Schmidt praises YSU’s Perry

February 11, 2014 at 12:05a.m.

AUSTINTOWN

Despite the Youngstown State basketball team’s tough overtime loss to Detroit on Sunday, broadcaster Robb Schmidt feels that the Penguins can improve their Horizon League standing with four of their next six games slated at Beeghly Center.

In his role as YSU’s assistant athletic director, Schmidt told the Curbstone Coaches at Monday’s meeting that there are plenty of events slated the remainder of the school year.

“Everything starts this Thursday when we square-off against first-place Wisconsin-Green Bay,” Schmidt said. “They have two of the best players in the league in Alec Brown and Keifer Sykes so it should be a game with plenty of excitement.

“We follow that with a doubleheader on Saturday when our women host Valparaiso and men meet UIC so there is plenty of excellent basketball remaining for our fans.”

Schmidt noted that the Horizon League is as wide open as it has ever been, due in part to a league schedule with no set Thursday-Saturday format.

“Some teams have quick turnaround time, having to play Thursday and Saturday while other opponents have the luxury of an added day or two in which to prepare,” Schmidt said. “I’ve told Coach [Jerry] Slocum that there isn’t a team in the league that we can’t beat — home, away or neutral court.”

In his 12th season calling men’s roundball action, Schmidt said Kendrick Perry is one of the most exciting players to ever lace up a pair of tennis shoes for the Penguins.

“Kendrick Perry’s career is drawing to a close and I encourage anyone who hasn’t seen him play to come out and watch,” Schmidt said. “He’ll undoubtedly get a look at the next level.

“The league has had two players drafted and ultimately make an NBA roster each of the last two years — the first being Norris Cole with the Miami Heat and last year Ray McCallum, Jr. with the Sacramento Kings.

“Kendrick possesses a lot of the same attributes as those two players and is just as exciting to watch,” Schmidt said.

While Schmidt would love to see YSU crack the 20-win mark, he said a third consecutive winning season is the first objective, followed by a league title and then an NCAA tournament bid.

“Every basketball team in the country dreams of the playing in the NCAA tournament, but tournaments like the CBI [College Basketball Invitational] and CIT [CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament] are invaluable as well,” Schmidt said. “If we do not make the NCAA or NIT tourneys, why shouldn’t a guy like Kendrick Perry have the opportunity to play in a tournament setting?

“I think it’s a nice reward for a good season and last year the CIT was a great experience for our coaches, players and fans alike.”

Schmidt added that John Barnes, YSU’s women’s coach, has done an excellent job his first season at the helm.

“Regardless of where they finish, Coach Barnes has the women working and playing hard,” SChmidt said. “I don’t know if anyone could have imagined them starting league play 6-0. “

Schmidt said YSU campus will host to the Horizon League indoor and outdoor track and field meets in the spring.

The annual Penguin Club Scholarship-Ring Banquet is set for Feb. 18 at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center in Boardman with women’s golfer Allison Mitzel and Perry set to be honored.

“Both athletes are truly deserving of this year’s honor. They are such great ambassadors for YSU,” Schmidt said.