Youngstown State Dynasty - NCAA Basketball 10

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Season Preview: Youngstown State Penguins


Horizon League | Projected Finish: 9th
Previous Season: 9–21

For Youngstown State, history has never been kind.

The Penguins enter another season still searching for a milestone that has eluded the program since its inception: an NCAA Tournament appearance. In a league now dominated by national power #11 Butler, expectations around the Horizon League remain modest at best for YSU. Media projections slot the Penguins 9th out of 10 teams, with many expecting another rebuilding year rather than a breakthrough.

But inside the locker room, the tone is different.

A Veteran-Led Roster

Youngstown State quietly brings back one of its most experienced rosters in years, featuring five seniors and four juniors. That maturity could be the difference between another forgettable winter and a season that at least forces the Horizon League to take notice.

At the controls is senior point guard Deandre Mays, a steady, true floor general who does a little bit of everything. Mays may not overwhelm defenders in any single category, but his consistency, decision-making, and leadership give the Penguins a reliable presence every possession.

In the frontcourt, senior power forward Sirlester Martin is the team’s most dependable scoring option. A throwback post player, Martin does his best work with his back to the basket, punishing defenders who lack strength or discipline. If Youngstown State is to steal close games, Martin’s ability to control the paint will be essential.

Perhaps the most intriguing piece on the roster is junior point guard Vytas Sulskis (6’7”), whose rare size at the position creates constant matchup problems. While his outside shooting remains a work in progress, Sulskis uses his height to see over defenses and attack smaller guards at the rim, adding a unique dimension to the Penguins’ offense.

Projected Starting Lineup

• PG – Deandre Mays (SR), 6’2”, 185
• SG – Ashen Ward (SO), 6’3”, 190
• SF – Tom Parks (JR), 6’6”
• PF – Sirlester Martin (SR), 6’7”, 210
• C – Dallas Blocker (SR), 6’9”, 235

Senior center Dallas Blocker anchors the interior defensively, while sophomore Ashen Ward and junior Tom Parks will be counted on to provide perimeter balance and energy on both ends. Challenging Non-Conference Test


The non-conference slate offers little mercy. Road trips to Virginia, Cal Poly, Northern Iowa, and Louisiana Tech, along with home matchups against Clemson, Cincinnati, and Idaho, will test the Penguins early. These games may not be about wins and losses as much as survival—learning whether this veteran group can compete physically and mentally against stronger competition.

Season Outlook


Realistically, expectations remain low. The Penguins are not projected to contend for the conference title, and a first-ever NCAA Tournament bid still feels distant. But with experience, size, and defined roles, Youngstown State has a chance to outperform predictions.

If the seniors can stay healthy, the guards protect the ball, and the Penguins grind out close games, this season could mark the beginning of a cultural shift, one less about survival, and more about belief.

For a program still chasing history, sometimes that’s where it starts.

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Season Opener Recap: Central Michigan 65, Youngstown State 51


The 2009–10 season opened with a familiar challenge for Youngstown State, as the Penguins fell 65–51 to Central Michigan at the Beeghly Center. Despite flashes of promise, the night ultimately highlighted the uphill climb facing a program still searching for consistency and offensive identity.

Central Michigan took control early and carried a 28–19 lead into halftime, capitalizing on Youngstown State’s prolonged scoring droughts. The Penguins struggled mightily to convert at the rim, missing several point-blank opportunities that could have kept the game within reach. Compounding the issue, Youngstown State showed little threat from beyond the arc, allowing the Chippewas to collapse defensively and clog the paint.

Foul trouble quickly became another major storyline. Five different Penguins picked up two fouls in the first half, forcing constant lineup shuffling and disrupting any chance of offensive rhythm. The early whistles also limited defensive aggressiveness, giving Central Michigan repeated trips to the free-throw line and easy scoring chances.

Through it all, senior point guard Deandre Mays stood out as the lone steady presence. Mays efficiently led the offense, finishing with 23 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including 3-of-4 from three-point range, while also going 6-of-7 at the free throw line. He consistently found ways to create scoring opportunities, but too often found himself without reliable support.

Outside of Mays, Youngstown State struggled to generate offense. The Penguins shot just 38% from the field and managed only three made three-pointers on the night. Post touches for Sirlester Martin produced some success, but not enough to counterbalance the team’s perimeter limitations and turnover issues.

