HUTCHINSON, Kan. —After a year away from East Texas in the Northeast, Preston Anderson thought it was best to come back home – at least for a season.

Anderson, the 6-6 graduate of Cayuga High School and a two-time All-East Texas player, has been a key player in Trinity Valley Community College’s return to the NJCAA National Basketball Tournament.

Anderson and his Cardinal teammates begin play in the tourney Tuesday at Hutchinson Sports Arena. The No. 11 seed Cardinals (27-4) tangle with No. 22 Monroe College of New York (24-8) at noon in a first-round game.

Last season, Anderson redshirted with TVCC after transferring from the University of Hartford. He came to the Athens school from Connecticut at Christmas break in 2013.

“This is amazing going to the national tournament,” Anderson said. “That was our goal all year and we’re there. Now we just have to finish it.

“Last year, I was still part of the team while redshirting. I think last year we were just happy to make the tournament. This year is different.”

Anderson has fit right in at the Henderson County school, starting for the Cardinals while averaging 4.2 points and 2.4 rebounds. He is a threat from 3-point range.

The East Texan wants to help the Cardinals win a national title and then he will decide if he wants to spend another year in a TVCC uniform or transfer to a D-I school where he will have three years of eligibility remaining.

“When I was in high school I never thought I would end up here,” he said. “Coming back here and having support from not only the TVCC fans but the Cayuga fans has made it special.”

Anderson and Cardinals are ready for Monroe.

The Mustangs, who hail from the Bronx, are making their sixth trip to nationals under coach Jeff Brustad.

Six-Seven sophomore Joel Angus III, who is averaging 15.5 points and 8.4 rebounds, leads Monroe. Thomas Rivera, a 6-0-sophomore guard, averages 9.1 points and 4.9 assists.

If the Cards defeat Monroe they will advance to meet the hometown favorite and No. 6 seed Hutchinson (28-6) at 8 p.m. Wednesday.