Lake Erie was picked second in the G-MAC preseason coaches poll, two points behind Walsh, after a 23-9 season that included the program’s first NCAA Division II Tournament berth. The Storm return eight of their top 12 contributors, led by senior guard Amari Williams, and will open the season Oct. 30 in Hawaii.

By the Numbers
  • Lake Erie earned 106 poll points; Walsh had 108. Both received 5 first-place votes.
  • The Storm went 23-9 overall and 15-5 in conference play last season.
  • Lake Erie averaged 87.8 points per game and forced 582 turnovers, a G-MAC record.
  • Williams averaged 14.5 points and 3.1 assists per game, with 9 games of 20 or more points.
Yes, But

The poll signals conference respect, but coach Kyle Conley cautioned that preseason rankings mean little by March. Lake Erie faces an early road test, with 5 of its first 6 games away from home.

State of Play
  • Williams, the only returning 2025-26 All-G-MAC First Team selection, leads a group that also includes double-digit scorers Caelum Ethridge and Gio Moore.
  • Three transfers have joined the roster, while sophomore Riley Cervenka is in line for increased minutes.
What’s Next

Lake Erie begins its season Oct. 30 against Winona State at the Hoops in Hawaii Classic. The Storm’s home opener is Nov. 9 against Penn State Du Bois; G-MAC play starts Dec. 5 against Malone.

Bottom Line

Lake Erie has a strong returning core and high expectations—but turning a second-place preseason ranking into another postseason run will depend on how quickly its returning players and newcomers come together.