WINONA, Minn. - The Winona State University men's basketball team opens the 2024 regular season in Kansas City, Mo. where they face off against Pittsburg State University and Henderson State University in the 2024 Central Region Challenge. The Warriors play the host of the 2024 Central Region Challenge, Pittsburg State on Friday, November 8th at 5pm and see Henderson State on Saturday, November 9th at 5pm.

Winona State has faced off against Pittsburg State two separate times, going 2-0 in those games. Similarly, WSU has faced off against Henderson State only one time during the 2021-22 season, with the Warriors winning 79-62.

Winona State Notes:

• Last season, WSU finished 21-10 overall and 14-8 within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. 
• The Warriors enter the 2024 season ranked 11th in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll. 
• The Winona State offense put up 79 points on Sunday, November 3 against Saint Mary's University 
• Connor Drew led all scorers against SMU with 24 points, while also gathering eight rebounds
• Luke Haertle had 18 points and a team leading nine rebounds. 
• Devon Fielding returns as the Warriors highest returning three-point percentage shooter, making 37.7% from beyond the arc. 
• WSU brings in plenty of new talent with five players coming from the transfer portal. The Warrior coaching staff brought in Isaiah Thompson, Luke Haertle, Jhei-R Jones, Ahmad Artis, and Johnny Papadakos 
• Incoming freshman looking to make an impact this season are Nick Taylor, Connor Roffers, Tyler Mason, Caleb Johnson, and Jackson Hayes. 

Pittsburg State Notes:

• Pittsburg State finished the 2023-24 season 21-11 and 15-7 in the MIAA.
• The Gorillas made the MIAA Championship game, falling to Northwest Missouri State 65-78.
• Jordan Frison returns as the Gorillas highest returning scorer at 11.6 ppg.
• Pitt State men's basketball were picked second in the 2024 MIAA Coaches' Poll.
• PSU is the host school of the 2024 Central Region Challenge.
• Following the game against the Warriors, PSU will face off against St. Cloud State University the next day.

Henderson State Notes:

• Henderson State finished the 2023-24 season 9-18 and 8-14 in the GAC.
• HSU was picked to finish ninth in the GAC Preseason Poll.
• Head Coach Jimmy Elgas enters his tenth season at the helm of the HSU basketball program.
• Seniors Tim McDonald and Chase Farmer look to lead the Reddies.
• HSU will face off against #4 Minnesota State-Moorhead on Friday, November 8 before they come back the next day to face the Warriors.

 

For the most up to date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit: www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and @WinonaStateATH.