Shepherd University’s men’s basketball coach Justin Namolik has confirmed that three student‑athletes will be back for the 2026‑27 campaign, a move that could reshape the Rams’ fortunes in the highly competitive PSAC. The announcement comes as the program looks to build on a strong finish to the previous season and maintain its upward trajectory in the league.
A Trio of Proven Winners
Waylon Colistra, a 6‑6 forward from Morgantown, led his high school to a 21‑3 record and the West Virginia AAAA state semifinals while earning first‑team All‑State honors after averaging 16 points, 7 rebounds and 2.5 assists. His blend of size, shooting and playmaking makes him a cornerstone for the upcoming roster.
Kris Doleman, a 5‑11 guard from Kearneysville, helped his team to a 19‑4 season and the same state semifinals, collecting second‑team All‑State recognition with averages of 13.3 points, 4.2 assists and 3.3 rebounds. Known for his quickness and court vision, Doleman adds depth to the backcourt.
Kyren Oglesby, a 6‑4 guard from Winchester, capped his high school career by guiding his squad to a 24‑5 record and the inaugural Virginia Class 4 state championship, the first in school history, and earned second‑team All‑State honors after posting 10.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. His leadership and clutch performances bring a winning pedigree to the Rams.
Building on Last Season’s Momentum
The Rams bring back five of their top six scorers from the previous year, including forward Cole Paar, who missed the entire season due to a knee injury but is expected to be fully healthy for the upcoming slate. Coach Namolik emphasized that all three returning players come from winning high school programs and possess the intangibles — work ethic, leadership and clutch performance — that translate well to the college game.
Looking Ahead
With the new roster in place, Shepherd aims to translate its off‑court chemistry into on‑court success against the PSAC’s elite competition, hoping to contend for a conference title and a deep run in the NCAA Division III tournament.