WCU Basketball Game Program: WCU vs Bloomsburg

2023-24 Women’s Basketball Schedule

November

Sat. 11 ELIZABETH CITY STATE# W, 77-69

Sun. 12 LIVINGSTONE# ..........................................W, 85-56

Sat. 18 WILMINGTON (Del). ..................................W, 69-21

Mon. 20 CHESTNUT HILL........................................W, 71-51

Sun. 26 @ Jefferson

December

L, 63-75

Fri. 1 SLIPPERY ROCK ........................................W, 83-51

Sat. 2 EDINBORO ...................................................W, 79-55

Tue. 5 LINCOLN ......................................................W, 74-56

Mon. 18 @ Mercyhurst

Tue. 19 @ Gannon

L, 71-75

L, 71-86

Sat. 30 CLARION^ W, 83-56

January

Wed. 3 @ California (Pa.) ............................................

L, 51-54

Sat. 6 @ Lock Haven* ...................................... L, 76-79 (OT)

Wed. 10 SHEPHERD*.................................................W, 82-27

Sat. 13 EAST STROUDSBURG*+ ..........................W, 66-35

Wed. 17 @ Kutztown*

Wed. 24 @ Shippensburg*

W, 73-54

W, 82-55

Sat. 27 MANSFIELD*...............................................W, 87-57

Mon. 29 MILLERSVILLE* ........................................W, 73-45

Wed. 31 @ Bloomsburg*

February

W, 67-45

Sat. 3 LOCK HAVEN* ............................................W, 58-49

Wed. 7 @ Shepherd*

Sat. 10 @ East Stroudsburg*

W, 77-66

W, 61-42

Wed. 14 KUTZTOWN*...............................................W, 46-39

Wed. 21 SHIPPENSBURG* .......................................W, 64-59

Sat. 24 @ Mansfield* .................................................. W, 78-56

Wed. 28 @ Millersville* W, 69-59

March

2023-24 Men’s Basketball Schedule

January

Wed. 3 @ California (Pa.) ......................................... W, 100-97

Sat. 6 @ Lock Haven* ............................................... L, 71-74

Wed. 10 SHEPHERD*.................................................W, 82-72

Sat. 13 EAST STROUDSBURG*+ ...........................L, 79-94

Wed. 17 @ Kutztown* W, 87-76

Wed. 24 @ Shippensburg* W, 88-73

Sat. 27 MANSFIELD* W, 83-73

Mon. 29 MILLERSVILLE* L, 86-89

Wed. 31 @ Bloomsburg* .............................................. W, 81-68

February

Sat. 3 LOCK HAVEN* .............................................L, 78-77

Wed. 7 @ Shepherd* W, 86-82 (OT)

Sat. 10 @ East Stroudsburg* ..................................... L, 103-74

Wed. 14 KUTZTOWN*...............................................W, 84-79

Wed. 21 SHIPPENSBURG* W, 102-59

Sat. 24 @ Mansfield* W, 97-63

Wed. 28 @ Millersville* L, 83-78

March

Sat. 2 BLOOMSBURG*&! .................................... 3:00 p.m.

*

University and Athletic Administration

University President

Dr. Christopher

Dr. Christopher M. Fiorentino enters his eighth and final year as president of West Chester University. With 40 years of higher education and administration experience at West Chester University, Fiorentino announced his retirement prior to the beginning of the 2023-24 academic year. He will step down as university president in June 2024.

Fiorentino, who holds three degrees in economics (baccalaureate, master’s and doctorate) from Temple University, joined WCU’s economics faculty in 1983. His role evolved from assistant professor to dean of the College of Business and Public Administration to vice president for External Operations to his current position of university president.

Dr. Fiorentino has been active in numerous leadership roles on campus, helping to secure AACSB International accreditation for the School of Business; developing off-campus academic centers, including the Graduate Center in West Goshen Township; and working with faculty and supporters to create the Cottrell Entrepreneurial Leadership Center. Dr. Fiorentino also spearheaded the development of the Center for Community Solutions, which links business and civic leaders with appropriate University faculty and staff. His responsibilities in his last position included University operations at the State System’s Center City Philadelphia site.

Dr. Fiorentino is married to WCU alumnae, Dr. Susan Fiorentino, ’86, a Professor in the Management Department at West Chester University where she is currently serving as Coordinator for the Master of Science in Human Resource Management program. The Fiorentinos have three children: Greg, a software engineer and WCU alum; Diana Marlin, a WCU grad and registered dietitian; and Jeff, a Penn State University graduate.

