Last year, many schools across the United States shut down for a year. The COVID-19 pandemic saw many collegiate athletes miss out on athletic opportunities. Dean College was one of these schools that saw many of its athletic programs lose a season of play.
This season the pandemic will not be able to halt athletic events at Dean. The 2021-22 athletic year is underway and for the first time in two years, Dean College will see its men's and women's basketball teams in action.
2019-20 Season
The men’s basketball team finished 12-15 overall with a 7-5 record in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference. The Bulldogs finished the season winning three of their last four games and look to use that momentum for the upcoming season.
The women’s team finished 6-20 overall and 5-9 in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference. Dean looks to improve with a new team and a new approach, as this will be the debut of both the men’s and women’s team in NCAA Division III.
Effects of the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic saw many schools across the nation lose a year of basketball. Dean has not played organized basketball in two seasons and inexperience may show on the court this season. It is uncertain how the Bulldogs and other schools in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference will play this season.
Coaching Staff:
Joe Cabral was named the head coach of the men’s team in August of 2021. Cabral is assisted by Rico Cabral, Erik Chapman, and Matt McGaughran. Laura Habacker was named the women’s head coach in August of 2021 and will be assisted by Kristen Donaghey and Gianna Youngblood.
Returning Players:
The men’s team will see almost a complete roster overhaul from the 19-20 season. Traijon Powell returns as the team’s leading scorer, with averages of 9.0 points per game on 47 percent shooting. Nick Sampeck who averaged 1.5 points per game in the 19-20 campaign also returns to the team.
The women’s team will see junior Alexah Potter as the returning leading scorer for the season. In the 2019-20 campaign, Potter averaged 11.8 points per game with 40% shooting for the season. The second leading scorer, Stephanie Conrad averaged 4.3 points a game as a sophomore in the 19-20 season.
The Verdict
Although Dean's men's and women's programs haven't played in two seasons, both teams are ready to play in a newly renovated Pieri Gymnasium. Although it is unknown just how well the Bulldogs will do, both teams look to have an exciting return to action this November.
The Men’s team will kick off their season on November 5th against Framingham State University, while the Women’s team starts November 6th against Lesley University. Both teams will open the season at home in Pieri Gymnasium.
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