MILWAUKEE, Wis. (October 31st, 2017) – The Bryant & Stratton College men's basketball official season is set to begin with the opening game taking place in Wahpeton, ND. The Bobcats will begin the two-day tournament on November 4 squaring off against Northeast Community College at 6:00pm.

Last season the team finished 11-18 but with an outstanding offseason of recruiting, Bobcats head coach Brian Richert is extremely excited to get started.

"We have some great talent that will make an impact right away this season," Richert said. "Some key returning players are back as well which will be vital to our success."

One of the key returning players for the Bobcats is Lewrenzo Byers (Milwaukee, WI) who was named Region IV Second Team All-District last season. Byers led the Bobcats averaging 14.7 points per game and is ready to take on a major leadership role this year.

"I will be taking on a big leadership role this season," Byers said. "My teammates know they can come to me with any questions and I will make sure all the guys are doing the right things on and off the court."

Byers has been putting in a lot of practice time the past month and is very confident with the direction the team is moving.

"Our preparation has been really good," Byers said. "Coach has been having us go over a lot of in-game situations and as teammates we have been pushing each other every day to get better."

Byers was not the only athlete that made a lot of noise in the region last season. Forward Lincoln Wieseman (Lake Geneva, WI), had been averaging 17.5 points per game before a mid-season wrist injury took place, which forced him to sit out the remainder of the year.

"The biggest focus right now is to get better every single day," Wieseman said. "Being a second year program we are now eligible for the tournament which means we have to come in every day with the right mind set and work ethic so we can play our best basketball in March."

Byers and Wieseman are just a couple names spectators will be looking forward to watching this year as a few additional recruits have already made some noise this preseason. Luka Kristijan (Croatia), Tyree Ellis (Milwaukee, WI) Jeffrey Steele (Miami, FL) and Brian Bearden (Milwaukee, WI) will all play a major role in how well the Bobcats perform this season. 

Building off the Bobcats roster, the coaching staff has a new addition as well. Marko Lazaeric, who competed in a Bobcat uniform last season, will now take on a role as an assistant coach. 

"Bringing Marco on board was great for us," Richert said. "After competing as a player for me he really understands our system and how we like to do things here."

Assistant Coach, Daryl Bates, will be returning from last year as well. 

Seeding in the middle of the region last year, the Bobcats will look to make a jump towards the top of the region this year. The first region game takes place on the road against Black Hawk College-Moline on November 14. The Bobcats tip-off at home on Tuesday November 21st at 7:15pm. 

Spectators can watch the Bobcats live streamed games HERE

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