Two sophomores lead their team
By Maria Borri
Apache sports editor
Only two sophomores, Jeremy Woodward and Sam Beyer, returned to the men’s basketball team.
Jeremy Woodward
Woodward averaged 17 points per game last year, as well as maintaining the consistency this year. In the opening game this season, Woodward maintained his average scoring 17.
“I think overall we are a good team,” Woodward said. “We have some improvements to make into the season. One is the team chemistry. We already play well together, but I feel there is some room for improvement. Right now, I feel as we are an above average team.”
His most memorable game was in the second semester last year at a conference game against Black Hawk.
“I scored 30 points and had a couple of dunks,” Woodward said. “Everyone played well and we won.”
The 6’3” shooting guard won three all-tournaments last season and won an all-tournament in high school as well as winning third in state at a dunking contest. The last was at King of the Hill High School in Peoria at the state tournament.
Playing basketball runs in Woodward’s family. His uncle played for Eureka College and his father played at Knox College.
Woodward, who is from Pontiac, picked IVCC partly because of its location.
“I wanted to be closer to home to see my family,” Woodward said. “I can go home if I get a break between classes and for the holidays.”
Woodward is taking general classes at IVCC and is undecided where to transfer. WIU is a possibility, he said.
SAM BEYER
Beyer started the season late due to an injury. He had broken his finger and just recently had the pins removed.
Beyer opened his season at the Joliet game on November 27, with six points, eight rebounds, and two blocked shots.
Beyer believes the team will strengthen as they progress into the season.
“We have a lot of freshmen,and as a team have a lot of talent,” Beyer said. “We’ll get better as we go along.”
Beyer started playing basketball as a child with his older brother, Tim.
The center forward decided to come to IVCC after meeting with coach Mike Riley and was awarded a tuition waiver.
Beyer averaged 10 points a game last year.