The Kodiak men’s basketball season has been perfect on paper this year, opening with six straight wins. A big part of the team’s success is coming from players outside of the country, specifically Americans.

The men’s team have two wins against each team out of Briercrest Bible College, St. Mary’s and SAIT.

The Kodiaks numbers have been impressive, allowing an average of just 59.3 points per game, while scoring 97.5 points per game on the offensive side. They lead the ACAC in almost every statistical category.

The Kodiaks were recently ranked the number two college men’s basketball team in Canada.

Head Coach Ryan Heggie thinks the team has a shot of becoming national champions this year.

Heggie says the team is blending together well, and it is unified.

 He adds part of the team’s success can be attributed to its American recruits.

First year, Los Angeles native Dathon Spencer says he chose to play at Lethbridge College to experience a different environment and a faster pace game, with the shot clock in Canada being 11 seconds shorter than that of the United States game.

Fellow American, Chris Maughan who leads the Kodiaks in scoring, says this year’s team feels right.

“I think we have a really good chance of going to nationals, we’re a really, really talented team. It’s probably the best team I’ve ever played with,” Maughan said.

Chaz Johnson was recruited by the University of Lethbridge from his native Spokane,WA., but soon found himself in a Kodiaks uniform instead and leads the team in minutes played this year. He is surrounded by a great group of guys that make him a better player on the court Johnson expresses.

With 18 games remaining in the season there’s no telling what this team will be capable of come playoff time.