Morgan State Bears falls to Seton Hall Pirates

Photo: Morgan State's Jamar Smith had a monster game scoring 28 points on Seton Hall to lead the Bears scoring.

NEWARK, N.J. - Senior Jamar Nutter (Bloomfield, N.J.) erupted for a career-high 29 points as the Seton Hall men's basketball team wrapped up non-conference play with an 89-81 win over Morgan State. Nutter shot 10-of-15 from the floor and pulled down six rebounds in 36 minutes off the bench.

Jamar Smith had 28 points for the Bears, including 11 from the free throw line. It was the third loss in a row for Morgan State, who shot just 38.7 percent, and fell to 6-7 on the year.


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FAMU gets tuneup win over Warner Southern

Photo: Senior 6-10 forward, Akini Akini, Tallahassee, FL scored 23 points/9 boards to help Ratters gain win.


The senior duo of Akini Akini and Leslie Robinson combined to spark the Florida A&M Men's Basketball team to a 75-62 non-conference victory over Warner Southern College in Gaither Gymnasium Saturday afternoon.

Akini finished with a game-high 23 points and nine rebounds, along with three blocked shots, while the sharpshooting Robinson hit six three-pointers en route to a 22-point, six-rebound performance.

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The Rattlers will be in Washington, D.C. on January 12, at Howard University to open MEAC play. The Lady Rattlers will face the Lady Bison at 2:00 p.m. at Burr Gymnasium and the men have a 4:00 p.m start time. See you there!

Southern University stadium expansion to start in February '08

Photo: Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South performing at half-time in A.W. Mumford Stadium, 2007.

After years of delays and criticism, Southern University officials said Friday that the expansion of A.W. Mumford Stadium is finally set to begin next month. The expansion will add 2,500 seats to the 26,500-seat stadium. Southern borrowed $60 million through bonds for construction, with about $14.5 million for the stadium. The cost now comes in at $16.5 million, but Hughes said reserve funds will adequately cover such overruns.

The 18-month construction of the north end zone enclosure and new football complex is expected to be completed in July 2009. Along with the stadium enclosure, the project will include new training facilities, lockers rooms, offices, a weight room, sports memorabilia spaces, meetings rooms, about 500 club-level seats and 2,000 end zone seats.

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Two years of procrastination (politics) and everyone wanting to have input into the project will cost the university $2 million plus before the project is completed. Bottom line, this expansion of A.W. Mumford Stadium is very good for Southern University to stay competitive in Louisiana and Southwestern Athletic Conference athletics.

To view the plans, budget and architectural drawings for the project, please click on this .pdf file link and view pages 8-12 of the document: http://members.cox.net/trey636/BOND%20PROJECT.pdf

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Jacksonville JAM falls in opener to Rochester Razorsharks

Former Florida A&M Rattlers guard Brian Greene led the JAM in scoring at 17, in season opener.

Press Release

Jacksonville, FL--The Rochester RazorSharks started off their 2008 Inaugural season in the Premier Basketball League with a 101-83 victory over the Jacksonville Jam led by James “Mook” Reaves with 20 points. The Jam started off hot, beginning the game off with a 7-0 run, but the RazorSharks finished the quarter strong to a 19-19 tie at the end of the 1st quarter.

The RazorSharks were able to go on an impressive 21-9 run in the first 4:00 minutes of the 2nd quarter. The RazorSharks went into the half with a 51-37 lead aided by Keith Friel’s 15 points, 4-6 from behind the arc in the first half and finished with 5 3-pointers and a total of 18 points for the game.

The Jacksonville Jam countered with a 20-7 run to close out the 3rd quarter. Derik Hollyfield’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer helped swing the momentum back to the RazorSharks, as that brought the 3rd quarter to a 67-61 RazorSharks lead.

With 2:25 left to play, the RazorSharks capped off a 23-8 run. The RazorSharks went 21-27 from the free throw line, including 11-12 in the second half to close out the game. The RazorSharks 1st round draft pick, Vidal Massiah, finished the game with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Franklin High School’s own, Marlin Johnson, finished the game with 7 rebounds.

The RazorSharks continue their season opening road trip vs. the Wilmington SeaDawgs at 5:00pm (est.). Jacksonville plays at Reading tonight.

Former Florida A&M University men basketball coach Mike Gillespie is head coach of the JAM, with FAMUan Brian Green and Terrance Woods playing the guard positions. Greene was the leading JAM scorer at 17 points.

