PREVIEW: Northeast men will turn to talented sophomore class to lead program in 2018-19

NORFOLK, Neb. – Culture and experience will be the main components that head coach Dan Anderson will look steer to the Northeast Community College men's basketball team in the right path throughout the 2018-19 season.

With the likes of Joel Ufele, Moses Byekwaso and Seth Coatta, the Hawks hope to make a strong run in postseason play beginning tonight at 7:30 p.m. against Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kan.

Ufele, a transfer from Cochise College in Arizona, brings a strong dominant force under the net for Northeast. A native of London, Ufele played in 26 games as a freshman and helped the Apaches to 25 wins.

At the guard position, Byekwaso and freshman Emmette Page will be looked upon to distribute the ball for the Hawks offense. Last season, Byekwaso averaged 8.7 points game, while playing in all 30 games.

Page, a Brooklyn Park, Minn., native prepped at Osseo High School, lettering all four years in high school and was named the Offensive Player of the Year.

"I think we have a really good culture and players that cheer for each other," Anderson said.

After another solid year of recruiting, Anderson will look to Daniel Akuei and Junior Oscar as impact players early in the season.

Akuei, a native of Melbourne, Australia, helped his high school team reach the national championship, while averaging 15 points and seven rebounds as a senior.

A native of St. Helens, United Kingdom, Oscar prepped at Carmel College and played for Malcolm Leak, a prominent recruiting figure overseas.

Local freshmen will also see an increase in playing time as Ben Moxness a native of Scribner, Neb., and Luke Rollman, a native of Humphrey, Neb., hope to see the court early in their careers.

"We have a strong group of scoring threats that I believe can make an impact on this program and the upcoming season," Anderson said.

For all news related to Northeast Community College athletics, visit northeasthawks.com for complete coverage. Fans can also follow the Hawks on Twitter @NortheastHawks for game-day coverage.