5 Reasons Why The Keene State Owls Basketball Team Is Dominating DIII In The 2024-2025 Season
The Keene State Owls men’s basketball program has solidified its position as a Division III powerhouse, and the 2024-2025 season is proving to be another historic chapter. As of late 2025, the Owls are not just winning games; they are building a dynasty, marked by a historic conference run, a new coaching era, and the emergence of a National Player of the Year candidate. This article breaks down the fresh, current, and unique factors driving the Owls' relentless success on the court.
The team’s recent achievements—including an unprecedented four-peat of the Little East Conference (LEC) tournament title—are a testament to a culture of winning that has been meticulously built over the past decade. With the 2025 NCAA Division III Championship tournament underway, the Owls are once again capturing national attention, proving they are a legitimate contender for the ultimate prize in college basketball.
Keene State Owls Men's Basketball Key Entity Profiles (2024-2025)
The Owls’ current success is anchored by a mix of veteran leadership, standout individual talent, and a new strategic vision from the coaching staff. Here is a detailed look at the core entities driving the program in the 2024-2025 season:
Head Coach: Steven Enright
- Role: Head Men's Basketball Coach.
- Appointment Date: Named Head Coach on April 29, 2024.
- Background: Enright took over the program following a national search, succeeding the previous coach who departed after eight seasons. His hiring marked a new era for the Owls, bringing fresh strategic insight to an already dominant program. He is a graduate of Bridgewater, earning a degree in sports management with a concentration in coaching in 2012.
- Impact: His immediate success has ensured the Owls maintained their elite status, seamlessly transitioning the team into another championship-contending season.
Star Player: Octavio Brito (Forward/Guard)
- Role: Star Forward/Guard, key offensive weapon.
- Recognition: Named the 2024-25 NABC Division III National Player of the Year.
- Performance: Brito is the "heart and soul" of Keene State basketball, known for his leadership, scoring prowess, and all-around game. He played in all 30 games in a previous season, making 29 starts, demonstrating his durability and importance.
Key Roster Entities (2024-2025)
- Jeff Hunter: Named the 2024 LEC Men's Basketball Championship Most Outstanding Player, highlighting his clutch performance in the conference tournament.
- Jordan Cooper (Guard, Junior): A significant contributor, notably pouring in 27 points in a crucial pre-holiday break victory over Hamilton on December 13, 2025.
- Ryan Blakey (Guard, Senior): A veteran presence in the backcourt, listed on the 2024-2025 roster.
- Nate Siow (Guard): A consistent presence in the Owls' lineup, listed on the 2024-2025 roster.
- Allyn Wright: Another key player listed on the current roster, adding depth to the team.
The Historic Dynasty: Four-Peat LEC Champions
The most compelling narrative surrounding the Keene State Owls is their absolute dominance of the Little East Conference. Their run of championships is not just impressive—it’s unprecedented in the conference’s history.
The Owls secured their *fourth consecutive* Little East Conference (LEC) tournament title, a historic "four-peat" that no other team in the LEC had ever achieved. This monumental achievement cemented their status as the premier program in the conference.
This latest victory gave the Owls their 8th LEC tournament title overall, with 7 of those coming in the last 11 seasons, showcasing a sustained period of excellence that few DIII programs can match. The team's ability to consistently perform at an elite level, year after year, speaks volumes about the program's recruiting, coaching, and winning culture.
The championship game itself was a statement victory, with the Owls routing Western Connecticut to complete the four-peat. This kind of consistent, high-level performance is the foundation of their topical authority in Division III basketball.
The 2024-2025 NCAA Tournament Run and National Recognition
Keene State's success is not confined to conference play; the Owls are consistently a force on the national stage. Their performance in the 2024-2025 season has already earned them a spot in the NCAA Division III Championship tournament.
The Owls opened their 2025 NCAA tournament campaign with a solid 77-68 victory in the opening round against an opponent at Trinity (Conn.) College. This victory immediately put the nation on notice that the LEC champions were ready for a deep run.
In previous seasons, the Owls have demonstrated their ability to go deep, reaching the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA playoffs. This experience in high-stakes, single-elimination games is invaluable for the current squad, providing a mental edge as they navigate the bracket.
A significant factor in their national standing is the individual recognition of their players. Octavio Brito being named the NABC Division III National Player of the Year elevates the entire program’s profile. This award not only honors Brito’s talent but also validates the caliber of competition and coaching at Keene State.
The New Era Under Coach Steven Enright
The transition to a new head coach, Steven Enright, in April 2024, was a critical moment that could have destabilized the program. Instead, Enright has maintained the winning tradition while injecting new energy and strategy.
Enright's challenge was to take over a program that had just achieved three consecutive LEC titles. His ability to guide the team to an unprecedented fourth straight title and another NCAA tournament berth in his first season is a remarkable feat of leadership and coaching acumen.
The coaching staff's focus on team defense and offensive execution is evident in the team's statistics. As of the current season, the Owls boast a positive scoring margin, averaging 76.2 points per game while keeping opponents to 73.2 points per game. This balance is a hallmark of a well-coached, disciplined team.
Even in tough matchups, like a November 30, 2025, loss to No. 22 Tufts, the Owls demonstrated their competitive spirit, losing a close 82-79 battle after holding a late lead. However, they quickly rebounded, grinding out an upset victory over No. 19 WPI on November 22, 2025, showing their ability to compete with and defeat ranked national opponents. This resilience is a key indicator of Enright's successful leadership.
LSI Keywords and Topical Entities
To fully appreciate the depth of the Keene State Owls' program, one must recognize the constellation of entities and concepts that define their success:
- Little East Conference (LEC): The primary conference where the Owls dominate, securing championships and automatic bids to the NCAA tournament.
- NABC Division III: The national governing body that recognized Octavio Brito as the National Player of the Year.
- Sweet Sixteen: The benchmark for a deep run in the NCAA Division III Championship tournament, which the Owls have reached.
- Ray Oosting Gymnasium: A location where the Owls have played and won crucial NCAA tournament games.
- Western Connecticut: The primary rival the Owls defeated to secure their historic four-peat LEC title.
- Jordan Cooper: The junior guard whose 27-point outbursts provide vital scoring depth.
- Jeff Hunter: The LEC Championship Most Outstanding Player, a key entity in the frontcourt.
- DIIIhoops: A major news source covering the national rankings and results for Division III basketball, often featuring the Owls.
The Keene State Owls basketball program is a model of sustained excellence in Division III athletics. With the new leadership of Coach Steven Enright, the continued dominance of Octavio Brito, and a deep, experienced roster, the 2024-2025 season is poised to be one of the most memorable in program history. Their pursuit of a national championship continues to be a top story in college basketball.
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