2007-08 Season Preview -
The 2006-2007 season proved to be a rough introduction to college basketball for many of the young Yellowjackets, but with several key players returning, the Yellowjackets will look to greatly improve upon last season’s experience.
Guards The guard positions will be led by veteran Chase Moore (5’10” Sr. Memphis, MO), a two-time Academic All-American, who has been plagued by injuries but looking again to be a big threat from behind the arc. His running mates will be Julio Del Villar (6’5” So. Lee’s Summit, MO), a versatile combo guard who will play several positions this season, Jonathan Carter (6’0” Jr. Colorado Springs, CO) and newcomer Mike Malat (6’2” Fr. Shiloh, IL), who led his high school team (O’Fallon) to a runner-up finish in the Illinois state tournament. The Yellowjackets will get added help on the wing from Matt Mullins (6’2” Jr. Burleson, TX), Kevin Potter (6’4” Sr. King City, MO) and Lucas Harris (6’5” So. Colorado Springs, CO).
Forwards: This versatile group will be able to play several positions on the floor. They will be led by last season’s leading scorer, Aundrae Williams (6’6” So. Florrisant, MO). Twin brother Andrew (6’6” So. Florrisant, MO), who proved to be one of the most consistent performers last season, and Tyson Meierotto (6’6” Sr. Ft. Madison, IA) will be counted on to play big roles. Jared Stricklin (6’4” Fr. Grain Valley, MO) is expected to contribute after sitting out the 2006-07 season due to a knee injury. All four players can play multiple positions on the floor and will be strong inside/outside threats.
Posts Returning starter Simon Morefield (6’7” Jr. Independence, MO) will bring a physical presence in the paint. He will join the team in November after completing his duties as starting defensive end for the Yellowjacket football team. He will be joined down low by two freshmen big men, Stevan Trisic (6’8” Fr. Belgrade, Serbia) and Yohana Alphonse (6’8” Fr. Des Moines, IA), who will see early action while Morefield completes the football season. Both players can run the floor very well and have potential to be great players at Graceland.
This will be a talented Graceland team that will look to prepare for the difficult HAAC schedule with a strong non-conference agenda. Non-conference highlights will be the always tough, host of the national championship, College of the Ozarks; traditionally strong GPAC teams Dordt and Mount Marty; two difficult classics at national power Embry-Riddle and NCAA Division II Northern State University.
The Heart of America Athletic Conference will again be the premiere league in NAIA Division II basketball and the battle for a league title will be the goal and a great challenge.
