BEREA, OHIO — The Baldwin-Wallace College men's basketball team was picked to win the 2004-2005 Ohio Athletic Conference title and the women were tabbed to finish third according to the OAC coaches. Their early season performance appears to justify that confidence.
The B-W men, 18-8 overall a year ago, received seven first place votes and 78 total points to outdistance second place Otterbein College. The Yellow Jackets, led by veteran coach Steve Bankson, return all five starters, their top nine players from a year ago and had a strong recruiting class. View more about this year's men's Yellow Jacket team.
In addition to being picked first in the OAC, B-W was tabbed 16th in the D3hoops.com Internet Web site preseason national Division III poll and 21st by DIII News. DIII News also tabbed Yellow Jacket senior forward Thad Davis (Elyria/ Open Door) as a preseason All-American and as the preseason OAC Player of the Year.
The B-W men opened the season by capturing the Gettysburg College Tournament title.
The B-W women, 23-4 overall and OAC co-champions a year ago with Capital University, were picked to finish third. The Yellow Jackets garnered one first place vote and 68 total points to place behind preseason pick Capital and defending NCAA Division III National Champion Wilmington College. Wilmington was third during the OAC regular season last year and then went on to win the national title. The B-W women are also listed among "Others Receiving Votes" in the D3hoops.com preseason poll. View more on this year's women's Yellow Jackets team.
More information:
Kevin Ruple (440) 826-2327
275 Eastland Rd.