WEST LIBERTY — We are truly living in the Golden Era of West Liberty University men’s basketball. The Hilltoppers have once again stamped their mark on NCAA Division II basketball history, earning their eighth trip to the Elite Eight. What makes this feat even more remarkable is that all eight appearances have come within the past 15 years.

For nearly two decades, West Liberty has been a dominant force, consistently ranking among the top programs in the country. Under the leadership of head coach Ben Howlett, the Hilltoppers have maintained a tradition of excellence that has become synonymous with the program.

Howlett’s journey with the Hilltoppers spans multiple roles. As a player from 2005-09, he was an All-Region guard who helped lead the team to four consecutive 20-win seasons, finishing his senior year as the nation’s fourth-leading scorer with 23.0 points per game. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, first as a graduate assistant and later as an assistant coach.

“I’ve been pretty spoiled because the only thing we’ve known here is winning,” Howlett said. “My favorite part about this is the people I’ve met. A lot of these guys are my lifelong friends.”

Despite stepping into big shoes when he took over as head coach, Howlett has upheld the winning tradition. He admitted feeling pressure during his first season but has since embraced the culture. “With the culture we have here, it’s like a plug-and-play system,” he said.

A key component to West Liberty’s sustained success is recruiting players who understand winning. “We look for guys that come from winning backgrounds at the high school or transfer level. We want guys who know what it takes to win,” Howlett explained.

This season’s team has been particularly special. With only four returning players from last year’s squad and nine new additions, leadership from returnees has been crucial. “They showed the new guys the blueprint. They said, ‘We don’t vary from the blueprint. This is how we do things,'” Howlett said.

West Liberty’s consistency in the NCAA Tournament is historic. This year, the Hilltoppers set a new record for most consecutive NCAA tournament appearances with their 16th straight, surpassing Assumption’s previous mark of 15 from 1963-1977. Their dominance at home has also been staggering, improving to 19-1 in regional games played at the ASRC.

Their all-time NCAA tournament record now stands at 38-15 since their first trip in 2007.

This year’s run to the Elite Eight might be one of the most impressive, given the roster’s overhaul. With only one returning starter–MEC Freshman of the Year Kyler D’Augustino–alongside returnees Dante Spadafora, Finley Woodward, Lanyc Shuler, and Garrison Kisner, the Hilltoppers seamlessly integrated new faces while maintaining their high standard of play.

Despite the changes, West Liberty’s signature offensive firepower remained intact. The team finished second in the nation in scoring at 101 points per game. Reaching the 30-win mark for the seventh time in program history, the Hilltoppers joined an elite club of teams that have consistently achieved such dominance.

30+ Win Seasons in Program History

2010-11: 33 wins

2011-12: 32 wins

2012-13: 34 wins

2014-15: 31 wins

2015-16: 31 wins

2022-23: 33 wins

2024-25: 30 wins

West Liberty has won 20 or more games for 20 consecutive seasons (excluding the 2020-21 COVID year). Since the 2004-05 season, the Hilltoppers have compiled an astonishing 534-79 record, boasting an .871 winning percentage.

Their dominance extends to conference play. This season, the Hilltoppers captured their eighth straight Mountain East Conference (MEC) regular-season championship and their 11th title in the league’s 12-year history. They have claimed 15 conference championships over the past 16 years, dating back to their days in the WVIAC. In the MEC Tournament, they have appeared in the title game nine times, making their seventh consecutive finals appearance this season.

The legacy of winning at West Liberty is built on culture, commitment, and a standard that refuses to waver. This Golden Era is not just a moment–it’s a dynasty in the making.