MACON, GA - Shannon Sharpe recalls the day the late Bill Davis walked onto his family's yard in rural Tattnall County and delivered his simple recruiting pitch. "Son," Davis said, "I want to build Savannah State's football program around you." Now, 25 years later, Sharpe is hearing a similar spiel from his alma mater. He is out of eligibility as a player, but the football program is desperate for his public support, be it moral, financial or all of the above.
And just as Sharpe embraced the Tigers then, he's ready to do so again now. Finally.
Sharpe pledged Saturday to sit down with Savannah State's administration "soon" to discuss taking part in a ceremony to retire his jersey number. The retirement would be the first step toward ending a decade-long divorce between the school and the greatest athlete ever to wear its colors.
"We can move forward in that direction now," Sharpe said Saturday prior to the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony. "For someone to think that the No. 2 jersey is so well-respected that they don't want anybody else to put it on is a huge honor, and I don't take it lightly." Savannah State officials won't take Sharpe's willingness to reconnect to the school lightly either. The school's athletic director, Bart Bellairs, breathed an audible sigh of relief when told of Sharpe's comments.
View dozens more images of Shannon Sharpe
View Shannon Sharpe's tribute case at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Milestone victory for Savannah State
Georgia Sports Hall of Fame: Shannon Sharpe, Mills B. Lane have ...
Georgia hall to honor Sharpe
Longwood Falls At Home To Visiting Savannah State 59-54
Peach State is loaded to play ball
Monday, March 2, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
North Carolina A&T Aggies clinch MEAC
GREENSBORO, N.C. -- N.C. A&T junior forward Jaleesa Sams made the best of Friends and Family night at Corbett Sports Center Saturday. Fifty-to-60 people from her hometown of New Castle, Pa., bused to Greensboro to watch her play. She rewarded their long trip by scoring a career-high 21 points on 9-for-11 shooting and had six rebounds and five steals to lead the A&T women's basketball team to an 84-60 win over Howard. The Aggies (21-6, 13-1 MEAC) clinched their second-straight MEAC regular-season title.
"I always play better with my family in the stands because they are my worst critics,'' Sams said. "I have no other choice but to play well. It was very important that I got out there and played. They told me if I didn't play tonight they weren't going to speak to me."
Aggies put together back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time and Coach Cage-Bibbs building strong case as the best coach in HBCU women's basketball ever!
Sams' outing was satisfying because she had missed the previous two games with a leg injury. She has missed seven games this season, and A&T head coach Patricia Cage-Bibbs was happy to see her back. "We were just happy to have Jaleesa back,'' Bibbs said. "The way Jaleesa played tonight, I wish all of our players would have a busload of people come in every time we play." The Aggies also got a lift from Ta'Wuana Cook. Cook came off the bench to score 12 points, dish out three assists and record three steals. Brittanie Taylor-James added 17 points on 8-for-10 shooting from the free throw line.
Box Score
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Aggies Uses Second Half Rally To Defeat Howard
Tensions lie behind A&T resignation
The curious case of Stanley F. Battle
Godby LB Hover signs with North Carolina A&T
"I always play better with my family in the stands because they are my worst critics,'' Sams said. "I have no other choice but to play well. It was very important that I got out there and played. They told me if I didn't play tonight they weren't going to speak to me."
Aggies put together back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time and Coach Cage-Bibbs building strong case as the best coach in HBCU women's basketball ever!Sams' outing was satisfying because she had missed the previous two games with a leg injury. She has missed seven games this season, and A&T head coach Patricia Cage-Bibbs was happy to see her back. "We were just happy to have Jaleesa back,'' Bibbs said. "The way Jaleesa played tonight, I wish all of our players would have a busload of people come in every time we play." The Aggies also got a lift from Ta'Wuana Cook. Cook came off the bench to score 12 points, dish out three assists and record three steals. Brittanie Taylor-James added 17 points on 8-for-10 shooting from the free throw line.
Box Score
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Aggies Uses Second Half Rally To Defeat Howard
Tensions lie behind A&T resignation
The curious case of Stanley F. Battle
Godby LB Hover signs with North Carolina A&T
Johnson C. Smith sweeps CIAA titles
For Johnson C. Smith, this was time for reinvention. Virginia Union had beaten the Golden Bulls twice during the regular season, so a “tweak,” to use coach Steve Joyner's term, was essential. So he threw in a matchup zone Saturday that scrambled things just enough to pull off a 70-63 victory in the CIAA men's championship game. “Us changing up a bit, they did act a bit confused,” Joyner said after J.C. Smith held Virginia Union below 65. “Just enough confused.”And just enough scoring, too. Jerry Hollis kept driving for 19 points, and Ryan Scott hit two 3-pointers – the first to build an 11--point lead and the second a game-saver – after Virginia Union had closed to four with 11/2 minutes left. Scott's dad, former NBA star Dennis Scott, was at Time Warner Cable Arena, but the Golden Bulls senior hadn't done much. He picked up two quick first-half fouls but knew he'd get his chance.
