Men’s basketball wins home opener in blowout; new faces join the Jackets

By Danielle Cherry 

Nine new faces joined the ranks of the Jackets as the men’s basketball season tipped off with their home opener against Wright State Lake. Returners and newbies played side-by-side, destroying the Lakers 101-53, showcasing the Jackets’ potential to the anticipatory fans.

Head coach Rob Jones came out with a mission: to integrate new faces onto the court. Throughout the night, four or five players would be subbed in and out, mostly comprised of the new recruits. 

“We’ve got a lot of new guys and a lot of new faces,” head coach Rob Jones said. “Being the first home game, we want everybody to experience that atmosphere not only when they are on the bench but also on the court.” 

Curtis Blair III, a sophomore forward guard, not only out-ran his opponents but also showcased his hops, executing a hangtime hammer that shocked the crowd. 

“Coming to a new school for the first time, I was really excited to see the crowd and just to be able to play in front of all the fans,” Blair III said.

The first half’s thrill brought excitement to the team, cheers echoing for returners and new players. Senior Ethan Sellers came out strong and confident, diving onto the floor after balls and sinking the Sellers’ classic three, shooting 50% from beyond the arc. 

Paired with returning guard Anthony Ruffolo, freshman Drew Blanton dribbled through waves of Lakers, handling the ball with strict control. His quiet determination anchored the team and created opportunities for creative passing. 

“I thought we were really unselfish, I thought we shared the basketball really well,” Jones said. 

Freshman Jonathan Whiteside used his height to grab seven boards and racked up 16 points. He was unafraid to back down defenders, shoving through Lakers to thunder towards the basket. Whiteside drew the most fouls on the team and cashed in at the free-throw line. 

“The fans were just hyping us even more, just like the little things, the rebounds and the shooting,” Whiteside said. 

Cedarville showed up on both sides of the floor, presenting a tight man-to-man defense that the Lakers struggled to break through. Offensively, the team alternated between closer-range dunks and shots outside the paint, shooting 60.9% from the field. 

After the half, Cedarville was up 53-15, running on a high of adrenaline and excitement pouring out from the crowd. Coach Jones sent out a whole team of new faces, and the crowd couldn’t get enough; the student section did not sit down all night. Every play was followed by a resounding echo, acquainting the new men with Cedarville basketball culture. 

“They balance us in a lot of ways: some guys are terrific passers, some guys bring a physical presence to the game,” Jones said. 

The energy of the first half seemed to dip with the lead. While the Jackets sped across the court, their shots weren’t landing, and the energy overall faded. The lull allowed Wright State Lake to close the gap in Cedarville’s lead, but the Jackets continued to push forward, maintaining a 40 to 50-point difference throughout the entire game. 

Freshman Jordan Jonathan brought speed back to the court, stealing the ball as he dodged between defenders. The Lakers had no chance of keeping up as Jonathan’s tenacity ignited the team once more. 

As the clock was running out, Coach Jones pulled the returners, giving the bench a chance to play. Sam Johnson, Ruffolo and Sellers came off grinning, ready to cheer their team on with enthusiasm. 

“I was really impressed with how some of our returning guys really embraced our newer guys, and how our newer guys have assimilated with not only the team but with the athletic department and the campus,” Jones said.  

Freshman Justin Munger ended the night by flushing two free throws, bringing the total to 101—a score Disney fans are sure to talk about. While sweat poured down their faces, their joy remained untainted, only illuminated by the fast-paced game they played. 

“I don’t think we are even close to where we’re going to be at the end of the season, and I’m excited about that,” Jones said. 

This season, the Jackets look forward to games filled with rim-rocker moments and heart-pounding plays. While new, the team presents a formidable offense and a contagious energy. Catch them playing Lincoln Memorial this Saturday at 6:15, where the Jackets get another chance to shine. 

Danielle Cherry is a sophomore communication major and writer for Cedars A&E and Sports. She is a Missionary Kid from Germany and loves to travel and play volleyball.