The RazorSharks will be back on Monday to prepare for their Home Opener Weekend on Saturday, January 12 vs. the Reading Railers at 2:05pm (est.) and an early season rematch with the Jam on Sunday, January 13 at 1:05 (est.).

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Savannah State stuns Southern Mississippi

Southern Miss had three players score in double figures, but the Golden Eagles could not overcome a 15-point halftime deficit in a 61-56 loss at Savannah State Friday night at Tiger Arena in non-conference basketball action. The Golden Eagles (8-6) lost their third consecutive contest, while finishing the non-conference portion of the schedule for the second-straight season with a setback on the road at SSU.

Southern Miss, which trailed the entire game, fell behind big in the first half as they missed their first seven shots from the field and committed four turnovers. The Tigers (8-12) had a two-game losing streak snapped as they led by as many as 19 points in the opening half after a bucket from Chris Linton to make the score 23-4 with 8:12 remaining.

Linton led the Tigers with 12 points, while Lazarius Coleman added 11 as SSU converted 51.2 percent (21-of-41) in the contest.

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Wow! Talk about a butt kicking--Savannah State received one in a 75-48 rout at Maryland on January 2nd, but took it out on Southern Mississippi.

Too bad the local press provided little or no newspaper coverage at this Savannah State University home game. Shame on the hometown newspaper, the Savannah Morning News.

After two upsets of the Golden Eagles, expect SSU to be in search of a new Division I game next season.

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Norfolk State gets FBC transfer quarterback

Photo: Former UConn and Miami Central H.S. (FL) quarterback Dennis Brown is transferring to Norfolk State University and the MEAC.

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Norfolk State University Spartans just received the best commitment possible before the February 6, 2008, National Signing Day. This is the first day that a high-school athlete can sign a National Letter of Intent for football.

Dennis Brown, a former Miami Central Senior High School (Florida) quarterback is leaving the University of Connecticut Huskies and transferring to Norfolk State University. The 6-foot-3, 196-pound red shirt sophomore played in five games this season as the backup to junior starter Tyler Lorenzen and was 5-for-12 for 48 yards with one touchdown. Brown started two games as a true freshman in 2005 but was red shirted in 2006.

UConn loss 24-10 to Wake Forest in the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte. They finished the season 9-4, 5-2 in the Big East Conference.

Brown is a pre-pharmacy major that was team captain in high school; a third-team 6A All-State selection in Florida and a first team All-Dade County pick. He threw for 2,001 yards in his senior year for 18 touchdowns, leading Miami Central to a 10-2 season and the third round of the state playoffs. He was a Dade-Broward County All-Star pick and named MVP of the Dade-Broward All-Star Game. His 13-yard TD run in that game with 31 seconds left gave Dade County a 20-17 win.

Photo: Norfolk State Pete Adrian is building a strong FCS contender with a base of high school players, Jucos and key D-IA transfers.

Norfolk State is coming off its best season ever as a Division I, football championship subdivision (FCS) member with an 8-3 record. The Spartans were ranked #7 in the FCS, with 103,320 accumulated attendance for six home games. NSU average game attendance was 17,220 and leads all HBCUs in accumulated home attendance.

The Spartans are scheduled to play at FBS, University of Kentucky on September 6, 2008, and Brown's game experience makes him the potential starter at NSU. The Spartans were walloped 59-0 at #5 Rutgers University in their first contest with a FBS program in 2007.

NSU coach Pete Adrian, 2007 MEAC Coach of the Year is seeking a replacement for graduating senior quarterback Casey Hanson who passed for 3,648 yards and 16 TDs in the third best scoring offense in the conference, averaging 24.7 ppg in 2007.

Norfolk State returns to sophomore quarterbacks in Dexter Merritt, Brian Jackson, Rakeem Kersey and senior Korey Jones. Jackson also serves as the team's
punter.

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South Carolina State releases 2008 football schedule

Photo: SCSU Head Football Coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough faces two 1-A foes in 2008, in UCF and Clemson.

If last season's schedule was historic and unprecedented for South Carolina State, the 2008 campaign offers even more challenges and the return of an old rival. For the second straight year, the Bulldogs will play two Football Bowl Subdivision opponents -- both of whom are coming off bowl appearances. After opening the season Aug. 30 at Central Florida, three weeks later the Bulldogs will travel to Death Valley for their first meeting against Clemson University.

SCSU and Clemson were originally slated to meet in 2016. With Louisiana Tech voiding its contract with Clemson, an opening was created for SCSU to set up its second match up against a Palmetto State FBS (1-A) foe.

