Thomas Parsons

Montez Young Jr, graduate forward receives Sooner Athletic Conference third-team accolades and joins the team for another opportunity to compete nationally.

The no. 10 Texas Wesleyan Rams basketball team prepares to play in the first round of the NAIA National tournament against the no. 7 Morningside Mustangs (I.A.) on Mar. 13 at The Dock, home to the Louisiana State University Shreveport Pilots. 

For the second consecutive year, the Rams have punched their ticket to the National Tournament and looked poised to compete with the best teams the NAIA has to offer. Despite losing two of their last three games, including the opening round of the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) tournament against the Oklahoma City University Stars, the Rams are looking to close out a hard-working season on a high-note. 

“[The Rams] faced adversity but always found a way to keep pushing through,” Brian Wanamaker, Rams head basketball coach, said. “Earning a bid to the national tournament is never easy, especially playing the SAC.” 

At season’s end, SAC awarded Montez Young Jr (SAC third team), Khalil Turner (SAC third team), Daniel Oravbiere (SAC all-defensive team), and Daylan Hamilton (SAC second team). Hamilton, senior combo guard, received accolades after missing the two previous years and having a stellar season with the Rams. 

“I took two years off from basketball and coming back and receiving the accolade means a lot,” Hamilton said.  

The Mustangs go into the first round with a high scoring offense and have looked collected throughout their season in the Great Plains Athletic Conference. Wanamaker recognized the Mustangs’ ability to score and play systematically.  

“Morningside is a really well-coached, disciplined team,” Wanamaker said. “[The Mustangs] averaged about 90 points a game this season; they can shoot the ball and execute their system well.” 

Another year in the tournaments means an attempt at getting revenge for last year’s loss to Baker University (K.S.). Anthony Sierras, junior guard, said he is stoked for the opportunity to play in one more meaningful game. 

“I was excited and relieved that we get another opportunity to try and win in the postseason,” Sierras said. “We did not play anything like we had been all season in our last game, and I’m grateful that to have another [chance] to move past that game and still have an opportunity to make a postseason run.” 

No matter the outcome between the Mustangs, Wanamaker can look back on the season where his players performed valiantly and show camaraderie during a hard-fought season. 

“I’ll look back on the season as one defined by toughness and adversity,” Wanamaker said. “Our guys faced challenges throughout the year, but they kept showing up, competing, and staying together.  

The first round matchup will be streamed live on Urbanedgen.net at 4:43 p.m. (C.S.T).