Director of Athletics

Terry Beattie

Terry Beattie begins his eighth athletic campaign as the Director of Athletics at West Chester University.

Overall, Beattie enters into his 18th season with West Chester University’s Department of Athletics. Previous to being named the Interim AD in 2017, Beattie served as the Associate AD overseeing facilities and game day operations. He also oversaw all of the grounds and equipment room operations for the athletic department.

A 31-year veteran in college athletics, Beattie recently spearheaded the development of the Michael Horrocks Emerging Leaders Institute at WCU, which provides leadership training and development to a select group of outstanding student athletes who, as recognized future leaders, will be taking on the mantle of leadership within their team sometime in the future.

He has also served on a number of strategic planning committee’s both within the athletic department and in conjunction with the university.

In his seven years as the university’s athletics director, Beattie created a Sports Performance aspect to the athletic department implementing additional resources from which WCU student-athletes could benefit. His collaboration with a number of other areas on campus gives student-athletes access to mental health and sport psychology experts, an expanded and much improved strength and conditioning program as well as education on sport nutrition.

His work in the field of Sport Leadership Training gives West Chester University’s coaching staff and administrators access to some of the cutting edge research on how to become a better leader, coach and mentor to young adults.

A member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), Beattie was recently named the chair of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Athletic Administrators for the 2023-24 campaign. He has also served roles on the NCAA regional and national advisory committees overseeing selections to the NCAA Division II Tournament in a variety of sports.

A native of Rochester, N.Y., Beattie has an extensive background in college athletics dating back to 1991.

Beattie, 54, is 1991 graduate of Alfred University in Alfred, N.Y., with a degree in Business Administration. He completed his master’s degree in Sport Administration at Canisius College in 1999. He received a tenured promotion to Assistant Professor at West Chester University in April 2009.

About West Chester University

West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, regional, comprehensive institution committed to providing access and offering high-quality undergraduate education, select post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania.

West Chester University is committed to attracting, enrolling and graduating quality students from a wide variety of educational, cultural and economic backgrounds. This endeavor requires the University to attract and retain highly qualified faculty and staff and to provide each member of the University community with learning and leadership development opportunities. To this end, the University supports and encourages programs which benefit all people and which seek to eradicate discrimination and injustice. We treasure what we believe to be the highest principles of American society: the worth and uniqueness of each individual, the belief that success is to be earned by individual effort put forth in an environment founded on equality of opportunity, and the appreciation of the ideal of an inclusive society.

We believe that it is incumbent upon all members of our community - staff, students, faculty and administrators - to conduct themselves with civility toward one another at all times. We value the special talents and contributions of each member of our community. We further affirm the worth and dignity of each member and the shared responsibility of all to treat each other as individuals, with respect and courtesy.

As a university owned by the citizens of Pennsylvania, we value our mission to provide the best educational opportunities possible which will enable the University community to successfully address the concerns of a global society. To this end, West Chester University seeks to provide diligent advising for students and to focus on teaching students to think clearly and critically, to make logical and ethical judgments, and to communicate effectively with others.

West Chester University’s community strongly supports the principles of academic integrity and academic responsibility, viewing both as the province of every member of the campus community. We hold the highest esteem for teaching directed toward student learning and affirm that mastery of content as well as mastery of teaching skills necessary to communicate such content are paramount.

As a university owned by the citizens of Pennsylvania, we value our mission to provide the best educational opportunities possible which will enable the University community to successfully address the concerns of a global society.

West Chester University will be a national model for excellence for public regional comprehensive universities and is especially noted for:

l Undergraduate programs that actively engage students in connecting the life of the mind to the world in which they live and work.

l The responsiveness of its graduate and post-baccalaureate programs to regional needs.

l Its focus on providing lifelong-learning, technical, and applied skills essential to graduates’ success now and in the future.

l A commitment by faculty, staff, and administrators to provide access and to serve effectively the educational needs of a diverse student body.

l Its role as a leading educational and cultural resource and partner in fostering the economic, social, and cultural vitality of southeastern Pennsylvania.

ABOUT THE MATCHUP (WBB)

WEST CHESTER (22-5, 17-4)

Head Coach:

Kiera Wooden

Career Record: (158-102)

VS.

