The Holy Cross men's basketball squad concluded the previous campaign with a 10‑18 overall record, finishing 5‑15 in conference play. The season began on a high note with a 4‑1 start, only to unravel as the team dropped six consecutive games in November and December.
A cascade of injuries, ranging from stress fractures to broken feet, hampered the roster and forced frequent lineup changes. Coach Tyler Braidic repeatedly praised his players for confronting adversity head‑on, emphasizing the mental toughness they developed despite the setbacks.
Standout Performances
Junior guard Jayden Sanders emerged as the team's scoring engine, averaging 17.7 points per game. Joey Garwood's consistent production earned him Second‑Team All‑Conference honors, putting up 21.9 points per contest. Freshman Donovan Waleskowski added a dynamic spark, shooting 50 three‑pointers and converting 111 free throws while being named CCAC Freshman of the Year.
The Saints also secured two pivotal victories over Indiana Northwest, a team that finished second in the conference standings, underscoring the squad's ability to compete when it mattered most.
Coach Braidic highlighted the importance of postseason conditioning and a shift in mindset, noting that the experience gained will shape the team's approach in the upcoming season. The coaching staff remains optimistic that the lessons learned will translate into a higher CCAC ranking and a more competitive roster.