Led by head coach, Kory Alford, HU returns to the big dance for the first time since 2014. 

By Sarah Disbro, Staff Writer

The Huntington Men’s Basketball Team has enjoyed a successful season. The Foresters currently stand with a record of 22-10. Upsets over then-ranked #9 Grace, #16 Saint Francis, and #5 Indiana Wesleyan, ensured the Foresters a bid into the National Tournament. This is the first appearance for HU since 2014. 

In conference tournament play, Alford’s sixth seeded team continued their upset streak as they beat out third seeded Saint Francis, before losing in the semi-finals to the two seed in Marian 75-71. 

HU earned the #12 seed out of the Naismith Quadrant playing in Montgomery, Alabama. Alford’s crew will look to earn another impressive upset to their resume as they play fifth seeded Georgetown College (25-7) on March 11th. 

Georgetown was previously ranked #12 in the sixth national poll, but recently were dropped out of the top 25 after losing four straight before their conference tournament. 

Five other Crossroads Teams will be dancing with the Foresters. Saint Francis and Marian earned the fourth seeds, Indiana Wesleyan drew a two seed, Grace received the seventh seed, and Mount Vernon are fourteenth seeds. Grace is the only other conference foe in the Naismith Quadrant with the Foresters. 

On top of earning a spot in the national tournament this week, four Foresters received Crossroads League Honors. 

For the second straight year, junior Zach Goodline was named to the First Team. Goodline leads the team in scoring and assists per game, averaging 18.3ppg. and 4.4apg. While hauling in 3.5rpg. 

Senior Caleb Middlesworth was named to the Second Team for the third year in a row. Middlesworth is second on the team in points per game with 13.2 on 40.5% shooting from three point range. Down in the paint, Middlesworth averages 4.4rpg. 

Joining Middlesworth on the Second Team was sophomore Ben Humrichous. This season he is averaging 12.0ppg, while leading the team in rebounds, 5.9rpg, and blocks, 1.9bpg. 

The final Forester to receive conference recognition is freshman Lane Sparks. Sparks has become quite the spark off the bench for HU averaging 11.8ppg, 4.1rpg, and 1.7apg. His efforts this season earned him Crossroads League Freshman of the Year. 

This season of men’s basketball has already excited Forester Nation, and a deep run in the national tournament would be the icing on the cake for Alford’s team.