Men's Basketball | 10/15/21 | 9:20 AM

HELENA, Mont. – The Carroll College men's basketball team opens their 2021-22 campaign on Friday night at the PE Center against Yellowstone Christian College. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
 
The Saints ride into the new basketball year with lots of excitement coming off of last season. After a slow start, Carroll caught fire down the stretch and finished in second place in the Frontier Conference.
 
In post-season play, the Saints made a deep run to the round of eight at the NAIA Tournament. The run included signature wins over top five teams such as Arizona Christian and William Penn.
 
2021-22 marks year four for head coach Kurt Paulson and this year's cast of Saints will include a plethora of familiar faces.
 
Jovan Sljivancanin, who was first team all-conference and second team All-American last season, was selected as the preseason conference player of the year earlier this week. He will be looked upon to provide a punch of elite scoring and rebounding.
 
In addition to Sljivancanin, the Carroll front-court will possess a veteran presence from the likes of Brendan Temple, Ifeanyi Okeke, and Murat Guzelocak.
 
Shamrock Campbell returns to lead the Saints' back court for the fourth consecutive season. Last year, Campbell was tabbed as the defensive player of the year and a first team all-conference selection in the Frontier Conference. He also received honorable mention All-American honors.
 
The other guards are a mix of young freshmen who will look to make a splash in their debut season and reliable returners who played significant roles a year ago.
 
Freshmen Andrew Cook and Garrett Long will look to step right in and add some more firepower to a deep Saints lineup. Gui Pedra and Jonny Hillman will provide stability on the wings with their ability to impact the game in so many different ways. Malachi Afework will back up Campbell at the point guard position. Jaedon Lieberg is one of the team captains and will provide leadership on and off the court.
 
Friday night's contest against Yellowstone Christian can be streamed online on the Fighting Saints Network, sponsored by Point S Tire and Auto Service.
 
Individual tickets to the game can also be purchased online at https://carrollathletics.com/sports/2015/1/13/GEN_0113150822.aspx