ALL-TIME SERIES:

Bloomsburg leads 45-43

Streak: W3

First Meeting: 1/14/82 W, 87-65

Last Meeting: 1/31/24 W, 67-45

BLOOMSBURG (8-19, 6-15)

Head Coach: Alison Tagliaferri

Career Record: (148-222)

Opening Tip...Currently riding the longest winning streak in the PSAC and the 6th longest in Division II women’s basketball at 14 in a row, the West Chester University women’s basketball team returns to action tonight against Bloomsburg in a Senior Day/Pink Zone matchup presented by Barnaby’s Restaurant and Pub beginning at 1 p.m. Prior to today’s game, West Chester will honor its eight player senior class, which includes Jayde Boyd, Alana Boyer, Kaziah Ross, Val McGriff, Bri Seltzer, Morgan Warley, Emily McAteer, and Leah Johnson. West Chester will also recognize a pair of graduating members of the Athletic Training Staff in Hunter Friedman and Brandon McGlynn. West Chester enters off a hard fought 69-59 victory over Millersville on Wednesday, which saw the Golden Rams erase a halftime deficit for the second time this season to earn the 10-point road victory. With a 10-point final score, fans could be forgiven if they believed hte second half was always easy for West Chester as the Golden Rams outscored their hosts 46-24 but Millersville was resilient throughout the night, trimming the WCU lead to as few as two in the waning moments of regulation before West Chester put the game away at the free throw line. Today West Chester will look to end its regular season with a victory and continue improving its NCAA Tournament resume against old rival Bloomsburg. The Golden Rams and Huskies will meet for the 89th time in their histories on Saturday afternoon with Bloomsburg maintaining a slim 45-43 lead over the Golden Rams in the all-time series. West Chester has won each of the last three meetings, including a sweep a year ago and a 67-45 victory at Bloomsburg on January 31 of this season.

WCU Women’s Basketball Notes ...West Chester enters off a tense victory on Wednesday night, which saw West Chester erase a halftime deficit for just the second time this season to earn a 10-point (69-59) victory over Millersville. West Chester held a two-point lead after the first but trailed by two at the half after shooting just 13.3 % from the field in the second quarter. The Golden Rams were much improved in the third, shooting 52.9 % in the frame to outscore Millersville 22-17 and carry a lead back into the fourth. In the fourth, West Chester stretched its lead to nine early, but Millersville would not go away, cutting the deficit back down to two (61-59) before West Chester was able to put the game away at the line with four perfect trips to the stripe. Anna McTamney (Plymouth Meeting, Pa./Plymouth Whitemarsh) scored a season-high 21 points on 7-of-14 shooting to go along with a 16-point/10-rebound double-double from Michelle Kozicki (Wilmington, Del./Padua) as two of four Golden Rams in double figures as Leah Johnson (Columbus, N.J./Notre Dame) and Briana Seltzer (Reading, Pa./Reading) joined with 11 and 10 points each. Winners of the last 14 and 22 in a row at home, West Chester is sixth in Division II women’s basketball in both overall and home winning streak while also leading the PSAC in both streaks. Just before the start of the Golden Rams game at Millersville on Wednesday night, the Division II women’s basketball committee released its second regional rankings of the year, ranking West Chester seventh in the Atlantic Region, placing West Chester on the bubble for a spot in the NCAA Tournament when that begins later in March. Before West Chester can concern itself with NCAA Tournament dreams, the Golden Rams, who rank second in the PSAC in scoring (71.7/g) and points allowed (54.5/g), must first focus on the PSAC Tournament, which begins with a home Quarterfinal against the winner of the 3/6 game next Wednesday night. While the entirety of the PSAC Tournament field is set, only the top two seeds in the PSAC East are secured, meaning seeds three through six will not be determined until play is complete tomorrow afternoon. Kutztown and Millersville are battling for the third seed, entering the day with records of 11-10 and 10-11, while Mansfield and East Stroudsburg are fighting for the fifth and sixth seeds at 8-13 and 7-14 in league play, respectively.

Bloomsburg Women’s Basketball Notes..On Saturday afternoon, Bloomsburg will look to bounce back in its regular-season finale from a 60-38 loss against PSAC East Regular Season Champion Lock Haven on Wednesday night. Against Lock Haven, Bloomsburg outscored its hosts 11-10 in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough to overcome just 17 points in the first half and a 21-10 deficit in the third quarter alone as the Bald Eagles cruised to the 22-point victory. Bloomsburg shot just 23.5 % from the field in this game, including a 22.2 % effort from three-point range, while also hitting 12-of-17 at the line. The Huskies did win the turnover battle by a 19-15 margin but found themselves on the wrong end of a 47-29 deficit in rebounding despite a nine-rebound effort by Katelin Starr. Starr led Bloomsburg in scoring (9), rebounds (9), blocks (2), and steals (3), while Emma Kale dished out a team-best five assists in the setback.

