By Jeremy Short

Phoenix Correspondent

After a strong finish last year, the Northeastern State’s men’s basketball team looks ready to break out and return to the Lone Star Conference elite status the team has become accustomed to under coach Larry Gipson.

“From a coaching standpoint everyone wants to compete for championships,” said Gipson. “I just want the team to mesh and be as good as we can be.”

After finishing third in the LSC North last season, the RiverHawks were picked to finish fourth in the preseason poll behind Central Oklahoma, Southwestern Oklahoma, and Texas A&M-Commerce.

Much of the RiverHawks’ success will be dictated by talented senior guard Aaron Arango, who was selected as LSC North Preseason Player of the Year. Arango was the team’s second leading scorer last season at 12.3 points a game.

“I think Arango came to us more as an athlete than a basketball player,” said Gipson. “I think Aaron is one of those guys who are invaluable. I expect him to guard the other team’s best player and score points for us.”

The other returning starters are senior guards Ben Rovenstine (6.1 points a game last season) and Ricky Branham (8.9 points and 3.7 assists). Arango, Branham, and Rovenstine figure to combine for a strong backcourt.

The biggest question mark will be in the frontcourt where the graduation of leading scorer Steve Neal leaves a hole. Returning letterman Ja’Mal Stewart and newcomers Tarod Sanders along with Drury University transfer Jason Jones figure to be in the mix for the two frontcourt spots.

The RiverHawks tip off their season tonight when they go on the road to face Arkansas Tech, a team they lost 60-56 to last year.

NSU women

NSU’s women’s basketball team comes into its season opener today against Southwest Baptist University with a lot of question marks, but with good returning players and a talented group of newcomers, the team hopes to make some noise in the Lone Star Conference this season.

After going 9-3 in the LSC last season, Northeastern State was picked to finish third in the North in the preseason poll behind Texas A&M-Commerce and Central Oklahoma.