This article originally appeared on pages 20 and 21 of the No. 5 April 2025 edition of The Gettysburgian magazine
By Owen Kutlu, Sports Editor
For both the men and the women, the 2024-25 basketball season at Gettysburg College was nothing short of historic, with both the men’s and women’s teams achieving remarkable success. The dedication, resilience, and leadership shown by the seniors of both programs played a pivotal role in these achievements, leaving an undoubtable mark on the college’s athletic legacy.
Men’s Basketball: A Season to Remember
Gettysburg’s men’s basketball team entered the season with high expectations, having been selected as the preseason favorites in the Centennial Conference. This anticipation was largely due to the return of key players, including reigning Centennial Conference Player of the Year, Jordan Stafford ’25, and fellow senior guard, Carl Schaller ’25. Last season, Stafford had averaged 14.8 points per game, while Schaller contributed 11.2 points per game and led the team in steals.
The season commenced with the Gettysburg Tip-Off Tournament, where the Bullets showcased their expected dominance. They secured a 70-56 victory over Arcadia University, with Stafford leading the charge by scoring 18 points. The championship game against Ohio Northern was a close one, but the Bullets came out on top with a 59-57 win, thanks to Schaller’s 13-point contribution and a crucial block by Aidan Mess ’26.
As the season went on, the Bullets continued to show resilience and were able to string together a nice stretch of wins in games that came down to the wire. A notable game came against Salisbury University, where despite a hard-fought battle, Gettysburg suffered an 84-78 overtime loss. This game somewhat shifted the momentum of the previous games, leading to a few tough losses after. However, the team’s confidence never wavered and they were able to get back on track and look dominant in conference play.
The Bullets wrapped up the regular season falling in a nail-biter to rival Franklin & Marshall, landing them the third seed in the Centennial Conference Tournament. Gettysburg handled Dickinson in the first round, but couldn’t get past Johns Hopkins in a heartbreaking overtime semifinal loss. While disappointing, there was still much to look forward to for the team.
Gettysburg’s journey culminated with receiving an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament, where they faced Chatham University in the first round. The Bullets delivered an impressive performance, defeating Chatham 84-68. The Bullets season ended at the hands of third ranked Wesleyan, losing by a score of 60-82.
There were plenty of peaks and valleys, but it is safe to say that this was a season to remember, cementing the culture of Gettysburg basketball for years to come.
Women’s Basketball: A Historic Run
The women’s basketball team embarked on a season that would leave their names etched in the Gettysburg College history books. Their journey was a result of resilience and the emergence of key players who rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
It did not take very long for Gettysburg to show they were built to withstand whatever challenges came at them. Time froze for a moment when star guard Mackenzie Szlosek ’25 went down early on in a contest against Roanoke with a knee injury that would sideline her for the rest of the season. While it is impossible to replace a player of that caliber, the depth of the Bullets proved strong and kept them on track to have a successful year.
Gettysburg did nothing short of dominate the rest of the way, suffering only two losses in the entire regular season. The Bullets claimed the top seed in the conference tournament and rolled over Washington College in the semifinal before avenging their regular season loss to Johns Hopkins with an overtime win to secure a fourth consecutive conference championship.
In the NCAA Tournament, Gettysburg took care of Stevens handily in the first round matchup. A standout moment came during the second round, where the Bullets faced Western New England. Trailing 50-42 with just five minutes remaining, forward Shinya Lee ’25 took charge. Lee scored eight points, secured four rebounds, and recorded four blocked shots in the final minutes, propelling Gettysburg to a 55-52 comeback victory. Lee’s performance was heroic, as she finished the game with 14 points, 11 rebounds, seven blocks, and two steals.
This victory advanced the Bullets to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2010, marking a significant milestone for the program. They then defeated Randolph-Macon in a tight 56-49 affair before running into the powerhouse that is NYU.
Despite the adversity they faced early on, Gettysburg managed to surpass the expectations they had built for themselves, a testament to the culture that Szlosek had helped establish. “Four straight Centennial Conference championships, an Elite 8 appearance, and other accolades don’t begin to capture the hard work and dedication of every single person in this program,” Szlosek reflected. That commitment was on full display as the Bullets took a huge step and reached new heights on the national stage.
The Legacy of the Senior Classes
The achievements of both teams were deeply rooted in the leadership and contributions of their senior players.
For the men’s team:
- Jordan Stafford consistently led by example, not only as the team’s top scorer but also as a facilitator and defender. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver in crucial moments was instrumental in the team’s success.
- Carl Schaller provided stability in the backcourt, showcasing his ball-handling and scoring ability. His experience and calm attitude in close games were invaluable assets to lead the team throughout the season.
- Akim Joseph and Rassoul Abakar both brought the ability to create shots at will, contributing to the team’s high-powered offense. Their commitment to the program has set a standard for future Gettysburg basketball players to follow.
For the women’s team:
- Shinya Lee emerged as a cornerstone of the team’s defense and offense. Her performance in the NCAA Tournament showed her leadership and determination, inspiring her teammates and leaving a lasting legacy.
- Mackenzie Szlosek, though not able to finish her career the way she would have hoped, undoubtedly played a crucial role in mentoring younger players and maintaining team morale. Her leadership over the past few years paved the way for Gettysburg to be the perennial contender that it is today.
The 2024-2025 seasons for Gettysburg College’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will be remembered as a period of dominance and incredible achievement. The senior classes, through their leadership, dedication, and performance, have set a high standard for future teams. Their legacies extend beyond wins and statistics; they embody the values of perseverance, teamwork, and excellence that define Gettysburg basketball.
As the college community reflects on these historic seasons, they can appreciate what these seniors have left behind and be excited for what is to come. There is an excess of young talent on both rosters to keep the Bullets steady ascension going for the foreseeable future.