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Based on the schedule, the Bulldogs are very serious about making the FCS playoffs in 2008.

Here is why...

SCSU was 7-4 in 2007 with losses at South Carolina and Air Force--scoring only a field goal in each contest. However, it was more important that SCSU got paid-- the Bulldogs received $235,000 for this past season's historic contest with the University of South Carolina to go with the $220,000 it received to face Air Force Academy. Both games were not competitive with a 34-3 Air Force and 38-3 South Carolina losses.

This was the second 7-4 season for the underachieving Bulldogs with a senior laden team that were predicted to be the (pre-season) MEAC champions. It didn't happen with an overtime loss at Norfolk State (20-13) and a 17-16 home loss to Delaware State.

The question that cannot be answered today is how playing Air Force, South Carolina, Central Florida and Clemson improves recruiting for Buddy Pough 2008 Bulldogs? Certainly, releasing this schedule before National Signing Day next month is an advantage for SCSU over other MEAC schools that have not done so.

It's also an advantage for SCSU and Norfolk State to be playing bowl teams like Central Florida, Clemson, and Kentucky (NSU), respectively. It allows the MEAC teams to get greater exposure while placing them above the normal entree of HBCU football. Playing a local FCS (1-AA) would be absence both the financial gain and big time exposure that comes with playing a FBC team.

Norfolk State just capitalized on their upgraded schedule with the transfer of UConn quarterback Dennis Brown, red shirt sophomore from Miami Central High School (Florida). This 6-3/196 passing phenom may be the Spartans starter in '08, as they are scheduled to play at high powered Kentucky (that dismantled Florida State in the Music City Bowl).

Photo: SCSU has revenge on their minds as they have scheduled NSU for homingcoming 2008.

Its great to make money on these 1-A beat-downs, but if it does not translate long term into improving your team in getting higher quality student-athletes and winning your conference championship and FCS playoff berth, it may be deemed counter-productive, unless you are happy being stuck at 7-4.

For SCSU, Norfolk State and Delaware State, its too soon to determine if this strategy is going to work long term to make their programs more competitive on the field and in the FCS playoffs.

However, it certainly helps the strength of schedule if they can be competitive on the field with Central Florida or Clemson. No financial terms were made available by Central Florida and Clemson on what the Bulldogs are receiving in payment and athletic director Charlene Johnson is not telling--yet.

The regional rivalry with Benedict College is a great advantage for the gate and is not a disadvantage for getting multiple teams into the FCS playoffs. SCSU 63 scholarship players should clobber the 23 scholarships players of Division II, Benedict with ease and pack the stadium on both sides. The FCS has to now treat SCSU the same as it does with University of Delaware who plays a home game annually with D-II, West Chester State to balance scheduling one contest with a FBC team (this season its Maryland).

We do like the forward planning of SCSU in scheduling five home games and 12 contests in 2008.

It appears that all aspects and special interests of the program are being addressed from: (a) recruiting advantage; (b) breaking glass ceiling with Clemson Tigers; (c) earning $455,000 on two 1-A games to support athletic program; (d) play local rival Benedict in home contest on years that 12 games are permitted for five home games and guaranteed win; (e) providing an exciting fan driven schedule beyond the usual HBCU entree; and (f) balance one 1-A contest with long term rivalry contest with a D-II program.

This is a great marketing strategy and it keeps the fan interests alive and can translate to more butts in the seats in the home stadium for attendance records and higher program income.

Did anyone notice, the lack of the use of the word "Classic" on any of SCSU games? This sends the message loud and clear, South Carolina State is now serious about college football and making the FCS playoffs.

For SCSU, NSU and Delaware State this is an excellent scheduling model that will give them a competitive advantage over many other FCS and MEAC programs, and build strength of schedule for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

The key here is consistency of scheduling the FBC teams yearly to strengthen the HBCUs recruitment of prized student-athletes and 1-A transfers, and capture alumni support that attend and follow FBC football. We also see this as a great method for building a loyal fan base and building the financial and competitive infrastructure to move to the Football Bowl Subdivision in the next decade.

Great job South Carolina State University and athletic director Charlene Johnson! That's using your noggin after playing college football for 101 years.