Central Michigan maintained control throughout the second half, extending the lead behind balanced scoring and a strong rebounding edge. The Chippewas finished with 31 rebounds to Youngstown State’s 23, limiting second-chance opportunities and preventing any sustained comeback.

The loss serves as an early reminder of the challenges ahead for the Penguins. While Mays’ leadership and efficiency offer a foundation, Youngstown State will need improved discipline, better finishing, and more consistent secondary scoring if it hopes to exceed modest preseason expectations.

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Game Recap: Virginia 73, Youngstown State 50


For one half in Charlottesville, Youngstown State showed it could belong on the same floor.

The Penguins went into halftime trailing just 30–25, hanging tough against a Virginia team loaded with size, depth, and athleticism. Youngstown State executed its game plan early, spacing the floor and knocking down timely perimeter shots to keep the Cavaliers from pulling away.

Sophomore guard Ashen Ward provided the offensive spark, leading all Penguins with 9 first-half points, knocking down 3 of 5 shots from beyond the arc. His shooting helped counterbalance a quiet start from senior point guard Deandre Mays, who was limited to just 2 points in the opening half as Virginia focused its defensive attention on the ball.

Off the bench, Vytas Sulskis made his presence felt, scoring 8 points by attacking mismatches and finishing at the rim. Sulskis’ ability to punish smaller guards gave Youngstown State a brief offensive edge and helped keep the Cavaliers uncomfortable early.

That edge didn’t last.

Virginia asserted its will after the break, using its athleticism and depth to take control of the game. The Cavaliers outscored Youngstown State 43–25 in the second half, turning defensive stops into transition opportunities and steadily wearing down the Penguins. Virginia finished the night shooting 52% from the field, while Youngstown State struggled to generate clean looks against a tightened Cavalier defense.

The Penguins were unable to adjust offensively as Virginia took away driving lanes and contested perimeter shots. Youngstown State shot just 37% overall, committed 19 turnovers, and managed only 10 assists as the offense stalled under sustained pressure.

After the game, the coaching staff acknowledged the turning point:

“Virginia’s athleticism and skill eventually got to us and wore us down,” the coach said. “Going into a hostile environment on the road is no easy task, especially against a team of this caliber.”

The offensive struggles were particularly evident against Virginia’s zone adjustments:

“We need to get back to the drawing board with our zone offense. We could not generate shots that fit our style of game, credit to UVA for adjusting and taking it away in the second half.”

Despite the final score, the performance offered valuable lessons. Youngstown State proved it can compete for stretches against elite competition, but the second half underscored the gap that still exists in depth, shot creation, and execution under pressure.

As the Penguins move forward, the challenge will be turning competitive halves into full 40-minute performances.

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Youngstown State has landed its first recruit of the season, and it’s one that few saw coming.

The Penguins secured a commitment from 3⭐ shooting guard Bane Riddle out of El Paso, Texas, prying him away from regional programs such as UTEP, Rice, and SMU. Riddle, a 6’4”, 200-pound guard, brings a versatile skill set and immediately adds depth and upside to the YSU backcourt.

Riddle averaged 12.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.7 steals, and 1.8 assists per game, while shooting 34.2% from three-point range, showcasing the kind of perimeter shooting and defensive activity Youngstown State has been searching for. The coaching staff believes Riddle can make an instant impact as a 3-and-D player, with the long-term potential to grow into a reliable three-level scorer as his offensive game matures.

The commitment carries an added personal connection. Riddle is the cousin of senior point guard Deandre Mays, and that relationship played a key role in his decision to head north.

“Seeing how Youngstown State has taken care of DeAndre and helped him grow as a player and a leader meant everything to me,” Riddle said. “They believed in him, and that told me they’d believe in me too. I want to come in, work, and help continue building something special here.”

For a program fighting to change its narrative, landing a multi-skilled guard with national recruiting traction represents a meaningful early win. Youngstown State may still be flying under the radar, but with additions like Riddle, that may not last much longer

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image.pngYSU gets their first victory of the season to move to 1-2!

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Youngstown State has added a physical presence to its future frontcourt, securing a commitment from 3⭐ center Kevin Calloway out of Griffin, Georgia.

