The Marshalltown Community College men's basketball team boasts a strong returning cast for the upcoming 2013-14 season, including three starters. Head coach Brynjar Brynjarrson will look to the veterans to compliment a large group of fresh faces joining the Tigers' squad this year.
The returning core of Jamal Gatali (Toronto, ONT/Downsview), Troidell Carter (Lilburn, GA/Meadowcreek), and Raheim Holloway (St. Louis, MO/Jennings) brings plenty of leadership back to the court this year to go along with a combined 74 career starts. Carter was a Region XI Honorable Mention selection a year ago while Gatali posted 8.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Holloway provides the experience in the backcourt after leading the Tigers in assists and steals during the 2012-13 campaign.
"Our goal is to have our experience match our strength of schedule this year," said Brynjarrson, entering his eighth year at the helm of the Tigers. "Our season is twofold- a tough nonconference slate to go along with the always competitive Iowa Community College Athletic Conference. No matter how your season begins, you know there will always be a new season to get ready for once conference play rolls around."
The Tigers open up the season on Nov. 4 with a home contest against Quakerdale Prep, but the season takes off from there with three tournaments in three weeks. MCC will travel to Indian Hills Community College for the Reed Overhead Doors Classic on Nov. 8-9 before traveling to Iowa Western Community College for the Reiver Classic the following weekend. The Tigers return to Indian Hills on Nov. 22-23 for the Bowling RV Classic.
Brynjarrson sees the early season tournaments as an early test for his squad. "There's definitely some high quality teams that we'll see early on. It'll be a good way for our team to gain valuable experience to prepare us for our conference schedule."
MCC's conference slate kicks off on Jan. 11 on the road at Iowa Western, ranked No. 8 in the preseason NJCAA Division I poll. The ICCAC also features the No. 2 ranked team in the NJCAA Division I poll in Indian Hills. The Tigers split a pair of regular season games with the Warriors last year, including an 88-78 victory in the final meeting.
MCC will look to avenge a first-round exit from the 2013 Region XI Tournament after Southeastern Community College eliminated the Tigers with an 86-80 victory. The two teams square off on Jan. 15.
The Tigers return eight players from last year's squad while welcoming nine new faces to the Student Activity Center. "We have a good mixture of guys who are learning to play with each other." Brynjarrson noted the flexibility of this year's roster which he hopes will bring a new dynamic to the hardwood. "Our roster is very interchangeable this year. We'll have the ability to throw some interesting lineups out there."
Brynjarrson noted the addition of Giovanni Ellis (Queens, NY/Rochester), Guilherme Verardo (Sao Paulo, Brazil/Esporte Clube Pinheiros), Tyrese Hoxter (Boston, MA/Charlestown), Mike Rodriguez (Boston, MA/Redemption Christian Academy) and Merdic Green (Levittown, PA/Harry S. Truman) as key pieces to contribute right away for the Tigers.
Returning role players Terrell Clyburn (Romulus, MI/Romulus), Kenny Strong (Youngstown, OH/Chaney) and Marlon Williams (Birmingham, AL/Woodlawn) will give the Tigers the leadership that Brynjarrson expects to see throughout the year.
Though the Tigers have not received the preseason recognition that other ICCAC opponents have, Brynjarrson looks to have his team right in the mix come playoff time. "This year we're taking the one-game at a time approach. Every possession matters."
