Blue Devils Aim for Success in New Basketball Season

The Riverland Community College men’s basketball team, known as the Blue Devils, is gearing up for another competitive season after a remarkable 2022-2023 campaign. Last year, the team finished with an impressive overall record of 30-4 and made appearances at three consecutive NJCAA Division III National Tournaments. With a cumulative record of 137-19 over the past five seasons, expectations are high for the Blue Devils as they prepare for their home opener against Luther JV at 7 p.m. on October 30, 2023.

Head coach Derek Hahn emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on the rigorous demands of their league. “When you go to the national tournament as much as we have, you want to do it again,” he stated. Despite the loss of several key players who have moved on to four-year programs, Hahn is confident in the team’s ability to compete effectively. “We’re taking it one game at a time,” he added.

Returning to the court are strong leaders such as Lubab Kambalo and Joe Poyser. Kambalo, a sophomore from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, averaged 7.8 points per game last season, while Poyser, hailing from Wildwood, Florida, contributed an average of 8.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Kambalo credits last year’s All-American player, Nazih Chehade, with teaching him valuable skills for improving team dynamics. “He was our leader last year and he controlled every game,” Kambalo remarked.

Poyser is committed to fostering a culture of excellence within the team. “I try to stay in the young guys’ ears,” he noted. “Our past work has spoken for itself, and if they keep working hard, everything will work out.” Another player looking to make a significant contribution is Nick Edland, a Southland graduate who has dedicated extensive time to improving his skills during the offseason. “We just have to keep working hard, showing up, and doing what we’re supposed to do,” Edland stated.

As the Blue Devils transition into the regular season, they have been actively participating in preseason games against scholarship schools. Coach Hahn believes that this experience has prepared the team well for the upcoming challenges. “Our guys have gotten a lot better, and we’re set up for success,” he affirmed.

The team welcomes a promising freshman class, including Elhadji Thiam, a 6-8 center from Senegal, Tristan Coleman, a 6-7 sophomore transfer forward from Mayowood, Illinois, and Tyson Helms, a sophomore forward from Tucson, Arizona. Freshmen players such as Camden Fearon from Margate, Florida, and Isaiah Lindor from Miami, Florida, are expected to play pivotal roles as well.

With a blend of returning talent and new faces, the Blue Devils are eager to demonstrate their capabilities on the court this season. As they prepare for their opener, the team is focused on their goal of maintaining a winning tradition while navigating the challenges of a competitive league.