Want to see the best in Division III basketball this winter? Come to a Muhlenberg doubleheader.

The D3hoops.com preseason All-America teams were released this week, and of the nearly 400 schools that sponsor men’s and women’s basketball at the Division III level, Muhlenberg was one of only two (Wheaton of Illinois was the other) to have a representative on both teams. Spencer Liddic of the men’s team was named to the second team, and women’s player Alexandra Chili was a third-team selection.

Here’s a quick look at how the two preseason All-Americans compare:

• Alexandra Chili
• Number: 12
• Position: Guard
• Hometown: Rockville, Md.
• All-Centennial Conference first team: 2010 and 2011
• CC Academic Honor Roll: 2010 and 2011
• 2010 Scotty Wood Tournament: MVP
• Career points scored: 1,497
• Rank on Muhlenberg all-time list: Third
• Career average: 17.4 ppg
• 2010-11 average: 18.8 ppg
• 2010-11 CC scoring rank: First
• 2010-11 NCAA scoring rank: 27th
• Career high: 33 vs. Moravian as a freshman
• First career game: 6 points, 6 assists vs. St. Elizabeth
• Not just a scorer fact I: Set school record for assists by a freshman
• Not just a scorer fact II: Eighth on all-time blocked shots list (really)
• Wow! record broken last year: Needed only three seasons to break CC career record for three-pointers

• Spencer Liddic
• Number: 34
• Position: Forward
• Hometown: Clarks Summit, Pa.
• All-Centennial Conference first team: 2010 and 2011
• CC Academic Honor Roll: 2010 and 2011
• 2010 Scotty Wood Tournament: MVP
• Career points scored: 1,221
• Rank on Muhlenberg all-time list: 15th
• Career average: 15.7 ppg
• 2010-11 average: 20.4 ppg
• 2010-11 CC scoring rank: First
• 2010-11 NCAA scoring rank: 30th
• Career high: 35 vs. Washington College as a junior
• First career game: 8 points, 9 rebounds vs. Hunter
• Not just a scorer fact I: Led CC in rebounding last year
• Not just a scorer fact II: Seventh on all-time blocked shots list
• Wow! record broken last year: Broke 40-year-old school record for points in a season

The two have a lot in common, from their academic and athletic successes at Muhlenberg to mutual respect for each other.

“Spencer Liddic will have always have a talent that I will never be able to possess; the dunk,” said Chili. “Often, I’ve asked Big Spence, ‘Will you teach me how to dunk? Teach me, teach me how to dunk,’ and even with his best efforts, the second-team preseason All-American has had little success. I recognize that the fault lies in my own athletic shortcomings and that maybe it’s time I try to pass something on to Spencer. I think the behind-the-back pass will fit into his repertoire perfectly.

“Boasting a D3hoops.com all-region first team and a unanimous All-Centennial Conference selection for the second year in a row, Spencer’s junior year sealed his fate as one of the most influential men’s basketball players of the Muhlenberg program. I know his senior year will only be better. This season, not only will Spencer stun the crowd with his unstoppable double-doubles, beautiful elbow jumpers and sweet post moves, he will continue to be a great senior leader. His hustle on the court never stops and he truly inspires all his teammates, and even the women’s team, to play better. I’ve been fortunate to share the spotlight the past few years with the stellar Spencer and I can’t wait to start our seasons up against Moravian on November 15! I know it will be a great year for all of us.”

“It has been such an amazing experience getting the opportunity to watch Alex Chili grow and mature over the past few years into the dominant player she is today,” said Liddic. “Her most obvious threat is her unbelievable shooting ability. She has had players attempt to faceguard her since freshman year, and nothing seems to stop her. Another one of Alex’s strengths is her ability to find her teammates. Over the past three years, she has impressed the crowd over and over again with her behind-the-back passes and alley-oops to various high-flying dunkers on her team.

“Players like Alex only come around once in a lifetime and it’s an honor to have the opportunity to watch her play since freshman year. I look forward to once again watching Alex dominate the court and can’t wait to see which Muhlenberg, Centennial and D3 record she will be breaking this year.”