GSAC Preview Series: The Master’s College Mustangs

In 1927, Los Angeles Baptist Theological Seminary was founded in Los Angeles, California by its first president, Dr. William Matthews. Renamed Los Angeles Bible College, the school moved to its current location of Newhall, California on what was once Happy Jack’s Dude Ranch, a 27-acre property in Placerita Canyon.

In 1985, Dr. John MacArthur succeeded the college’s fourth president Dr. John Dunkin and changed the school’s name to its current name, The Master’s College.

The Master’s College athletic teams are the Mustangs. I managed the Men’s Basketball team from 2010-2014. One well-known alumnus is Mike Penberthy who is the college’s all-time leader in

1. Scoring (2,616 points)
2. Three pointers made (444)
3. Free Throws made (516)
4. Free Throw Percentage (87.8%)

Penberthy is also a champion with the Los Angeles Lakers during the Kobe and Shaq era (2001).

The Mustangs had a coaching change this past offseason as Chuck Martin exited with an eight-year record of 131-118 (62-84 in GSAC). Injuries and lack of depth contributed to the Mustangs not making the NAIA National Tournament during Martin’s tenure.

2014-15 team photo courtesy of The Masters College website.

Ken Sugarman Era:

Reaching into the past, Athletic Director Steve Waldeck hired former Mustangs Women’s Basketball Head Coach Ken Sugarman to lead the men’s team.

Sugarman’s thirteen-year record with the Lady Mustangs was 265-151 (88-52 in GSAC). The Lady Mustangs made 7 NAIA National Tournament appearances, won two GSAC Tournament Championship titles, and made an NAIA Fab-4 appearance in 2006 under Sugarman. The Mustang were ranked in the top 25 nationally for 10 seasons in a row and posted a 100% graduation rate for four-year attenders. Waldeck and Sugarman hope for similar success with the men’s team.

Sugarman’s teams are known to play up-tempo with fast breaks on offense and play strong man-to-man defense.

Key Returners:

The Mustangs return four players from last year’s team and a player who suited up for the Mustangs two seasons ago. There are two returners worth noting.

1. Chris Patureau is a 6’6” 215 lb. Senior Forward who is considered a glue player. He crashes the glass for rebounds, can extend defenses with three-point range, sets solid screens to get teammates open, and is a terrific passer.
2. Reid Shackelford is a 6’ Sophomore Guard who is a deadly three-point shooter. Floor spacing is key for up-tempo teams and Reid will stretch defenses with his long-range shooting. He plays aggressive defense and dives for loose balls.

Key Additions:

Coach Sugarman signed 10 new players in his first recruiting class. There are two newcomers to keep an eye on.

Russell Byrd is a 6’8” 215 pound Senior Guard transferring to Master’s from Michigan State University.

His high school accomplishments include:

* 23.2 points and 10.1 rebounds per game as a senior at Blackhawk Christian.

*ESPNU Top 100 (61), Scout.com (82) and Rivals.com (115).

*Participated in the 2009 NBA Players Association Top 100 Camp, where he made 18 of his 26 attempts from the three-point line.

At Michigan State Russell battled injuries, which kept him from playing a significant amount of time for the Spartans. He transferred to Master’s to play his senior year for Coach Sugarman who will rely on his shooting, rebounding and passing ability. His father (Kelly) is second on the college’s all time career field goal percentage list at 58.7%.

J.P. Webster is a 6’1” 195 pound  Freshman Guard whose athleticism allows him to get to the paint with ease and rise for jumpers. His strength will allow him to stay in front of the opposition on defense and make them take contested shots. He will provide a scoring punch for the Mustangs too as he chases his father (Jason) who is on several of the program’s Top 10 lists.

 GSAC Outlook:

I’m projecting the Mustangs to finish first in the conference. I believe this is one of the deepest teams the Mustangs have had recently. There is a sense of renewed excitement with the new Mustangs coaching staff this year.

The GSAC (so far) According to Mark:

1st: The Master’s College Mustangs

4th: BIOLA University Eagles

6th: Westmont Warriors

7th: San Diego Christian Hawks

8th: William Jessup Warriors