Published: October 01, 2008 09:45 pm      

Bronchos heavy favorite to reclaim LSC North title

BARTLESVILLE — Defending Lone Star Conference North Division champion Central Oklahoma was tabbed the overwhelming choice to win the title again in 2008-09, it was announced at the LSC Basketball Media Day Wednesday.

The Bronchos earned 13 of the 16 first-place votes cast in balloting of LSC North head coaches, sports information directors and media representatives in finishing with 109 points.

Texas A&M-Commerce and Southwestern Oklahoma tied for second with 87 points each, with the Lions collecting one first-place vote and the Bulldogs two. Northeastern State (67) was fourth, followed by East Central (43), Southeastern Oklahoma (30) and Cameron (25).

“We return a nucleus of good players who all saw plenty of minutes last year, so we have a lot of experience,” UCO coach Terry Evans said. “Being picked number one is a sign of respect and we’re really looking forward to the year.”

UCO has back eight players from last season’s record-setting team that finished 28-6 en route to winning their third LSC North crown in four years before going on to capture the LSC Tournament and the South Central Regional en route to making its first Elite Eight appearance since 1992.

The Bronchos are led by a trio of returning starters who all earned honorable mention All-LSC North Division recognition last season – senior Lance Harper, junior Eric Cazenave and sophomore Michael Sosanya.

Cazenave averaged 10.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists a game while making 68 3-pointers, with Harper adding 10.6 points and 4.5 rebounds and Sosanya 10.2 points and 4.5 rebounds.

UCO also has back five other lettermen in seniors David Thomas and Adam Terneus, junior Keith Marks and sophomores Chance Hardaker and Tyler Phillips.

NSU’s Aaron Arango was named the LSC North Preseason Player of the Year, with Abilene Christian’s Dejan Sencanski earning LSC South Preseason Player of the Year recognition. Tarleton State was named the LSC South preseason favorite.

UCO begins preseason practice on Oct. 15 and will host Oklahoma Christian in an exhibition game on Nov. 4.