Up next for the Golden Rams ... West Chester will have to wait to learn who its next opponent will be as the Golden Rams are scheduled to host a PSAC Quarterfinal in Hollinger on Wednesday, March 6 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

ABOUT THE MATCHUP (MBB)

WEST CHESTER (17-10, 14-2)

Head Coach: Damien Blair

Career Record: (278-152)

VS.

ALL-TIME SERIES: WCU Leads 75-69

Streak: W6

First Meeting: 1947 L, 44-36

Last Meeting: 1/31/24 W, 81-68

BLOOMSBURG (5-22, 3-18)

Head Coach: Chris Bess

Career Record: (6-47)

Opening Tip... Today, West Chester welcomes Bloomsburg to Hollinger Field House for the final home game of the 2023-24 regular season against the Huskies on what will also be Senior Day, presented by Barnaby’s Restaurant and Pub beginning at 3 p.m. This is the final regular-season game of the year for both sides but the first of two straight and two games in three days for the West Chester University men’s basketball team as the Golden Rams will host Shepherd on Monday night in a PSAC Tournament First Round game beginning at 7 p.m. West Chester holds a 75-69 lead in the series against Bloomsburg after winning each of the last six meetings against the Huskies, including an 81-68 victory over the Huskies at the end of January. In this victory, West Chester trailed 34-33 at the half but outscored its hosts 48-34 in the second half, led by 22 points from Elijah Allen and 21 from Joshua Walker to extend the winning streak against the Huskies. West Chester shot 44.3 % (31-of-70) from the field and 36.8 % (7-of-19) from three-point range in the victory.

WCU Men’s Basketball Notes ... On Wednesday night, West Chester found itself down by as many as 19 with five minutes to play in the first half and, despite cutting the deficit to just one with under two-and-a-half minutes to play, could not come all the way back in an 83-78 loss. After trailing by as many as 15 near the midway point of the second half, Rob-ert Smith, who led all scorers with 20 points on 7-of-18 shooting, cut the deficit to 76-75 with 2:21 to play in regulation. West Chester continued its comeback bid, trailing by just three with 10 seconds to play and the ball, but the Golden Rams committed a costly turnover on an inbounds play and sent Millersville back to the line in the five-point loss. West Chester shot 47.1 % from the field in the second half to shoot 44.8 % (30-of-67) from the field in the loss. Averaging 81.9 points per game on 46.0 % shooting from the field and 35.0 % from beyond the arc, West Chester remains one of the top offensive units in the PSAC, led by Elijah Allen, who is first on the team in scoring, averaging 17.6 points per game. Jordan Kellier is fourth on the team in scoring, averaging just under 14 points per game, and ranks fourth in Division II in rebounding, averaging 10.9 per game, while also ranking second in DII in double-doubles with 16 on the year. On the defensive end, West Chester holds opponents to an average of 78.0 points per game on 45.0 % shooting from the field and 33.0 % from three-point range while also holding a 39.9-32.6 advantage in rebounding.

Bloomsburg Men’s Basketball Notes...

Bloomsburg enters with a record of 5-22 after losing each of its last five games, including a 9471 setback vs Lock Haven on Wednesday night. Bloomsburg found itself down 12 to the Bald Eagles at the half and was on the wrong end of a 50-39 second-half effort, which allowed the high-flying Bald Eagles to escape with a 23-point victory. Bloomsburg shot 41.5 % from the field and 36.4 % from three-point range in the setback while also ending the game with a 46-41 deficit in rebounding and a 15-9 deficit in the turnover battle. Matt Bengel led the Huskies in scoring and rebounding, finishing with 17 points and nine rebounds in the loss. For the year, Bengel is second on the team in scoring (12.5/g) and rebounding (3.5/g), trailing Jake Nelson in both categories as he averages 14.2 points per game and 8.7 rebounds per game. As a team, Bloomsburg averages 73.5 points per game on 46.0 % shooting from the field and 35.1 % from three-point range while also shooting 68.0 % from the line. Defensively, the Huskies average 88.7 points per game on 48.7 % shooting from the field and 34.6 % from three-point territory while also being outrebounded by a 39.4-32.7 rebound per game margin.

Up Next for the Golden Rams ... West Chester remains home on Monday night to host Shepherd in a PSAC First Round game beginning at 7 p.m. Regardless of the result, Monday night will be the year’s final home game for the fourth-seeded Golden Rams.

