Keene State men’s basketball entered this season with much going their way.
The 2021-22 season saw them back on top of the Little East Conference (LEC) for the first time since the 2018-19 season. They also were able to win their first game in the NCAA Tournament last season, advancing into the second round where their season would come to an end. It was the program’s fifth championship title and seventh NCAA postseason appearance, according to the athletic department website.
So far this season, they have met, if not exceeded, expectations. They are currently undefeated with an 8-0 overall record, and 3-0 at home, including an electrifying performance at their home opener against Rutgers-Newark and a solid win over MIT over Thanksgiving weekend. Head coach Ryan Cain said the team has been able to put forward a strong performance so far because of “leadership, and everyone on our team understanding that they bring the same value as any individual on our program.” “I think our guys know that if we’re going to play well on game day that it’s because we practiced at a very high level leading up to that point,” he added.
The Owls have been led this season by senior forward, Jeff Hunter, as well offensively by sophomore guard Octavio Brito. However, the depth of Keene State goes well beyond the starting five. “We’ve gone with a seven-man rotation in some of these games,” said Cain. “All of those guys have put themselves in a position where we feel like we can consistently rely on them, and all of those guys have stepped up at different times.”
When asked about LEC play this month, Cain said he is excited for the match-ups ahead. “It’s just different,” he said. “When teams know the individual players in your program and have a feel for the way that you play, the systems that you use on offense and defense… it makes for very interesting match-ups.”.
“There’s just a level of intensity that comes along with league play that is unmatched. It’s like playing a top-25 game every time you go out in league play,” Cain stated. “If you don’t bring it in league play, it really doesn’t matter what the record of that other team is. You’re in a position to lose that game if they have more effort, intensity and energy than you do on that given day.”
Men’s basketball continues league play on Wednesday night at the Spaulding Gym as they host their in-state rival Plymouth State University at 7 p.m.. The game will also be sponsored by Morgan’s Message, a non-profit organization that advocates for student-athlete mental health.
Ryan Goodwin can be reached at
rgoodwin@kscequinox.com
