Nathan Hutchinson
BEREA — During his eight seasons at Berea College, John Mills has coached some very talented teams with some outstanding players.
However, this year’s squad has the potential to be perhaps one of the Mountaineers’ best teams in recent history.
Led by an All-American senior guard, four gifted juniors and some exceptional incoming freshman, Berea College certainly has the depth, experience and skill to compete for a Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship.
“We are expecting this to be a big year for us,” Mills said. “I’m highly optimistic. I can’t wait to get all these guys here on the same floor at the same time and see what they can do. I really feel like we will be right there in the thick of things in the end.”
The Mountaineers won 17 games last season, but did lose two key standouts — second-leading scorer Cody Hornsby and leading rebounder Charles Wandera.
Still, Berea returns 10 letterwinners, including three starters, and added some exceptional transfers.
Mikah Turner was named an honorable mention All-American last season after averaging a team-best 20 points a game. The senior was also third in the KIAC in rebounding and ranked sixth nationally (NAIA Division II) in three-pointers a game (3.4).
“The thing that (Mikah) has really worked hard this past year is getting from the perimeter to the bucket with the ball,” Mills said. “That was the missing piece and the thing that I really challenged him to improve on because that will make him a complete player.”
Josh Mallory, Berea College’s only other senior, averaged almost six points a game last season and always provided a spark off the bench.
Two other returns should once again compete for starting spots — juniors Kevin Burrus (7.96 points per game) and Chase Wofford (10.17 ppg) — along with wo new additions.
After sitting out a season, Cleveland native Rudy Evans will likely take over as the starter at point guard.
“I think he could be the best point guard in the conference this season,” Mills said of Evans. “He is special.”
Rodney Goodson, a junior, should see plenty of action this season as well.
“Of the juniors, all four are tremendous players,” Mills said. “So, we have seven upperclassmen who can contribute major offense, major defense and major minutes.”
The Mountaineers also added three freshman who could make an immediate impact — Prince Stewart from Henry Clay high school, Alex Hinton and Tristan Cackling of Estill County.
“Recruiting was really kind to us,” Mills said.
The Mountaineers are set to open the season today against Virginia Intermont at the Asbury Classic in Wilmore.
