Men’s Basketball 2018-2019 Season Preview

Key Returners: #11 Marco Garcia, #12 Jomar Bailey

Key Newcomers: #3 Brandon Hardin, #10 Cedric Baldwin, #44 Jawuun Bailey

               The Eagles enter the 2018-2019 season coming off of an 8-18 record last season. This year's team will feature two sophomores from last years' team, Jomar Bailey (Middletown) and Marco Garcia (Seguin, TX), as well as 14 incoming freshmen. The Eagles look to improve upon last season and become a more defensive minded team that looks to push the ball.

"We look forward to having a strong big man core to protect the paint and set the defensive tone for the team," says head coach Anthony Clements. Jawuun Bailey (Middletown) is a 6'7" first-year forward who will be a strong contributor for the Eagles. Bailey brings height, length, and athleticism to the Clark State post play. His older brother Jomar Bailey is poised for a breakout season, as the 6'7" forward is growing into his body and showing how capable of a rim protector he can be.

In addition to the floor-general Garcia, the frontcourt will be led by Brandon Hardin (Louisville, KY) and Cedric Baldwin (Beavercreek). Hardin is a tough-nosed point guard with high IQ and a very capable jump shooter. Baldwin, a 6'3" wing, has high expectations for this year's team. "We're very talented and deep at all five positions," Baldwin says. "I feel with the group of guys we have in the locker room we have competitors." The Eagles look for this trio to push the tempo and command the offense in the half court.

Other additions to this year's roster who will see significant minutes are wings Javonn Herron (Trotwood) and Rondell Clark (Columbus), and post players AJ Ferguson (Richmond, IN) and Jonathan Willis (Trotwood). The Eagles are focused on becoming a tougher team both physically and mentally. Brandon Hardin sums up the Eagles' expectations best: "As long as everyone plays their role, plays hard, and we all stay together through adversity, we can be number one in our conference."

The Eagles open up their season at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 1 at UC Clermont, and will have their home opener the following Wednesday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m. vs. Miami University Hamilton.