Winona State opens its 2026-27 men’s basketball season at the Hoops in Hawaii Classic, facing Lake Erie on Oct. 30 before a second game against Tampa or Chaminade. The Warriors are aiming to rebound from a 9-19 season and return to the NSIC Tournament, with senior guard Luke Haertle back after earning first-team all-conference honors in 2024-25.

By the Numbers
  • The Hoops in Hawaii Classic runs Oct. 30-Nov. 1.
  • Winona State went 9-19 overall and 8-14 in NSIC play last season.
  • The Warriors return 11 players and add 3 newcomers.
  • Lake Erie finished 23-9 and reached the NCAA Division II Tournament last season.
  • Haertle averaged 17.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in 2024-25.
Yes, But

Winona State’s preseason outlook is improved, but its opener comes against a Lake Erie team that won 23 games and reached the Division II tournament. The Warriors also missed the NSIC postseason last year, making the tournament a test of whether their returning experience can translate into a stronger start.

State of Play
  • Winona State was picked tied for sixth in the NSIC overall poll and fourth in the South Division.
  • Lake Erie was projected second in the G-MAC and returns first-team all-conference guard Amari Williams.
  • Haertle, a senior transfer back from South Dakota State, is Winona State’s NSIC preseason player to watch.
What’s Next

Winona State opens against Lake Erie on Oct. 30 in Honolulu, then will face either Tampa or Chaminade on day two. The opening games will offer an early measure of the Warriors’ progress and their potential to contend for a return to the NSIC Tournament.

Bottom Line

The Warriors have a chance to reset after a difficult season, but a demanding Hawaii opener will quickly test their returning core and postseason ambitions.