HONOLULU, Hawaii --- The Winona State men's basketball team is set to kick off the 2026-27 season in Hawaii as part of the Hoops in Hawaii Classic, taking place Oct. 30-Nov. 1.
 
The Warriors will open the tournament against Lake Erie College on Oct. 30 at 7:10 CST/ 2:10 HST. Following the opening matchup, Winona State will continue tournament play against either the University of Tampa or Chaminade as the Warriors continue the 2026-27 campaign.
 
ABOUT THE HOOPS IN HAWAII CLASSIC

• The Warriors will open the 2026-27 season in Honolulu, Hawaii, at the Hoops in Hawaii Classic.
• The three-day event runs Oct. 30-Nov. 1.
• Winona State opens tournament play against Lake Erie College on Oct. 30.
• Lake Erie College won 23 games and reached the NCAA Division II Tournament last season.
• The Warriors will either face the University of Tampa or Chaminade on day two of the tournament.
• Also participating in the tournament is Hawaii Pacific, St. Edward's, Adelphi, and Minot State

 
KEY STORYLINES

• Winona State will look to improve on its 9-19 overall record and 8-14 NSIC record from the 2025-26 season.
• The Warriors will look to return to the NSIC Tournament after missing the postseason last season.
• Winona State was selected to finish tied for sixth overall in the 2026-27 NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll and fourth in the NSIC South Division.
• The Warriors return 11 players from the 2025-26 roster while welcoming three newcomers for the 2026-27 season.
• Winona State will look to build on the experience younger players gained last season while several teammates dealt with injuries.
• Head coach Todd Eisner enters his 12th season leading the Winona State men's basketball program.
• The Warriors open the 2026-27 season Oct. 30 against Lake Erie College at the Hoops in Hawaii Classic in Honolulu, Hawaii.

SCOUTING THE STORM

• Lake Eire finished the 2025-26 season with an overall record of 23-9
• The Storm made it to the G-MAC Tournament Championship game last season, while also qualifying for the NCAA Division II Tournament
• LEC was projected to finish second in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC)
• Lake Erie returned 12 players from last season, highlighted by first-team all-conference guard Amari Williams who averaged 14.5 points and 2.1 assists.

HAERTLE PRESEASON PLAYER TO WATCH

• Luke Haertle was named Winona State's Player to Watch by the NSIC on Oct. 16.
• Haertle is a senior guard from Hartland, Wis.
• Haertle returns to the Warriors after spending a season at South Dakota State.
• During the 2024-25 season, Haertle averaged 17.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
• Haertle earned first-team All-NSIC honors and was named NSIC Newcomer of the Year in 2024-25.
• Head Coach Todd Eisner looks for Haertle to bring toughness, competitiveness and production back to the Warriors.

 
NSIC PRESEASON POLL

• Winona State was selected to finish tied for sixth overall in the 2026-27 NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll.
• The Warriors were also picked fourth in the NSIC South Division.
• Last season, Winona State finished 13th overall and eighth in the South Division with a 9-19 overall record and an 8-14 mark in conference play.
• Augustana tied Winona State for sixth overall with 144 points.
• Minnesota State was picked first overall with 216 points, followed by St. Cloud State with 211 points.

 
Stay connected with Winona State University Athletics all season long by following the Warriors on social media at @WinonaStateATH (X/Instagram), @winonastatewarriors (YouTube) and Winona State Warrior Athletics (Facebook). Catch full schedules, scores and stories at winonastatewarriors.com.