[Reaper16]

This should be a down year for Northwest. They graduated some very talented players (Addae Houston, Xzavier Gaines, and Austin Meyer) who were central to Northwest's sweet sixteen run last season.

On top of replacing some studs, returning starter Mose Howard suffered an ACL injury during summer workouts, and was placed on medical redshirt. Despite these losses, the Bearcats were ranked in the preseason Top 25 poll at number 7.

So far, NW has played better than I thought they would. They had a puzzling loss to Mary (ND), and recently lost a close game to Midwestern State. Those were the only losses in NW's nonconference schedule, amazingly. Its a young team, now. They're inexperienced, but athletic. Hunter Henry has become a force so far this season.

Its conference season now, and NW sits at 9-2, 2-0 in the MIAA. The Bearcats beat Southwest Baptist, the best team in the MIAA last year, in Bolivar. They beat Fort Hays, new to the MIAA, but a top 10 BB team in D2 recently, at Fort Hays. NW has already played what should be two of its toughest conference road games and won them both. That speaks to the coaching of this team under Steve Tappmeyer, and to the potential to make the playoffs again this year.

NW plays MO West in Maryville tonight. I'm excited for these young Cats.