The 2018-19 Alpena Community College men’s basketball team includes: coach Mark Jacobs, Logan Guenther, Colton Abram, Ryan Ramsdell, Tristan Smith, Isaac Hogsett, Camren DeCaire, Garett Miller, Jordan Baker, Oliver Rice, Kane McPherson, Tylor Ross and Timothy Hopkins.

Recent history hasn’t been too kind to the Alpena Community College men’s basketball program.

The Lumberjacks have gone though some tough times as of late and despite a rough first season for head coach Mark Jacobs, he is confident that his 2018-2019 team has the potential to compete with anyone each time they step on the court.

Three games into the season, the Lumberjacks are still without a win (0-4), but have already begun showing improvement as they get into the meat of their schedule.

“I think we’re a team that could surprise some people this year,” Jacobs said. “We are going to work hard each day and do our best to turn this corner as a program. We know it’s going to be a process, but my kids have bought in and I really like what we have this year.”

The Lumberjacks return three players from last year’s team that saw plenty of court time. Tristan Smith (Gaylord), Cam DeCaire (Alpena) and Oliver Rice (Hale) each return, along with Tim Hopkins who is back after missing last season.

Transfer Logan Guenther (Cheboygan) has already established himself as one of the top scoring threats on the team. Isaac Hogsett (Kokomo, Indiana) has also shown signs of being an impact player with his sharpshooting ability from anywhere on the court.

Alpena has plenty of depth and Jacobs has the luxury and confidence of using anyone on his bench. Ryan Ramsdell (Kalkaska), Colton Abram (League City, Texas), Tyler Ross (Fairview), Garett Miller (Lake Leelanau) and Jordan Baker (Flint) make up the rest of the Lumberjacks’ roster and they all have seen playing time early in the season.

“I’m confident in all of my guys. We are a deep team and everyone has had opportunities to show what they can do and I’ve been pleased with what I’ve seen so far,” Jacobs said. “Despite a slow start to the season, we have started to play better and I believe the more we play, we’ll continue to get better. We’re getting there, but we just have to get over that hump.”

Jacobs hopes his Lumberjacks can get into a rhythm after playing their first three games in three weeks. When games begin to pile up and schedule gets busier and stronger in 2019, Alpena knows it is going to be a challenge, but the Lumberjacks are ready to help the basketball program turn the corner.