JSSU star Wendy Stywalt splits the defense to score a basket over Bowie State's Juliette Turner on way to a 49-36 win and the 2009 CIAA Championship. (YALONDA M. JAMES)That's because Hollis was so effective (6-of-11 from the field and 7-of-10 from the foul line), Virginia Union had no choice but to contract its defense around him. “I knew I'd get my time,” said Scott, who had 13 points. “The way Jerry was working down-low, I just told him, ‘Let me know – I'm ready.'” Those times came with just under 10 minutes left – for a 51-40 edge – and with 1minute, 23 seconds left, after Virginia Union's Brandon Byerson made a 3 to cut J.C. Smith's lead to four.
Photo Galleries and Related Articles:
Video: Mo'Nique Show
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
Transfers ready for Rattlers
Division I transfers Branden Curry and Jamil Paris have taken two very different paths to FAMU that brought them to a point where they'll have to prove themselves all over again. Curry said he made his move from Marshall to be a part of a winning program at a position where he'd be comfortable at right tackle. Paris turned to FAMU after he was dropped from Kentucky's football team following heart surgery. In less than a month, Curry and Paris, a defensive end, will begin competing for spots on the Rattlers football depth chart. For the two transfers, the start of spring workouts on March 23 can't come fast enough.
FAMU head football coach Joe Taylor stands with the statue of legendary Rattlers coach Jake Gaither.
Thursday was the first day that Paris participated in off-season workouts with the team. Since his enrollment at FAMU, he's undergone a battery of medical exams and wasn't cleared to play until Wednesday. Anxiety got the best of him Wednesday night and he was the first player out for the 5:45 morning run, he said. "I have such a burning desire to get started," Paris said. "I have it in my head that FAMU is not going to lose a game this season and that's what I'm approaching this season with. I'm really excited."
Paris knows that his former Division-I status doesn't guarantee a starting position. Coach Joe Taylor's policy is that every player competes and their performance ratings determine their position on the depth chart.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
FAMU takes care of Edward Waters, 21-10
Rattlers edge past Rams, 71-69 »
MEAC pursuing expansion, possible two-division format »
Rattlers say farewell to Gaither Gym »
FAMU wins finale at Gaither Gym in overtime, 63-61 »
Jones hits milestone, but FAMU women lose »
FAMU baseball loses soundly to Jackson State »
FAMU head football coach Joe Taylor stands with the statue of legendary Rattlers coach Jake Gaither.
Thursday was the first day that Paris participated in off-season workouts with the team. Since his enrollment at FAMU, he's undergone a battery of medical exams and wasn't cleared to play until Wednesday. Anxiety got the best of him Wednesday night and he was the first player out for the 5:45 morning run, he said. "I have such a burning desire to get started," Paris said. "I have it in my head that FAMU is not going to lose a game this season and that's what I'm approaching this season with. I'm really excited."
Paris knows that his former Division-I status doesn't guarantee a starting position. Coach Joe Taylor's policy is that every player competes and their performance ratings determine their position on the depth chart.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
FAMU takes care of Edward Waters, 21-10
Rattlers edge past Rams, 71-69 »
MEAC pursuing expansion, possible two-division format »
Rattlers say farewell to Gaither Gym »
FAMU wins finale at Gaither Gym in overtime, 63-61 »
Jones hits milestone, but FAMU women lose »
FAMU baseball loses soundly to Jackson State »
Mississippi Valley rallies past instate rival JSU
For Jackson State, wins are hard to come by in Itta Bena. That fact was evident Saturday night before a standing-room-only crowd (Attendance: 4,719) at the Harrison HPER Complex as Mississippi Valley State erased a 16-point second half deficit to rally past JSU for a 73-67 victory. "We've been able to fight back all year, but we haven't been smart enough to finish games," Valley head coach Sean Woods said. "We finished tonight. This shows we're getting better."
Valley first year head coach Sean Woods gets big win over Tigers.
Eric Petty helped lead the comeback for Valley (6-23, 6-10 in the SWAC) with 14 of his team-high 18 points coming in the second half. Shannon Behling also played a key role in the Delta Devils' rally, going for 10 of his 15 points after the break. JSU (13-14, 12-3), which hasn't won at Valley since 2006, saw its SWAC-high eight-game win streak snapped by its instate rival. Julius Cheeks came off the bench to score 13 for Valley, and point guard Dewayne Harmason had 12 points, five rebounds and five assists.
JSU center Jeremy Caldwell fouled out in the second half but not before scoring a team-high 25 points.Petty's strong play inside helped draw four second-half fouls on Caldwell.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
Southwestern Athletic Conference Update 3/1/09
TEAM CONF. W-L OVERALL W-L
Alabama State 14-1 17-8
Jackson State 12-3 13-14
Arkansas-Pine Bluff 10-6 11-16
Prairie View A&M 9-6 13-15
Southern University 8-8 8-20
Mississippi Valley State 6-10 6-23
Alabama A&M 5-10 7-16
Texas Southern 5-10 5-23
Grambling State 4-11 6-20
Alcorn State 4-12 6-23
Valley first year head coach Sean Woods gets big win over Tigers.Eric Petty helped lead the comeback for Valley (6-23, 6-10 in the SWAC) with 14 of his team-high 18 points coming in the second half. Shannon Behling also played a key role in the Delta Devils' rally, going for 10 of his 15 points after the break. JSU (13-14, 12-3), which hasn't won at Valley since 2006, saw its SWAC-high eight-game win streak snapped by its instate rival. Julius Cheeks came off the bench to score 13 for Valley, and point guard Dewayne Harmason had 12 points, five rebounds and five assists.
