By Marlon McNeil

One glance at the stat sheet is more than enough to recognize that this has been the most successful men’s basketball season in Wesley’s history.

Although the Wolverines extended their win streak to 12 after trouncing Frostburg State 85-49 on Feb. 1, the most consecutive wins in the team’s history, they lost to York College 62-48 in a major upset Feb. 6.

Despite the loss, it’s still the best team in a long time.

This year’s team can also say something about itself that no other Wolverine basketball team has been able to claim: the team is ranked No. 9 in DIII basketball.

The coaches and players, however, have plenty of other things to say about the season.

“We’re not really focused on the ranks,” said Assistant Coach A.J. Williams.

“It’s about where we finish,” said senior David Langan, one of the leaders on the team.

Senior David Langan, Wesley Basketball v. Salisbury

Senior David Langan, Wesley Basketball v. Salisbury

The leadership – under Langan, as well as Eric Selby (sr.) Brandin Youngblood (sr.) and Quincy Pettiford (jr.) – is just one of the reasons why this season is going so well.

Williams said there also are younger players stepping up to get the job done.

Sophomore Anthony Bowers has been one of the rising underclassmen on the squad. Other young standouts include sophomores Wayne Lennon and A.J. Tilghman.

“Those guys will be the nucleus of the team over the next few years,” said Williams.

Bowers, who recorded a career high of 18 points against St. Mary’s, added a steal to his resume late in the fourth quarter in a game against Penn State-Harrisburg, leading his team to a win.

He said his main focus is to stay humble, “listen to coach, and keep making plays off the ball and on defense.”

The team’s chemistry also has a lot to do with what is happening on the court, said Head Coach Jerry Kobasa. He said each player is not concerned with who gets the credit.

“They’re really a close-knit family,” Kobasa said.

Off-court activities have contributed to the team’s bond as well.

This season the team has volunteered its time to mentor Special Olympics athletes and to read to elementary school classes. The team was also involved with “Hoops for Hope,” a basketball event that promotes cancer health awareness.

All of that helps the team focus on its main goal: to bring a conference championship back to Wesley.

To the fans, the team has figured out the formula, but the players and coaches said they are still working to improve every day.

“There are still some things we need to work on,” Williams said. “We just have to get better every day.”