Men and women picked to finish sixth in Preseason MIAA basketball coaches’ polls

The Olivet College men's and women's basketball teams were both selected to finish in sixth-place in the 2004-05 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Preseason Coaches' Polls.

The Fighting Comets received 37 points. Hope College was was picked as the preseason favorite with seven points. Seniors Derek Cox (Niles High School) and Ronnie Pearson (Holly High School) and junior De'Andre Pruitt (River Rouge High School) are returning starters for Olivet. Last year, the Comets had a 11-15 overall record and 5-7 MIAA mark.

Under the leadership of first-year Head Coach Kurt Soderberg, the Comets open their season Friday and Saturday, Nov. 19-20 at the Buzz Ridl Classic hosted by Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa. Olivet opens play Friday evening against Heidelberg (Ohio) College at 6 p.m.

Fourth-year Head Coach Deanna Richard's Lady Comets tallied 48 points. Calvin College was selected as the preseason favorite with 14 points. Seniors Tonya Dawson (Marshall High School) and Emily Fix (New Buffalo/Comstock Park High School) are returning starters for Olivet, who finished last season with a 10-16 overall record and 3-11 MIAA mark.

Olivet kicks-off its season Nov. 19-20 at the Anderson (Ind.) University Tournament. The Comets play Ohio Northern University Friday night at 6 p.m.