Thursday, November 7, 2024

Penn State Schuylkill Basketball: A New Era of Excellence and Ambition Begins

There is a buzz as the Penn State Schuylkill Nittany Lions prepare to open their highly anticipated 2024-2025 basketball season. 

With the home opener set for this Friday, November 8, at 7 p.m. against Penn State Brandywine, the Lions are ready to showcase a team stronger and more ambitious than ever. 

Penn State Schuylkill invites the local community to attend with free admission for all home games, inviting fans across Schuylkill County to rally behind their team.

Building on Experience: Veteran Leadership Anchors the Roster

Leading the charge this season is a group of seasoned fourth-year players who bring experience and grit. Veterans Antwaun Byrd, Andrew Sepp, Makhi Jones, and Dashawn Dixon form the core of the team, providing stability and leadership as they aim to compete for both league and national championships. These fourth-year players, combined with experienced returning players like third-year Devin Adams, Amir Gray, and Hadir Boswell, and second-year Trey Worley, offer a foundation built on camaraderie and skill.

Fresh Faces, New Energy: Exciting Recruits Join the Squad

Penn State Schuylkill has also put together its lineup with a promising class of recruits. Newcomers Keith King, AJ Meleis, and Kemuel Vargas join the team as first-year players, adding energy and fresh perspectives. In addition, standout talents like freshman guard Hermes Popa, transfer Yohanna Yiljep, Division II recruit Lee Newton, defensive specialist Caden Mitchell, promising guard Tre Gould, and JUCO star Isaac Lane promise a formidable lineup with well-rounded skill sets.

Mark Your Calendars: Historic Matchup Against Cornell

In an ambitious schedule designed by Athletic Director Kayla Felty and Director of Student Affairs and Athletics Brian Valentine, the Lions will face their first-ever Division I opponent, Cornell University, on January 5, 2025. 

The game will be streamed on ESPN+, giving the team an opportunity to gain national visibility. With three Division I games, two Division II contests, and four Division III matchups on the schedule, Head Coach Travis Williams and Assistant Coaches Mark Mamrosh and Jordan Green have prepared the team for a rigorous and competitive season.

Enhancing the Fan Experience: New Partnerships and Game-Day Excitement

Exciting off-the-court developments are further enhancing the program. Penn State Schuylkill recently announced a partnership with Carmelo’s at Roman Delight to elevate the game-day experience with local flavor. Additionally, Paul Bo, the new voice of Penn State Schuylkill basketball, will bring his enthusiasm to the commentary box.

Adding to the atmosphere, a live DJ will provide upbeat entertainment at every home game.

Breaking New Ground: Joining the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC)

Penn State Schuylkill’s basketball program has also achieved a major milestone by joining the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), marking the institution as the first non-NCAA program to participate in the conference. This new affiliation opens doors for broader competition and marks a significant step forward for the Lions.

A Season of Promise

With a roster of seasoned leaders, fresh recruits, a historic matchup with Cornell, and a game-day experience like never before, the 2024-2025 season is shaping up to be unforgettable for Penn State Schuylkill basketball. Fans are encouraged to show their support this Friday at 7 p.m., as the Nittany Lions begin their journey toward what they hope will be a championship-worthy season.