College Basketball: Jamestown tops in DAC poll

By Journal staff | Friday, October 26, 2007

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DICKINSON, N.D. — Jamestown College has been tabbed the preseason favorite in the Dakota Athletic Conference preseason mens basketball coaches’ poll.

The Jimmies received seven first place ballots to top the poll. JC returns first-team all- conference and honorable mention All-American forward Kyle Iverson (15.5 points per game, 7.0 rebounds per game) and second team all-conference guard Jake Holen (12.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg) to their starting lineup.

Minot State picked up a first-place selection but finished second in the poll. The Beavers bring back five players from last season, led by guards Joe Gathings (12.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.4 apg) and Ricky Martinez (9.3 ppg, 3.5 apg).

Defending DAC champion Mayville State placed third in the poll. The Comets lost two All-Americans from their national runner-up squad. New head coach Justin Johnson returns one starter in guard Tremel Gilot (10.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg).

Black Hills State placed fourth in the balloting. The Yellow Jackets bring back last years’ DAC Newcomer of the Year, Sam Kim (13 ppg, 4 rpg) among four returning starters.

Valley City State finished fifth in the rankings of the coaches.  The Vikings look to reload after losing a pair of all conference performers.  Guard Mike Stowman (9.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg) is one of two starters who return.

Dickinson State and new coach Ty Orton are tabbed sixth in the balloting.  Forward Ervin Belton (11 ppg, 3 rpg) is the Blue Hawks' lone returning starter from last season.

South Dakota Mines finished seventh in the poll. The Hardrockers lost four starters, including three all-conference players, from last year’s squad.  Guard Robbie Fedor (6.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 2.1 apg) is the leading scorer among the returning players.

Dakota State placed eighth in the tally. The Trojans return three starters, led by first-team All-DAC and honorable mention All-American forward Joe Backus (19.8 ppg, 7.7 rpg)