USF Tops Preseason Crossroads League Poll, Lienhoop Claims Top Honor
AVON, Ohio – The Crossroads League announced its 2017-2018 Men’s Basketball Preseason Poll and Preseason All-League award winners on Tuesday, as voted on by the league’s 10 head coaches.
Saint Francis was tabbed as the preseason favorite to win the Crossroads League Championship, followed closely by Indiana Wesleyan, Taylor and Bethel in the top four. All four programs represented the Crossroads League at the NAIA National Championship Tournament one year ago, combining for a 7-4 showing in Point Lookout, Missouri.
USF’s Bryce Lienhoop was heralded by the league coaches as the Crossroads League Preseason Player of the Year. Lienhoop was named an NAIA Third-Team All-American last season, after averaging 12.4 points and 8.0 rebounds per game for the Cougars. Two other returning NAIA All-Americans joined Lienhoop as Preseason First-Team All-Crossroads League standouts, with Mike Bush (Huntington) and Mason Degenkolb (Taylor) making the list. Indiana Wesleyan’s Jacob Johnson and Marian’s Wes Stowers rounded out the First-Team honors.
2017-2018 CROSSROADS LEAGUE PRESEASON POLL
1-Saint Francis
2-Indiana Wesleyan
3-Taylor
4-Bethel
5-Spring Arbor
6-Mount Vernon Nazarene
7-Grace
8-Marian
9-Huntington
10-Goshen
2017-2018 CROSSROADS LEAGUE PRESEASON ALL-LEAGUE
First Team
Bryce Lienhoop, USF (Preseason Player of the Year)
Mike Bush, HU
Jacob Johnson, IWU
Wes Stowers, MU
Mason Degenkolb, TU
Second Team
Evan Maxwell, IWU
Gage Ott, BC
Paul Marandet, SAU
Brett Vipperman, MVNU
Derek Hinen, USF
Third Team
Erik Bowen, GC
Keaton Hendricks, TU
Zach Medendorp, SAU
Paul Forman, BC
Evan Henry, USF
Honorable Mention
Logan Primerano, GO
Chandler White, USF
Tyler Arens, HU
Evan Crowe, TU
Logan Godfrey, GC
Jake Heggeland, TU
Konner Platt, HU
Joe Schmitz, MVNU