Junior Mike Loll has performed as an integral part of the Oberlin men’s basketball team, despite two recent losses.

On February 6, the team trekked to Meadville, PA, to play the Allegheny College Gators. Oberlin was defeated 55-74. On Saturday, Feb. 9, the Yeomen hit the road again to play North Coast Athletic Conference foe Denison University. While Oberlin defeated the same team a month earlier, they lost this game 74-78.

 Despite these heart-wrenching losses, Loll, from Davison, MI, was recognized as a standout when he was named NCAC player of the week beginning January 28. Loll averaged 24 points and seven rebounds per game that week. Wednesday of that week, Loll scored 26 points against Ohio Wesleyan University on 80 percent shooting from the floor. The following Saturday, against Earlham College, Loll rang in with 22 points on 50 percent shooting from the floor and 100 percent shooting from the line.

This week, Loll made another great impact on the court. In the Allegheny game, Loll led the Yeomen with 14 points and nine rebounds. At the Denison game, he had a double-double 21 points and ten rebounds.

Loll has consistently led the Yeomen throughout the season as Oberlin’s leading scorer in at least 11 out of the team’s 23 games thus far. He currently leads the team with 14.5 points per game and he is averaging 6.6 rebounds per game (also a team high). In addition, Loll has the most blocks of any of the Yeomen, 13, during the season.

Another one of Loll’s accolades is Player of the Week for the conference on Monday, Dec. 10. That week, the team played Earlham and Wooster, while he scored 21 and 18 points respectively. “It was an honor for sure the first time but it kind of came as a surprise the second time because other players in the league played so well,” Loll said.

However, Oberlin has faced obstacles this season with injuries of key players. Senior Jordan Beard was an important piece of the team puzzle before he was hurt. Before this injury, he averaged 12.6 points per game and led the team in number of completed three-pointers. When asked if he has felt pressure to step up with the loss of an essential scorer, Loll said, “Yeah, a little bit, but I have 100 percent confidence in my team, and anyone can step up and score big on any night.”

Despite all of the recognition Loll has received, he still gives credit to his teammates for his achievements. “My shot has just felt great, and the guys have been doing a good job getting me the ball in the right spots,” Loll said.