THE BLAIR REPORT

Damien Blair

TITLE: Head Coach

Years at WCU: 16

Alma Mater: West Chester ‘06

CAREER RECORD

Year Record Postseason

2008-09 18-10 (9-5) PSAC

2009-10 16-11 (5-9)

2010-11 14-12 (5-9)

2011-12 19-10 (14-8) PSAC

2012-13 20-8 (17-5) PSAC

2013-14 20-10(11-5) NCAA

2014-15 16-13 (14-8) PSAC

2015-16 23-7 (17-5) NCAA

2016-17 14-15 (11-11) PSAC

2017-18 22-7 (17-5) NCAA

2018-19 22-9 (17-5) NCAA

2019-20 20-10 (13-9) PSAC

2021-22 17-11 (10-11) PSAC

2022-23 21-8 (16-6) PSAc

Total 262-148 (15) 12/14

• Head Coach Damien Blair completed his 15th season at the helm of the Golden Rams in 2022-23. In his 14 seasons with the Purple & Gold, Blair boasts a 262-142 (.648) overall record with four NCAA Tournament appearances in the last seven years.

• Blair has orchestrated a 176-101 (.635) mark in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) contests throughout his tenure, and under his tutelage, the Golden Rams have landed inside the top-three of the PSAC East standings nine times, including a share of the regular-season crown in 2022-23 and six second-place nishes. West Chester has advanced to the PSAC Championship Game on three occasions. The West Chester University alum boasts a 11-12 record in the PSAC Tournament and a 1-4 record in the NCAA Tournament.

• It was Blair’s mission that winter to orchestrate a return to the PSAC seminals and with it a shot at a PSAC championship. Blair led West Chester to the PSAC postseason tournament in his rst season on the sideline in 2008-09, after inheriting a squad that had not reached the playoffs the previous two campaigns.

• One of the top guards in school history, Blair made a big splash in his rst season as head coach at his alma mater. The Golden Rams nished 18-10 overall and 9-5 in conference play, nishing third overall in the Eastern Division and leading the Rams to the quarternals of the PSAC postseason tournament. A loss to cross-town rival Cheyney ended Blair’s inaugural season prematurely.

• He made the leap into the college game from the high school ranks where he led nearby Downingtown High School to the Ches-Mont League boys’ basketball championship -- the rst title in school history -- in 2007 and a spot in the PIAA state playoffs for the fourth time during his tenure. Overall, Blair compiled a high school career coaching record of 173-78 (.689). Blair left Downingtown High as the school’s all-time winningest boy’s basketball coach. He was named the Daily Local News coach of the year as well as ChesMont League coach of the year his nal season.

• During his collegiate playing career, Blair set seven individual scoring records on the career, season and game levels. His 2,025 career points stands second all-time at West Chester University and ninth all-time in PSAC history. The ashy guard was a two-time PSAC East player of the year (1994, 1995) and four-time all-league selection, including three rst-team nods, during his illustrious playing career. Blair was inducted into the Messikomer Men’s Basketball Hall of Fame at West Chester University in 2001.

• Blair played semi-professional basketball with the Delaware Blue Bombers of the United States Basketball League for a brief stint, after his college career came to a close and was even invited to the Philadelphia 76ers tryout camp in 1996.

• Blair received his bachelor’s of science degree in Education from WCU in May 2006 and is a certied Health & Physical Education instructor in the state of Pennsylvania. He completed his master’s in Athletic Administration from WCU in May 2007.

West Chester University Golden Rams

Women’s Basketball Roster (22-5, 17-4)

No. Player Pos. Ht. Cl. Hometown/High School

0 Kyla Glasser-Hyman G 5-6 Fr. Inzai, Japan / Hightstown

2 Jayde Boyd G 5-9 Sr. Pittsburgh, PA. / Oakland Catholic

3 Leah Johnson G 5-5 Sr. Columbus, N.J. / Notre Dame

4 Alianna Hopta G 5-7 So. York, Pa. / West York

10 Michelle Kozicki F 6-0 Jr. Wilmington, Del. / Padua Academy

12 Kaziah Ross G 5-6 Jr. Binghamton, N.Y. / Binghamton

13 Alana Boyer G 5-7 Jr. Harrisburg, Pa. / Susquenita

14 Erin Daley F 6-0 Fr. Lafayette Hill, Pa. / Plymouth Whitemarsh

20 Emily McAteer F/C 6-1 Sr. Thornton, Pa. / Garnet Valley

21 Sofia Coleman G 5-11 So. Dresher, Pa. / Gwynedd Mercy Academy

22 Morgan Warley G/F 5-9 Jr. West Chester, Pa. / Villa Maria Academy

24 Briana Seltzer G 5-9 Sr. Reading, Pa. / Reading

25 Valerie McGriff F/C 6-0 Jr. Lansdale, Pa. / North Penn

32 Anna McTamney G 5-10 Jr. Plymouth Meeting, Pa. / Plymouth Whitemarsh

33 Rachel Conran G/F 5-8 Jr. Springfield, Pa. / Springfield

Head Coach: Kiera Wooden (West Chester University ‘03) - 10th season

Assistant Coach: Allison Hostetter (West Chester University ‘12) - 9th season, Mary

