New men’s and women’s basketball season tips off for the Terra State Titans
The season is underway for both the Terra State Titans Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams, with their first home matches scheduled against Mott Community College on November 30. The women’s team will play at 5:30 p.m., with the men’s team following tentatively at 7:30 p.m.
“The Terra Athletic Department is excited to see the upcoming basketball season get started. The Women and Men's teams have been working hard on their craft on the court as well as in the classroom. It is important that we all realize that these athletes have put up with so much adversity over the course of the past 3 years and we are proud of their efforts given daily. I once read a piece that fits this perfectly. "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." – Unknown,” said Gregg Hedden, athletic director and head baseball coach.
Men’s Basketball
The Titans Men’s Basketball team is under the leadership of head coach Malcolm Sims for the second straight year. Sims is confident that the Titans can compete with the top teams in the league barring any interruptions from COVID-19. “Getting back to a normal season playing scrimmages and a competitive non-league schedule should allow our guys the time needed to jell together. I believe in our all-around talent, and we have guys in all positions that can lead our conferences in various individual categories,” said Sims.
The Titans have four returning players and added eight newcomers to the team this year. Sims feels forward Charles Knuckles, a freshman from Cleveland Central Catholic could make an immediate impact, while sophomore guards Jordan Whitford and Terrell Humes-Kinzer, center Duane Satchell and forwards Brendan Reynalds and Malcolm Sims Jr. will help bring experience to the court.
“It is going to take some time for the guys to learn the system and become acclimated with the culture I am instilling. It takes time to do away with bad habits and gain positive habits, but by mid-season our guys should adapt, be seasoned and be ready to contend for the league championship,” said Sims.
Titans Men’s Basketball Schedule:
November 2: Macomb Community College; Warren, MI; 7:00 p.m.
November 15: Tiffin University; Tiffin, OH; 7:30 p.m.
November 19: Mott Community College; Flint, MI; 7:30 p.m.
November 23: Wayne Community College; TBA
November 30: Mott Community College; Fremont, OH; 7:30 p.m.
December 11: Clark State College; Springfield, OH; 3:00 p.m.
December 15: Jackson College; Jackson, MI; 7:30 p.m.
December 18: Owens Community College; Perrysburg, OH; 3:00 p.m.
January 5: Hocking Community College; Fremont, OH; 6:00 p.m.
January 12: Lorain Community College; Lorain, OH; 6:00 p.m.
January 14: Kent State Tuscarawas; New Philadelphia, OH; 7:00 p.m.
January 19: Lakeland Community College; Fremont, OH; 6:00 p.m.
January 26: Edison State Community College; Fremont, OH; 6:00 p.m.
January 29: Bryant and Stratton College; Fremont, OH; 4:00 p.m.
February 2: Hocking Community College; Springfield, OH; 6:00 p.m.
February 5: Clark State College: Fremont, OH; 4:00 p.m.
February 9: Lorain Community College; Fremont, OH; 6:00 p.m.
February 12: Owens Community College; Fremont, OH; 7:00 p.m.
February 14: Tiffin University; Fremont, OH; 7:00 p.m.
February 16: Lakeland Community College; Lakeland, OH; 4:00 p.m.
February 19: Kent State Tuscarawas; Fremont, OH; 3:00 p.m.
February 23: Edison State Community College; Piqua, OH; 6:00 p.m.
March 2: Make Up Date
March 5: Bryant and Stratton College; Solon, OH; 6:00 p.m.
Women’s Basketball
Frank Gioffre returns as the head coach for the Titans Women’s Basketball team and is ready to kick the season off. “The Women’s basketball team has been working hard since they arrived on campus in August. Their commitment in the classroom and on the court has been outstanding. Everyone is excited to get the season underway, especially after last year,” said Gioffre.
With last season being canceled because of COVID-19 protocols, the Titans Women’s Basketball team is starting fresh with 15 incoming freshman. Olivia Howard, a point guard from Sandusky-Perkins, “will be one of the best in the league,” according to Gioffre. He’s also been impressed with guard Myah Goodman’s work ethic, forward Kaniya Boyer’s energy and forward Danay Smith’s basketball IQ early on.
“The OCCAC women’s basketball league will be extremely competitive, but we understand the challenges ahead and are looking forward to the competition in the league,” said Gioffre.
Titans Women’s Basketball Schedule:
November 15: Heidelberg University; Tiffin, OH; 8:00 p.m.
November 19: Mott Community College; Flint, MI; 5:30 p.m.
November 30: Mott Community College; Fremont, OH; 5:30 p.m.
December 8: Henry Ford Community College; Dearborn, MI; 5:30 p.m.
December 11: Clark State College; Springfield, OH; 1:00 p.m.
December 15: Jackson College; Jackson, MI; 5:30 p.m.
December 18: Owens Community College; Perrysburg, OH; 1:00 p.m.
January 5: Hocking Community College; Nelsonville, OH; 5:30 p.m.
January 12: Lorain Community College; Lorain, OH; 5:30 p.m.
January 13: Heidelberg University; Fremont, OH; 7:00 p.m.
January 19: Lakeland Community College; Fremont, OH; 5:30 p.m.
January 26: Edison State Community College; Fremont, OH; 5:30 p.m.
January 29: Bryant and Stratton College; Fremont, OH; 1:00 p.m.
February 2: Hocking Community College; Nelsonville, OH; 5:30 p.m.
February 5: Clark State College; Fremont, OH; 1:00 p.m.
February 9: Lorain Community College; Fremont, OH; 5:30 p.m.
February 12: Owens Community College; Fremont, OH; 1:00 p.m.
February 16: Lakeland Community College; Kirtland, OH; 5:30 p.m.
February 23: Edison State Community College; Piqua, OH; 5:30 p.m.
March 5: Bryant and Stratton College; Solon, OH; 1:00 p.m.