JSU center Jeremy Caldwell fouled out in the second half but not before scoring a team-high 25 points.Petty's strong play inside helped draw four second-half fouls on Caldwell.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
Southwestern Athletic Conference Update 3/1/09
TEAM CONF. W-L OVERALL W-L
Alabama State 14-1 17-8
Jackson State 12-3 13-14
Arkansas-Pine Bluff 10-6 11-16
Prairie View A&M 9-6 13-15
Southern University 8-8 8-20
Mississippi Valley State 6-10 6-23
Alabama A&M 5-10 7-16
Texas Southern 5-10 5-23
Grambling State 4-11 6-20
Alcorn State 4-12 6-23
Prairie View easy prey for ASU Hornets
Hornets senior Andrew HaylesAlabama State seniors Andrew Hayles and Brandon Brooks celebrated Senior Night in style Saturday in a 64-49 rout of Southwest Athletic Conference rival Prairie View A&M at the ASU Acadome. Hayles led all scorers with 19 points, and Brooks contributed 17 points and eight assists. Sophomore Roland Fitch added 15 points, and junior Wesley Jones posted 12 rebounds.
Senior center Chief Kickingstallionsims turned in a solid defensive effort, making it difficult for any Prairie View player to get off an easy shot or drive the lane. Not a single Panther scored in double digits -- Alex Richman and Darnell Hugee each finished with nine points. With the win, the Hornets (17-8, 14-1 SWAC) remain at the top of the conference standings. The Panthers fall to 13-15 overall and 9-6 in the conference. The Hornets host SWAC rival Texas Southern at 7:30 p.m. Monday.
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.READ RELATED ARTICLES:
COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Alabama St. tops Alcorn St., holds on to first place
Hornets hand Bulldogs a thorough beatdown
Women's basketball previewASU at Southern
UAPB Golden Lions jockey for SWAC position
PINE BLUFF, Arkansas - Those dreams of a No. 1 seed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament pretty much ended a month ago for Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Not too recently, a No. 2 spot became an impossibility as well. But the Golden Lions are looking at a possible third-place conference finish after polishing off Grambling State 69-61 Saturday at Clemmons Arena.
With two games left in the regular season, including an ESPNU televised home game with Jackson State tomorrow, Arkansas-Pine Bluff still can overtake Prairie View A&M for third place in the SWAC. Thanks to Prairie View A&M losing Saturday, the two teams are tied for third.
UAPB Golden Lions head basketball coach George Ivory
Better yet, the Golden Lions' offensive play Saturday hinted at a team peaking just in time for the postseason. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (11-16, 10-6 SWAC) put the Tigers on their heels early, taking a 17-2 lead in the first seven minutes and shooting 59 percent from the floor in the first half. On the way, the Golden Lions revealed a new offensive wrinkle: three-point shooting.
One of the league's shakiest teams from behind the arc, Arkansas-Pine Bluff made five of nine three-point attempts in the first half, starting with an early one by Tyree Glass that put the Golden Lions up 8-0. "They've been working pretty hard at the threes," Arkansas-Pine Bluff Coach George Ivory said. "They're better focused on offense."
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
UAPB SOFTBALL COACH GETS INITIAL WIN AT SCHOOL
UAPB beats Grambling St. 69-61
UAPB SOFTBALL PREMIERES AT CENTRAL ARKANSAS
COLEMAN TARGETS OFFENSE IN SECOND RECRUITING CLASS
With two games left in the regular season, including an ESPNU televised home game with Jackson State tomorrow, Arkansas-Pine Bluff still can overtake Prairie View A&M for third place in the SWAC. Thanks to Prairie View A&M losing Saturday, the two teams are tied for third.
UAPB Golden Lions head basketball coach George IvoryBetter yet, the Golden Lions' offensive play Saturday hinted at a team peaking just in time for the postseason. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (11-16, 10-6 SWAC) put the Tigers on their heels early, taking a 17-2 lead in the first seven minutes and shooting 59 percent from the floor in the first half. On the way, the Golden Lions revealed a new offensive wrinkle: three-point shooting.
One of the league's shakiest teams from behind the arc, Arkansas-Pine Bluff made five of nine three-point attempts in the first half, starting with an early one by Tyree Glass that put the Golden Lions up 8-0. "They've been working pretty hard at the threes," Arkansas-Pine Bluff Coach George Ivory said. "They're better focused on offense."
CONTINUE READING, CLICK BLOG TITLE.
READ RELATED ARTICLES:
UAPB SOFTBALL COACH GETS INITIAL WIN AT SCHOOL
UAPB beats Grambling St. 69-61
UAPB SOFTBALL PREMIERES AT CENTRAL ARKANSAS
COLEMAN TARGETS OFFENSE IN SECOND RECRUITING CLASS
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)