In March, 68 Division I men’s basketball teams vie for a chance at a national title. While the nation watches with intrigue and excitement, it is easy to forget that most college basketball teams don’t even earn the privilege to play in the NCAA tournament. This year, Lehigh was one of those teams.
The Mountain Hawks were eliminated from the Patriot League tournament when they lost to American University in the quarterfinals March 5. American University, No. 6 seed in the conference tournament, defeated No. 3 seed Lehigh, at Stabler Arena thanks to a strong, hot-shooting second half. Sophomore forward/center Tim Kempton led the Mountain Hawks throughout, finishing with 20 points on 9-for-9 shooting.
Although the Mountain Hawks did not achieve their ultimate goal of winning the Patriot League and making an NCAA tournament appearance, Kempton is optimistic about the direction of the men’s basketball program, even through the season-ending loss.
“I would hesitate to label this season a success because we didn’t achieve our biggest goal, but there are definitely positives that we can take away from this season,” Kempton said. “We finished in third even though we were projected in seventh and this team is relatively young. There are things we can look back and smile about.”
Kempton had plenty to smile about, as he led the Mountain Hawks with averages of 15.3 points per game and 8.7 rebounds per game. Kempton was recognized by the league for his play and was awarded the Patriot League Player of the Year award. As a sophomore, Kempton will return next season with many of Lehigh’s other core players.
Freshman starting point guard Kahron Ross, winner of the Patriot League Rookie of the Year award, will return in the backcourt along with sophomore guards Austin Price and Miles Simelton, as well as scoring freshman guard Brandon Alston. Ross improved as the season went on, and Simelton really stepped up his game during the latter part of the Mountain Hawks’ season. His athleticism, which was showcased on a breakaway dunk in Lehigh’s resounding win against Bucknell, allowed coach Brett Reed more options when it came to his lineup. Often times, Reed played Ross and Simelton, both point guards, on the court together.
“Kahron is a great player and when we are both in there, I think we feed off each other,” Simelton said. “We were able to get a good feel for where we are on the court and it showed.”
Although Lehigh struggled to find consistency in Patriot League play, they were able to gain valuable experience against top competition and earn some important wins during their non-conference schedule early in the season. Lehigh opened up its season against Villanova University and gave the Wildcats all the team could handle in a 77-66 loss. The Mountain Hawks also defeated Big East foe DePaul University, as well as Pac-12 opponent Arizona State in a triple overtime game on the road.
“That Arizona State win was a huge thrill for us as a team and also a huge confidence booster,” Simelton said.
The Hawks also went through a stretch of Patriot League play that saw them win seven out of eight games, which allowed the team to ascend in the league standings. That stretch included close wins versus Lafayette College and Boston University.
Now, as Lehigh looks back on its season, off-season workouts will begin. Players have identified improving their individual skill set as one of the main things that the team has to work on. Kempton, for example, is looking to fine tune his already polished post game as well as extending his jump shooting range. The junior class, which consists of forward Justin Goldsborough, forward Jesse Chuku, guard Devon Carter and forward/guard John Ross Glover, will take ownership of the team starting this offseason.
“I see myself as more of a lead by example type of guy,” Goldsborough said. “But we have to be able to keep our focus when we are winning games and develop a killer mentality.”
Leadership will also extend to some younger players that have seen extended minutes for the Mountain Hawks. Goldsborough highlighted Ross as someone that has embraced his role as point guard and has become more vocal. The young talent that has emerged for the Mountain Hawks allows the team to call on a number of people for the leadership that every team craves. Simelton and Kempton also mentioned consistency as something that the Mountain Hawks need to improve.
“Our potential for next year is huge,” Goldsborough said. “We came in third this year and that’s okay, but next year we can go farther and contend for the league title.”
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