Pfeiffer men’s basketball team searches for early-season consistency

The Falcons have a 2-3 record to start the season

MISENHEIMER — Now a few weeks in its 2022-23 schedule, the Pfeiffer men’s basketball team has started its sixth season as a USA South Athletic Conference member with a pair of wins and three losses — all on the road.

Led by fifth-year coach Pete Schoch, the Falcons (2-3) have posted victories over Averett and Colby-Sawyer but have struggled offensively over the past week, losing to St. John Fisher, UVA Wise and Covenant.

Pfeiffer is set to have its first game of the season inside Merner Gym on Tuesday against local foe Guilford (3-2).

The Falcons have a much different look compared to last year’s squad that finished with a 12-11 record (9-5 USA South) as more than half of the roster is comprised of freshmen.

The oldest player is fifth-year guard and Oakboro native Taylan Rowe. The former West Stanly star is averaging a team-best 29.4 minutes played along with 9.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists.

Rowe was a key part in the Falcons’ 2020-21 season that resulted in a 10-2 record and a USA South East Division Tournament appearance, where he scored 19 points in a championship win over Averett.

Sophomore Daymon Beckwith, pacing the Falcons with a team-high 13.6 points per game, has scored in double figures every game so far while shooting 50% from 3-point range. The guard led Pfeiffer with 16 points and five rebounds in their recent 86-83 loss to Covenant.

Former North Stanly standout Doug Smith has served as the anchor to the Falcons’ frontcourt in his freshman year. The 6-foot-8 forward from Badin has recorded 7.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

Another newcomer, freshman guard Rashamel Butler, has impressed with 13 points per game while leading his team in rebounds (7.3) and steals (2.7).

Following a brief Thanksgiving break, Pfeiffer will travel to undefeated Berry on Nov. 26 before a three-week gap in the schedule. The Falcons resume play with home contests against Lynchburg on Dec. 17 and Mid-Atlantic Christian on Jan. 5.

The Falcons’ conference schedule begins with N.C. Wesleyan on Jan. 7 and will conclude with the USA South Tournament beginning on Feb. 21.