Calloway arrives in Youngstown with a résumé that has drawn mixed reactions from recruiting circles. Despite earning GBCA All-State honors in one of the nation’s deepest high school basketball regions, several recruiting outlets have labeled Calloway as an “over-rated” three-star prospect, citing concerns about his 6’8” frame and whether his size will translate effectively at the center position at the college level.

Those concerns didn’t scare off the Penguins.

Youngstown State beat out Middle Tennessee and The Citadel for Calloway’s commitment, identifying him as a high-motor interior player who thrives on rebounding, physicality, and effort plays. The coaching staff believes his production: 9.1 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, which reflects instincts and toughness that don’t always show up on a recruiting profile.

One point of intrigue surrounding Calloway’s recruitment is the lack of in-state interest from Georgia programs, a detail that has sparked speculation among media outlets. While no concrete issues have been identified, some have questioned whether off-court concerns or fit questions may have limited his exposure at the regional level.

Youngstown State appears comfortable betting against that narrative.

Internally, the Penguins view Calloway as a blue-collar post player who fits the program’s identity. Someone capable of anchoring the glass, protecting the paint, and developing into a reliable interior presence with time. For a program focused on long-term growth, Kevin Calloway represents both a calculated risk and a potential payoff—one that could reshape the Penguins’ frontcourt in the seasons ahead.

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Youngstown State's non-conference slate has come to an end with a 4-7 record. However, the'Guins may be peaking at the right time, winning their last 3 games heading into Horizon play. YSU opens up their conference slate hosting UIC.

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Youngstown State’s 2009–10 season may not be defined by its final record, but it will be remembered for outperforming expectations and laying a foundation for the program’s future.

Picked near the bottom of the Horizon League in the preseason and widely viewed as a rebuilding group, the Penguins embraced an early gauntlet of non-conference games designed less for wins and more for growth. Losses at Virginia, Clemson, Northern Iowa, Louisiana Tech, and Cincinnati tested the roster early, but the experience proved valuable as the season progressed.

Youngstown State showed tangible progress late in non-conference play, rattling off a three-game winning streak with victories over Samford, Quinnipiac, and Coppin State to close December. That stretch flipped the Penguins’ momentum heading into league play and hinted that the team was ahead of schedule.

Conference action told a similar story.

Despite finishing 6th in the Horizon League regular season, Youngstown State consistently competed above its projected level, finishing 12–18 overall and 8–10 in conference play. The Penguins held their own against the league’s middle tier and avoided the basement many preseason projections predicted, signaling real growth within the program.

At the center of that progress was SirLester Martin, who emerged as one of the Horizon League’s most reliable frontcourt players. Martin led the team in scoring and rebounding, averaging 17.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, and was rewarded with All-Horizon League Second Team honors. His development into a go-to option validated the coaching staff’s emphasis on interior toughness and consistency.

The supporting cast showed flashes as well. DeAndre Mays handled increased responsibility in the backcourt, while Ashen Ward and Vytas Sulskis provided secondary scoring and playmaking. While inconsistency plagued the roster at times, the core pieces showed enough growth to suggest the Penguins are trending upward.

Ultimately, Youngstown State’s season aligned closely with the program’s original vision: endure early struggles, compete within the Horizon, and build an identity rooted in effort and development. A 6th-place finish may not grab headlines, but for a team projected to finish near the bottom, it represents a meaningful step forward.

The Penguins are set to match up vs the 7th seeded Wisconsin Green Bay in the first round of the Horizon Conference Tournament.

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image.pngYSU's season comes to an end with a heartbreaking loss in the first round of the Horizon tournament.

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Bill Coker — C — East Liverpool, OH (2★)


A true local addition, Bill Coker gives Youngstown State a developmental center with legitimate size and familiarity with the region. At 7’1” and 240 pounds, Coker’s physical profile immediately stands out at the Horizon League level, even if his on-court production remains a work in progress.

Recruiting services largely pegged Coker as a two-star project, citing limited rebounding numbers and minimal shot-blocking production relative to his size. Still, Youngstown State saw value in his frame and upside, particularly in a league where size alone can alter matchups. His 10.8 points per game show soft touch around the rim, but his defensive instincts will need refinement to anchor a college frontcourt.

Coker’s signing reflects Youngstown State’s continued willingness to bet on local talent and long-term development, rather than chasing finished products. If he can grow into his body and improve his defensive awareness, he has a path to carving out a meaningful rotation role over time.

