ROSEBURG – The Umpqua Community College men’s basketball team is looking to take another step in the development of the program. After a disappointing season last year in which the Riverhawks went 8-8 in NWAC conference play, and missed the playoffs by one game, the team is looking to build on its young talented roster. UCC has only three sophomores on this team, two of which are transfers so there are a lot of new players. Umpqua is 2-0 to start the season.
Head coach Daniel Leeworthy in his fourth season with the team said “We have a lot of young players, a lot of talent so we’re excited about the new season.”
The Riverhawks have freshman Grant Ellison averaging 25 points a game from Utah. This team also has length and athleticism with returning sophomore Jouvon Edison who is 6’10. Jake Danhoff is a 6’7 sophomore transfer who will add athletic ability to the team. Jake Stephens a Roseburg High School graduate redshirted last year will look to contribute this year as well.
Leeworthy added “Conference is wide open this year and anyone that gets hot will do well and we believe we can win with the talent we have.”
NWAC southern conference play will begin January 4th for the Riverhawks at home against Southwestern Oregon Community College.
In December, the team will play games in Washington, in Eugene at the Dale Bates Tournament December 9th – 11th and in California at the College of Siskyous tournament on December 28th.
“We play an exciting brand of basketball. We want as many people out at our games as possible to support the team.” Leeworthy said “Everyone should get behind us, were Roseburg’s team and we play a good brand of basketball.”
The Riverhawks are averaging over 93.5 points a game so far this season. Their next game is December 2nd at Centralia College in Washington.
