Howard Lady Bison Crush North Carolina Central Eagles, 67-26

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Howard Women's Basketball team held North Carolina Central to a season low, 26 points, by defeating the Eagles, 67-26 in Burr Gymnasium.

Tamoria Holmes and Saadia Doyle both finished with a total of 44 points to lead HU (13-6 overall, 5-1 in MEAC) into its fifth conference win. This win marks a 7-0 record on Howard's home court.

Doyle also added eight rebounds to the stat sheet. Cheyenne Curley-Payne had a solid performance with eight points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Nicole Deterville grabbed a game-high 11 off the glass.

To start the game, the Eagles quickly scored a layup from a steal by Chasidy Williams. From there, HU answered with two points in the paint by Doyle at the 19:11 mark. After that, the Bison went on a 38-8 run, to give the Bison a 29 point cushion, 39-10, at the half.

To open scoring for the last 20 minutes of the game, Holmes hit a jumper inside the arc to increase the spread to 31 points, (41-10) in the first 32 seconds of the half. The Eagles responded with a three-pointer by Blaire Houston at the 18:42 mark. By the first media timeout, NCCU trailed HU 46-13. Coming out of the timeout, Houston was fouled and rewarded two shots at the charity-stripe. After hitting just one free throw, the Eagle's Alesha Jenkins scored a lay-up to decrease the margin to 30 points. With a little less than six points remaining in regulation, both teams traded baskets to make the score 53-23 at the 8:26 mark.

Howard outscored the Eagles 12-3 in the last four-plus minutes to cruise to the 67-26.

For the Eagle's, Houston recorded a team high of nine points in 32 minutes of action while Jenkins added a team high of six rebounds and four points.

HU will look to continue their home winning streak by facing Hampton University on Monday Jan 23 in Burr Gymnasium. Tip off is set for 7 p.m.

BOX SCORE

Written by Julee O'Neal, W. Basketball , Broadcast Journalism '13

Jamilah Corbitt, Assistant Sports Information Director

VISIT: HOWARD-BISON
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY 

Johnson commits to Grambling State Tigers

WINNSBORO, Louisiana  -  Franklin Parish runningback Noble Johnson gave his verbal commitment over the weekend to play football at Grambling State University. After making an official visit on Saturday, Johnson said he came away convinced GSU was the best program for him and what he wanted to do at the next level.

"Most of the programs that were interested in me wanted to take me out of my position," Johnson said. "Grambling made it clear to me that I would be playing running back and that made a big difference with me."

Johnson rushed for 1,686 rushing yards and 22 TDs this season, while leading the Patriots to their first play-off victory since the school's consoladation in 2005. The bruising ball carrier – listed at 6'1, 244 lbs – was named to this year's 4A all-state team and was voted co-offensive MVP of district 2-4A.

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Howard University educated physician was a trailblazer in college athletics and civil rights

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On a day of reflection of the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., there isn't much anyone can add to his legacy that hasn't already been written. But, shortly before Dr. King was born, an African-American named Charles Fremont "Pruner" West, in Washington, Pennsylvania was laying the foundation for the advancement of African-Americans in collegiate sports.

'Pruner West', who would later earn his doctor of medicine degree from Howard University, and would briefly coach the Bison football team, was the first African American quarterback to play in the Rose Bowl, in 1922.

As the story goes, West was an outstanding student and athlete who played halfback and backup quarterback on the football team, and threw the javelin for the track and field teams at Washington & Jefferson College in 1920-24.  But his impact goes way beyond sports, the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, and his legacy is a cornerstone of this highly acclaimed private liberal arts college.

Now the rest of the story...

'Pruner' West: Rose Bowl QB, civil rights pioneer

The college football teams at Oregon and Wisconsin recently played in the 98th Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.  While the tradition-rich game seems worlds away from Washington, this was not so 90 years ago when Washington & Jefferson College played the University of California in the 8th Rose Bowl, then called the Tournament of Roses game.

Prior to the start of its 120th football season last year, Washington & Jefferson commemorated the 90th anniversary of their only appearance in the Rose Bowl and honored the quarterback who led the 1922 team.

To recognize the accomplishments of Charles "Pruner" West, Dana Brooks, dean and professor of physical education at West Virginia University, presented W&J with a poster of West in a dedication ceremony at the U. Grant Miller Library. The event was attended by members of the West family, including his daughter, Linda West Nickens, grandson Michael West Nickens and granddaughter Crystal Nickens.

