Landmark men's Basketball 2024-2025 Season Preview

2024-25 Landmark Conference Men's Basketball

As the 2024-25 Landmark Conference men's basketball season kicks off, the teams gear up for what is expected to be a thrilling season. Defending champions Catholic University are eager to build off of their impressive 2023-24 season. At the same time, teams like Susquehanna and Drew are ready to battle for the top spot. With contenders all across the conference, this season's fight for the conference title is expected to be highly competitive.

2023-24 Year in Review

2023-24 Standings

Catholic University: 25-4 (16-2 Landmark Conference)
Drew University: 20-6 (13-5 Landmark Conference)
Susquehanna University: 17-11 (12-6 Landmark Conference)
Wilkes University: 19-8 (11-7 Landmark Conference)
Juniata College: 17-11 (11-7 Landmark Conference)
Goucher College: 10-16 (8-10 Landmark Conference)
Elizabethtown College: 10-15 (7-11 Landmark Conference)
Lycoming College: 9-16 (5-13 Landmark Conference)
Moravian University: 9-16 (5-13 Landmark Conference)
University of Scranton: 4-21 (2-16 Landmark Conference)

2023 Playoffs

Semifinals:

#3 Susquehanna def #2 Drew: 68-66
#1 Catholic def #4 Wilkes: 93-88 (OT)

Championship:

#1 Catholic def #3 Susquehanna: 87-65

The Catholic Cardinals dominated the Landmark Conference last year, finishing the 2023-2024 season 25-4 overall and 16-2 in conference play. Their postseason journey concluded with an 87-65 win over Susquehanna University winning their first Landmark Conference title since 2016. Senior Tommy Kelly scored 19 points, had eight assists, and grabbed four steals to lead catholic to their victory, earning him Landmark Conference MVP honors. The rest of the team also played a hand in sealing the win for the Cardinals as all five starters scored in the double figures.

The Cards continued their success into the second round of the NCAA Tournament where their season ended in a loss to Rowan University 89-85.

2024-25 Preseason Coaches Poll

The upcoming Landmark Conference men's basketball season is expected to be thrilling as teams compete for the championship title.

Susquehanna University tops Catholic this season as they lead the preseason poll with 78 points and seven first-place votes. Following shortly behind with 73 points and two first-place votes is last season's champion Catholic University. Securing third place is Drew University with 68 points and one first-place vote, followed by Wilkes University in fourth place with 55 points. Rounding out the top half of the poll are the University of Scranton (45 points) and Goucher College (41 points) in fifth and sixth place.

Seventh place in the rankings is claimed by Moravian University with 33 points, followed by Elizabethtown College with 25 points in eighth place. Juniata College (19 points) and Lycoming College (13 points) round out the poll.

Catholic University

Head Coach: Aaron Kelly (6th Season)
Team Titles: 3 (2013, 2016, 2024)
2024 Projected Finish: 2nd

The defending Landmark Conference champions, Catholic University, are gearing up for another title run after an impressive 2023-24 season, finishing with a 25-4 overall record and 16-2 in conference play. The Cardinals will need to fill the void left by key losses, including Jesse Hafemeister, who averaged 17.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, and Tommy Kelly, who contributed 13.5 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game. Hafemeister earned All-American Second-Team and All-Landmark First-Team honors, while Kelly was named to the NABC All-District 5 Second-Team and All-Landmark First-Team.

Despite these losses, the Cardinals return a solid core of players, including seniors Sean Neylon (7.9 ppg), Dan Buckley (6.7 ppg), and juniors Brian Herbert (9.0 ppg) and Jamie Ntiamoah (2.9 ppg). Their leadership and experience will be crucial as Catholic aims to remain at the top of the conference.

Head Coach Aaron Kelly, entering his sixth season, is optimistic about the team’s chances. After a hard-working offseason, the Cardinals are ready for the challenge ahead.

