The men’s and women’s basketball teams each received multiple honors from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) entering the upcoming season.
Looking back to last season and their first year in the MAAC, the men’s team made it to the second round of the conference tournament. They beat Fairfield University in the first round but then fell to Merrimack College in a second-round overtime loss.
Source: Contributed by Joshua Gee, ’26
Men’s head coach Anthony Latina is hoping to make it even further this season. He believes in his players and thinks consistent improvement could be the key to exceeding last season’s outcome.
“I think our guys know that you just got to keep having a consistent daily focus of getting better and hard work,” said Latina.
The men’s team has no shortage of talent. Senior forward Anquan Hill was named to the Preseason all-MAAC Team, while sophomore guards Mekhi Conner and Nyle Ralph-Beyer were named to the second and third teams, respectively.
“Without my teammates, I don’t think I would be able to make it that far and be picked in any of those polls,” said Conner.
“We have good enough players to be a factor and win the league,” said Latina.
The team is now on the league’s radar, after coming into last season with no expectations having just joined the MAAC.
“It shows how much the league fears us, they know we have really good players, but it’s up to us to put it together to win this championship,” said Hill.
The men’s team is aiming for a conference championship this season and feels that they could be special this season.
“If we’re not in the running for the regular season conference championship, that would be a disappointment,” said Latina.
The men’s team will start their season at the Pitt Center on Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 7:00 p.m., against the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
On the women’s side, the Pioneers are led by coach Jessica Mannetti, who is entering her 12th season with the team.
To Mannetti, success is defined in a lot of different ways.
“For us, success is reconnecting back to the championship culture and mindset that our program is known for,” said Mannetti. “Success for us could be determined through a relentless pursuit of excellence and effort this season.”
Senior guard Amelia Wood was named to the preseason all-MAAC Third Team. Wood led the team in blocks per game and averaged the second most points and steals per game.
“I got to prove to myself that I deserved to be on the third team and even higher for the postseason picks,” said Wood.
The team is hungry for success this season. Senior guard Sierra Johnson, who has started every game for the Pios each of the last two seasons, is amped for the season.
“There’s nothing to hold back, it’s my last year, just leave it all out there,” said Johnson.
The women’s team will open their season at the Pitt Center on Monday, Nov 3 at 7:00 p.m. against the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Athletic Communications contributed to this article.
