The AU men’s basketball team is looking to defend the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) regular season Championship for the second straight year and maintain the competitive stretch its had with head coach Carter Collins. Last year, the Ravens went 22-6, ending the season with a HCAC Conference Tournament loss to Franklin.
The 2025 Jostens Trophy winner Tate Ivanyo has graduated now. That award is given to the best Division III men’s basketball athlete of the year. “Tate meant a ton to the program while he was here. His basketball abilities were clear, but he provided just as much, if not more so, through his character and leadership capabilities.” said coach Collins. Ivanyo averaged 20.5 points per game, 7.4 rebounds per game, and 2.5 assists per game his senior year. “It is going to be challenging to replace him, but we have the personnel to get it done if everybody is willing to pitch in,” said coach Collins.
The Ravens enter the season returning talent. Junior Bryce Williams averaged 14 ppg last season, he was second in scoring behind Ivanyo. Williams looks to take a bigger role this year, and maintain his aggressive scoring ability. Senior Kenney Troutman also looks to have his best year yet. Troutman has been a steady guard throughout both regular season championships for the Ravens. Other returning starters include junior Rob Davidson and sophomore Nolan Swan. Davidson was second in rebounds per game and won Defensive POY for the HCAC last year and Swan was second in 3 pointers per game. Other returners for the Ravens include senior Axel Laby and sophomore Cole Duncan.
Elijah Mattingly, who transferred from Anderson to Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) in Michigan last year, returns to the Ravens for his senior year. “He provides a big scoring punch, as well as rim protection on defense.” said coach Collins. The six foot seven senior is a liability in the paint, averaging 9.8 RPG his sophomore year at AU. Mattingly looks to improve for his senior season.
The Ravens started the season being ranked first in the preseason polls for the HCAC; second was Rose-Hulman, third was Hanover. The team that took out AU last year, Franklin, was fifth. “There are a lot of talented teams that we will have to compete against to get it done, so it won’t be easy.” said coach Collins about the season, he also added, “We have an extremely deep team this year, and may play 12 or 13 guys at times in certain games.” This could add a needed rest for starters, while also providing more energy from players being subbed in and out.
The Ravens have high hopes for this season and look to maintain an impressive stretch. A three-peat of HCAC Championships.
Currently, the Ravens sit at 4-4 on the season. They are 2-0 in conference play with wins over the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last year, Franklin, and Berea. They beat Berea 96-60, and senior Kenney Troutman set a single-game school record of ten 3-pointers made. The team as a whole set the record for 3-pointers made (24). Saturday, they face the conference leader, Rose-Hulman at 3:00 in O.C Lewis Gymnasium. The Ravens look to improve to a four game win streak.