The team opens its season on Nov. 9 at Stevens, with conference play starting on Nov. 20 at Elizabethtown. Their home opener is set for Dec. 4 against Susquehanna.

"Last year we had an exciting competition every week of conference play and I am confident that will continue this year. Expanding the conference and adding two teams to postseason play kept it interesting until the very last game." - Head Coach Aaron Kelly

Drew University

Head Coach: Michael McSloy (3rd Season)
Team Titles: 1 (2021)
2024 Projected Finish: 3rd

Drew University is looking to bounce back this season after a tough semifinal loss to Susquehanna in last year's Landmark Conference playoffs. The Rangers finished with a strong 13-5 record in conference play and will rely on a solid group of returners, led by senior Pat Higgins, a first-team All-Landmark selection who averaged 16.9 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game. He’ll be joined by Josh Kline, who posted 10.8 points, 2.5 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game last season, and Malcolm Newman, returning from injury after earning Second-Team All-Landmark honors in 2021-22. Newman brings solid playmaking skills, having averaged 11.2 points and 3.5 assists per game in his last full season.

Also returning is junior David Musial, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, who contributed 9.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, along with senior Peso Crump, a starter, who averaged 8.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

Head Coach Michael McSloy, entering his third season, is eager to guide the Rangers to a conference title. With most of last season’s roster returning and the addition of promising first-year players, Drew is ready for a competitive season.

The Rangers kick off their season on Nov. 8 at FDU-Florham, followed by their home opener against York College (NY) on Nov. 16. They’ll begin Landmark Conference play on Nov. 20 at Moravian University.

"We are excited about the upcoming season, as we return most of our roster from last year. Papie Roberts and Andrew Turco will be hard to replace but having Malcolm Newman return from injury presents a lot of excitement." – Head Coach Michael McSloy

Elizabethtown College

Head Coach: Britt Moore (8th Season)
Team Titles: 0
2024 Projected Finish: 8th

The Blue Jays are eager for the 2024-25 season, looking to improve on last year's 10-15 record. Despite the loss of five key seniors, the team is optimistic that the addition of five first-year players, along with the return of four starters, will drive their success.

Key returners include juniors Austin Finarelli, who averaged 14.9 points and 4.2 rebounds per game and earned honorable mention honors last season, and Ej Finney, who averaged 8.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. With this blend of experienced returners and new talent, Elizabethtown is determined to make a significant impact in the conference.

Head Coach Britt Moore, entering his eighth season, is confident in his team’s ability to compete in the challenging Landmark Conference.

Elizabethtown opens the season on Nov. 8 at King’s College (Pa.) and hosts Franklin & Marshall on Nov. 13 for their home opener. They’ll start Landmark Conference play on Nov. 20 against Catholic University.

“As we gear up for the 2024-25 season, I’m excited about the potential of our team. We do have to replace five impactful seniors so we have spent the early practices finding roles for the seven new players. We are returning four of our five starters from last season so we are looking for those players to take the next step this season. Together, we’re working hard, and I’m confident that with our dedication, we can compete at a high level in the conference. I’m looking forward to the season ahead!” - Head Coach Britt Moore

Goucher College

Head Coach: Justin Klingman (2nd Season)
Team Titles: 0
2024 Projected Finish: 6th

Goucher College is eager to build on last season's success, finishing with an 8-10 record in Landmark Conference play, which earned them their first-ever tournament berth. Despite losing seven seniors, the Gophers have worked hard in the offseason and are ready to compete.

Key returners include sophomore Liech Kong, who averaged 10.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game and was last season’s Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year, junior Jacob Morgan, an honorable mention selection who averaged 14.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, and sophomore Jaden Workman, who averaged 7 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. Their experience will be crucial as the team looks to make another push in the conference.

After his inaugural season as head coach last season, Justin Klingman is confident in the team’s preparation and excited about the season ahead.

The Gophers open their season on Nov. 8 at St. Mary’s (Md.), followed by their home opener against Neumann. Landmark Conference play begins on Nov. 20 at Susquehanna.

