The first round of the Heart Tournament is here with the Ravens squaring off agains the Pioneers of MNU. The Ravens come into the contest needing to win the tournament if they want to make the NAIA National Championship. An at-large bid is available to Heart teams if they are over the 60% wining percentage for the season.
Benedictine has faltered in the last couple of games losing three out of their previous five games. Last game, the Ravens closed out the season with a win against Central Methodist in a 78-74 contest at home. Jaiden Bristol finished with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Bristol was announced for his outstanding play on the season with the Heart First Team All-Conference recognition.
Matt Austin earned Second Team All-Conference while Jayden Temme earned honorable mention. The three headed monster of Bristol, Austin and Temme will need to be efficient to keep the Raven’s season alive.
The Opponent
The Pioneers come into the contest against the Ravens as the four seed in the Heart Tournament. MNU has won five out of their last six with their only loss coming to William Penn. They are led by a strong duo of Anthony Brown and Dakota Quinn.
Anthony Brown scored 15 points and collected 9 rebounds in the Pioneers victory over the Ravens last week. Brown was announced as the Heart Freshman of the Year award winner as he has averaged over 16 points per game to lead the Pioneers.
Quinn earned the 2020 Heart Defensive Player of the Year for his outstanding play defending the paint. Quinn is averaging over 3 blocks per game along with 14 points. He finished with 15 points on 7-9 shooting against the Ravens.
Brown and Quinn will be pivotal to the success of the Pioneers in this game, but keep an eye out for Dante Scroggins. Scroggins is averaging over 14 points per game in the Pioneers last 6 games. He scored his highest of the season, 21 points, against the Ravens last week.
Pioneers Projected Starting Lineup:
#25 F Anthony Brown– 16 PPG; 5 RPG; 50% FG
#35 F Dante Scroggins– 12 PPG; 6 RPG; 55% FG
#44 C Dakota Quinn– 14 PPG; 7 RPG; 3.5 BPG
#3 G Trey Brown– 9 PPG; 3 RPG; 6 APG
#13 G Jake Alexander– 9 PPG; 4.5 RPG
Previous Meeting:
2/26/2019: Ravens 75 Pioneers 78
Where
The Bell Family Arena, Olathe, KS
When
Saturday, March 5th, 7 pm
Watch, Live Stats
