Hawks Look to Defend Empire 8 Crown

ONEONTA, NY – The Hartwick men's basketball team has high hopes this year coming off one of its best seasons in recent memory. Last year, the Hawks were 17-11 and won their first ever Empire 8 Championship and made the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 15 years.

"Last year was a great year, we were able to get back to the winning ways of Hartwick Basketball," said head coach Todd McGuiness. "We had some great achievements and the players are motivated to defend our Empire 8 Championship."

McGuiness returns all of his starting five players from last year including sophomore top scorer Jared Suderley (Newport, NY/West Canada Valley). The reigning Empire 8 Rookie of the Year, Suderley was a four-time Empire 8 Rookie of the Week, two-time conference player of the week, ECAC Upstate Player of the Week, and D3hoops All-East Region Rookie of the Year. He was tabbed as a second team all-star and crowned Empire 8 Tournament Most Valuable Player. Suderley finished the season 2nd overall in scoring in the E8. He was also 4th in free-throw percentage, 6th in rebounds, and 9th in field-goal percentage.

Also back for the Hawks at the power forward position is senior Chris Ryder (Port Washington, NY/Port Washington).  Ryder had a breakout season last year as he paced the Hawks in rebounds (7.8 rpg) and finished second in scoring (17.2 ppg).  He ranked in the top 10 in the Empire 8 in scoring average, rebounds, blocks, and free-throw percentage. He scored at least 20 points nine times and recorded 28 points or more four times, including a career-high 32 in 'Wick's home finale against Elmira. A first-team Empire 8 selection, he also earned NABC All-East Region Honors and is a 2011-12 preseason All-American pick by Division III News. 

Juniors Jonathan Zehe (Erie, PA/Fairview), Dustin Gratto (Morrisonville, NY/Saranac) and local product Aaron Laing (Laurens, NY/Laurens) will all compete for time on the floor this season in the post.

At shooting guard is senior Mark Blazek (Erie, PA/Erie Cathedral Prep). Despite missing part of last season with an injury, Blazek started 20 games and still averaged 13.8 points a game. He twice led the Hawks in points last season including a season-high 32 in Hartwick's 100-96 overtime win at Ithaca. His 19 points led the Hawks to a 76-73 victory against Stevens in the Empire 8 semifinals.

Providing depth in the backcourt will be junior Travis Godley (Putnam CT/Putnam Science Academy), and sophomores Victor Angeline (East Brunswick, NJ/Rutgers Prep), Shiva Senthil (Clifton Park, NY/Central Catholic), and Jake Karker (Howes Cave, NY/Schoharie)

At point guard is fellow senior Andres Carpio (Beacon, NY/Lock Haven University). He was the team leader in assists (92) and steals (34) last year. Also returning is sophomore Christian Laputka (Freeland, PA/Hazleton Area).  Laputka scored a season-high nine points in Hartwick's 69-58 win over St. John Fisher in the Empire 8 Championship game.

Sophomore Anthony Keane (Staten Island, NY/Monsignor Farrell) returns on the wing. Fellow sophomores Mike Geisser (East Hanover, NJ/Hanover Park) and Mike Henson (Pelham, NY/Pelham Memorial) return to compete for playing time.

In addition, McGuiness welcomes an incoming freshman class of four players with all expected to compete for key roles. Joining the backcourt is guard Matt Pettruccione (Saratoga Springs, NY/Bishop Maginn). In the post, the team adds Peter Melanson (Little Compton, RI/Bishop Stang), Brendan Griffin (Suffern, NY/Don Bosco Prep), and Ken Johnson Jr. (Williamstown, NJ/Gloucester County Tech).

 "We are pleased with this year's newcomers," said McGuiness.  "We need this group to complement our returning guys and be ready to play when called upon."

The Hawks begin the season on the road against Wells College on Tuesday, November 15. It is the first of seven straight road contests to begin the year. They will then travel to Purchase, NY to face Brooklyn and the host Valiants on November 18 and 19 at the Manhattanville Tournament.  The Hawks will play four more road games against Union (11/22), Penn St. Behrend (11/26), Keuka (12/1), and Morrisville (12/3).

Hartwick hosts local rival Oneonta State on Dec. 8 and Elms College the following night. The Hawks wrap up the semester on the road at the York Holiday Tournament December 28-29.

'Wick will open Empire 8 play on January 6 on the road against Elmira. This year's schedule will feature five teams that participated in the NCAA Tournament last season.