2008 Bulldog Football Schedule

Date Opponent Location Time
8/30 Central Florida Orlando, FL TBA

9/6 BENEDICT ORANGEBURG, SC TBA

9/13 BETHUNE-COOKMAN ORANGEBURG, SC TBA

9/20 Clemson Clemson, SC TBA

9/27 Winston-Salem State Orangeburg, SC TBA

10/4 OPEN

10/11 NORFOLK STATE ORANGEBURG, SC TBA

(Homecoming)

10/18 Florida A&M Tallahassee, FL TBA

10/25 HAMPTON ORANGEBURG, SC TBA

11/1 Delaware State Dover, DE TBA

11/8 HOWARD ORANGEBURG, SC TBA

11/15 Morgan State Baltimore, MD TBA

11/22 North Carolina A&T TBA TBA


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FAMU Lady Rattlers falls to Savannah State

Photo: Junior forward Denise Tate pulls down career high 21 boards for Lady Rattlers against SSU.

The Savannah (Ga.) State University Lady Tigers cashed in 21 second half free throws to overhaul the Florida A&M Lady Rattlers, 74-66 in a non-conference women's basketball affair Friday evening in Gaither Gymnasium. The visiting Lady Tigers (8-6) trailed 36-30 at the break, but went inside the lane against FAMU in the second half, drawing fouls enough to get to the charity line.

The Lady Rattlers were led by junior forward Denise Tate had a career high 21 rebounds along with seven points, Stephanie Foster's 18 points and six rebounds, followed by 14 points from Joslyne Jackson and 10 points from junior Taniyah Dawson.

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In a game that was scheduled as a tune-up for the 9-3 Lady Rattlers, Savannah State (8-6) brought their "A" game and taught FAMU a lesson on inside lane play and clutch free throw shooting. As FAMU embark on MEAC league play next Saturday at Howard University, followed by three road contests, hopefully it was a lesson learned.

Game Ball goes to Rattlers Denise Tate for 21 rebounds.

See you Rattlers at Howard University--bring you heavy coats, hats and gloves, Floridians; it's 32 degrees this morning in Bison Country. That's the high; low was 16 degrees with wind chill at 8 degrees.

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Winston Salem may bid for 2009 MEAC tournaments

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference is looking for a city for its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, and Winston-Salem might be in the running. Commissioner Dennis Thomas of the MEAC said that information on the bid process was sent to Winston-Salem officials. The next step is for the city to submit a proposal to the MEAC, if it’s interested.

Chico Caldwell, the athletics director at WSSU, is a member of the Greater Winston-Salem Sports Commission. He says that the commission has not met to discuss the MEAC Tournament. But Caldwell said that landing the tournament would be a good thing.

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The facility being discussed for Winston-Salem, North Carolina is the Joel Coliseum, which seats 14,500. Norfolk, Virginia is countering with the Scope, which seats 10,000. Richmond, Virginia is also one of the MEAC's targeted cities, expecting to place a bid for the tournaments.

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Florida A&M signee stepping up game

Photo: FAMU has received a commitment from 6-9/290 center/forward Cecil Bent, Swainsboro (GA) High School for 2008/09 incoming basketball class.

After the Bulldogs dropped their first two games at the 12th annual Holiday Hoopfest, Dunnell Webb carried Thomasville High School past Brooks County 61-49 and to seventh place.

Thomasville (5-5) has suffered with offensive lapses during its up-and-down season. After the Trojans rallied from a 10-0 hole to pull within 16-15 midway through the second quarter, Webb put the Bulldogs on his back. Six points in the final 15 seconds of the half pushed Thomasville ahead 30-17 and then the Florida A&M University signee took over in the second half.

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Dunnell Webb is a 6-5 forward that was signed by FAMU Coach Eugene Harris during the early signing period. Webb is currently averaging 25 points, 4 rpg for the 1-AA Thomasville (GA) High School program.

The Rattlers have also received an oral commitment from 6-9/290 center/forward Cecil Bent, Swainsboro (GA) High School, who is averaging 12 points/8 rpg. Big Cecil is still growing; he was only 6-7/240 two years ago when he played on the Atlanta Celtics AAU team and has good hands and foot work for a big guy.

Both are exceptional students and will be part of Coach Harris first recruiting class at FAMU. Coach Harris is noted as an extremely great recruiter and evaluator of talent.

The Rattlers are expected to open their new 9,000 seat teaching gym/basketball arena in February 2009.

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Jacksonville JAM has FAMU flavor

Photo: Jacksonville JAM head coach Mike Gillespie has better days ahead in professional basketball.

The JAM will have a new head coach in Mike Gillespie, who brings strong credentials, albeit with some recent off-the-court issues. Gillespie has a 33-year coaching resume, including the past six as head coach of Florida A&M University.

