The 2008-2009 season for the University of Maine at Presque Isle men’s basketball team should be an interesting one. First-year head coach Terry Cummings takes over a team with very little experience. The team has a difficult early-season schedule, having played Elm’s College of Chicopee, Mass., the 25th-nationally ranked team in NCAA Div. III Nov. 21 and taking on the University of Maine Black Bears, a Div. I squad off to a 3-1 start, on Dec. 4.
UMPI MEN’S BASKETBALL – Members of the University of Maine at Presque Isle men’s basketball team are, in front from left, Erick Martinez, Ronald Spencer, Devon Peaslee, Brian Korhonen, Najee Nickel and Anthony Wingate. Back row, Jordan Guy, Jeremy Brock, Loren Fawthrop, Ray Mitchell, Mikhu Sabattus, Ben Rosser, James Cirell and head coach Terry Cummings.
Cummings has been encouraged by the play of a number of freshmen that will be counted on to play huge minutes this year. The difficulty of the first-semester schedule should greatly help the Owls for the second semester, in which they play all of their conference games. Look for the team to improve with each and every game and continue to develop a winning attitude.
Coach Terry Cummings is no stranger to the Owls program as he spent his four years of collegiate play on the floor of Wieden Gymnasium from 1987-1991. Cummings is excited to be back at his alma mater and looks forward to restoring the Owls’ basketball program.
“I want to develop true student athletes who will put academics first,” he said, noting he will stress the importance of defense and team play as he inspires his players to become the best that they possibly can be.
Ronald Spencer of Chicago, Ill. joined the Owls’ program last spring, and immediately demonstrated a great shooting touch and the ability to take over a game. “This year, I look for Ronald to have a breakout season and be a leader,” Cumming said.
Devon Peaslee of Newcastle is a two-year starter on the Owls soccer team has decided to play basketball, another sport that he loves. He will run the point and as he adjusts to the collegiate game look for him to develop into a great point guard. He is also a tenacious defender, which should fit in nicely with the Owls up-tempo style of play.
Cummings said Ray Mitchell of Cleveland, Ohio has all the tools to be the leader, both offensively and defensively, that the squad needs to compete in the Sunrise Conference. Mitchell has a desire to win and hopefully that will translate into victories for the Owls team.
Loren Fawthrop of Amherst, Nova Scotia is a first-year player who will see plenty of minutes as a freshman.
“He is one of the hardest workers on the team and always displays a great attitude,” Cummings said. “His desire to improve and be a team player will be contagious.”
Another freshman expected to help our right away is Ben Rosser of Caribou, one of four on the roster who played high school basketball in Aroostook County. He will get plenty of minutes and can play many different positions, which should create match up problems for opposing teams.
“Ben is very athletic and a great encourager to teammates and is always keeping the guys positive,” Cummings said. “Ben plays both ends of the court and should develop into one of the better players on the team.
Jeremy Brock of Easton is another Aroostook County player who has shown great promise in the first few weeks of practice. He is adapting well to the more physical style of play at the collegiate level and continues to improve each and every time out. Cummings said Brock is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team be successful.
One of the quicker players on the Owls squad is Najee Nickle of Orlando, Fla. With hard work and dedication, Nickle has the potential to develop into an outstanding player. He has great quickness, which should help on both ends of the floor. “Look for Najee to shut down the other team’s top offensive threat,” Cummings said.
Mihku Sabattus of Princeton joined the team in the spring of last year and showed he could be a solid force underneath the basket. He has developed a good 8-10 foot jumper, which should pay dividends this year. Look for Sabattus to be one of the Owls’ top rebounders, as his squad will be undersized in most games.
Another returnee from a year ago is Brian Korhonen of Littleton. He continues to show consistent effort each and every practice. Korhonen’s work ethic should be rewarded with some quality minutes throughout the year, according to his coach, and his confidence continues to grow as demonstrated with the ability to knock down the open jumper.
Erick Martinez was a two-time state champion during his days at Central Aroostook High School in Mars Hill. He joins the Owl squad for his first season. Martinez is working very hard to get into game shape and should be a solid contributor this year. With coaching experience as well, he should prove to be a valuable member of the team both on and off the court.
James Cirell comes from a winning tradition, having played his senior year at Valley High in Bingham. A tireless worker who is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win, Cirell possesses a nice jump shot and can play inside as well as outside.
