NMU Men’s Cagers Up Open the Berry With Strong Play

MARQUETTE – When the NMU Men’s basketball team took the court at the Berry Event Center for the first time this season on Tuesday night, the demons of last season officially became uplifted. All of the struggles that came with 2008-2009 campaign were forgotten. When the Wildcats opened up their first home stand of the year against the Northland College Lumberjacks, there seemed to be a new feel on the basketball court. One that goes way beyond a jump shot, bounce pass, or rebound. From the tip-off something was different about this squad that returns most of it’s players from last year. The hunger to improve as a team was in their eyes. Teammates were communicating to each other back and forth on the court. With the new season, brings new hope.

On the first home game of the season, The Wildcats outplayed their opponent in every facet of the game. At the end of the game the scoreboard read 81-42 in favor of the home team, and unlike last year’s home opener, the ‘Cats worked together on both sides of the floor. Right out of the gates the Wildcats have established a better chemistry on the floor. Something last year’s team struggled with.

“We had no chemistry last year, we were in the psychology department,” head coach Dean Ellis said with a laugh. “Our team chemistry is night and day for whatever reason. We are in the chemistry department to start this season, not in the psychology department which is good.”

The Wildcats were led in scoring by Marc Renelique and Raymont McElroy with 22 points each. Both guards were able to drive to the hoop and also find isolation on the perimeter. Both worked well together to set up shots. McElroy’s passing and court vision was exceptional, His effort on the court was shown by his game high 8 assists and 4 steals.  It also showed in Renelique’s ability to separate from defenders and drain 5 of his 7 three pointers. McElroy was the spark plug that head coach Dean Ellis was looking for at the point guard position. After a slow start last season as a freshman, the NMU floor general showed the maturation on the court that a year of experience brings.

“Your point guard has to be a leader and he is constantly working on that,” said Ellis. “We are constantly working on that with him. He had a great week in practice and Raymont was a great leader with the ball tonight.”

Wildcats center Jared Benson led the game in rebounds with 6. As a team, the Wildcats shot 65% from the field. Everyone on the roster for the Wildcats were able to get into the action, including senior walk on Kyle Hawley, who was greeted late in the second half by a solid fan showing when he entered the game.

“Kyle is a classic walk-on,” said Ellis.  “He is a senior and got in and made a block. We got out on the court and it was good for everybody to get the experience in our first home game.”

Last season, the Wildcats struggled in their home opener against Northland Baptist Bible College. Despite the win, the team was not at a level of team play displayed Tuesday in the Wildcats’ first win of the season. Raymont McElroy has noticed a difference a year makes on the court in his own game. His ball control, speed and strength gives him a distinct advantage at the division II level. This year, the young guard is still looking to make every game a learning experience, while leaning on the senior leadership around him.
“I still look to the seniors for leadership,” said McElroy. “Even though I am a leader and a captain, I look to them. I’m vocal, but when it comes down to the end of the day we have five seniors that play major roles on this team. Personally, I’m still taking every game as a learning experience.

“We are clicking at a different level as of now,” he added. “You can tell on this team there is a lot of chemistry. We are together in this. Already we are using the post more. With Hawley, D’Agostino, Benson and Murphy we have a lot of depth.”

The Wildcats return to the court on Monday, November 30th to take on Finlandia University.

Tags: Dean Ellis, Marc Renelique, NMU Basketball, Northland College, Raymont McElroy