Men’s Basketball Ready to Hit the Court
Cougars Hoop 2025-26 Season Preview
Men's basketball is ready to open the 2025-26 campaign, traveling to Southern Maine CC to play a pair of non-regional games to start the season. The Cougars will square off against the University of Maine Augusta at SMCC on Saturday, November 1st before a game against the hosts on Sunday, November 2nd. Saturday's game will tipoff at 5pm with Sunday's opening jump ball at 3pm.
Holyoke heads into the season being led by three returning sophomores who were part of last year's team in Dylan Rohan (Holyoke, MA / Holyoke HS), James Fitzgibbons (Hadley, MA / Hopkins Academy) and Karteek Cheema (Morgan Hill, CA / American HS). Rohan was the Cougars' MVP last year and was selected to the All-New England (All-Region) team. He led Holyoke in points and three-pointers as a freshman and is just 24 points away from joining the 500-point club for HCC men's basketball. Fitzgibbons was the Cougars' top rebounder last season, dominating under the boards. He led Holyoke in total rebounds, grabbing 190, and rebounds per game, averaging 8.3. Cheema played only the spring half of last season, making an immediate impact. After playing well while coming off the bench for his first few games, Cheema took full advantage of his first start, scoring his season-high 20 points. He registered double-digits in points in three of the team's last five games. Joining the three returners are a dozen freshman who are ready to make their mark in the Cougar uniform.
Following this weekend's pair of away games, Holyoke will play its home opener on Thursday, October 6th at 7:30pm against Quinsigamond CC. Let's go Cougars!
Photo: Rohan (#12) and Cheema (#10) on defense during a home game last season.