In 1922, the Presidents - the only team to play a Rose Bowl without using a substitute - held the California Golden Bears to the only scoreless tie in the game's history.

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CHARLES FREMONT "PRUNER" WEST

1922 ROSE BOWL QUARTERBACK

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

HOWARD UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL GRAD.

ALEXANDRIA (Va.) FAMILY PHYSICIAN - 50 YEARS

(1/25/1899 - 1979)

" A Life of  Integrity for which there is No Compromise"

(Photo Courtesy: W&J U. Grant Miller Library Digital Archives)

REMEMBERING A ROSE BOWL LEGEND:  CHARLES 'PRUNER' WEST

WASHINGTON, Pennsylvania - Nearly 90 years ago, Charles Pruner West made history, but even the most well-informed sport historian still probably doesn’t recognize his name. That’s certainly not the case at Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pa., where West’s iconic status was recently recognized during a ceremony.

West is believed to be the first African-American quarterback to play in the Rose Bowl when in 1922 W&J travelled across the country to play the University of California in college football’s oldest bowl game.

Dana Brooks, co-editor of Racism in College Athletics and Diversity and Social Justice in College Sports, and dean of the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences at West Virginia University, put together a collection of images from his research archives to create a poster that was presented to Washington & Jefferson to be displayed in its U. Grant Miller Library. Fitness Information Technology also donated to the library a copy of Racism in College Athletics as well as the Leaders in Sport collection of books authored by Richard Lapchick. West’s daughter, Linda West Nickens, was among the dignitaries who attended the presentation.

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W&J honors early black football star

WASHINGTON, Pennsylvania (9/8/2011) - Washington & Jefferson College on Saturday kicked off its 120th football season by defeating Juanita in a lopsided 40-0 contest. As W&J fans got their first taste of a new gridiron season, they also looked back to honor one of the college's most distinguished African-American football players and students -- Charles West, a 1924 graduate who became a family doctor in Alexandria, Virginia.

In 1922, Dr. West led the Presidents football team to its only appearance in the Rose Bowl in California. He is believed to be the first African-American quarterback to play in the nation's oldest bowl game. The rainy, muddy game ended in a scoreless tie with the University of California.

Last week, Dana Brooks, dean and professor of physical education at West Virginia University, presented W&J officials with a poster collage of Dr. West's accomplishments to display in the U. Grant Miller Library on campus. Mr. Brooks co-wrote the book "Racism in College Athletics: The African-American Experience" and is writing a paper on Dr. West.  He co-wrote the book with Ronald Althouse, a West Virginia University sociology professor, in 2000.

"He was a pioneer," Mr. Brooks said. "Back then, in the 1920s, there were very few African-American players in private colleges, but there were some in the Midwest and East." Paul Robeson, the concert singer, was one. He was playing football at Rutgers in New Jersey in the early 1920s.

Charles West grew up in Washington, Pa., where his father owned a general store. He was a very good high school student and also excelled at track.

"Early African-American athletes faced prejudice and discrimination, especially when their college teams played teams from the South, where very few blacks were playing," Mr. Brooks said.

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FAMU QB Austin Trainor transfers to D-II West Georgia

AUSTIN TRAINOR

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Florida A&M took its first step to preparing for the 2012 football season Monday without quarterback Austin Trainor, who decided to transfer in hopes of landing in a starting role.

Trainor told the Democrat on Monday that he has transferred to the University of West Georgia. The Wolves compete in the Gulf South, the same Division II conference that Valdosta State plays.

Trainor, who led FAMU to six consecutive victories to finish the 2010 season as co-champion of the MEAC, lost the starting job to freshman Damien Fleming in the fourth game last season. He made cameo appearances in two other games.

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Icon Rudy Hubbard Steps Away from Coaching Sidelines

FORMER FAMU HEAD FOOTBALL
COACH RUDY HUBBARD WON
THE FIRST NCAA 1-AA (FCS)
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN 1978.
HIS '79 RATTLERS TEAM DEFEATED
THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI.

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - The biggest offseason news of the high school football landscape. Legendary head coach Rudy Hubbard is stepping away from the sidelines. The man who spent the past 4 years restoring class and honor to the Rickards football program submitted a letter of resignation this week.

