Edison State Basketball Season Kicks Off

The Edison State Community College men's basketball team returned to the court on Saturday, November 2. The team has been working hard preparing for the season.

Leading the men's basketball team for the seventh year is Head Coach Kyle Vanover, who has over 20 years of coaching experience. Under his leadership, the 2021-22 team produced a record for most wins in a single season with 25, best home record of 18-0, best finish in school history, and was a Region 12 Runner-up. Vanover was named OCCAC Co-Coach of the Year for the 2021-22 season. He has coached two NJCAA All-Americans: 2nd Team Lacey Watson in 2018-19 and 3rd Team Ibrahima Athie in 2021-22.

The Chargers are looking to get back to their winning ways after what Vanover calls a trying 2023-24 season. He sees this new group, with two returning players, as a refreshing start for what promises to be a title-filled season. They plan to use patience, athleticism, and experience to make it tough on opponents.

"This group of young men is putting in a tremendous amount of extra work," said Vanover. "This is the first season in a while that we've witnessed the team chemistry, support, and flat-out respect they have for one another and the coaching staff. The team may not have as many returners this year as in the past, but we've added many big players in the transfer portal. This might be one of the deepest teams we've had."

The Chargers returned to the court with six sophomores and 12 freshmen.

Returning players include forward Anthony (AJ) Hudson, who is also serving as team captain, and point guard Jayden Jones.

"AJ comes with size, length, and athleticism that will give us an option around the rim. He can also step out and play on the perimeter," said Vanover. "Jayden brings a high basketball intellect and is a good teammate."

Transfers include guard Owen Bronston, point guard Jaylen (JJ) Simmons, guard Tanner Smart, and power forward Sam Whitaker, III. Rounding out the team are freshmen Antwaun Hathcock, forward; Nehemiah Taylor, guard; Ayden Simpson, guard; Tyler Wyles, shooting guard; Matthew Clopper, guard; Kris Smith, forward; Kade Kinzel, point guard; Kavante White, guard; Sam Walker, power forward/center; Tyrese Cook, guard; and Dominick Avila, forward.

The Chargers traveled to face the Community College of Beaver County in their first game of the season, where they won 71-61. Their first home game will take place on Saturday, November 9, when they host Marian University Ancilla. 

Joining Vanover in leading the men's team are Assistant Coach Mark Eustache and Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Corey Steinke. 

Eustache has been with the Chargers program for six years. He played for the Chargers in 1978-79 and 1979-80. Prior to coaching with the Chargers, Eustache coached a home school team, Miami Valley Saints, to a second-place finish in the nation in 2016. As a head coach, he compiled a 142-47 record over six years. He had a player go to Valpo, who is currently playing overseas professionally. 

Steinke joins the Edison State men's basketball coaching staff from rival Clark State. He brings 14 years of head basketball coaching experience, three years at Clark State, and 11 years at Bethel High School and Dayton Public. Steinke enjoys working with basketball players to help fine-tune fundamentals to improve their already high level of play and drive. 

Edison State's basketball team competes in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) and is a Division II member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Visit athletics.edisonohio.edu for the latest news, upcoming games, and complete rosters.