No 5 – Morehead State
Jonathan Mattox’s first year as the Morehead State coach wasn’t bad (15-17), but it wasn’t what Eagle fans had become accustomed to under Preston Spradlin. The Eagles had claimed two straight OVC titles and won at least twenty games in four-straight seasons.
Mattox wants to take the Eagles back to ‘top dog status’. His rebuilt roster is evenly divided between high school players, Division 1 transfers and players from ‘lower levels’ of college basketball.
Fourth and fifth leading scorers George Marshall (7.3 ppg) and Anouar Mellouk (6.7) are back as veteran returners, but Mattox’s teams is largely brand new.
Successful Morehead teams of the past have been built on defense, rebounding and efficient offense. Mattox believes that is still the right formula for success. Four Division 1 transfers are players with experience and flexibility.
“If we can be nasty on the defensive end,” said Mattox. “I like our chances.”
Seniors Jacob Wilson (Louisianna-Monroe) and Tamaury Releford (West Georgia) bring their experience to the OVC with the desire to be a part of a winning tradition. Wilson made 38 triples and collected 26 steals in just 24 games and the 6’9 Releford averaged 7.2 points and 4.5 rebounds.
A pair of sophomores, Tyonne Farrell (Rhode Island) and Josiah LeGree (Indiana State) picked up ample playing time as freshmen at their last stops. LeGree is a capable point guard and the energetic 6’6 Farrrell can defend multiple positions and shoot the three.
Mattox played Division 2 basketball and didn’t shy away from players from so-called ‘lower levels’ during his offseason recruiting endeavors. Davion Cunningham and Chase Dawson are high-scoring D2 guards. Dawson averaged over 21 points for Mount Olive and was the Conference Carolinas’ freshman of the year.
Mattox’s four freshmen bring size and success to Morehead. 6’8 Clayton Parker is the top-rated power forward in Missouri and Jaden Priester is another 6’8 newcomer. Vince Dawson (no relations to Chase) is a top-ten player coming from Morehead’s home state of Kentucky and Jarvis Wright is a 6’1 ‘do-everything’ guard.
Morehead State opens on November 3, with a home game against Midway.