Davis College men's basketball team has experience, depth to go far

written by Mike Mangan for PressConnects.com



The Davis College men's basketball team rebounded from a 6-9 start last season to capture the Small Bible College National Invitational Tournament title.

With all five starters back among a group of nine returners, and a good start to the season thus far, the Falcons might have a pretty good shot at a repeat.

"It's nice because a lot of the guys have been with me three years now," said third-year coach Dan Rathmell, whose team has topped 90 points in its first two games this season, both victories. "We're very balanced, we have shooters, ball-handlers, athletes, and the guys know their roles pretty well."

In the role of team star is senior Antonio Goodridge, who last season averaged 17.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.1 steals for a Falcons squad that finished 19-13, winning 10 of its last 14 games.

Goodridge earned Most Valuable Players honors at both the Small Bible College NIT and the Shenandoah & Chesapeake Conference Tournaments.

He is one of five seniors in Davis's lineup.

That includes point guard Jay Carlisle (8.7 points per game last season), forward Nate Rittenburg (8.0), forward Jeff Joseph (9.2), and shooting guard Bradley Ellis (13.3).

Dexter Terry was a key reserve who could push for starting duties. The sophomore averaged over 13 points and 9 rebounds after joining the team during the second semester last season.

James Head, Austin Sanders and Dylan Ward are all back as well. Derrel Puchoon returns after sitting out last season and freshmen Jarrod Thomas and Jon Torres complete the roster.