The Paladins knew heading into the 2007-08 season that they were going to take their lumps as their young team gained experience and built toward the future.

Still, a 7-23 overall record wasn't easy to deal with, especially when the team seemed so talented but was just too young.

The team started the season 0-11 before finishing with a 7-12 record the rest of the way. So the growing up of the team started this season. But next season should show an even more dramatic difference with the Paladins returning all but forward George Brozos.

Coach Jeff Jackson allowed his young players to gain some experience and started as many as four freshmen at a time. As a result, players like Justin Dehm, Connor Nolte and Noah States established themselves as up-and-coming talents in the Southern Conference.

Right now, the 2007-08 season is probably full of a lot of painful memories for the Paladins, but in a couple of years it could be looked at as the start of something big.

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