The Briar Cliff University men's basketball team is hungry for a comeback! After a disappointing 14-15 record last season, the team is gearing up for a stronger 2025-26 campaign, aiming to reclaim their winning ways.
But here's the challenge: BCU's top-scoring trio has been reduced to one, with the graduation of two stars, Matthew Stilwill and Jamison Helmers, both former All-GPAC First Team selections. This leaves Blake Sindelar and Jaxson Wingert to carry the torch, a daunting task for any player.
Sindelar, the leading returning scorer, averaged an impressive 13.9 points per game on 47% shooting last season. Wingert, a sophomore sensation, started every game and contributed 11.7 points and over four rebounds per contest. These two will be pivotal in the team's success.
And this is where it gets exciting! The team is not just hoping for a better season; they believe they can make some serious waves in the conference.
"Our sights are set on the top," said head coach Mark Svagera. "We're committed to the daily grind, building the habits that will propel us to the NAIA National Tournament." This determination is echoed by Wingert, who highlights the team's unity and the contributions of new transfers and bench players in practice.
The season kicks off on October 24th, with Briar Cliff hosting Mount Mercy at 7:30 p.m. Will they start their journey towards redemption with a win? Only time will tell, but the anticipation is palpable.
Are you rooting for the Briar Cliff Chargers this season? Do you think they have what it takes to turn their fortunes around? Share your predictions and let's spark a basketball-filled conversation!