Gillespie's squad made the NCAA Tournament in 2004 and 2007, but he was fired in August following a May arrest on stalking charges. In September, Gillespie reached a plea agreement for one year of probation.

"[Florida A&M] made a decision. I certainly didn't agree with the decision," Gillespie said. "I'm extremely grateful to have the opportunity to coach this year and coach the JAM and I hope to be here for a long, long time."

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Like most, its tough watching minor league/developmental league basketball when you can flip the channel on any given evening and catch an NBA game. However, you may want to pay attention to the Jacksonville JAM and other Premier Basketball League teams (PBL) this season.

Mike Gillespie is a good coach that can motivate a team to reach its potential.

He has snared former Florida A&M University players Brian Greene, 6-5 guard; and Terrance Woods, 6-3 shooting guard that blows the lights out on three pointers. Former Mississippi Valley State University 7'-0" center/forward Ronald Alexander will anchor the post for the JAM.

Last month, former NBA star and TNT analyst Kenny Smith took the job as commissioner of the new league. Smith on board says there is potential in this league to expand in minor markets.

The PBL season opens tonight, so let's see how this develops for Gillespie and the former MEAC/SWAC players attempting to make it to the National Basketball Association.

The Jam will now tip-off their second season at the University of North Florida. WJXE TV-15 will now broadcast all of the JAM games throughout the season for both home and road games.

The Jacksonville JAM successfully launched its inaugural season in the 2006-2007 American Basketball Association season. With a 28-8 record, a Southeast Division Championship and a number two ranking nationally in the final regular season ABA power rankings, the JAM emerged on the scene as a premier sports and entertainment organization.

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Holmes shares vision for Hampton U football

HAMPTON - There's a new man in charge of Hampton University football, but little else appears to have changed. Jerry Holmes said Thursday during his introduction as the Pirates' coach that his primary goal is to build on the success of departing coach Joe Taylor.

The biggest change on the horizon is a first-ever game against a Division I-A opponent, perhaps as early as 2009. HU athletic director Lonza Hardy listed several schools he's interested in contacting: Duke, North Carolina, Army and Navy.

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Why the change of philosophy by Hampton University to schedule "money games" with Football Bowl Subdivision (D-1A) teams? This did not happen during Joe Taylor's 16 years over the Pirates program, nor does it happen often in Hampton University basketball program. Is Hardy beginning to assert himself as athletic director?

The above mention schools are at the same difficulty level of a Princeton or Southern Illinois at the FCS level; so, why not get paid $250,000 for a road game with them, as we don't expect that Hampton with be seeing the FCS playoffs anytime soon. Before Hamptonites get upset with our statement, let us provide our rationale.

It's the Joe Taylor factor--recruits and D-I transfers want to play for Coach Taylor, not the other guy. Expect the blue chip talent to take the detour to North Florida henceforth, and become Florida A&M University Rattlers.

Hampton without Joe Taylor is like Burger King without the Whooper.

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TSU Lady Tigers rips Morehead State Eagles

Photo: Oby Okafor recorded her fifth double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds against Morehead State University. The 5-9 junior forward from Rolla, Missouri Rolla High School is majoring is Psychology.

Tennessee State shot better than 50 percent from the field Thursday night to help capture a 74-62 win over Morehead State in the Gentry Center. With the win the Lady Tigers move to 5-7 (2-1 OVC) while the Eagles drop to 3-10 (1-4 OVC).

Oby Okafor picked up her fifth double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Kendra Appling also posted 20 points and just missed her first career double-double with nine boards. Tiffany Jackson nearly recorded a double-double as well with 18 points and nine rebounds.

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Tennessee State wins ugly over Morehead State

Photo: #11 TSU Bruce Price, 6-3/205 junior guard, Minneapolis, Minnesota South High School.

A second-half rally by the Morehead State men fell short as the Tennessee State Tigers defeated the Eagles, 59-53, Thursday evening at the Gentry Center in Nashville. The Tigers continued their domination on defense to clap down on the MSU Eagles, holding the team to only 36 percent shooting for the game. This improved the Tigers record to 5-7, 2-1 Ohio Valley Conference, but more importantly continued the win streak began with TSU upset of Illinois 60-58 on Sunday.

Both teams started the game slowly, with Morehead scoring the first basket at the 18:30 mark of the game. The Eagles gained their biggest lead 7-4 with 14:30 left in the first half but TSU moved ahead 8-7 with 12:17 left. After an 8-8 tie (11:07) the Tigers took control of the half and took a 28-18 lead into the half.

