Guard Rudy Thomas goes up for a layup                         against York on Jan. 23

By Cochise Lucas and Chris Agar (Whetstone staff writers)

After productive seasons last year, both the Wesley men’s and women’s basketball teams hope to continue their success in 2009-2010.

The men entered the season as the defending Capital Conference champions (18-10 record) and a NCAA tournament appearance.

With six players from last year returning (including captains Alphonzo Wright, Jacques Bowe and Rudy Thomas), the team is hoping for a similar outcome this year.

“With our prior experience, we can use that to get back to the playoffs,” said captain Jacques Bowe, a senior.  “Everyone is stepping up this year and we’re more of a team.”

The team played during Wesley’s winter break and did “very well” in the words of head coach Jerry Kobasa.

The Wolverines won the ECAC Tournament at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Fla., including an upset of the No. 20 team in the nation, UMass Dartmouth.

“We are hoping we can qualify for the tournament,” Kobasa said. “Our conference is very strong this year and we have to be ready to play every night.”

Captain Rudy Thomas, a junior, leads the Wolverines in scoring with 16 points a game, and feels his leadership can help the team get back to the playoffs.

“As far as me being a leader, the team thrives off what I do,” Thomas said. “I always keep my head up, put everything aside, and keep my team first.”

The men won a dramatic game, 93-91 January 23 against York. They were led by Thomas, who scored 33 points.

“The way we’re going now, I feel like no one can stop us,” said captain Cory Boyd, a junior. “The captains are leading by example and we are getting better one day at a time.”