Here is a pic of Princeton freshman Peter Miller getting in some low post work

LAWRENCEVILLE — Anthony Myles still has that sour taste in his mouth and he can’t wait to wash it away.

So count the Rider senior among those eager for the 2013-14 season to get started.

“Everyday,” Myles said when asked if he still thinks about the way the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament ended for the Broncs.

Of course, that was the infamous 21-turnover, 0-assist loss to Fairfield. That is motivation enough for guys like Myles and fellow senior Danny Stewart to be chomping at the bit.

“It bothers me because we didn’t beat Fairfield all year,” Stewart said. “To lose to them again — for the third time — was rough. We try to put that behind us because we know what we have to do to get ready for this year.”

If Rider is going to improve on the 19-15 campaign from a year ago, Myles and Stewart have to put up strong seasons.

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LAWRENCEVILLE — March 3, 2011.

That’s the last time Shereen Lightbourne played in a competitive game for the Rider women’s basketball team. It was a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament loss to Saint Peter’s. She finished with 10 points in 32 minutes.

Since then: 0 minutes, two knee surgeries.

A pair of ACL injuries — one to each knee — have cost her the last two years.

“It’s one of the worst feelings,” Lightbourne said. “It’s like you’re in a bubble, watching people do something you want to do. I’ve learned a lot those two years and it’s made me stronger. I said I was going to use that as a positive as opposed to feeling sorry for myself.”

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LAWRENCEVILLE — Zedric Sadler prepared himself over the summer to be Rider’s starting point guard.

He went to work on his game, improving his left hand and pushing himself into the best physical condition possible.

Unfortunately, that work also took its toll on Sadler’s left knee and he will miss the start of the season as he recovers from a platelet-rich plasma injection to help alleviate patellar tendonitis.

“It’s frustrating because I want to be out there so bad,” Sadler said before Friday’s practice. “Watching practices everyday, I just want to be out there. I’m going to miss a couple games. Stuff like that … I’m just a player and want to play.”

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LAWRENCEVILLE — Alumni Gymnasium was rocking late Friday night with Rider University hosting its annual Midnight MAACness to help welcome in the start of the 2013-14 men's and women's basketball seasons.

Using a Hunger Games theme, the show featured a dunk contenst, 3-point shootout and performances by the cheerleaders, dance team and women's team.

"This is my eighth Rider Midnight MAACness and it gets better every year," said men's coach Kevin Baggett. "I know our guys get up for it and are excited for it. It's great to see a turnout of Rider students."

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Danny Stewart is a Second Team selection. Jackie Schear Photo.

If Rider is going replicate its second-place finish in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference from a year ago, it will need a big season from seniors Anthony Myles and Danny Stewart.

Both were recognized by the league’s coaches Thursday as Preseason Second Team All-Conference selections.

Myles, a 6-foot-5 guard, averaged 12.4 points per game in over 30 minutes per contest, starting all 34 games en route to Third Team All-League honors. The lefty also shot 34.1 percent from behind the arc.

Stewart, a former MAAC Rookie of the Year, also started all 34 contests as a junior, averaging 10.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-7 forward also improved his free-throw shooting, putting in a career-best 71.5 percent of his attempts.

He was also a Third Team All-League selection.
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MyNeshia McKenzie is a Preseason First Team All-Conference pick. Gregg Slaboda Photo.

MyNeshia McKenzie finished the 2012-13 season as a finalist for Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year, and will start the upcoming season as a First Team All-Conference selection.

McKenzie was one of five players picked by the league's 11 coaches.

The other members of the team are: Katie Cizynski (Fairfield), Joy Adams (Iona), Damika Martinez (Iona) and Casey Dulin (Marist).
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