Man Power-11/16
The Macomb Monarchs returned to action last night as they faced the Olivet Comets at the Sports & Expo Center. Macomb was victorious in a lopsided battle winning by a score of 73-56. The Monarchs raced out to a 14 lead in the first half shooting 58 percent from the field, ending the half by a score of 49-35. Macomb’s stifling defense was the catalyst for the game, forcing a total of 23 turnovers. Macomb’s leading scorer was Branden McKenney scoring from every spot on the court compiling 30 points, 9 rebounds and 6 steals. McKenney’s partners in crime were Anthony Griffith and Alan Hardy. Griffith was wet from beyond the arc going 3-for-3 registering a total of 15 points and 8 rebounds. Hardy muscled his way to 11 points and 7 rebounds. Macomb improves their record to 3-2 and plays this weekend in the Glen Oaks Tournament.
Season Opener-11/7
The Macomb Monarchs were prepared to play against the Kalamazoo Valley Cougars on Saturday, November 7th but as the game played out the Cougars were the better team. After Macomb’s leader, Branden McKenney was sidelined for the game with an inadvertent elbow to head. KVCC took advantage and went for the jugular and beat Macomb by a score of 79-37. Macomb seemed dejected as they shot themselves in to a 44-17 halftime deficit. In the second half the Monarchs showed life but with each run Macomb made Kalamazoo answered with their own! Macomb finished the game shooting 24% from the field and no one in the Monarch line up scored in double digits. Macomb is 0-1 and looks to get their first win of the season Wednesday, November 11th in Ann Arbor against Concordia University.
Season preview
Macomb is coming off a postseason first round exit and they have been eager to erase the bad taste out of their mouths. It’s a new season and Coach Henry Washington is entering his 17th season as head coach of the Monarchs and his milestone of 30 years coaching overall. 
He is returning five sophomores and Washington has recruited thirteen freshman that are highly capable of contributing. Sophomore Branden McKenney leads the team as a returning MCCAA All-Conference player. McKenney led the team in scoring with 20 points per game and 8 rebounds per game last season. The surprise player of the group should be the versatile sophomore forward Daniel Hughes. Hughes has been in the gym all summer working on expanding his game to become an inside-outside threat. Rounding out the veteran group is the talented Adam Willis, the powerful Brad Balkema and the reliable David Gilliam. The incoming freshman group is ready to contribute to increase Macomb’s winning percentage. Freshman guard Terrell Williams is an explosive guard who can really quarterback an offensive. Forward, Alan Hardy, will be called upon to contribute in a big way! Along with Williams & Hardy, Anthony Griffith, is a sharp shooting guard that can score in bunches. A surprise guard in the mix is Zacary Arnold. Arnold can score and distribute the ball making him a dual-threat.
Macomb begins its road to glory at 3pm on November 7, 2009 at home against Kalamazoo Valley.
“This is a milestone year for me (30th), and we have assembled a solid group of players. Our veteran coaching staff has been putting in extra work to get our young players ready. With our core returnees and our incoming freshmen we should be good throughout the season. I am looking for good contributions from everyone we put on the court. Early we will be tested but by conference time we will know what our challenges will be.”-Coach Henry Washington