Loretto, Pennsylvania. It isn't just a dot on a map; it’s more like a whisper in the Allegheny Mountains. If you’ve ever driven through the "middle of nowhere" only to find yourself an hour deeper into the woods, you've probably hit the campus of Saint Francis University. Yet, this tiny Catholic school, with fewer than 2,000 students, keeps producing a brand of hoops that defies the logic of modern, big-money college sports. St. Francis Red Flash basketball is a weird, beautiful anomaly.
People usually overlook the Northeast Conference (NEC). It’s the land of the "low-majors," where gyms feel like high school fieldhouses and the travel budgets are held together by hope and duct tape. But look closer. This program has a history that stretches back to the literal pioneers of the NBA, a recent "miracle" run that shocked the bracketology world in 2025, and a culture that makes bigger schools look like soulless corporations.
The Maurice Stokes Legacy: More Than Just a Name
Honestly, you can't talk about the Red Flash without talking about Maurice Stokes. If you don't know the name, you should. In the mid-1950s, Stokes wasn't just good; he was terrifying. We’re talking about a 6-foot-7 freight train who could handle the ball like a point guard and rebound like a center.
In 1955, Stokes led the "Frankies" (as they were called then) to the NIT semifinals at Madison Square Garden. Back then, the NIT was the big show—not the consolation prize it is now. Stokes was named the tournament MVP despite his team finishing fourth. Think about that. He was so dominant that the voters couldn't give the trophy to anyone else.
But the real story is what happened later. Stokes' NBA career was cut short by a tragic brain injury that left him paralyzed. His teammate, Jack Twyman, became his legal guardian and cared for him for the rest of his life. That bond is the foundation of the St. Francis Red Flash basketball identity. It’s why the "Stokes-Twyman Award" exists in the NBA today. It started in Loretto.
That Absurd 2025 March Madness Run
Fast forward to last year. Most experts had basically written off the Red Flash. They were picked to finish dead last or close to it in the NEC preseason poll. They entered the conference tournament with a losing record.
Then, lightning struck.
- The Quarterfinals: A nail-biter against Wagner where Riley Parker hit three free throws with two seconds left.
- The Semifinals: An upset over LIU that nobody saw coming.
- The Final: A 46–43 rock fight against Central Connecticut State.
Yes, you read that right. 46 to 43. It was ugly. It was gritty. It was peak NEC basketball. Daemar Kelly hit a jumper with 9.8 seconds left to seal it. Suddenly, a team ranked 310th in KenPom was heading to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1991.
The Red Flash became the ultimate "Cinderella before the dance even started." They proved that in a one-bid league, your regular season record is just a suggestion. All that matters is who has the guts to hit a shot in a cold gym in March.
Life After Rob Krimmel: A New Era in Loretto
For 13 years, Rob Krimmel was the face of this program. He played there, he coached there, he basically lived and breathed the "College Among the Pines." His departure after the 2025 season felt like the end of an epoch.
Now, the whistle has been handed to Luke McConnell. If the name sounds familiar to Pennsylvania hoop heads, it should. He’s the son of Tom McConnell and part of the legendary McConnell coaching tree. Taking over a program in its final year of the NEC before potentially looking at new horizons is a massive task.
The 2025-26 season has been... well, a reality check. The non-conference schedule was a gauntlet.
- A 102-66 blowout at Oklahoma.
- A 104-63 loss at TCU.
- A 102-61 drubbing at Florida.
When you’re a small school, you take these "buy games" for the paycheck, even if the scoreboard is painful to look at. But once conference play started in January 2026, the Red Flash found their footing. A gritty win over FDU (85-82) and a defensive masterclass against Wagner (71-69) showed that the DNA hasn't changed. They might get beat up by the Big 12, but they aren't going to lie down for anyone in their own weight class.
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Why Skylar Wicks is the Player to Watch
If you’re looking for a reason to tune into a random NEC FrontRow stream on a Tuesday night, it’s Skylar Wicks. The senior transfer has been a revelation. At 6-foot-6, he’s got the size that most NEC guards just can't handle.
He dropped 20 in the opener against Oklahoma and followed it up with 19 against Xavier. He’s averaging nearly 9 rebounds a game from the wing. In a league where "stars" often jump to the portal for bigger NIL deals, having a guy like Wicks stay and lead a young roster is huge. He’s the bridge between the miracle 2025 squad and whatever this new era under McConnell is going to be.
The DeGol Arena Experience
There are no luxury suites here. DeGol Arena seats about 3,500 people, and on a snowy night in January, it feels like the loudest place on earth. The students are right on top of the floor. The air is thin.
Visiting teams hate it. It’s a long bus ride to get there, and the "Red Sea" (the student section) doesn't make it easy. There’s a specific kind of "small-town tough" that defines St. Francis Red Flash basketball. They don't have the fancy practice facilities or the private jets. They have a gym in the woods and a lot of pride.
Moving Forward: Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're jumping on the Red Flash bandwagon or just trying to track them for your bracket, here's what you need to keep in mind:
- Watch the NEC Standings: This league is wide open. While LIU and Central Connecticut are the favorites, the Red Flash have a habit of peaking in late February. Don't let a 4-13 overall record fool you; their 2-2 conference start is what actually matters.
- Follow the Transitions: Saint Francis is navigating a shifting landscape. With conference realignments happening everywhere, the stability of the Red Flash's home in the NEC is always a topic of conversation.
- Check the "Buy Games": If you see SFU playing a Top 25 team, don't just look at the score. Look at how their guards handle the pressure. That's usually where they grow the most before the games that actually count.
The Red Flash will never be a blue blood. They won't be on ESPN every night. But they represent the soul of college basketball—the idea that a tiny school in a tiny town can still find its way to the brightest lights in the sport. It’s not about the destination; it’s about the climb through the pines.
Next Steps for Followers:
- Track the upcoming home stand against Stonehill and Chicago State; these are must-wins for seeding.
- Monitor Skylar Wicks’ health, as his usage rate is currently among the highest in the conference.
- Dive into the Maurice Stokes historical archives at the SFU library website to understand the program's deep roots in social justice and sportsmanship.