News - Men's Basketball Team Projecting Another Strong Season

Men's Basketball Team Projecting Another Strong Season

2023-24 team photo

Coming off a Michigan Community College Athletic Association West Conference Championship and losing in the Region 12 Championship, the Cougars men's basketball players are optimistic they can battle as contenders again this season.

While Conference play officially starts on Jan. 13, eager spectators have several chances to watch the team strut its stuff now, including at three more home games in November.

Those games are at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 and Nov. 18; and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29 in the main gym at the Texas Township Campus. Admission is free. Find the full season schedule at athletics.kvcc.edu.

The team has two returning players with starting experience, including 2nd Team All-Region wing Jaylin Fox and point guard Ashton Atwater. To round out a solid core of experience, the Cougars also return Josh Wilson and Dashawn Leslie-Tinsley, who were redshirts last season but are expected to make huge contributions to the team this year.

The team has a talented incoming class led by John Sweeney, University of Detroit transfer Joey Liedel, Macomb Community College transfer Branden Downs, Larry Patrick, Corey George, MaKyle Doss, Darren Varnesdeel, Jackson Bushu, Benny Donald, Cam Atkins, Keyon Jamison and redshirts Jaxson Phifer and Humza Thij.

"Joey Liedel is a 6'1" do-it-all guard who will make an immediate impact in the program with his ability to score at all three levels," said Head Coach Jim Horn. "His 42% 3-point shooting, along with his ability to get to the basket, will help give the Cougars a much-needed scoring punch."

Added Horn: "John Sweeny is a 6'10" space-eater who can control the paint on offense and defense. The perimeter will be covered with a plethora of guards, including Dashawn Leslie-Tinsley, Makyle Doss, Ashton Atwater, Josh Wilson, Jackson Bushu, Justin Proctor and Brandon Downs. Running the floor will be our talented wings Cam Atkins, Larry Patrick and Keyon Jamison. Holding it down inside will be Corey George and Darren Varnesdeel."