John Carroll outlooks next on the hardwood

David S. Glasier continues his look at the area college basketball scene with previews of the John Carroll men’s and women’s squads. The men are projected to win the OAC, and the women eye an ascent.

High expectations come with the territory for the John Carroll men’s basketball program.

It was that way during legendary coach Mike Moran’s 25-year run at the helm that ended in March 2017 with a record of 459-229, 10 Ohio Athletic Conference regularseason championships, four OAC postseason tournament titles and 12 appearances in the NCAA Division III tournament.

It is that way, too, for Moran’s son, Pete, who replaced his father last season and steered the Blue Streaks to a 25-6 record, the OAC regular season and tournament titles and the NCAA Division III tournament.

With a solid core of returning players augmented by some promising newcomers, the 2018-19 Blue Streaks were picked to finish first in the OAC preseason poll. JCU also was ranked 20th in the D3hoops.com men’s preseason Top 25.

“Getting that kind of recognition is obviously nice, but it doesn’t make wins happen or change our approach as a coaching staff,” Moran said. “”Put on that John Carroll uniform, and you’d better be ready to practice hard, play hard, deal with expectations and trust the process needed to play at a championship level.”

The Blue Streaks open the season Nov. 16 against Johnson & Wales University in the Buffalo (N.Y.) State Coles Classic. Tipoff is 6 p.m.

As is the norm at JCU in the Moran coaching era, the Blue Streaks will come at opponents in waves of starters, reserve and combinations of the two units.

The probable starters are junior guard Jimmy Berger (8.5 points, 4.2 assists last season) and Sean Flannery (4.6 points, 4.2 assists), junior guard-forward Ryan Berger (13 .3 points), sophomore guard-forward Jackson Sartain (10.5 points) and senior forward-center Allen Stokes II (5.7 points, 5.1 rebounds).

Jimmy Berger and Flannery can score, facilitate for teammates and wear down opposing backcourts with their defense. Last season, they combined for 113 steals.

“It’s no secret Jimmy and Sean are the heart and soul of our team,” Moran said.

Expected to be in the rotation as reserves are junior forward Connor Fitzgerald (Lake Catholic), junior guard Greg Parella, sophomore forward Luke Hippler and sophomore forward Emil Hess (Berkshire).

Playing time also will be up for grabs for sophomore guard Corbin Anthony (Madison) and nine freshmen.

COURTESY JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY Jimmy Berger is shown during a game last season.