GREENVILLE, S.C. | Young Harris College men's basketball has been picked to finish third in the 2026-27 Conference Carolinas Preseason Poll. The Mountain Lions went 23-9 last season, winning the conference championship and advancing to the NCAA Southeast Region Tournament before falling to Lenior-Rhyne University in the second round. 

The Mountain Lions earned 197 points in the poll, including three first-place votes, placing them behind UNC Pembroke and just four points behind Chowan.

The Mountain Lions return six players from last season's roster, including a few redshirts who will see the floor this year.

Leading the charge is senior guard Christian Drummer, a three-level scorer who averaged 10.1 points per game and led the Mountain Lions in assists and steals last season. Junior forward Kelvin Hunter is another key returner expected to play a large role this season after a strong sophomore year. 

Newcomers Anthony Alston and Hasani Rivera are also expected to make a big impact for Young Harris this season. Alston is a three-level scorer who can control the tempo and make plays. Rivera's size and ability to impact both ends of the floor in the post will strengthen YHC's presence inside. 

The Mountain Lions will look to build on last season's success and make another trip to the Conference Carolinas Men's Basketball Championship, which begins February 28. 

Young Harris opens the season Nov. 9, traveling to Hickory, N.C. to face Lenoir-Rhyne University at 6 p.m., looking to avenge last season's result.