He went (12-25) on Tallahassee's southside but his impact on the Raiders football team can't be restricted to just wins and losses. Those around the school say Hubbard helped restore honor, class and strength to the program.

Coach Hubbard will obviously be more remembered for his College National Championship days (1978 & '79) with Florida A&M, but the pride, dignity and strength he helped instill at Rickards despite only winning 12 games in 4 seasons will not be forgotten.

Coach Hubbard will remain on staff at the high school but a search for his replacement will begin immediately.

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Maclay Speedster Lee Williams (RB) commits to FAMU

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -  It is football and track for Maclay School speedster Lee Williams.  Following a weekend visit to Florida A&M University, Williams committed to the Rattlers Sunday afternoon and will participate in both sports.

“FAMU was probably the school that was recruiting him the hardest,” Maclay coach Kyler Hall said. “They had called and called him. Ever since the season ended, they were the No. 1 school on him.”

Williams, who earned second-team All-State honors in Class 3A, rushed for 2,138 yards and 28 touchdowns as a senior.  He is also one of the top sprinters in the state and won three championships at last year’s Class 1A state track meet.

“He didn’t really lean either way if he would do football or track,” Hall said. “But the last two weeks, he seemed really excited about the visit. I know he loved the place and the coaches at FAMU.”


Lee Williams #35, McClay School 2011 Highlights

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STAT SHEET ON LEE WILLIAMS, 5'-9"/170 lbs. MCCLAY SCHOOL

Personal Best

40 yard dash: 4.365

100 Meter Dash: 10.60

200 Meter Dash: 21.78

400 Meter Dash: 54.29

Long Jump: 23-2.5

Triple Jump: 47-6

Lee Williams, Football Player

Running Back/CB

2nd Team AP All-State, Class 3A
3 Year Varsity Starter, Co-Captain
2,138 yards, 28 Touchdowns (senior season)

Awards/Accomplishments:
2009 FHSAA 1A State Championships: 2nd place in state for the 100 yard dash as a freshman. Third place in triple jump as a freshman.

2010 FHSAA 1A State Championships: 1st place in 100 yd dash with a 10.99 (as a sophomore). 2nd place finish in the 200 yd dash with a 22.32. 1st place finish in the Triple-Jump with a jump of 47.2 ft. 3rd place in the Long Jump with a distance of 23.2 ft.

2010 FHSAA State 100m (1st place) 2010 FHSAA State 200m (2nd place) 2010 FHSAA Triple Jump: 47.3 (1st place)

2010 State Championship -Track

Grambling starts long road trip in Dallas

DALLAS, Texas - Both Grambling's basketball teams are probably glad Saturday is in their rearview mirrors.  Dual losses to Texas Southern let the Tigers (2-13, 2-3) and Lady Tigers (6-9, 2-3) know they each have a long road ahead, and each squad will have to remedy its issues away from home before its seasons slip away.

That challenge begins Monday afternoon when coaches Donnita Rogers and Bobby Washington and company tip off a doubleheader of 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. contests in Dallas against Prairie View A&M.

GSU held leads in each game Saturday before falling short, and leaving Rogers to say on Sunday morning that she's "been better." "We're really frustrated," she said of her women's team. "We're going on the road, though, and it's an opportunity to get back on track. "It's like we take two steps forward and three steps back. We've just got to get across to them mentally, because I know we're in shape, and I know we know how to play."

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Christian Williams Stepping up as Scorer for JSU

JACKSON, Mississippi  -  It has been a roller coaster season for Jackson State hoops. A bright spot is beginning to shine during SWAC play. That light, junior guard Christian Williams.

"I'm just trying to be a leader. This is my third year. I'm trying to show a little leadership," said Williams. Through 17 total games this season, Williams boasts a modest scoring average of 9.9 ppg. Dig a little deeper and you'll see he is averaging almost 17 ppg in JSU's five SWAC contests.

"Christian Williams is playing well for us," said JSU Head Coach Tevester Anderson.

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SU women, Mississippi Valley to clash in SWAC showdown

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - Ten months ago in Garland, Texas, just before their teams met in the semifinals of Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament, Sandy Pugh and Nate Kilbert met at midcourt. There, briefly, they shared a handshake and a laugh. It was just another meeting between two friendly adversaries. One of many meetings.

After 10-plus years of matching wits and teams, the two coaches have gotten to know each other fairly well. They’ve also accounted for some of the most entertaining games in SWAC women’s basketball.

