NICK MERSCH
SPORTS EDITOR
Matt Trent, a junior finance major from Cleveland, Ohio, is easily spotted across campus by his height. At 6 feet 7 inches, Trent currently plays center for the Franciscan University of Steubenville men’s basketball team. Last year he averaged 10 points per game and10 rebounds per game, and he is looking to build off that next year.
“With the new offense, I think we’ll be able to score a lot more this year as a team,” he said. Trent hopes to up his numbers in every statistic category this year.
Trent started playing basketball in the fourth grade and played for Trinity High School in Macedonia, Ohio, which is just outside of Cleveland. After attending Kent State for one semester, he decided to transfer to Franciscan to play basketball and continue his academics.
“I love it here,” he said. “My favorite memory has got to be breaking the rebounding record last year at home.” At 216 rebounds, he set the record at 232 for the season.
Trent describes himself as a euro-type big man that has a “wet jumper.” Although Coach Joe Wallace always wants him to take the ball inside, he can’t dispute two points, no matter where on the floor they come from.
Recently, Trent put up 25 points and grabbed 15 rebounds at Washington and Jefferson College to put the Barons ahead in their 81-68 win on the road to start the season at 1-0. The result of this game is in line with Trent’s goals for the team this year. Trent said, “I really want us to learn how to put away close games this year – it’s something we’ve struggled with in the past.”
Trent and the Barons look to get the first home win of the season Saturday, Nov. 24, against Westminster College.