Men's Basketball | 10/16/2026 10:04:00 AM

BURNSVILLE, MINN. -- Minnesota Crookston men's basketball is projected to finish 14th in the 16 team NSIC in the annual NSIC Preseason Coaches Poll, which was released by the conference office on Friday, October 16.

The Golden Eagles finished with 42 total points, tied with Minot State. Minnesota State earned eight first place votes and was picked to win the league, while St. Cloud State earned six first place votes and was picked second. Minnesota Duluth, Southwest Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul round out the top-five.

The Golden Eagles welcome in the Huskies to open the season on Nov. 9.

Head Coach Bryan Beamish is in his fifth season at the helm of the maroon and gold. Beamish' squad will feature a number of returners, including senior Alijah Washington (Sr., G, San Jose, Calif.), who was named as the Player to Watch for Minnesota Crookston. Washington is the third-highest returning scorer for the Golden Eagles, behind star sophomores Spencer Swenson (So., F, Sauk Rapids, Minn.) and Donez Lindsey (So., G, Stockton, Calif.). Washington scored 10 or more points in 15 games a season ago and ended the year with 24 points on 10-15 from the field against Bemidji State, tying career-high's in points and field goals.

Washington averaged 12.1 points per game, 4.0 rebounds per game, while shooting 39 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range.

Beamish is thrilled to have Washington back in the fold and is excited to see what he does in 2026-27.

"Alijah has been a pleasure to coach and we are excited about his senior year.  The impact he has on both ends of the floor combined with his work ethic will help us tremendously."

Beamish also loves the leadership Washington shows for a team that returns nearly everybody.

"Alijah has shown great leadership throughout preseason and he is someone this team will rely on to lead the way."

Besides the likes of Washington, Swenson and Lindsey, Minnesota Crookston also brings back Kazadi Mukoma, Jr. (Sr., F, Grand Island, Neb.), J.D. Roberts (Jr., F, Parkville, Mo.) and Brayden Carlson (Jr., C, Woodbury, Minn.). Mukoma, Jr., and Roberts combined to average 15 points per game a season ago. Sophomores Quincy Everson (So., G, Goodyear, Ariz.), Brady Westphal (So., G, West Fargo, N.D.) and Owen Chervestad (So., G, Oklee, Minn.) are back as well after making large impacts last season.

Transfers Jake Williams (Jr., F, Sacramento, Calif.), Q On'gele (Jr., F, Portland, Ore.) and Ethan Koltz (Jr., C, Sioux Falls, S.D.) could find themselves in the rotation, as well.

Coach Beamish is excited about the potential of the Golden Eagles and can't wait to get going in November.

"I am very excited about our group for this season. We have 10 returners from last year who all have NSIC experience and a good mix of new players that are fitting in well," mentions the fifth year head coach.

"This year's team has length, athleticism, and depth and we are looking forward to competing in November."

Minnesota Crookston opens the season against St. Cloud State on Monday, Nov. 9 at 6 PM IN Crookston.