Fromhartz

Bloomsburg University Huskies

Women’s Basketball Roster (8-19, 6-15)

No. Player Pos. Ht. Cl. Hometown/High School

3 Ava Stevenson G 6-0 Jr. Mechanicsburg, Pa. / Trinity

4 Allison Hileman G 5-5 Jr. Hollidaysburg, Pa. / Hollidaysburg

5 Julia Wheeler G 5-8 Sr. Albion, Pa. / Northwestern

10 Madison Johnson G 5-10 Jr. West Orange, N.J. / Union Catholic

11 Kelly Leszcynski G 5-6 So. Nazareth, Pa. / Nazareth

14 Leah Kale G 5-9 Fr. Spring Grove, Pa. / Spring Grove

20 Lauren Kirsch G 5-6 Jr. Palmyra, Pa. / Lower Dauphin

21 Katie Starr F 5-11 Jr. Berwick, Pa. / Berwick

22 Ella Kale G 5-6 Jr. Spring Grove, Pa. / Spring Grove

23 Nickole Schmidt G 5-9 Jr. Montgomery, N.Y. / Valley Central

24 Emma Spindler G 5-10 Fr. Wallkill, N.Y. / Wallkill Senior

25 Maddie LaFrance G 5-9 So. Harrisburg, Pa. / Central Dauphin

31 Mia Stock F 6-0 Fr. Richboro, Pa. / The Perkiomen School

32 Hailey Hudak F 6-0 Jr. Schwenksville, Pa. / Spring Ford

33 Chase Purdy F 5-10 R-Fr. Sweet Valley, Pa. / Lake Lehman

34 Alison Hatajik F 6-0 Fr. Duncansville, Pa. / Hollidaysburg

Head Coach: Alison Tagliaferri (Mansfield ‘06) 8th season

Assistant Coach: Alyssa Carsia

West Chester University Golden Rams

Men’s Basketball Roster (17-10, 14-7)

No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown/High School

0 Myles Grey G 5-10 175 Fr. Reading, Pa. / Reading

1 Anthony Purnell Jr. G 6-0 150 So. Chester, Pa. / Kiski Prep

2 Robert Smith G 6-1 180 Jr. Philadelphia, Pa. / Bishop McDevitt

3 Saleem Payne G 5-10 160 Fr. Philadelphia, Pa. / Phelps School

4 Elijah Allen G 6-2 180 Jr. Dover, Del. / Dover

10 Luke Boyd G 6-2 170 So. Somerton, Pa. / Archbishop Ryan

11 Joshua Walker F 6-8 230 Jr. Upper Marlboro, Md. / Riverdale Baptist

13 Darrius Phillips F 6-8 225 Fr. East Stroudsburg, Pa. / Seton Hall Prep

14 Nix Varano G 6-2 175 So. Chalfont, Pa. / La Salle College High School

15 Isaiah Thomas-McClain G 6-5 185 R-So. Cheltenham, Pa. / Cheltenham

20 Tristan Thomas F 6-9 250 So. Medford, N.J. / IMG Academy

21 Mirko Bramati G 6-7 190 Fr. Bologna, Italy / St. Thomas More

22 Alex Walinski G/F 6-4 180 Jr. New Hope, Pa. / New Hope Solebury

23 Moro Osumanu G/F 6-6 180 Jr. Reading, Pa. / Reading

24 Jordan Kellier F 6-5 220 Gr. Kingston, Jamaica / Redemption Christian

Head Coach: Damien Blair (West Chester ’06) 16th season

Assistant Coach: Ben Kay (Drexel ’12), Eric Anderson, Bill Coleman, Isaiah Lester

Bloomsburg University Huskies

Men’s Basketball Roster (5-22, 3-18)