At 5:30 p.m. Monday, on Kilbert’s home floor, the R.W. Harrison Complex in Itta Bena, Miss., they meet again in what could be another show-stopper. At the moment, Pugh and Southern (5-7, 4-1) sit atop the conference standings. Kilbert and Mississippi Valley State (6-9, 3-1) are in second place, trailing by a half-game.

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SU women pull away, beat UAPB

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas — Essence Hopkins scored a career-high 19 points and led four Southern women’s basketball players in double figures as the Jaguars pulled away for an 81-62 victory over winless Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday afternoon at H.O. Clemmons Arena.

Hopkins, a junior from New York, had never led the team in scoring and never scored more than 14 in a single game.

Saturday afternoon, in a tougher-than-expected game against UAPB, Hopkins made 6 of 9 shots from the floor and 7 of 10 free throws en route to her career high. She led a team that went 35-for-45 at the free-throw line, helping the Jaguars pull away.

Southern (5-7, 4-1 Southwestern Athletic Conference) trailed the winless Lady Lions (0-15, 0-4) for a short time in the first half and led by only nine points with 13 minutes remaining.

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Southern Jaguars ride key victory into Valley

SU COACH ROMAN BANKS

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  -  It was the kind of victory the Southern men’s basketball team rarely achieved over the past few seasons — the kind of victory a fledgling program needs.

Saturday afternoon at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, the Jaguars struggled against a team that hadn’t won in two months. SU fell behind early and trailed for virtually the entire second half — but the team dug deep, rallied and ultimately prevailed. Derick Beltran drained a game-winning 3-pointer with four seconds left, and Southern escaped (69-68).

“You’ll take (victories) any way you can get ’em,” first-year coach Roman Banks said. “Especially when you’re rebuilding and still trying to learn how to win.”

Now, the Jaguars move on to Itta Bena, Miss., where they’ll face Mississippi Valley State. It’s a fitting stop for a team that’s trying to climb back toward the top of the Southwestern Athletic Conference after several years of futility.

When the teams tip off at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the R.W. Harrison Complex, Southern will get a good look at a Valley program that’s done just that.

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Late 3 lifts Jaguars by Pine Bluff, 69-68

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas — Savalace Townsend had all but carried Arkansas-Pine Bluff to the finish line Saturday, scoring 31 points in a barnburner against Southern at H.O. Clemmons Arena. So with 19 seconds left, when Townsend stepped to the free-throw line with a chance to give UAPB a two-possession lead, the Golden Lions felt pretty good about their chances at closing out the game.

The Jaguars, meanwhile, were making plans. First-year coach Roman Banks told his players that if Townsend missed both, they shouldn’t call a timeout. They should go. And go they did.

Derick Beltran drained a 3-pointer with 4 seconds left, lifting Southern to a stunning 69-68 victory that shocked the home crowd of 3,108.

Said a relieved, thankful Banks afterward: “We’ll take it.”

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Late Gold Rush free throws preserve 65-58 victory over Fisk

CORDELL HADNOT (#0)
6-7/250 FORWARD, SENIOR
HOMETOWN: LOS ANGELES, CA
WESTCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL

NEW ORLEANS -- Cordell Hadnot scored 14 points Saturday, and NAIA No. 18 Xavier University made 8-of-11 free throws in the final 3½ minutes to preserve a 65-58 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men's basketball victory against Fisk.

The Gold Rush (12-5 overall, 3-1 GCAC) won for the fifth time in six games and remained a half-game behind conference co-leaders Tougaloo and SUNO.

Hadnot scored 10 first-half points to help Xavier grab a 32-30 halftime advantage. There were four ties and five lead changes in the opening period.

Xavier never lost the lead in the second half and twice led by 10 before surviving a Fisk rally which twice closed the margin to one point in the final six minutes.

Chris Iles, who finished with 10 points, made 4-of-6 free throws in the final 38 seconds for Xavier, which won for the 28th time in its past 32 games at The Barn.

The Gold Rush won because of better free-throw shooting. Xavier made 21-of-29, and Fisk (5-12, 1-3) made 14-of-27. The Bulldogs were 11-of-23 in the second half.

Anthony Simmons grabbed a career-high-tying 13 rebounds for the Gold Rush. Simmons reached 12 rebounds for the third time in four games, and Xavier outrebounded Fisk 43-29.

