Penn State Fayette basketball team has high expectations

Entering his sixth season as coach of the Penn State Fayette men's basketball team, Mark John has done a fine job of building a successful program. One of the hallmarks of John's teams is depth.

This year that depth will be on full display as the Roaring Lions try to make a run at PSUAC and USCAA championships.

To win those coveted titles, the Roaring Lions will have to do so without the services of forwards Jacob Bronder, Dierre Jenkins and Matt McKenna, all of whom have graduated or are close to graduating, and no longer have eligibility.

“It feels good to see guys matriculate through our program,” John said.

Their loss leaves a huge hole to fill, but John believes he has the exact pieces needed.

Seniors C.J. Gaddis, Luke Williams and Brandon Cunningham have plenty of experience and are expected to have a huge impact.

“They are leaders that lead by example,” John said. “We'll go as far as they want to take us.”

Last season, Cunningham was ruled ineligible after not sitting out the required time after transferring from Cal (Pa.). Although the mistake was not intentional by McKenna or Penn State Fayette, it forced the Roaring Lions to forfeit 13 victories and cost the team a chance to compete for the PSUAC championship.

Despite the ineligibility snafu, the Roaring Lions managed nine wins and advanced into the USCAA quarterfinals.

This year, the goals are high.

“We talk every year about winning conference and national titles, and that doesn't change,” John said. “We try to bring that attitude to practice every day.”

The Roaring Lions boast 18 players, and while Gaddis, Williams and Cunningham will play primary roles, they'll have plenty of support. Junior guards Spencer Perieff, Dominick Jackson and Anthony Bristol are expected to make contributions.

John expects a host of young players to push for playing time. Among this group is freshman Griffin Thompson, a 2015 Connellsville graduate.

Thompson is getting used to the college game, and is excited about the upcoming season.

“It's a lot different, but everybody has been real helpful,” Thompson said. “It was an easy transition. Everybody here is good, and everybody can play.”

Penn State Fayette will play Friday and Saturday in the Wildcat Tip-off Tournament at Johnson & Wales in Charlotte, N.C.

Jason Black is the local sports editor of the Daily Courier. Reach him at jblack@tribweb.com.