Men's Basketball Looks to Remodel in 2009-10

Mount Union is putting the finishing touches on an over 17-million dollar remodeling project of its indoor athletic and recreation facilities with the nearly completed McPherson Academic and Athletic Complex.  The men's basketball program under the direction of 18-year head coach Lee Hood is also undergoing some remodeling of its own as just two starters and five letterwinners return in 2009-10. 

The two returning starters leading the way for the Purple Raiders are all-conference junior wing Dave Pellerite (Olmsted Falls/Olmsted Falls) and senior guard Sam King (Masury/Brookfield).

Pellerite averaged 15.3 points and team-best 6.2 rebounds per game last season and is one of the top returning scorers in the OAC. King is talented guard that averaged six points per game along with a team-best 79 assists.

Three other players in junior guard Ben Hodkinson, (Tippecanoe/Harrison Central), senior forward LaRon Marshall (Cleveland/Collinwood) and sophomore forward Jimmy Wood (Wintersville/Indian Creek) all came off the bench in at least 23 games a season ago and will be expected to do that and more this season. Rounding out the list of returners is sophomore guard Keith Williams (Louisville, KY/Brown) who played in eight varsity games.

Junior guard Stephen Flanagan (Warren/JFK) and sophomore forward Matt Wier (New Castle, PA/Mohawk) headline a talented list of newcomers who have to contribute early for the Raiders.

The regular season starts Nov. 18 at home against Westminster (PA). The home cooking continues for the Raiders early as three of their first five OAC games are at The MAAC.