basketball
season outlook The 2011-12 season marks the beginning of several firsts for the Cougars. With the retirement of Dick Shilts, after 32 years at the helm, former assistant coach, Matt Dennis, takes over as head coach. Dennis brings with him former high school and college basketball coach Damian Smith to lead a recruiting class that includes 14 freshmen and one returning sophomore. Although the Cougars are young, they do not lack the talent and athleticism to be a contender in the Michigan Community Coach MattDennis College Athletic Association Western Conference. With good size and quickness, they should be able to apply pressure to the opposing team on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. The real test for the Cougars will be how quickly they can adjust to the college game, both mentally and physically. “I think we have a very talented group of players who can compete right away. 4
athletics.kvcc.edu
They will have to quickly adjust to the college game to realize their individual potential as well as the team’s full potential,” said Coach Dennis. The Cougars have shown great commitment in pre-season conditioning and player development sessions. According to Coach Dennis, “The attitude, effort, and togetherness seem to be strengths of this year’s team.“ The Cougars will look to build upon these attributes as they come together and prepare for their early season games and play in the MCCAA Western Conference. During the 2011-12 season there will be new faces in almost every facet of the men’s basketball program. The commitment to recruiting solid student-athletes who play hard and play together, however, will remain the same . “I believe the men’s basketball program has a great group of student-athletes,” said Dennis, “who will represent Kalamazoo Valley in the classroom and on the court. This team will continue the great tradition and reputation Kalamazoo Valley athletics is known for.”