"We’ve had a productive pre-season thus far and we’re looking forward to building off the progress we made last year. The Landmark will be very competitive again this season and we expect every game to be a tough one. Excited for another good year of Landmark basketball!" - Head Coach Justin Klingman

Juniata College

Head Coach: Greg Curley (24th Season)
Team Titles: 0
2024 Projected Finish: 9th

Juniata College is eager to bounce back this season after a tough loss to Wilkes University in the Landmark Conference quarterfinals last year, finishing with a 17-11 overall record. Despite the setback, the Eagles ended on a high note by winning the 2024 ECAC Championship.

The Eagles will need to replace a core group of seniors, including Chase Husted, who averaged 19.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game and earned All-Landmark First-Team honors, and Evan Eisenhart, who contributed 13.4 points and made 2.9 three-pointers per game as an All-Landmark Second-Team selection. Both players were crucial to their ECAC title run.

Veteran head coach Greg Curley, now in his 24th season, is optimistic about the team’s future. With returning seniors Mason Hardy (8.6 ppg), Tyler Lapetina (9.2 ppg), and junior Sho Watson, alongside 12 incoming first-year players, Juniata is well-positioned for another competitive season.

The Eagles open their season at home against Alvernia in a rematch of last year’s ECAC final. Landmark Conference play begins on Nov. 20 at Lycoming.

“We are excited about where this group can go. We lost a very special group of seniors from last year, so we have a ton of work to do, but the future is bright and we are looking forward to the challenges and opportunities this season will bring. ” - Head Coach Greg Curley

Lycoming College

Head Coach: Mark Linebaugh (4th Season)
Team Titles: 0
2024 Projected Finish: 10th

Lycoming College is ready to compete this season in the Landmark Conference and improve on last year's 5-13 performance. The team returns most of last year's squad but will need to replace key player Steve Hamilton, an All-Landmark honorable mention who averaged 12.1 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game.

Leading the squad this season are key returners juniors Isaiah Valentine (12.3 ppg), J.J. Beagle (9.4 ppg), and sophomore Hayden Pardoe (9.1 ppg). Head coach Mark Linebaugh, now in his fourth season, is eager for the start of the 2024-25 season. He is confident that the Warriors are prepared to tackle any challenges they face in the Landmark Conference.

The Warriors begin their season on Nov. 8 in the Hawks Against Hunger Tip-Off Tournament against Franciscan. They will host their home opener on Nov. 16 versus Haverford before kicking off Landmark Conference play on Nov. 20 against Juniata.

“This year’s team is eager to carry on Lycoming’s proud tradition while forming its own identity. I am excited about our group and the vision for the program that we all share. With new roles being filled up and down the roster, I am pleased with how our players have embraced new opportunities. The Landmark Conference has proven to be one of the most competitive leagues from top to bottom that I have ever been a part of. Every night will be a challenge and I know this group will be up for it.” – Head Coach Mark Linebaugh

Moravian University

Head Coach: Darryl Keckler ( 4th Season)
Team Titles: 2 (2018, 2019)
2024 Projected Finish: 7th

Moravian University is ready to bounce back after finishing the 2023-24 season with a 9-16 overall record. Head coach Darryl Keckler, now entering his fourth season, has a mix of experienced returners and new talent that could help position the team for success this year.

Leading the squad is junior Marquis Ratcliff, who averaged 20.6 points per game last season and earned All-Landmark First-Team honors. Other key returners include seniors Gary Francis (10.3 ppg), Michael Leonardo (7.7 ppg), and sophomore Taylor Perlmutter (3.7 ppg).

The Greyhounds will open their season at Immaculata University on Nov. 11 before beginning Landmark Conference play at Drew University on Nov. 20. Their home opener is set for Nov. 25 versus Desales University.

