By Aaron Heller //
Hood’s men’s basketball team looks to bounce back from the 2023 season after an 86-72 loss in the MAC semifinals against Eastern University.
The Blazers finished their season 19-7, with an 11-3 record in conference play.
They were nationally ranked during the 2023 season and earned the opportunity to compete in the NCAA III tournament for the second time in three years.
The team lost three key players: Ryan Hollwedel, Trumaine Strickland and Justin Gielen. However, the Blazers have added four freshmen looking to contribute this season: Gage Linton, CJ Jackson, Ivan Quijada and Jake Bolyn.
Quijada is ready to make an immediate impact for the Blazers this season. “I’m looking to learn and soak in everything,” Quijada said. “Also, just grow closer with the group of guys around me.”
Head coach Chad Dickman is excited about the season and eager for a chance to take the MAC Conference.
“I’m really excited about this upcoming season,” Dickman said. “We lost some good players and big parts of our program, but we have a lot of talent coming back. The guys are working hard and have their sights set on the national top 25 again.”
The Blazers averaged around 81 points per game, shooting 43% from the field and 32% from beyond the 3-point line last season. “We had a down shooting year last year, which is rare for us,” Dickman added.
Senior guard Garrison Linton believes the team this season has what it takes to win.
“We always have a good group of guys, but this year everyone is really competitive and wants to win badly,” Linton said. “I feel we have the most talent in the conference, and as long as we put the pieces together, we should bring home another banner.”
One thing that makes the Blazers team so special is the camaraderie both on and off the court.
Senior guard Troy Fulton said he believes this year is their best in terms of connectivity, with everyone on the same page.
“Our team chemistry is the best it’s ever been since I’ve been here. Everyone likes each other and wants everyone to succeed,” Fulton said. “We all hang out with each other outside of basketball, too. It’s awesome to see the camaraderie we have built in our program.”
The Blazers will tip off on Nov. 8 against Notre Dame of Maryland University at the Woodsboro Bank Arena.
“This team could be really special if we put it all together,” Dickman said. “They are a selfless group with big goals, so if we can shoot the ball better and get easier shots, there’s no limit on how good we can be.”
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