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Scott Sikes — SG — Sturgis, MI (2★)


Scott Sikes may be the most college-ready scorer in Youngstown State’s incoming class. A smooth-shooting guard from Michigan, Sikes averaged 15.8 points per game, flashing confidence as a perimeter threat who can score off the catch or create his own looks.

Despite his production, recruiting outlets labeled Sikes a two-star prospect, pointing to average athleticism and questions about his defensive ceiling. Still, his offensive polish stood out enough for Youngstown State to prioritize him early in the cycle.

Sikes fits a clear need in the Penguins’ backcourt: spacing and shot creation. While he may not immediately command heavy minutes, his shooting ability gives him a chance to earn rotation time quickly, especially if he proves reliable from deep at the college level.

For a program that has struggled at times to generate consistent perimeter offense, Sikes represents a low-risk scoring addition with a defined role from day one.

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Tyson Watkins — PG — Southgate, MI (2★)


Tyson Watkins arrives as a pass-first point guard whose value may not always show up cleanly in the box score. Averaging 7.4 assists per game, Watkins demonstrated strong court vision and tempo control, traits that Youngstown State has actively targeted as it reshapes its guard rotation.

Recruiting services slotted Watkins as a two-star recruit, largely due to modest scoring output and limited defensive impact. However, his ability to organize an offense and keep teammates involved separated him from other guards in the region.

Watkins projects as a developmental floor general — someone who can stabilize second units early in his career while learning the speed and physicality of the college game. If his decision-making translates, he could grow into a steady distributor capable of handling extended minutes.

In a league where guard play often dictates success, Watkins gives Youngstown State a true facilitator, not just another combo guard.

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Rafer Sinclair — SF — Springdale, OH (1★)


The lowest-rated recruit in the class, Rafer Sinclair enters Youngstown State with the most uphill climb — and arguably the clearest chip on his shoulder. A one-star prospect, Sinclair averaged 5.1 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, drawing limited attention on the recruiting trail.

What Sinclair lacks in accolades, he makes up for in positional versatility and effort. At 6’6”, he has the size to guard multiple spots and rebound above his listed production. Coaches view him as a long-term piece who can contribute defensively and grow into a complementary role offensively.

Sinclair’s recruitment fits a familiar Youngstown State pattern: targeting under-the-radar wings who are willing to embrace role responsibility rather than star expectations. His path to minutes will depend on defense, rebounding, and intangibles — not scoring totals.

If Sinclair sticks and develops, he could quietly become one of the more valuable glue pieces in the program.

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Penguins Roster 2011-2012
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Bane Riddle pours in 30 as Penguins earn first win of the season

Youngstown State finally broke through in game four of the season, riding a career night from Bane Riddle to a much-needed win over Weber State.

Riddle was electric from start to finish, pouring in 30 points and carrying the offense when it mattered most. The freshman guard continued to show why he has quickly become the focal point of the Penguins’ attack, knocking down shots from deep and attacking closeouts to keep Weber State on its heels all night.

The win moved Youngstown State to 1–3 on the season after a challenging opening stretch that tested the roster early.

The year began with a brutal 82–53 loss to East Tennessee State in the home opener, a game in which the Penguins struggled to generate consistent offense and were outmatched physically on the glass. That was followed by a gritty road performance at Iowa, where Youngstown State pushed the Hawkeyes to the final possession before falling 72–70. Despite the loss, the Penguins showed improved defensive energy and poise late in a hostile environment.

The trip to Ann Arbor proved far more difficult, as Michigan overwhelmed Youngstown State in a 93–56 road defeat, exposing depth and defensive breakdowns against high-level athleticism.

Through four games, the early identity of this team is beginning to take shape.

• Bane Riddle leads the way at 17.0 points per game, while shooting a scorching 50% from three (13-for-26).
• Bill Coker has anchored the interior with 10.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, giving the Penguins a reliable rim presence on both ends.
• Senior guard Vytas Sulskis has provided steady leadership in the backcourt, averaging 9.5 points and 4.8 assists per game.

While the record reflects an uneven start, the narrow loss at Iowa and the breakout performance against Weber State highlight a group that is beginning to find its offensive rhythm. With Riddle’s scoring surge, Coker’s interior defense, and Sulskis running the offense, Youngstown State now looks to build momentum after securing its first win of the season.