“We are excited about the 24-25 season. We have a good combination of experience and newcomers that will make an impact for us. Our players are working hard to get Moravian Basketball back to a position to compete in the postseason.” - Head Coach Darryl Keckler

University of Scranton

Head Coach: Carl Danzig (24th Season)
Team Titles: 8 (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2023)
2024 Projected Finish: 5th

The University of Scranton men’s basketball team is looking to turn things around this season after a tough 4-21 record last year. With nearly the whole roster back and only three players gone, head coach Carl Danzig is optimistic about what’s ahead, feeling his team is prepared for the challenges this season will bring.

Leading the group is junior Jon Spatola, who put up 12.1 points, 3.4 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game last season, earning All-Landmark honorable mention. Other key returners include graduate student Tahaj Parland (9.9 ppg), seniors Will McLoughlin (11.8 ppg) and Cameron Khoza (9.5 ppg), junior Teddy Spratt (7.1 ppg), and sophomore Nick Ruisi (9.3 ppg).

The Royals tip off their season on Nov. 8 at the Hilton Scranton Invitational against Medgar Evers College, with their first Landmark Conference game set for Nov. 20 at home against Wilkes University.

"The team has been great, I love their work ethic at practice and we are excited about the season starting." - Head Coach Carl Danzig

Susquehanna University

Head Coach: Frank Marcinek (36th Season)
Team Titles: 2 (2020, 2022)
2024 Projected Finish: 1st

Susquehanna University is heading into the season with confidence after last year’s run to the Landmark Conference title game. With nearly everyone back and just one player lost from a squad that went 12-6 in conference play, the River Hawks have their sights set on taking it all the way this year.

The team is led by senior Marcus Mitchell, who averaged 11.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game last season, earning All-Landmark Second-Team honors. He’ll be joined by junior Steven Ressler, an All-Landmark Honorable Mention who chipped in 9.8 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. Along with these returning leaders, three talented first-year players bring depth to the roster.

Picked as preseason favorites in the coaches’ poll, head coach Frank Marcinek is honored by the recognition and feels his team is ready for the season’s challenges.

The River Hawks tip off on Nov. 9 at Haverford College and play their home opener on Nov. 15 against King's College, with Landmark Conference play starting Nov. 20 against Goucher College.

"It is an honor to be chosen as the preseason favorite by the coaches in the Landmark. I believe our conference has improved from top to bottom over the last few years so I am pleased to be recognized. Our players have been committed since last season ended. We will use the recognition as a positive, but can’t get caught up in preseason awards. We will need to remain diligent in pursuing our goal of being Landmark Conference Champions." - Head Coach Frank Marcinek

Wilkes University

Head Coach: Izzi Metz (11th Season)
Team Titles: 0
2024 Projected Finish: 4th

Wilkes University is gearing up for a strong run at the Landmark Conference title after an impressive debut season in the conference where they had a 19-8 overall record. The Colonels’ 2023-24 campaign ended in heartbreak with an overtime semifinal loss to Catholic University, but the team is ready to make another push.

With the departure of five seniors, including All-Landmark First-Team standout Trent Fisher (14.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game), Wilkes will lean on a solid group of returners. Leading the way are graduate student Joey Zvorsky (7.6 ppg), senior Cayden Merrifield (15.1 ppg, All-Landmark Second-Team), and juniors Lucas Lesko (16.9 ppg, All-Landmark Second-Team) and Jack Argento (7.3 ppg).

Head coach Izzy Metz, now in his 11th season, is optimistic about the season ahead and feels his squad is prepared for the challenges in a competitive conference.

The Colonels start their season on Nov. 8 against Washington and Lee University at the Ursinus Tip-Off Tournament. Conference play begins on Nov. 20 at the University of Scranton, with their home opener set for Nov. 23 against Catholic University.

“We are very excited for year number 2 in the Landmark Conference. The quality and depth of this conference is at a high level and we need to be ready to compete in every game. Looking forward to the 18-game grind!” - Head Coach Izzi Metz