SEASON PREVIEW

The Grove City College men's basketball team returns two starters and four other lettermen for the 2010-11 season.

The starting lineup will likely feature senior 6-foot-1 forward Luke Tomaselli (Cresson, Pa./Cambria) and junior guard Brett Matson (Wexford, Pa./Pine-Richland once again this winter. Tomaselli started all 28 games last season and averaged 7.9 points per game. He ranked second on the squad in both assists (77) and steals (40). The versatile Tomaselli is a three-year letterman.

Matson earned Second Team All-Presidents' Athletic Conference recognition after averaging 13.1 points and 4.1 assists per game. The 6-0 Matson also recorded a team-high 48 steals.

Several veterans are in the mix to fill the vacancies in the starting lineup. Senior 5-8 guard Bryn Moran (Columbus, Ohio/Gahanna Lincoln) appeared in all 28 games as a reserve last year and will look to earn a full-time spot this season. Meanwhile, 6-1 swingman Cody Fleeger (Butler, Pa./Butler) will also battle for a starting position after appearing in all 28 games as a sophomore. Fleeger is a two-year letterman.

In the frontcourt, sophomore forward Jeff Newell (Blowing Rock, N.C./Watauga) has an inside track to start after appearing in all 28 games as a rookie. The 6-6 Newell shot 50 percent from the field and earned his first letter.

Two junior post players are back after missing the 2009-10 season in 6-6 center Kris Verderber (Chagrin Falls, Ohio/Kenston) and 6-4 forward Mike Grist (Lexington, Ohio/Lexington). Verderber shot over 50 percent from the field in each of his first two seasons. Grist will likely be relied upon for scoring from outside the paint.

Other veterans back in the fold include 6-2 junior forward Steve Predebon (Leechburg, Pa./Leechburg), 6-2 sophomore forward Steve Battaglia (Olmsted Falls, Ohio/Olmsted Falls), 6-0 sophomore guard Ryan Fisher (Somerset, Pa./Somerset) and 6-4 sophomore Nate Rambacher (Newmanstown, Pa./Eastern Lebanon County).

Grove City finished 19-9 in 2009-10 and captured the conference title. Head coach Steve Lamie (175-141) is in his 13th season.

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