A talented Statesmen men’s basketball team is considered to be in the mix in its inaugural season in the Heart of America Athletic Conference as the league’s Coaches’ Poll was released Wednesday.

The conference skippers voted WPU (20-12 last year, 7-5 MCC) fifth out of 12 teams with 78 points. Defending regular season champion Evangel tops the list with 109 points and seven first-place votes.

MidAmerica Nazarene is a close second with 105 points and three first-place ballots. Benedictine (95) and Peru State (94, 2 first-place votes) are also ahead of the Statesmen in the poll.

Avila (61), Missouri Valley (59), Culver-Stockton (58), and Central Methodist (56) are battling in the middle, while Graceland (32), Grand View (25), and Baker (20) conclude the standings.

William Penn opens its season next Thursday by hosting Briar Cliff in non-conference action at 7:30 p.m.

Story provided by Wade Steinlage