The LaGrange College Men's Basketball Team officially launches its 2022-23 season on Saturday against Berry at the Huntingdon Classic in Montgomery, Alabama.
The Panthers return five of their top six scorers from last year and three seniors: Bershard Edwards, Zac Hill and Mena Yacoub.
Edwards is a fifth-year senior guard who said coming back for another year of competition was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.
"It gives me a chance not only to build my basketball resume but also expand my connections and interests for when I enter the business field," he said.
Edwards was a USA South West Division first team selection last season and was second on the team in scoring, averaging 15.9 points per game. He led the team and the USA South with 108 assists.
This season he aims to step into a bigger role as a playmaker.
"Being able to help the team in ways other than scoring is the challenge I've put on myself. I'm also very excited to see teammates I've watched grow from freshmen make their mark in the conference as well."
Senior forward Zac Hill was third on last year's team in scoring, averaging 12.2 points per game, and was second in rebounding, averaging 5.9 rebounds. Hill tied for second on the team with 34 steals and was second with 16 blocks.
He says he is looking forward to another winning season.
"I'm excited to play with this group of men," he said. "My personal goal is to be the best that I can be for my team. I pride myself on working hard for them and being productive."
Both seniors expect the Panthers to make their mark in the brand new Collegiate Conference of the South. The team was ranked third in the CCS pre-season coaches' poll.
"Every game is so important if we want to be able to have an extended post season," Edwards said. "Our schedule is strong enough to send us into conference play ready to face anyone.
The team is led by Coach Kendal Wallace, who is starting his 12th season guiding the Panthers. During Wallace's tenure, LC has either won a regular-season championship, a conference tournament championship, or received an at-large selection to the NCAA tournament in six of his 11 seasons as the head coach.
Last year, the team finished as USA South West regular-season champions and reached the conference tournament semifinals.
The team's game with Berry is set for 6 p.m. You can watch it via this streaming link.
