Mules look to repeat as conference champs
Nov 13, 2009, 9:01 AM
By JESSI GERHARDS, The Muleskinner
WARRENSBURG, Mo. -- Guard Alex Moosmann knows that coaches' polls are not that important once the season starts. Then again, it does sometimes get under a player's skin, especially when the defending conference champions are picked to not repeat the title.
That's what the MIAA coaches did in late October, picking Southwest Baptist over Central Missouri. Moosmann sees the lower ranking as a way to inspire the rest of the team.
"We look for any kind of motivation we have," he said. "The first-place team could go either way, and Southwest Baptist is a good team. It's definitely motivation for us."
But coach Kim Anderson said the polls are mostly for the fans. He said he's not worried about the beginning of the season, but likes to look towards the end.
Even though the Mules are ready for success, they still have issues to overcome throughout the season. The biggest obstacle is rebuilding a team that lost six seniors a year ago. With just three seniors left to provide leadership for new players, the Mules will have to build relationships quickly on the court.
"We lost some key players from last year's team," Anderson said. "Some scored points or rebounds and some came off the bench and did something great. We had good chemistry, and that's what we're trying to develop with this group."
Though it's a concern on Anderson's mind, forward Sanijay Watts said he isn't too worried about the situation.
"I don't think it will make a big impact," Watts said. "There are three seniors left, including myself, who have been through this. I think we can bring that senior leadership."
Since Anderson's arrival as coach eight years ago, the Mules have had players to watch out for at the start of a new year. Anderson has three players in mind that are going to stand out.
"If I were a fan, I would enjoy their last moments with Moosmann, Watts and forward Tremaine Luellen," Anderson said. "They are three outstanding players, and I'm sure the other teams will be watching."
The Mules seem to be on their way to success before the regular season starts Tuesday against Westminister. Against Division I opponent Austin Peay in an exhibition game Saturday, the Mules won 81-68. This was the Mules' second victory against a Division I school in the past three years. A win like that early in the year could be an indicator and a warning for the rest of the MIAA about the Mules' ability. That thought though never crossed Anderson's mind.
"I saw it as an opportunity to play a good Division I team and we played well," Anderson said. "In the big picture, it doesn't really mean anything."
New players and building a relationship with one another could put a damper on the Mules' season to start, but the team isn't concerned. The Mules know there are expectations in being ranked high early in the season. But Watts and his teammates know where they expect the season to end.
"We want to go back to where we finished last season and win it this year," said Watts of the Mules returning to the Final Four. "We have a lot of new guys, and we need to have that chemistry we did a year ago."
