Local college hoops 2016-17 preview: Eastern Illinois

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2015-16 results: Things didn't go as planned for the Panthers last season as they finished 13-17 overall and 9-7 in the Ohio Valley Conference. Eastern Illinois finished above .500 in league play but was very inconsistent, at one point going on a five-game winning streak and following that by dropping three straight. 

Players to watch: It's looking like four starters will return for Eastern Illinois, led by senior Demetrius McReynolds. The guard averaged 12.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Junior guard Cornell Johnson is a 3-point threat and averaged double-figures while sophomores Casey Teson and Patrick Muldoon also earned minutes last season.

Key storylines: Seeing if Eastern Illinois can be a bit better during the non-conference portion of the schedule could be an interesting indicator of where they stand before OVC play begins. The Panthers finished third in the West Division last season and want to be a factor in the conference tournament.

Newcomers to track: Junior college transfer Montell "Silk" Goodwin is coming off of a great season at Mineral Area Community College. He averaged 12.9 points and shot 38 percent from 3-point range. Goodwin gives the Panthers another scorer and floor spacer.

Season outlook: With returning experience and an intriguing newcomer at guard, the Panthers are hoping for an even better OVC season in which they can win games in the conference tournament. Belmont, Murray State and Tennessee State are the Panthers' main competition in the league heading into the season.

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