After coming off of a successful season last year, everyone is wondering what this year holds for The Hilltoppers. Luckily, coach Ben Howlett sat down to talk about his view on things, and what we are expected to see in the future of basketball here at West Liberty University (WLU).

A record of 33-4 last year, holds the team to a high standard this year, but Howlett said they don’t talk about expectations. All that the team and him are worried about is winning, they don’t have the luxury for a “learning/rebuilding year”.  The team’s dynamic this year is completely different than last, and they are going to utilize aspects of the game they might not have in the past. 

It’s no secret that WLU lost a few key players, but Howlett stated three guys in particular have really stepped up and are prepared to fill those roles. These players are Finley Woodward, Dante Spadafora and Alec West. All three had a really good fall season and were highly successful in their other institutions. Howlett said he has no doubt they will succeed here as well.

The team has seven new players, four transfers and three high school students. They are bringing almost an entire new team in. So, they are definitely going to have their own tribulations but nothing they can’t get through. 

Howlett said, “We’re just taking it day by day right now”. 

Howlett has been trying to get everyone on the same page and work together for a while now and he says that he feels confident in the team.

Howlett said, “This group has practiced the right way for two months now, there are some things they are better at than others, but they are prepared nonetheless”. 

The team is traveling to Daytona Beach in December for a matchup against Angelo State University, one of the best teams in the country according to Howlett. He’s excited to see the match up and also find out where the team measures up.

Other than Angelo State, within conference Charleston and Fairmont State are going to be their toughest competition. These two teams are always tough competition and have been WLU’s rivals for a good while now. 

Howlett said Davis and Elkins is another team he predicts to be good this season. Out of conference, the first two games are pivotal for them in terms of regional play, Shippensburg and Seaton Hill are the teams to beat. The first game for the Hilltoppers is Nov. 10th at 6 p.m. at home. Go Hilltoppers