Men’s basketball ends historic season
The Maryville College Men’s Basketball team capped a historic season with a 72-68 semifinal loss to LaGrange in the Collegiate Conference of the South Tournament.
Although the season ended sooner than the team hoped, the Scots finished 21-5 overall and 12-0 in the CCS, winning the regular-season title and securing their first undefeated conference season since 2010.
The team also made program history as one of only four teams across all NCAA divisions to win six straight regular-season conference championships. The three other teams include the University of Kansas, Gonzaga University and Northwest Missouri State University.
Overall, the Scots dominated conference play throughout the season, extending one of the longest active conference championship streaks in NCAA basketball.
Head Coach Raul Placeres says the program’s recruitment and development tactics have been a key to the team’s success.
“We are identifying the right people in the recruiting process and coaches, staff and faculty are helping tremendously in their development,” said Placeres.
Additionally, the team had several overall and individual feats throughout the season. Individually, Chase Morgan (‘26) was named the CCS Player of the Year. Five players, Chase Morgan (‘26), Jackson Garner (‘26), Matthew Schneider (‘27), Jamal Ware (‘28) and Jaylon Green (‘26), were all recognized as CCS All-Conference.
Starting this July, the Scots will be joining a new conference: the Southern Athletic Association (SAA).
This change introduces new competition and an opportunity to rise to the top once again. The SAA includes Berry College, Centre College, Millsaps College, Rhodes College, Oglethorpe University, Trinity University, Southwestern University and Sewanee.
“Even though we have new opponents, that does not change who we are and how we will go about things. The standard is the standard. Some wish for it – we will work for it. We need every day men going forward that have an edge about them. We plan to bring that to the SAA,” said Placeres.
The support of others has also been a huge factor in the team’s success.
Placeres mentioned some who deserve credit for the feats this season: “Our players first and foremost, [and] our coaches who work really hard to recruit, develop and devise game plans that fit our roster. Also, the people behind the scenes. Our president and his support, athletic director, his assistants who genuinely love our program, office manager, SID team, and training staff,” Placeres said. “We also have a faculty that understands the sacrifices not just financially but also from a time perspective that these young men put in.”
As the team prepares for its first season in a new conference, Placeres said fans can expect the standards to remain the same.
“This is a group dedicated to growth. A group that is ready for the new challenges of the SAA but that it will not change their approach. We work to be the best version of ourselves each and every day.”
Chase Morgan (‘26) attempts a basket at a home game against East Texas Baptist. (Photo Courtesy of Maryville College.)