NORFOLK – The Northeast Community College men’s basketball team will begin its season this week with a balanced roster of newcomers and experienced players.

The Hawks lineup includes six sophomores, five of whom played over 20 minutes per game for the team last season, as well as six freshmen.

Northeast also counts two transfers among its roster, sophomore Calvin Harrington, Park Forest, IL, and freshman Kyle McKinley, Stillwater, MN. Harrington is a 6’ 5” guard/forward from NCAA Division 2 Bemidji State University, where he averaged ten points and six rebounds per game. McKinley is a 6’ 10” forward previously with NCAA Division 1 University at Albany (NY).

Led by Coach Dan Anderson, who begins his 20^th year with the team, the Hawks finished 18-13 last season and 2-6 in conference play. They ended last season with a last-minute 69-66 loss to Marshalltown Community College in the NJCAA Region XI Play-In.

“We have a reliable core returning that will soften the load for the newcomers,” said Anderson. “Adding two transfers helps us become an older team with seven guys that have college experience.”

Anderson said the team is still looking for a dependable point guard and leader. “We brought in Allan Anderson and K’zhan Jimerson to compete with sophomore Jalen Mobley for the starting point guard spot. We are excited to compete this year.”

Sophomore players include: Marty Hill, Brooklyn Park, MN; Vance Johnson, Chicago, IL; Jalen Mobley, St. Paul, MN; Milan Skundric, Negotin, Serbia; and Mathew Wingett, Winnebago, and Harrington.

Anderson said he expects Hill to be a force for Northeast this season. Last year Hill averaged 14.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game and also shot 42 percent from the three-point line.

Freshman players this season include: Allen Anderson, Osseo, MN; K’zhan Jimerson, Fremont; Majok Kur, Mitchell, SD; Melkisedek Moreaux, Hamburg, Germany; and Julius Sakinis, Klaipeda, Lithuania, and McKinley.

Zach Towle and Junior Denis serve as assistant coaches.

Northeast opens the season at the North Dakota State College of Science Classic on Friday, November 4, in Wahpeton, ND.