Staff writer
Both Tabor College basketball teams were picked as top teams in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference for the 2013-14 season thanks to returning experience and depth.
The men’s team was picked to finish second by the media and third by the coaches after a 14-4 conference record and second-place finish last season.
The Bluejays lose 2012-13 NAIA All-American, and defensive and first-team all-conference forward Ryan Chippeaux, but return five seniors and 11 letter winners.
Guard Robbie Samuel returns with fellow seniors Nick Sauer, Marc Hopkinson, David Loewen, and Tory Dudgeon. Samuel was an honorable mention selection in the conference last season.
Other returners include sophomore Brent Jackson, a KCAC All-Freshman team selection in 2012, junior J.T. Nemit, and sophomores Reggie Butler and Cameron Rust. Transfers Dewayne Biggs, D’marco Smith, and Andrew Thomas will contribute as well.
The media and coaches selected the women’s team to finish second after finishing the 2012 season tied for second with a 15-3 conference record.
Nikki Lewis and Janelle Rust return as the team’s leading scorers from last season, Lewis averaging about 11 points per game compared to Rust’s 15. Rust was the KCAC player of the year last year, despite suffering a season-ending injury toward the end of the season.
Other seniors are Molly Moran, Hannah Leppke, and Amy Jo Maphet. Transfers Tonisha Dean, Emily Peterson, and Erin Maxwell will also contribute.