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Yr. Hometown/High School

0 Travis Elmore F 6-6 225 Gr. Tobyhanna, Pa. / Pocono Mountain West

1 Matt Bengel G 6-4 180 Jr. Erie, Pa. / Mercyhurst Prep

2 Jake Nelson F 6-7 225 Gr. West Chester, Pa. / West Chester Rustin

3 Desmond FreemanG 6-0 170 Gr. Greensboro, N.C. / Southeast Guilford

4 Tony Henderson G 6-4 180 Jr. Pittsburgh, Pa. / Taylor Allderdice

5 Raphael Castillo G 6-3 190 Sr. Newark, N.J. / Morristown Beard

10 Danny Bruce G/F 6-8 205 So. Edinboro, Pa. / General McLane

11 Louie Wild G 6-1 173 Sr. Philadelphia, PA / Roman Catholic

12 Dylan Harris G 6-1 165 Jr. Bloomsburg, Pa. / Central Columbia

14 Justin Rodriguez G 6-0 170 Gr. Newark, N.J. / Morristown-Beard

20 Sean Haus G 6-4 175 So. Southampton,Pa. / William Tennent

21 Kent Olewiler G 6-4 180 So. York, Pa. / William Penn

23 DJ Gordon G 6-5 175 Jr. Pittsburgh, Pa. / First Love Christian Academy

25 Jagger Dressler SG 6-4 200 Jr. Danville, Pa. / Danville

30 Kyle Saglimben F 6-5 195 Jr. Langhorne, Pa. / Neshaminy

32 Duce Jackson G/F 6-6 200 Fr. Coatesville, Pa. / Collegium Charter School

35 Mondyu Richards F 6-9 200 Fr. Silver Spring, Md. / Albert Einstein

42 Isiah Sherman G/F 6-5 215 Jr. Philadelphia, Pa. / Lincoln

Head Coach: Chris Bess (Edinboro ‘10) 2nd season

Assistant Coach: Isaiah Smiley, Jaymon Mason, Ozzy Grimmage

Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Notes

2023-24 Men’s Basketball Conference Standings and Statistics

Conference Standings 2023-24

Eastern Division

Place School Conf. Overall

1. Millersville* 18-3 23-4

2. Lock Haven* 17-4 23-4

East Stroudsburg* 17-4 19-7

4. West Chester* (4) 14-7 17-10

5. Shepherd* (5) 9-12 12-14

6. Mansfield* (6) 6-15 8-18

7. Shippensburg 4-18 8-20

8. Bloomsburg 3-18 5-22

9. Kutztown 3-18 4-23

Western Division

Place School Conf. Overall

1. Gannon* (1) 19-2 25-2

2. Cal (Pa.)* (2) 18-3 24-3

3. IUP* 13-8 16-11

4. Slippery Rock* 13-8 15-12

5. Seton Hill* 11-10 16-11

6. Mercyhurst* 10-11 14-15

7. Edinboro 6-15 7-20

8. Clarion 5-16 7-20

9. Pitt-Johnstown 4-18 6-22

Statistical Leaders 2023-24

POINTS/GAME

Name School Ppg.

KJ McClurg CAL 22.6

Justice Shoats LHU 20.5

Bernie Blunt BORO 19.9

REBOUNDS

Name School Rpg.

Jordan Kellier WCU 10.9

Lashon Lindsay ROCK 9.4 Ethan Porterfield IUP 8.7

ASSISTS

Name

5.4 Derrick James GAN 5.3 Jaden Faulkner VILLE 5.1

STEALS

Name School Stlpg.

Derrick James GAN 2.7

Jaelen McGlone ESU 2.3

Lakeem McAliley ESU 2.2

PSAC East Preseason Coaches’ Polls

Men’s PSAC East Preseason Poll

1. East Stroudsburg (5)

2. West Chester (3)

3. Millersville

4. Shepherd (1)

5. Shippensburg

6. Lock Haven

7. Kutztown

8. Bloomsburg

9. Mansfield

Men’s PSAC West Preseason Poll

1. IUP (5)

2. California (4)

3. Mercyhurst

4. Slippery Rock

5. Pitt-Johnstown

6. Seton Hill

7. Gannon

8. Clarion

9. Edinboro

Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Notes

2023-24 Women’s Basketball Conference Standings and Statistics

Conference Standings 2023-24

Eastern Division

Place School Conf. Overall

1. Lock Haven* (1) 20-1 25-2

2. West Chester* (2) 17-4 22-5

3. Kutztown* 11-10 13-14

4. Millersville* 10-11 12-15

5. Mansfield* 8-13 11-15

6. E. Stroudsburg* 7-14 9-17

7. Bloomsburg 6-15 8-19

8. Shippensburg 5-17 6-22

9. Shepherd 4-17 6-20

Western Division

Place School Conf. Overall

1. Gannon* (1) 20-1 28-2

2. IUP* (2) 16-4 20-5

3. Cal (Pa.)* 15-6 20-7

4. Edinboro* 14-7 16-10

5. Mercyhurst* 13-8 17-10

6. Seton Hill* (6) 11-10 14-13

7. Pitt-Johnstown 10-12 15-13

8. Slippery Rock 2-19 2-22

9. Clarion 1-20 1-26

Statistical Leaders 2023-24

POINTS/GAME

Name School Ppg.

