Feb. 21, 2001

By Justin Rodriguez
The Times Herald-Record
jrodriguez@th-record.com

Ben Saxton never contemplated leaving Lafayette. But he admits his first few months at the Patriot League school were difficult.

"There are no real words to describe it," said Saxton, a 2000 Pine Bush graduate. "It was a difficult time in my life."

Unfamiliar surroundings. Tough school work. A slight case of homesickness. It all weighed on Saxton.

And then there was basketball.

"They throw a lot of stuff at you as a freshman," said Saxton, the 2000 Times Herald-Record Player of the Year. "The first semester is tough. You just try to practice and learn as much as you can. You just have to try to adjust."

Saxton, a 6-foot-6 swingman, has adjusted at the Easton, Pa., school. The quiet kid from Walker Valley is a key contributor for Lafayette, the two-time defending Patriot League tournament champion.

Saxton is averaging 15.9 minutes and 7.3 points per game this season. He has started four games.

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