The Vikings expect to improve on a 14-16 record last year, including a 5-11 mark in conference play. Injuries to juniors Chehales Tapscott and Nate Lozeau had a major impact on the Big Sky season after a strong non-conference start. After enduring a postseason suspension last year, both the coach and media polls have the Vikings finishing fifth in the Big Sky this season, which would secure them a spot in the conference tournament.
Vikings basketball 2011–12 preview
MEN
The Vikings expect to improve on a 14-16 record last year, including a 5-11 mark in conference play. Injuries to juniors Chehales Tapscott and Nate Lozeau had a major impact on the Big Sky season after a strong non-conference start. After enduring a postseason suspension last year, both the coach and media polls have the Vikings finishing fifth in the Big Sky this season, which would secure them a spot in the conference tournament.
Portland State plays a fast-paced, up-tempo style of offense, which begins with guard Charles Odum, last year’s leading scorer, and one of two returning starters. He along with senior forward Chehales Tapscott will provide leadership to a starting lineup that is expected to feature two new members to the program in Lateef McMullan and Martin Whitmore. Other transfers that will add depth to the lineup are sharp-shooting guard Michael Harthun (Washington State) and athletic forward Michael Harvey (Feather River JC). Power forward Renado Parker and center Brandon Cataldo, both redshirts last year, will give the Vikings added depth and strength inside. Parker, who will miss the first month of action due to transfer rules, is expected to give the Vikings a relia-ble inside scoring presence.
“We have a lot of new faces and guys who starred where they came from,” Geving said. “The roles will be changing and won’t be established until we mesh and develop good chemistry.”
The non-conference schedule should be kind to the Vikings, with home dates against Linfield and Cal-State Bakersfield. They will be tested on the road as they face Pac-12 and in-state rivals Oregon and Oregon State in mid-December. They have also been scheduled for an ESPN Bracket Buster game on Feb. 18 against a team to be named later.
On Friday night, Portland State will play an exhibition game before the season officially begins against Western Oregon at the Stott Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:05 p.m.
WOMEN
The Viking women’s basketball team are the preseason favorites to win the Big Sky, as indicated by both the coaches’ and media preseason polls, and are led by last year’s Big Sky MVP Eryn Jones. Jones joins guard Courtney VanBrocklin and forward Shauneice Samms as the returning starters of last year’s regular-season championship squad. The backcourt combination of Jones and VanBrocklin should pace the offense, while Samms’ presence in the low-post will keep opposing defenses honest and on their toes.
Coach Sherri Murrell, who has a remarkable 83-46 record in four seasons at Portland State, says her own expectations of the team haven’t cha-nged, given the preseason hype.
“[Expectations] are really the same every year—win the conference and the tournament,” Murrell said. “That’s really my same goal every year and we definitely have the talent to do it.”
Other returners who will be counted on are forwards Stephanie Egwuatu, Allie Brock, and Keaton McFadden, along with guard Karley Lampman, who is expected to start this year, according to Murrell. Another player who could make an impact is sophomore guard Kate Lanz, who redshirted last season after transferring from Oregon State.
The Vikings’ depth will certainly be an advantage for them as they move into Big Sky conference play this season. Portland State is one of the higher scoring and better shooting teams in the conference, and play an efficient brand of basketball.
The Lady Viks will play an exhibition game this Friday against Central Washington. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Stott Center. ■
