The MSJC men's basketball team is getting set to kick off their 2023-24 season on Wednesday night November 1st when they host Palomar College at 7:30 pm on the San Jacinto Campus.
The Eagles are coming off a season in which they went 23-6 overall, were runners up in the Inland Empire Athletic Conference and reached the second round of the 3C2A state play-offs. MSJC returns a lot of experience to this year's squad led by Dasean Stevens, who as a freshman averaged 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. At the conclusion of his freshman campaign he earned both First Team all-league and First Team All-State honors. Isaiah Skinner also makes his return to the Eagle line-up after a 1st Team All Conference season in 2022, he missed last season due to injury. In his freshman season Skinner averaged 14.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per contest. BJ Brown also will be entering his sophomore season after last year averaging 12 points per game an making 2nd team All-IEAC.
This trio will be joined by three other returners that have played significant minutes over the past two seasons. During the 22-23 season both Elijah Shirley and Jackson Bernardo saw lots of action with Shirley pulling in 6 rebounds per contest and Bernardo dishing out over 4 assists a night. Isiah Shirley will also return for the Eagles after playing his freshman year during the 21-22 season.
Darius Mason and Tyler Frazier-Mathews will headline a talented group of newcomers for MSJC. Mason, who will add depth and scoring punch on the wing, is expected to start his season in December after recovering from an injury. Mason is a transfer from Casper (WY) Junior College. Frazier-Matehws a freshman from Bethal Christian High School will give the Eagles' an additional outside shooter.
"We have a lot of experience", said Eagle head coach Trent Skinner. "That's definatley an advantage at this level, because it doesn't always happen that way." "We are looking forward to the season and have some high expectations for what this group can achieve."
After Wednesday's game with Palomar, the Eagles will take on Goldenwest at home on Friday November 3rd. For a full 2023-24 men's basketball schedule click on the link below.