ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - The new look Reddies return to action for their first game of the 2024-25 season versus #4 Minnesota State-Moorhead and Winona State at the 2024 Central Region Challenge in Kansas City, Mo. The Reddies face off against #4 Minnesota State-Moorhead on Friday, November 8 at 7 p.m. and return to action versus Winona State the following day at 5 p.m.
 
The Reddies have faced off against Minnesota State-Moorhead just once. The Reddies defeated the Dragons 93-80 in their lone matchup in 2017. The Reddies have faced Winona State just once, falling to the Wazoo's on the road.
 
Minnesota State-Moorhead looks to be a powerhouse in Division II again this season. Ranked #4 in the country by the NABC DII Top-25 Poll the Dragons faced Division I North Dakota State on the road and lost 67-63 in an exhibition. The Dragons finished 25-6 last season and beat Pittsburg State in the first round of the NCAA Central Region Tournament before falling to Minnesota State-Mankato in the second round. Minnesota State-Moorhead was picked to finish second in the NSIC coaches' poll and senior guard Jacob Beeninga earned 'player to watch" honors.
 
Winona State was picked 11th in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll and are led by senior Connor Drew who averaged 10.3 ppg and 4.4 rpg and dropped 24 points in their exhibition win versus Saint Mary's University (Minn.).
 
Henderson State versus Minnesota State-Moorhead Friday, November 8 at 7 p.m.
Henderson State versus Winona State Saturday, November 9 at 5 p.m.
 
The Reddies return just four players from a season ago. The Reddies leading returner from last season's team, Tim McDonald, will suit up for his fourth season at Henderson State. McDonald averaged 7.7 ppg and 5.2 rpg a season ago. Alongside McDonald returns Chase Farmer, Rece Hipp, and Kristian Spencer. Farmer played rotational minutes last season but is primed for a bigger role for the Reddies this season. Hipp found his way onto the court late in the year with his elite shooting ability, shooting 52 percent from deep on 25 attempts. Spencer appeared in just two games last season but in his second game of the season he recorded 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting and three steals against Lyon College.
 
Coach Jimmy Elgas and his staff were on the recruiting trail all summer and picked up rotational pieces all the way into August. The Reddies added transfers Matthew Mayes, Nehikhare Igiehon, Xavier Owens, Jamarion Brown, Braydon Redd, and Deazhon Perkins. Alongside a strong transfer class freshmen Rondae Hill and Jameel Wesley II are primed to see minutes early in their Reddie career.