BISMARCK, ND – The Jack Nelson era of Marauders basketball tips off this weekend when the University of Mary opens the 2021-22 season at the Central Region Classic in Edmond, OK. Nelson makes his head coaching debut for the Marauders when UMary tips off against Northeastern (OK) State University on Friday, Nov. 12, at 3 pm.
 
The Marauders wrap up the two-day event on Saturday, Nov. 13, when UMary faces Classic host University of Central Oklahoma at 7:30 pm.
 
The Central Region Classic is a three-conference crossover that showcases UMary from the Northern Sun, Central Oklahoma and Northeastern (OK) State University of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) and Northwestern Oklahoma State of the Great American Conference (GAC). Both the UMary men's and women's teams are competing at this year's classic.
 
Nelson was named the Marauders head coach in April 2021 after spending the last three years at fellow NSIC member school University of Sioux Falls, where he helped the Cougars win an NSIC South title and earn national rankings each year.
 
UMary returns ten players who competed for the Marauders last year. In an abbreviated season that didn't start until January, the squad finished 4-12 overall in a scheduled reduced by at least 10 games due to pandemic protocols.
 
Junior guard Josh Sipes is the Marauders top returning scorer. A 2-year starter and UMary's NSIC Player to Watch in 2021-22, the Bismarck, ND, native averaged 5.8 points and 3.7 rebounds/game last year while knocking down 47% of his 3-point attempts.
 
Sophomore guard Matthew Johnson provided a spark for the Marauders in several starts and averaged 5.8 ppg and 3 assists/game, hitting 43% of his shots from the field and the arc. Other returning Marauders who saw significant action include forwards Lucas Mayer, Kam Warrens and Kade Amundson and guards Deven Franks and Treyton Mattern. Additionally senior guard Davids Atelbauers and sophomore forwards Logan Nagorski and Regan Tollefson are back.   
 
Nelson has augmented his squad with six newcomers. Four of the new Marauders are transfers – including two from NCAA Division I programs – while two are freshmen. A pair of forwards – Gertautas Urbonaviscius from the University of North Dakota and Veljko Radakovic from the University of Maine – will provide size up front. Kai Hunstberry (San Diego City College) and Jacob Jackson (Indian River College) provide added experience in the back court and on the wing.
 
A pair of freshmen – guard Gunner Swanson and forward Liam Dougherty – round out the squad.
 
Marauders fans will have their first opportunity to see UMary play in person when Mayville State University visits the McDowell Activity Center on Nov. 16. This is the Marauders only home game in November.
 
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