After another memorable 29-8 national tournament run in 2017-18, capped by a third place national finish, the 2018-19 Spartans come into the regular season ranked preseason No. 6 in NJCAA-II.

Spartan Head Coach Blake Peterson has high expectations for the Spartans again this year, with eight returners from last year’s team.

“We’ve continued to grow throughout the preseason, and as long as we get better each day, we all still have high expectations for this year’s group,” Peterson said.

The Spartans feature a group of 11 sophomores and five freshmen to give the group a nice veteran presence along with newcomers who will grow under the leadership of the veterans.

The season opener, as well as the first three games, are all at home. The Spartans open the season Saturday, Nov. 3, at 3 p.m. vs. Kansas City (Kansas) Community College.

“We have to bring it from the first game," Peterson stated. "Any given night in this league you could win or lose, that’s how good this league is.”

Peterson explained the team's main goal right now is to continue to get better and take the natural steps to be good in March.

"If we peak at the right time like we did last year, I like our chances,” Peterson said.