, the women's basketball team is relying on experience to carry them this season.

With eight letter winners returning to the Lady Braves' squad, senior guard Mallory Mueller is optimistic.

"We're pretty good defensively, and we have improved a lot from last year," Mueller said. "It's very exciting going into conference."

With a 61-91 loss in the opener to William Jewell, the women won their next game against Hillsdale Freewill Baptist University 67-46 in the Friends Tournament.

Two more losses to Central Methodist University and MidAmerica Nazarene University landed the Lady Braves with a 1-3 record.

Head Coach Bruce Tate knows what the team will need to work on to improve.

"We need to work on rebounding, taking care of the ball in crucial situations and defense," Tate said.

Tate also believes there are plenty of good things the team can build off of.

"Our team chemistry is good," Tate said. "The girls get along extremely well on and off the floor, and that's going to help with team play."