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From a fan perspective, the Tigers do just enough on offense to win but their defense is beginning to jell into championship form.

Norfolk hopes to host 2009 MEAC tourneys

City officials say they plan to aggressively court the 2009 MEAC men's and women's basketball tournaments, which are seeking a new home after Raleigh, N.C., declined to renew its contract with the league.

Norfolk has bid to host the tournaments twice previously; Mayor Paul Fraim said Wednesday that the city would do so again. Although the MEAC hasn't officially told the city it is seeking bids, he said he asked John Rhamstine, director of the city's cultural facilities, to begin preparing one Wednesday.

MEAC commissioner Dennis E. Thomas said the league is seeking bids and that "information is going out as we speak" to prospective cities, including Norfolk. "I think Norfolk is a tremendous city, a very progressive city," he said. "We look forward to their bid."

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Savannah State Tigers get steamrolled by Maryland

Photo: Cliff Tucker and the Terrapins forced 24 Savannah State Tigers turnovers, and scored 33 points off of them.

Last night, the Terrapins gave their coach proof that they deserve a piece of their identity back. Four starters scored in double figures and the Terrapins asserted their dominance with several big blocks in a 75-48 victory over Savannah State at Comcast Center.

The Terrapins (8-6) forced the over matched Tigers (7-12) into 24 turnovers, converting the miscues into 33 points, eliminating any chance that Maryland's only non-televised game of the season would be competitive.

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SWAC names Duer Sharp, Commissioner

Photo: Duer Sharp, SWAC Commissioner

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Southwestern Athletic Conference Council of Presidents and Chancellors – Chairman Ronald Mason Jr. – has announced the selection of Duer Sharp as the new Commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Sharp will replace Robert Vowels Jr. as commissioner.

Commissioner Sharp, who assumes his duties immediately, joined the SWAC staff in January 2004 as an assistant commissioner. He was promoted to associate commissioner in June 2005, coordinating the football championship and basketball tournament as well as managing the day-to-day operations of the SWAC office.

The 38-year-old Sharp’s duties also included the enforcement of SWAC and NCAA policies for 18 intercollegiate sports. He also has served as the interim athletic director at Grambling State.

“I am honored and excited to lead the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and I am grateful to the Council of Presidents and Chancellors for giving me this opportunity to be a part of the exciting future of the SWAC,” Sharp said.

Vowels stepped down in June to become vice president for educational services with the NCAA.

From October 2005 to June 2006 Sharp was the interim athletics director at Grambling State University.

Prior to joining the SWAC, Sharp spent six years as a sports management administrator at the Big Ten Conference. During that time Sharp worked with a number of coaches and administrative groups as a staff liaison.

Sharp received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Afro-American Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he was a four-year starter for the Badger football team (1988-1991). He was the recipient of Jay Seiler award for team leadership and was the recipient of Kappa Alpha Psi Tom W. Shick Scholarship awarded for intellectual vigor, concern for social justice and equality.

Tennessee State University athletic historian Kindell Stephens dies

Kindell Stephens, a longtime prominent Tennessee State athletics department employee, died Wednesday after a lengthy illness.

Stephens, 64, celebrated his 30th year at TSU last summer. He spent many years as the Tigers' sports information director and radio broadcaster and was a standout basketball player at Fisk University.

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Western Michigan grounds North Carolina Central Eagles

Photo: NCCU Eagles received tough introduction to Mid-American Conference basketball at WMU on Wednesday.

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Western Michigan opened up 2008 by holding North Carolina Central to 30-percent shooting en route to a 79-43 defeat of the Eagles in front of 2,832 fans at University Arena on Wednesday night.

Sophomore gaurd David Kool led the Broncos (6-7) with a game-high 17 points and hit a career-high five three-pointers. Kool also set a career-high with 11 three point attempts. Junior forward Derek Drews pitched in 13 points and senior center Joe Reitz scored 11 of his 13 points in the second half and grabbed a game-high nine rebounds. Junior point gaurd Mike Redell scored seven points and dished out a career-high 10 assists to notch only the 10th double-digit assist game in Western Michigan history. Sophomore center Donald Lawson tied a career high with six rebounds and set a new career high with five blocked shots. Junior guard Andre Ricks scored all seven of his points in the second half. All 12 players saw at least four minutes on the court and 11 scored to give WMU a 27-6 advantage in points off the bench.

