Salem, MA -- The 2011-2012 Vikings look to rebound after a disappointing end to their 2010-2011 season. Despite posting 20 wins for the third time in four seasons under head coach Chris Harvey, Salem State fell short of their aspirations of reaching the NCAA tournament after losing in the conference finals to Bridgewater State.

The Vikings, who registered their 19th regular season title with an impressive 11-1 mark in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC), finished with a 20-7 overall record last season. Therefore, Coach Harvey, who earned MASCAC coach of the year honors for the second time, enters a new season optimistic that his charges can make the necessary adjustments to earn an NCAA tournament bid. Armed with two of the top players in the MASCAC, the coming season looks bright for a group looking to continue the tradition that is "Salem State Basketball."

Leading the charge will be tri-captains Brian Clark (Deerfield, MA), Apollos Wade (Taunton, MA), and Dan Clark (Deerfield, MA). Clark, who is the reigning MASCAC Player of the Year, and a DIII Hoops All-New England selection, enters his senior year as one of the most accomplished forwards in the history of Salem State. A thousand-point scorer already, Clark, who averaged 21 points and 6.7 rebounds last year should once again be in the mix for player of the year honors.

Another reason for hope is the emergence of point guard Wade. The second-team All-MASCAC performer in 2010-11 averaged 7.6 points and 3.9 assists per game last season and his presence and up-tempo play fed into his teammates while on the court. "Apollos is not only our leader on the floor but off the court as well. He is the bus driver…as he goes we go."

Dan Clark is another key component for the Vikings. An effective sixth man during his tenure, and known for his long-distance shooting, he was second on team in three-pointers made last year with 37, Dan Clark will look to make the transition to starter this year. His coach is certain that he will embrace that role. "Danny has consistently improved his game…he has put in a lot of work this summer…and is ready to lead"

Two returners who will also impact Salem State chances for an NCAA appearance will be guard Justin Nieves (Lawrence, MA) and forward Tavone Wynder (Boston, MA). Nieves who logged the third most minutes in 2010-11 chipped in 7.6 points a game and was third on the team in steals, averaging just over one per game. Meanwhile, Wynder enters his junior season as a legitimate scoring option to complement leading-scorer Brian Clark.Wynder was second on the team in scoring average with 9.1 points a game and was the Vikings best three-point shooter, knocking down a team-high 39 in 2010-11.

With a strong incoming recruiting class, Salem State should once again be among the favorites in the MASCAC.  Coach Harvey is optimistic that his team will be up to the challenges of competing for not only the league title, but a team to be taken seriously as a national contender. "It has been two seasons since we last played in NCAA tournament….the goal is always to come together as a team first and foremost…nothing else can happen without this….but the other goal is quite obvious."


With early season games against New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) powers Williams and Middlebury, Salem State will have their chance to showcase their talent against some of the best teams in New England. However, this team will be measured by their ability to exceed their own high expectations which would include playing basketball into late March.

The Vikings open at home against UMass-Dartmouth on Nov. 15.