Morehead State Eagles Soar to New Heights: A Season of Triumph and Transition

Morehead, Kentucky, is abuzz with excitement as the Morehead State University men's and women's basketball teams gear up for the upcoming season. The men's team is coming off a record-breaking year, while the women's squad welcomes a new assistant coach and looks to defy their preseason ranking. With high expectations and a renewed sense of purpose, the Eagles are poised to make their mark on the college basketball landscape.

Elevating the Game: Morehead State Men's Basketball Aims for Continued Success

A New Era Dawns: Mattox Takes the Helm

The Morehead State men's basketball team is entering a new era with the appointment of Jonathan Mattox as the head coach. Mattox, a former assistant head coach, is making his debut as a head coach and is eager to build on the team's impressive performance last season. While the transition from assistant to head coach brings new responsibilities, Mattox is confident in his ability to lead the Eagles to even greater heights."Some of the differences in moving one seat over aren't necessarily coaching basketball related," Mattox said. "They're more staff management related. They're more leadership related. Leading a team, leading a staff, media obligations. Those are the biggest differences."

Defensive Dominance and Disciplined Play

Mattox's coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of defense, rebounding, and ball security. He believes that by focusing on these fundamental aspects of the game, the Eagles will be well-positioned to succeed."If we can defend, rebound and not turn over the ball, we'll be in good shape," Mattox said. "We're getting better at executing."The team has also discussed the importance of distinguishing their goals from desired destinations, a strategic approach that could prove crucial in their pursuit of another conference title and a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

Anticipation Builds for Season Opener

The Morehead State men's basketball team will kick off their season on November 4th, facing a formidable opponent in the Louisville Cardinals. This matchup promises to be an early test for the Eagles, who will look to build on their impressive performance from the previous season.

Women's Team Embraces Underdog Mentality

While the men's team is riding high, the Morehead State women's basketball team is determined to prove the doubters wrong. The Lady Eagles have been picked to finish eighth in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), a ranking that has left a sour taste in their mouths."We are not happy about our ranking," said sophomore guard Katie Novik. "We feel that we are supposed to be higher and we have time to work [to make it higher]."

Welcoming a New Assistant Coach

The Lady Eagles have welcomed a new assistant coach, Chris Palmer, who joins the team after a successful stint with the Southern Wesleyan coaching staff. Palmer's experience and expertise are expected to be valuable assets as the Lady Eagles strive to exceed expectations and climb the OVC standings.

Aiming for a Breakout Season

The Morehead State women's basketball team will begin their season on November 4th, facing off against Asbury University. With a renewed sense of purpose and a chip on their shoulder, the Lady Eagles are determined to prove their worth and make a statement in the conference.As the college basketball season approaches, the Morehead State Eagles, both men's and women's, are poised to captivate their fans and leave an indelible mark on the sport. With new leadership, a focus on fundamental excellence, and a burning desire to succeed, the Eagles are ready to soar to new heights and cement their place among the elite programs in the nation.