Last season the Riverland Community College men’s basketball team had its best season in program history as the Blue Devils went 22-8 overall and finished in fourth place in the Regional tournament.

Now the team faces the pressure of higher expectations as it looks to build on last year’s success. RCC is projected to finish third out of eight teams in the MCAC preseason polls this season as the team has brought in a big freshman class that is ready to contribute.

“Any time you come off a school record and as much success as we had, it puts a lot of pressure on the program,” RCC head coach Derek Hahn said. “Usually Riverland has been on the opposite end at the bottom and we realize there’s changes and progression and it doesn’t happen overnight. These guys want to win a conference title, but it’s very difficult to do that. It’s tough to do.”

The Blue Devils bring sophomores Jace Klinkner and James Landherr back from last season but the rest of the team will be made up of newcomers. Derek Van Ryswyk, a 2,000 point scorer from Glenville-Emmons, and Roy Ford, a sharpshooter Louisiana, should both chip in.

Hahn said the the early games will be important for RCC as the coaches look to evaluate the roster.

“It will take time for us coaches to figure out which guys will step up in those roles and positions,” Hahn said. “We have a lot of young guys in the mix and we’re looking to have a rotation of eleven players.”

While the pressure will be raised for the Blue Devils this winter, Hahn thinks his team is ready for it.

“We expect these guys to come out and compete on a nightly basis and win, but we also know how hard it is to do that,” Hahn said. “To get a winning season is going to be difficult.”

RCC will open its season in the Minnesota West tournament Friday and Saturday and it will host Luther JV in its home opener Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.