Pirosko GAN 18.7

Name School Apg.

PSAC East Preseason Coaches’ Polls

PSAC East Preseason Poll

1. West Chester (8)

2. Kutztown (1)

3. Shippensburg

4. Bloomsburg

5. East Stroudsburg

6. Lock Haven

7. Millersville

8. Mansfield

9. Shepherd

PSAC West Preseason Poll

1. California (5)

2. Gannon (2)

3. IUP (1)

4. Edinboro

5. Pitt-Johnstown (1)

6. Seton Hill

7. Mercyhurst

8. Slippery Rock

9. Clarion

2023-24 West Chester University Cheerleaders

From late August through early-to-mid March each school year, West Chester University’s cheerleaders are front and center at all Golden Rams football games in the fall and both men’s and women’s basketball games in the winter. Additionally, West Chester University’s cheerleaders have traveled to Orlando, Fla., and the Wide World of Sports in January to compete in the UCA Nationals. The Golden Rams Cheer Squad placed among the top five at UCA Nationals in each of the past two years, including a runner-up performance in 2023.

The cheerleaders work hard in the preseason learning mostly new material for the upcoming campaign, conditioning and developing a pride in the West Chester University community. Aside from preparing their 35-member team for the year ahead, the West Chester University cheerleaders also host high school clinics in order to develop cheerleading around the area.

The West Chester University cheerleaders take on many community service projects focusing mainly on breast cancer awareness, as well as doing many youth and high school cheering clinics, donating to needy schools and volunteering with the elderly within the West Chester community.

The team also makes many public appearances as representatives of WCU, highlighted each holiday season with a spot in the West Chester Borough’s annual Christmas Parade.

Name Pos. Cl. Hometown / High School

Alexis Aguiar Base Sr. Delran, N.J./Delran

Kira Bhuta (C) Flyer Sr. Burlington, N.J./Burlington Twp.

Jasmin Bullers Base Fr. Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley

Alexis Casale Back So. Springfield, Pa./Springfield

Charli Culbert (C) Backspot Sr. Upper Chichester, Pa./Chichester

Mia Fornito Flyer Sr. Medford, N.J./Shawnee

Emily Ham Backspot So. West Grove, Pa./Padua Academy

Justice Haynes Flyer Fr. Reading, Pa./Conrad Weiser

Cameron Heron Base Fr. Philadelphia, Pa./Saint Hubert

Madison Hines Flyer So. Garnet Valley, Pa./Garnet Valley

Sarah Hogan Base Jr. Holland, Pa./Council Rock South

Julia Hunt (C) Base So. Ridley, Pa./Archbishop Carroll

McKenna Maffei Flyer Jr. Oxford, Pa./Oxford Area

Adelyn Mariani Flyer Fr. Springfield, Pa./Springfield

Emily Matienzo Base Sr. Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Jefferson Twp.

Jacqueline Nadera Flyer Sr. Old Bridge, N.J./Old Bridge

Allison Nadin Base So. Chadds Ford, Pa./Unionville

Samantha Noble Base Fr. Bordentown, N.J./No. Burlington

Olivia Ople Backspot Fr. Doylestown, Pa./Central Bucks East

Caroline Orokos Base Sr. No. Brunswick, N.J./No. Brunswick Twp.

Kylie Orseno Backspot Fr. North Wales, Pa./North Penn

Cameryn Pellegrini Base Fr. Doylestown, Pa./Central Bucks West

Madison Polansky Flyer So. Lansdale, Pa./North Penn

Alyssa Redding Base Sr. Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty

Abby Roman Base Jr. Mountain Top, Pa./Crestwood

Keilian Rudisill Base Fr. Reading, Pa./Exeter

Noelle Schusko Backspot So. Malvern, Pa./Pope John Paul

Madison Skowronek Base Sr. Media, Pa./Penncrest

Devon Stein Base Fr. Norristown, Pa./Norristown

Marnie String Backspot So. Cherry Hill, N.J./Cherry Hill West

Lexi Swisher Flyer Jr. Morgantown, Pa./Twin Valley

Kyleigh Taylor Base Fr. Philadelphia, Pa./Saint Hubert

Peyton Taylor Base Fr. Bethlehem, Pa./Freedom

Victoria Zencak Base Fr. Warrington, Pa./CB South

Emiily Zoellner Base Fr. Garnet Valley, Pa./Garnet Valley

Head Coach: Jacqueline Kline

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