RICHMOND, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- Two veteran basketball talents in Richmond are preparing themselves and their teams for the road ahead in the ASUN Conference. The men’s basketball team are defending regular season conference champions, but were bounced in the first round of the ASUN tournament. Senior wing Devonate Blanton is one of the vocal leaders on Head Coach A.W. Hamilton’s squad. As for the ladies, they made the Women’s National Invitational Tournament and ended the season 22-12. Fifth year senior Alice Recanati has been hard at work meshing newcomers and veterans together for Head Coach Greg Todd’s team. Both teams are going to have to navigate the lack of a true home court until January. Renovations to Baptist Health Arena are ongoing and won’t be finished until the new year. Devontae Blanton Two simple words sum up Blanton’s desire this season; March Madness. “I came back because I wanted to give Richmond the chance to experience March and I wanted to experience it with them,” said Blanton. Eastern will have to find another way to play without Michael Moreno and Isaiah Cozart, who led the Colonels for years. Blanton is stepping up as he takes the keys to the team. “This is final year and I’m trying to engrain into the guys that everyday is a hard day, but you have to keep going,” said Blanton. “I know as a leader if I don’t talk I’m failing my guys. If I don’t lead by example I’m failing my guys. If I don’t do that then I’m not preparing them for what’s going to come in March.” Alice Recanati The baller from Bergamo, Italy is EKU’s all time assist leader and is doing her best to help the team as a leader this season. “As a point guard and a leader I’m the veteran on the team. The most important thing is cheering on the teammates and making sure they’re doing well,” said Recanati. Freshman point guard Mya Wardle has been impressed with the fifth year’s ability to mold younger players since she arrived on campus. “Alice’s been awesome, they all have. From the summer to now I feel like I’ve learned a lot. I have to guard her in practice which has not been easy and definitely humbling some days,” said Wardle. Season Openers Men’s basketball starts against Alice Lloyd College on November 4 at 7 p.m. The highly ranked LSU Tigers await the women’s team in Baton Rouge on November 4. at 8 p.m. Categories: Featured, More Sports, Sports