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The North Carolina Central Eagles season record is now 1-18 in their first season of NCAA Division I basketball. The Eagles next will visit East Carolina at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Lafayette Leopards pounce on Morgan State Bears

EASTON, Pa. - Junior Cristin Zavocki made Lafayette history with eight three-pointers in the Leopards' 83-62 rout of Morgan State on Wednesday night. The eight three-pointers were the most scored by a Lafayette women's basketball player in program history while her 26 total points were a career-high.

Morgan State responded by scoring 12 unanswered points to cut the lead to 12 (63-51) with 8:23 on the clock. Zavocki responded by scoring five straight points and the lead stood at 18 (74-56) after yet another Zavocki three-pointer with 4:40 remaining.

The Lady Bears found themselves trailing by 20 (80-60) after a LaKeisha Wright jumper with under three minutes to play. The Leopards took a game-high 21-point lead after a free throw by sophomore Amanda Leone and went on to the 83-62 win.

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The Lady Bears are now 6-5 on the season.

Who is this guy--Jerry Holmes, HU football coach?

HAMPTON - Events unfolded so quickly and unexpectedly last Saturday that Hampton University football fans barely have had time to process them. Joe Taylor departed for Florida A&M after 16 seasons as the Pirates' coach, and Hampton defensive coordinator Jerry Holmes ascended to head coach.

So the questions linger. Who is this Jerry Holmes guy now in charge of black-college football's most successful program? Does he have what it takes to follow in the beloved Taylor's footsteps?

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Wofford shuts down Bethune-Cookman in OT

Photo: BCU 5-9 freshman guard Demetria Frank, Miami Jackson Senior High School, dished six assists and scored 16 points.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Wofford College (8-4) needed an extra five minutes, but the Terriers took advantage of the additional time to pull away for an 83-71 triumph Wednesday afternoon in non-conference women's basketball action against Bethune-Cookman inside the Benjamin Johnson Arena in Spartanburg, S.C. The contest was the first overtime tilt for both schools this season.

Natasha Ferguson led the 3-9 Wildcats and all players with 20 points and 12 caroms. She was one of two Bethune-Cookman players with a double-double, as Keturah Newkirk added 18 points and 10 boards. Demetria Frank finished with 16 points and a team-high six assists.

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Gators out-defense FAMU Lady Rattlers

Photo: Denise Tate #40, 6-1 junior forward from Cleveland, Ohio Glenville High School grabbed seven rebounds against the Florida Lady Gators. Tate is a FAMU Pharmacy major.

Gainesville, FL - Junior center Aneika Henry (Coconut Grove, Fla.) grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds and blocked a personal-best six shots to lead a defensive charge that sparked the University of Florida women’s basketball team to a 71-51 win over Florida A&M at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center on Wednesday evening.

Junior guard Stephanie Foster led FAMU with 16 points on 7-of-18 shooting, while senior guard Q’Vaunda Curry and junior forward Denise Tate shared the team lead with seven rebounds apiece. Junior guard Evette Young dished out five assists to pace the Lady Rattlers.

“It was our first game since the break and we were not in sync," said FAMU coach Debra Clark, whose team was playing its first game in 16 days. "It was not a good game for us. Florida was much bigger and seemed more comfortable on the court.

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The Lady Rattlers record falls to 9-2 on the season with Florida A&M scheduled to face the Savannah State University Tigers at Gaither Gym on January 4, 2008, at 7:00 p.m.

N.C. A&T Lady Aggies get routed by No. 9 Baylor Bears

WACO, Texas -- When Baylor coach Kim Mulkey saw how well North Carolina A&T played against No. 12 Texas A&M on Sunday, she didn't know what to expect on Wednesday.

What she got was an 80-percent first-half shooting performance by her Lady Bears en route to an 89-48 win. The Lady Bears shot 60 percent for the game.

Rachel Allison scored a career-high 28 points and Angela Tisdale hit five 3-pointers and scored 22 for No. 9 Baylor (11-1). The Lady Bears used a 31-4 run early in the game to put it out of reach. Tisdale hit two 3s during the stretch.

After leading Texas A&M by four late in the game before eventually losing 74-65 on Sunday, A&T coach Patricia Cage-Bibbs was at a loss trying to explain her team's contrasting performances in the last two games.

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The Aggies return to Cal Irvin-Don Corbett Court on January 12 to face Morgan State, which will be their first home conference game of the season.

