Local college hoops 2016-17 preview: Western Illinois

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2015-16 results: The season started on a high note when Western Illinois went into Wisconsin and beat the Badgers, the Leathernecks starting the season 7-2. But from there, the team struggled to a 10-17 finish and a 3-13 conference mark in the Summit League.

Players to watch: Garrett Covington returns for his senior season, and the former Summit Player of the Year has been a consistent performer for the Leathernecks. Covington averaged 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game as a junior, shooting 42 percent from 3-point range. Joining Covington in the backcourt is another senior in point guard Jabari Sandifer. 

Key storylines: Making a move up the conference standings is going to be important for Western Illinois. Last season's 3-13 mark put the Leathernecks in last place. 

Newcomers to track: Junior college big man Chris Snyder gives Western Illinois another interior player, while freshmen Jeremiah Usiosefe and C.J. Duff, a Carmel product, could earn early minutes.

Season outlook: Western Illinois has the talent and backcourt experience to move up the standings a few spots, but it doesn't look like they're going to be in position to make a postseason bid or a run at the conference tournament title. Covington and Sandifer could be poised for a big year, but the Leathernecks need more front-court help.

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