Trojans picked to finish 8th
in DAC Preseason Poll

October 24, 2007

(Dickinson, ND) - Jamestown College has been tabbed the preseason favorite in the Dakota Athletic Conference Preseason Men's Basketball Coaches' Poll.

The Jimmies received seven first place ballots to top the poll.  Jamestown returns first team All-Conference and All-American Honorable Mention forward Kyle Iverson (15.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg) and second team All-Conference guard Jake Holen (12.3 ppg, 2.4rpg) to their starting lineup.

Minot State picked up a first place selection to finish second in the poll.  The Beavers bring back two starters from last season in guards Joe Gathings (12.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.4 apg) and Ricky Martinez (9.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg).

Defending DAC champion Mayville State placed third in the poll.  The Comets lost two All-American from their national runner-up squad.  New head coach Justin Johnson returns one starter in guard Tremel Gilot (10.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg).

Black Hills State placed fourth in the balloting.  The Yellow Jackets bring back last year's DAC Newcomer of the Year, Sam Kim (13 ppg, 4 rpg) among four returning starters.

Valley City State finished fifth in the rankings of the coaches.  The Vikings look to reload after losing a pair of All-Conference performers.  Guard Mike Stowman (9.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg) is one of two starters who return.

Dickinson State and new head coach Ty Orton are tabbed sixth in the balloting.  Forward Ervin Belton (11 ppg, 3 rpg) is the Blue Hawks' lone returning starter from last season.

South Dakota School of Mines finished seventh in the poll.  The Hardrockers lost four starters, including three All-Conference players, from last year's squad.  Guard Robbie Fedor (6.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 2.1 apg) is the leading scorer among returning players.

Dakota State placed eighth in the tally.  The Trojans return three starters, led by 1st Team All-DAC and NAIA All-American Honorable Mention forward Joe Backus (19.8 ppg, 7.7 rpg).

The poll was conducted by the Dakota Athletic Conference.

Below are the results of the poll with first place votes in parenthesis.

	2007-08 Men's Basketball	2006-2007	2006-2007	2006-2007	Total
	Pre-season	DAC	Overall	DAC	Voting
	Power Poll	Record	Record	Place	Points
	1) Jamestown College (7)	9-5	19-11	2nd Tie	49
	2) Minot State (1)	7-7	14-15	5th	41
	3) Mayville State	11-3	27-9	1st	31
	4) Black Hills State	5-9	10-19	7th	30
	5) Valley City State	8-6	14-15	4th	28
	6) Dickinson State	6-8	9-19	6th	19
	7) SD School of Mines	9-5	16-15	2nd Tie	14
	8) Dakota State	1-13	2-27	8th	12

Nick Huntimer, Dakota State Sports Information Director