Owl hoop squad has new coach, many new players
The 2014-15 University of Maine at Presque Isle men’s basketball team features many new and young faces. The Owls have been learning new offensive and defensive systems and first-year coach Mike Holmes has been seeing quick growth from his charges.
Experience has been difficult to find throughout the roster. However, UMPI does boast several key returning pieces. Junior Chase Vicaire has seen the most court time, coming off a sophomore year in which he averaged 14.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. Vicaire, who hails from Mattawamkeag and is one of just four Maine natives on the roster, is joined by backcourt mate Derek Healy, an athletic guard from Hanover, Mass. who will bring additional experience from a previous season with the Owls. Jordan Cook of Saffon Walden, Essex, United Kingdom, is a sophomore who saw significant minutes last season as a freshman, and will also be counted upon to lend a calming influence to some of the younger players on the roster.
Like the backcourt, the inside will have some veteran leadership as well in the form of sophomore Brandon McGill, a powerful post player from Hamilton, N.J. who chipped in 5.7 points per game last season while gobbling up 5.9 rebounds per contest. Sophomore Jordan McLaughlin of Washburn, who has spent a year away from the Owls due to an injury, rejoins the fold to provide an outside shooting presence for the squad.
New faces include Nick Lenhard, a sophomore from Falcon, Colo. who came with Holmes as a transfer, brings a vast understanding of the offensive and defensive systems. Sam Smith of Naples and Maurice Harris of Miami, Fla. were originally recruits of former coach Jim Casciano and both decided to join Holmes after he had accepted the position this summer. Smith is a heady guard with shooting range, and Harris gives the Owls size and skill in the post to complement McGill.
Quinton Harris of Florence, N.J. transferred to UMPI last year, but will be listed as a freshman after saving his eligibility. Harris is a long guard who has a post-like presence around the glass.
Kevin Collins of Oxen Hill, Md. was a late-summer recruit who could prove to be an impact freshman guard. He is strong, athletic, and skilled on both ends of the court. Freshman Trevor Lovely of Winslow adds another shooting weapon for the Owls, as well as a cerebral approach on the defensive end. Holmes rounded out his roster this fall with freshman Anthony Chacho of Watertown, Conn., who lists at a guard but plays like a forward. He provides energy and athleticism to the lineup when he is on the floor and typically is a difference-maker during his minutes.
“New is a challenge, especially if the systems are complex,” said Holmes. “Young is also a challenge in four-year college basketball. I think our players have embraced the obstacles and plowed through more of them than I thought they would at this stage of the season. I know the players are ready to take a step toward proving themselves and lacing up the sneakers for a contest that counts.”
UMPI played two games over the weekend on their home floor at Wieden Gymnasium as part of the Star City Classic. The Owls kicked off their season by hosting UM-Augusta Saturday and Northern Maine Community College Sunday.
