October 31, 2017

Gainesville, FL – The Santa Fe Saints men's basketball team has finished their preparations for the start of the season and will tip off against Impact Academy on Wednesday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m.

"Our guys are excited to get out there and play against someone else," said SF Coach Chris Mowry.  "They've been battling in practice and working hard to get ready for opening day."

Mowry, in his 15^th year at the helm of the Saints, says the team will be a little undersized, but will use their quickness and shooting ability to create mismatches with teams that are bigger in the front court.

"We have a lot of guys that can get up and down the floor and can shoot the basketball," said Mowry.  "We will have to be efficient to make up for our lack of size and rebounding ability.  Guys will have to really work hard and execute on the defensive end as well."

SF returns eight starters, including Mid-Florida Conference 1^st Team honoree D-Juan Taylor-Hodge, a guard who averaged 11.7 points and six rebounds per game.

"D-Juan is a savvy player and plays hard on both ends of the court," Mowry said.  "He can create with his driving ability as well as his ability to help us get defensive stops."

Also returning are forward Darrell Jones (10 ppg, 5.0 rpg), a MFC Second Team honoree, and guard Jake Dawkins (9.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg) an Academic All-American from a year ago.

Joining the returners are six newcomers, led by wing Malik Morrow, a transfer from Lynn University, guard Alsean Evans from Lakeland, and guard Brady Fernandes from Kissimmee.  Fernandes led Kissimmee Osceola to the 9A FHSAA State Championship while leading the team in scoring.

"We should be a fun team to watch this year and look forward to seeing the Santa Fe community at the games," said Mowry.  "We are at home Wednesday, Saturday, and also next Tuesday to start the year and hope to get ourselves off to a good start and find out who we are as a team."

Saints fans can find a complete schedule here: http://santafesaints.com/sports/mbkb/2017-18/schedule

For complete schedules, stats, and more information please visit www.santafesaints.com. 

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