Exceed Expectations

Hiram, OHIO - The Hiram Men's Basketball Team wore shirts that read "Exceed Expectations." This season, they followed through with this expectation. The 2015-2016 season was by far the best one yet for the Hiram Men's Basketball team. As a team, the Terriers were picked to finish last in the conference. Proving everybody wrong, they ended up finishing third in the conference allowing them to host their first tournament game in Hiram History.

Some highlights from the season include Sophomore Kelvin Jone's outstanding home court performance against Oberlin. He had a double-double with 23 points and 16 rebounds. As a whole, the Terriers' best games, offensively and defensively, were against Ohio Wesleyan and Wooster. Their strong defense and aggressive offense helped them knock off the Ohio Wesleyan, who was ranked fourth in the nation at the time, and beat Wooster for the first time in 20 years.

The Hiram men posted an impressive home record of 9-1, while going 8-6 on the road leaving them with a 19-8 overall record. Throughout the season, the Terriers' only went on a three-game losing streak and had a strong winning streak with eight games. Although the men had many high points this season, they suffered some tough losses. One of the most heartbreaking games, for the Terriers, was their game against Denison. The Big Red did what every other team this season could not do, which was give the Hiram Terriers their first loss on their home court.

Helping the Terriers exceed their expectations this season was Sophomore Trey Sanders. Due to an injury, Sanders was given more of an opportunity to take on a larger role this season. He took this chance and did not disappoint. The scrappy and passionate play of Trey provided a much-needed spark off the bench.

Even though the Terriers made it past the first round in the NCAC tournament, their season did not end how they would have liked. Unfortunately, they lost to Wooster in the second round 92-79. Despite the loss, the Hiram men had a lot to be proud of.

The Terriers are graduating two seniors, Austen Rekolt and RaiTwann Gaston. Rekolt and Gaston provided great leadership to their team, while helping the team accomplish their goals. The loss of these two will cause other key players to step including Trey Sanders and Kelvin Jones.

Senior J.J. Woodson has another year of eligibility that he will be using next year as he returns for the Hiram Terriers. Having four years of experience, Woodson will be expected to provide leadership and set an example for his teammates.

Also returning from an injury, is Kyle Deckerd. He will be a Senior next year and will look to help his team improve as a whole.