Lehigh was one of the stronger teams in the Patriot League over the second half, finishing with a 7-7 record and securing a home-court tournament game in the first round.

The season didn't end well, however, due to an overtime loss at the hands of No. 5 seed Army. It was the second straight year that Lehigh lost a close game to Army in the opening round, and that won't sit well with the players in the offseason.

The positive spin is that most of Lehigh's impact players will be back next year to try to avenge the loss. Guard Marquis Hall, who had his potential game-winning shot blocked in overtime, should be among the preseason favorites for Patriot League Player of the Year.

The Mountain Hawks will also have one of the deepest, most versatile frontcourts in the league. F Zahir Carrington emerged as a nice scorer this season, and he'll be a junior next year.

There will also be some promising guards returning, as Dave Buchberger and Rob Keefer became key players during the season.

All in all, first-year coach Brett Reed did a good job of instilling his system, and the players bought into it. That allowed the team to get better as the season progressed, and the Hawks will try to carry that over into next season.

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