Story by Penn State Harrisburg's Kenny Stone

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg men's basketball player Will Doyle (Franklin, Va. / Tidewater Academy) has started his senior year with a bang.  He is leading the Lions in both points and assists, averaging 15 and 5 per game, respectively.  The senior captain has strung together some great performances early in the young season.

Against Messiah on Nov. 20, he put up a career-high 28 points to go along with five assists.  Against Lebanon Valley on Dec. 1, he had 13 second half points to go along with a game-high eight assists.  On the road against York (Pa.) later that week, he made big shots and free throws down the stretch to help the Lions win their first Capital Athletic Conference game in program history.  Most recently against the 12th ranked Seahawks of Saint Mary's, he had yet another 20-point performance.

But it is his leadership on the court, his unselfishness and his playmaking abilities that are his biggest strengths.  He is the man running the show and early on he has been the clear cut leader of this team, the man his teammates look to when there is a big play to be made.  Easy as he has made it look, this didn't happen overnight for Doyle.  When asked about his start to the season he said, "A lot of the work I do in the offseason has allowed me to have a hot start.  But with our team being such a tight knit group it's easy to have fun out there and play comfortably."

This being his senior year, it has brought about a new role for Doyle and with that came a new approach.

"With being a senior captain this year I have tried to take on more of a leadership and mentoring role," he said about his individual effort.

But there is also the team aspect to take into account.  He seems to be pleased with where his squad is right now, sitting at 4-4 overall and 2-1 in conference play.

"The best way to explain our team right now is together, when something goes wrong we move on and get through it together and that is a great key to success," he said. 

Prior to this season, the Lions moved to the new, very competitive CAC but Doyle has faith that his team can compete with anyone in the league.

 "I think the sky is the limit for our team," he said.  "We were picked to finish ninth in the conference and I wouldn't have had it any other way.  I have always felt like I play with a chip on my shoulder and this just provides more motivation."

Doyle discussed the importance of playing free and easy this season and how he just wants to have fun and enjoy his final go around at Penn State Harrisburg.

"I have no concerns," he said.  "It's my senior year and I'm having the time of my life being around great people and the game I love."

If Doyle continues playing the way he has been to this point in the season, the Lions will also be enjoying plenty of victories as the year winds down.