The Aggies Coach Patricia Cage-Bibbs became the 38th active women's basketball coach to record 400 career wins and just the second women’s basketball coach to do it at an HBCU. Cage-Bibbs milestone came on November 23, 2007, in a convincing 88-62 win over UNC Asheville.

On top of all that, she has all but rebuilt her third women’s basketball program in twenty-three years of coaching. She is a 1972 graduate of Grambling State University and is in her third season leading the Aggies women basketball program.

Football coaching staff named at Hampton University

Photo: Hampton University Head Football Coach Jerry Holmes

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Jerry Holmes, head football coach, Hampton University has retained four assistant coaches from Joe Taylor's previous staff.

Coach Taylor, named head football coach at Florida A&M University is taking former Hampton running backs coach Aaron Taylor (his son), and offensive line coach Lawrence Kershaw to the Rattlers program. Kershaw is under consideration by Taylor to become offensive coordinator at FAMU.

Coach Holmes has promoted 17 season veteran Donovan Rose to defensive coordinator. Rose has been an assistant coach for the duration with the Pirates program, and served previously as the assistant head coach/secondary coach for the past five years. He is a 1979 Hampton University graduate.

Corey Sullivan was named offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach. The 2002 Tennessee State University graduate is in his second season with the Pirates and his offense scored 29.9 ppg, leading the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in 2007.

Roy Johnson, quarterbacks coach will also remain on the Pirates staff. Johnson is a former Pirates quarterback and 1999 graduate of Hampton University, who is in his second season with the program. Prior to coming to Hampton, Johnson spent six years as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Meadowcreek High School and Redan High Schools in Georgia. He is second all-time at Hampton in passing yards (7,086) and completions (502), while ranking fourth in touchdown passes with 45.

Devan Hill is in his fifth year working as a defensive backs coach for the Pirates. The 2000 Hampton University graduate has committed to remain on Coach Holmes staff. He was a four-year letterman (1996-99) and two-year starter at cornerback for Joe Taylor and the Pirates.


Florida A&M University will receive Lawrence Kershaw and Aaron Taylor on Joe Taylor's Rattlers staff.

Photo: FAMU Football Coach Lawrence Kershaw

Coach Kershaw is a 1995 graduate of Virginia State University. He spent 2007 at Hampton University as the offensive line coach. He served in the same capacity in 2006 at Truman State in Missouri.

Prior to that, Kershaw spent two seasons at Virginia Union University where he was the assistant head coach and offensive line coach, in addition to being the recruiting coordinator and organizing the strength and conditioning program.

Kershaw was also an assistant coach for seven years at Virginia State University of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), where he helped the Trojans win two conference titles. There he served as the running backs coach in 1995, the offensive line coach in 1996-97 and 2000-03, and the offensive coordinator from 2001-03.

In 2000, 2002 and 2003, Kershaw’s offensive line was the best in the CIAA in sacks allowed, while the Virginia State offense also led the conference in numerous offensive categories. From 1995-2003 the program produced 25 all-conference players on offense, including 13 first team selections and three offensive players of the year.

Kershaw also has one year of coaching experience at Fordham University, where he was a volunteer assistant offensive line coach in 1998 for the NCAA Division I FCS program.

Kershaw started his collegiate playing career at Stony Brook where in 1990 he was named to the All-Liberty Conference football team. He played his final two seasons at Virginia State in 1993 and 1994.

Kershaw graduated from Virginia State in 1995 with a bachelor of arts in sociology and in 1997 he received his masters of education in guidance from VSU.

Photo: FAMU Football Coach Aaron Taylor

Aaron Taylor served seven years on Joe Taylor's Hampton University staff. Last season he served as the running backs coach, after spending time coaching the tight ends and tackles, as well as four years coaching the defensive line.

During his tenure on the defensive side of the ball, Taylor worked with numerous all-conference performers to lead a Hampton defense that ranked amongst the best in the country. With the Pirates’ defensive unit leading Division I-AA in turnovers forced in 2004, Hampton was able to capture its third MEAC championship.

In 2005, his first season overseeing the running backs, he aided Alonzo Coleman and Ardell Daniels in becoming just the third duo in Division I FCS history to rush for 1,000 yards each in consecutive seasons.

The Charleston, Illinois native and oldest son of head coach Joe Taylor is a graduate of Phoebus High School (Va.) where he was a four-year letterman in football.

In 2001 he earned his bachelor’s degree in history/political science from Virginia State University where he also was a member of the Trojans’ football team. His outstanding senior campaign as an offensive guard garnered him All-CIAA honors.

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