For the Loyola Greyhounds, Cormier, one of the key players to Patsos’ Scheme, would not be considered a threat if it wasn’t for the great asset that he has in his teammate Jamaal Barney. In his senior year, Guard Jamal Barney has become the LeBron James of the Loyola Greyhounds and takes command. Elected Captain for the team, the squad looks to him to play well and to carry the team with his partner in crime Dylon Cormier. In his two seasons with the Greyhounds, Barney has led the team in scoring with 18.1 and 12.6 points per game respectively. This year, MAAC Coaches chose Barney for the All-MAAC Second Team. This year, against Drexel and UMBC, Barney showed great maturation in his game. He learned to play it slow – but not too slow. He has become more patient and he has learned not to force his shots; rather, he creates open shots and open lanes.
With great teammates like Anthony Winbush, Shane Walker, Robert Olson, Erik Etherly, Brian Rudolph, and J’hared Hall, the team shows so much talent and chemistry that seeing this team win a MAAC championship is not as farfetched as in years before.
Will Loyola win the MAAC Championship? If this team plays well together and Cormier and Barney emerge as the true leaders as I see them being for this team, it is completely possible. As the year goes on the endurance and strength of this team are challenged, I believe that Loyola will be excited for something in March that just won’t be about soccer; instead, it will be the emergence of the Greyhounds in the NCAA Tournament.
Follow the Greyhounds at www.loyolagreyhounds.com or tune into ESPN 1300 for live broadcast of games.
Tune in weekly to 7 Minute Sports Slam for the home games. Also check in every Friday for the Sports Block with Anthony and Co. – only here at WLOY LOYOLA RADIO!
