By DENISE JONES
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After several months of waiting, the 2009–2010 men’s basketball season is finally underway.
As the team embarks on this year’s season, they face high expectations. Luckily, the team is filled with a group of players who are willing to work hard and who are committed to success and excellence.
The Nov. 20 game against Westminster marked their first official game.
Since then, Allegheny has been able to capture three consecutive wins against extremely competitive teams.
They have won three out of the four games they have played thus far. Although the team suffered a loss against Wilmington, the men’s team is packed with talented players who expect great things this season.
Amongst those talented players is Devone McLeod, ’13, who contributes both effort and points to the basketball team.
“My role on the team is to help make this a great year for the seniors and to win games,” said McLeod.
Overall, McLeod felt that the Holiday Tournament was a success, even though they did suffer one loss.
“It’s all part of the learning process,” he said.
McLeod expressed that senior leadership is vital for their success this season.
George Raftis, ’10, one of the many senior leaders, reached his 1000 career point mark during the Holiday Tournament.
This was a huge accomplishment, not only for George, but for Allegheny Athletics as well. On and off the court, George is a leader to his teammates.
Coach Rob Clune, who enters his seventh season with the Allegheny men’s basketball team, also has high hopes for this basketball season. He expects his team to be successful in the conference and go far in tournament play.
Although the team will be competing against competitive teams, Clune believes his team is capable of overcoming the challenging road ahead.
He holds that the team has the ability to be one of the best both within their conference and when pitted against other teams outside of their division.
Clune and the players are optimistic about the future of the 2009-2010 season.
The Gators’ next basketball contest takes place Friday, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. against the Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops in the Wise Center.