XENIA, Ohio — The Central State University men's basketball team tips off its 2025-26 campaign this weekend at the annual Gulf South Conference (GSC) / Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Crossover, hosted inside the John Wooden Family Fieldhouse on the campus of Athletes in Action.
The Marauders will open play on Friday at 6PM against Mississippi College before closing the weekend against West Alabama on Saturday evening at 8pm.
Marauders Return Experienced Core
Head Coach Travis Lewis and his squad enter the new season looking to build upon last year's postseason run. CSU returns a talented veteran core led by Khalil Luster, Javontae Randle, Isiah Daniel, Marjoni Tate, Essek Bryant and the team's leading scorer Ramar Pryor.
Pryor paced the Marauders with 14.2 points per game last season on efficient 50/38/82 shooting splits, while Luster orchestrated the offense with pace and precision from the point guard position. Randle and Daniel provide scoring versatility and strong defensive energy, and Tate and Bryant return as one of the key leaders
New Faces Make Immediate Impact
The 2025-26 roster features several exciting newcomers expected to play key roles early. Graduate transfer Keionte Cornelius (Alcorn State) brings Division I experience and perimeter scoring, while Emanuel Henriques (Howard CC) and Braylon Dickerson (Adrian College) add athleticism and energy on both ends of the floor.
Kiyron Powell, a 6'9" forward from the University of Houston, adds length and rim protection to the frontcourt. JaMonte Williams (Parkland College) provides a physical presence on the wing. Freshmen Dimaunye Smith-Powe and Armoni Portis round out a deep, versatile lineup that gives the Marauders options at every position.
Building on Momentum
Central State "snuck up" on the SIAC a season ago just one year after a 3-25 record, finishing in the SIAC semifinals of the tournament and earning a birth to the BCI postseason tournament and proving they could compete with the league's top programs. This year, Travis Lewis' Marauders are no longer under the radar and look to take the next step toward championship contention.
To prepare for the grind of conference play, CSU has already challenged itself with a tough non-conference slate that included three Division I exhibitions against Detroit Mercy, Toledo, and Duquesne. In their most recent outing, the Marauders battled Detroit Mercy to the wire, falling 75-68 in a competitive matchup that showcased CSU's potential and depth.
About the GSC-SIAC Crossover
Now in its third year, the GSC-SIAC Crossover highlights competition between two of the nation's most tradition-rich Division II conferences. This weekend's event features West Alabama and Mississippi College representing the GSC, while Central State and Albany State represent the SIAC.
All games will be held at the John Wooden Family Fieldhouse in Xenia, Ohio.
Tip-off for the crossover's contests is set for 6:00 p.m. EST on both Friday and Saturday, with the nightcap starting at 8pm.
