The EMU men’s and women’s basketball teams are at the “midway” point in their seasons. There have been positives and negatives for each team, along with some breakout players, and others who are continuing their good play from previous seasons.

Starting with the women’s team, their season got off to a great start, going 7-5 with a fairly young team. However, their last few games haven’t been as bright as the start of the season. The women’s team has suffered six straight losses, three of which have been 30 point blowouts. Despite the recent struggles, the team has enough talent and experience to pull themselves out of the skid. The women’s next game will be up against Virginia, who they beat earlier in the season, 55-47. 

Now, for the women’s midseason awards. 

Most Valuable Player: Mya Hamlet- 14.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2. assists, 2.3 steals.

Best Defensive Player: Mya Hamlet- 6.9 rebounds, 2.3 steals, 0.2 blocks.

Best 1st Year: Trinity Washington- 5.7 points, 2.5 assists, 4.3 rebounds 1.1 steals.

Most Improved Player: Lauryn Moore- 8.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, .5 assists, .5 steals, .5 blocks.

The men’s season has started off rough, starting 5-13, with two separate four game losing skids. Some of this can be credited to the loss of star guard Tim Jones. Jones helped lead the team to a play-in game for the ODAC Tournament last season, which would be his final game. The offense is now led by DaiJordan Brown, the senior guard. Mark Burkholder has had a strong season as well. The loss of Jones has hurt, but there have certainly been some bright spots, especially under the team’s younger players. Sophomore Landon Swingler has built off of his impressive last few games of last season, and has played very well on both offense and defense, along with the star of the team Aviwe Mahlong leading the way. The team will look to hopefully bounce back from this poor start with a good late season run, or build experience for the next season, as the team has a relatively young roster. 

Now, for the men’s midseason awards.

MVP: Aviwe Mahlong- 16.9 points, 2.7 assists, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 steals.

Best Defensive Player: Landon Swingler- 3.1 rebounds 1.5 steals, 0.5 blocks.

Best 1st Year: Andre Pacheco- 5.8 points, 2.0 assists, 1.9 rebounds, 0.7 steals.

Most Improved Player: Julien Hagerman- 5.7 points, 1.1 assists, 2 rebounds.