PHC Men's Basketball Team makes history!

The Men’s Sentinels, coached by Brian Roynestad, took first place—for the first time in school history—at the Bible College National Invitational Tournament (NIT), defeating Word of Life Bible College 101–92. The victory stands as the crowning achievement of an already remarkable season for PHC.

Music filled the team van as the Sentinels left the arena with the program’s first national championship trophy. “In our van, we had the trophy, and Will Atchley almost blacked out hugging it and savoring the moment,” senior guard Nate Semlick said.

Sophomore Adrian VanHofwegen opened the scoring with a layup, and the Sentinels never relinquished the lead. VanHofwegen scored 39 points in one game, setting a new school record. 

“Basketball is a really simple game if you do it right,” Roynestad told the team after a hard-fought comeback win against Howard Community College JV earlier in the season.

At the NIT, the Sentinels executed with precision all weekend, shooting 60 percent from the floor during tournament play. “Through the whole tournament, we had four or five players scoring 10 or more points each game,” Assistant Coach John Larter said. “We were locked in. It was smoother. It was very natural. There was a rhythm to it.” Championship game announcers described PHC as the most complete and disciplined team.

Defense proved equally decisive. PHC held Appalachian Bible College and Crown College to 53 and 66 points, respectively. Crown, known for its long-range shooting, failed to convert any of its 16 three-point attempts in the first half under PHC’s defensive pressure. 

Rebounding ultimately defined the championship game. Senior forward Andrew Penrod dominated under the rim, and his skill gave PHC multiple second- and third-chance scoring opportunities off offensive rebounds.

At the beginning of the season, Roynestad gave the team a four-item checklist: defeat Christendom, Central Penn, and Williamson, and win the NIT. The Sentinels accomplished every goal.

The seniors carried a special urgency throughout the season. “These seniors have been here all four years. They’ve been committed to this program,” Athletic Director Ethan Patrick said. Before the championship game commenced, Penrod told the seniors, “It’s 40 minutes of endurance. After that, our careers are over.”

Seeing the clock hit zero was the payoff of hours of sacrifice, which for many of the players began in high school or middle school.

“It was magical,” Semlick said.

Closing out the season, both the Men’s and Women’s final home games drew strong attendance and created an electric atmosphere. Enthusiastic supporters and spirited competition made it a fitting end to a season marked by growth and achievement. The night featured special recognition for the seniors.

Penrod scored his 1,250^th point for PHC—an extraordinary achievement for any basketball player, made even more impressive by the fact that PHC plays roughly half as many games as a typical collegiate program. 

The Men’s team defeated Appalachian Bible College 73–43, clinching a winning season for the Sentinels.

View a slideshow capturing exhilarating moments from the last Men's home game and seniors’  night.

Patrick Henry College exists to glorify God by challenging the status quo in higher education, lifting high both faith and reason within a rigorous academic environment; thereby preserving for posterity the ideals behind the "noble experiment in ordered liberty" that is the foundation of America.