DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — There is a sense of optimism around the Sinclair Community College men's basketball team. And it's easy to justify.

The Tartans are led by recent Miami University signee and Ohio Community College Athletic Conference Player of the Year Mark Anderson (Dunbar) and the conference's Newcomer of the Year, British Alexander (Trotwood).

Much-improved guard Jonathon Tate also returns from last year's 24-6 team. The Tartan Pride are ranked 11th nationally in NJCAA Division II.

Coach Jeff Price also lured local standouts Kevin Vest of Carroll and Charles Winkfield of Wayne. Both will be impact players as freshmen.

"It makes life easier if I don't have to leave the city to recruit," Price said. "These players, plus Mark and British, stayed home because they feel like we offer a good product."

The nucleus is bolstered by foreign import Erik Lepajoe of Estonia and defensive specialist David Johnson (Alter) and 6-foot-7, 280-pound bruiser Kenny Lee.

"We're still a young team and a work in progress," Price said. "We're going to experience some speed bumps, but we're stronger than last year's team with superior guard play and depth."

The early litmus test will come Saturday, Nov. 15, when the Tartan Pride host two-time defending national champion Mott Community College of Flint, Mich., at 4 p.m. The high-octane Bears are the top-ranked team in NJCAA Division II.

"For a $4 front-row seat, fans will see players headed to four-year schools like Miami or Ohio State," Price said. "We may play our best game and still not win. Mott is that good. The game will show us what we can do and what we need to work on with conference play coming up."

The Tartan Pride, which is off to a 2-1 start, will capitalize on its up-tempo style.

"I like to say we impose our will on teams instead of them doing it to us," Price said. "We'll press you and get after you in transition and extend the floor and score quickly."

The mild-mannered Anderson embodies that style. The versatile wingman was the nation's leading scorer at 25.6 points per game last season. He added 8.5 rebounds, three assists and three blocked shots. He signed with Miami this week.

"Mark's not flashy and does it all quietly," Price said. "He has an endearing quality about him like wine — you learn to appreciate him over time."