Jewaun Wynn led Fisk with 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Cameron Lewis scored 11 points, and Harold Jenkins had 10. Xavier limited Fisk's leading scorer for the season, Darrell Miller, to three points and 1-of-7 from the floor. Miller was one of two Bulldogs to foul out.

Xavier outshot Fisk 46.5 to 30 percent from the floor to offset 24 turnovers, seven more than the Bulldogs.

Although Fisk is a second-year GCAC member, this was the teams' first meeting since November 1999. Xavier leads the series 12-5 and beat the Bulldogs for the first time since the 1970-71 season.

Both teams will play GCAC games Monday. Xavier will play Philander Smith at 7 p.m. at The Barn, and Fisk will play SUNO at 2 p.m. at Dillard's Dent Hall.

BOX SCORE

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

NCCU Sports Network Catches Up with Coach Henry Frazier III

DURHAM, North Carolina - Play-by-play voice of the NCCU Sports Network, Chris Hooks, caught up with NCCU head football coach Henry Frazier III to look back at his first season at the helm and what is ahead of the football program in terms of recruiting and the 2012 season.


VISIT: NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY
VISIT: NCCUEAGLEPRIDE

Tennessee State Track and Field Wraps Up UNC Invitational

CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina - On day two of the Dick Taylor Invitational, Tennessee State University's men and women's track and field teams took to the Eddie Smith Field House to pick up more top finishes.

On the women's side, Senior Daniecce Ward picked up a fifth place finish in the women's triple jump with a mark of 11.31m. Fellow jumper Felicia Oladakun finished right behind Ward with mark of 11.27m.

Ashontae Jackson finished with a time of 25.63 for a sixth place finish in the 200 meter dash.

In the Shot Put, Brittani Logan threw a mark of 11.41m, which landed her in 10th place.

Junior Gabrielle Todd placed in eighth with a time of 59.07 in the 400 meter dash.

For the men, Junior Lequinn Davis earned a seventh place finish with a time of 22.83, Michael Johnson finished right behind him in eighth place, clocking in at 22.89,in the 200 meter dash. Later in the day, Davis also earned a ninth place finish in the 400m meter dash with a time of 51.67.

Seniors Avian Hughes and Adrien Hill finished in sixth and eighth place respectively with marks of 13.57m and 12.93m in the triple jump.

Alex Griffin threw a mark of 44-5 ½ (13.54m) in the shot put, which earned him an eighth place spot.

Next up, TSU will head to Champaign, Ill. to compete in the Illini Classic. The event will be hosted by the University of Illinois. Competition will be held over a two day period, starting on Friday, January 20.

Dick Taylor Invite- Complete Results

Tigerbelles Saturday Results

200-meter Dash

Ashontae Jackson (6) 25.63

Shot Put

Brittani Logan (10) 11.41m

400-meter Dash

Gabrielle Todd (8) 59.07

Triple Jump Finals

Daniecce Ward (5) 11.31m

Felicia Oladakun (6) 11.27m

Flying Tigers Saturday Results

Triple Jump

Avian Hughes (6) 13.57m

Adrien Hill (8) 12.93

Shot Put
Alex Griffin (8) 44-5 ½ (13.54m)

200-meter Dash
Lequinn Davis (7) 22.83
Michael Johnson (8) 22.89

Courtesy: Tennessee State Sports Information
VISIT: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: TSUTIGERS

Is Alabama State Hornets Recruiting for Division I-A football?

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - Alabama State football coach Reggie Barlow finds himself in an interesting dillemma these days. Barlow has to set aside a few scholarships for his academic casualties from a year ago while making plans to recruit bigger and better talent to play for the Hornets.

At the same time, he has to be careful what his staff promises to young recruits. The Hornets haven’t announced just yet that they’re making the move from Football Championship Subdivision (Division I-AA) to Football Bowl Subdivision (Division I-A) so he needs to be careful not to mislead anyone, even if the writing is on the wall.

“I don’t think they’re investing this type of money into athletics if they’re trying to stay where we are,” Barlow said recently, stating the obvious. Of course, moving up in the ranks means severing all ties with historical rivals such as Tuskegee and Alabama A&M and leaving the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

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VISIT: BAMASTATESPORTS
VISIT: ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY

Gold Nuggets wallop Fisk 71-28, earn seventh consecutive victory

NEW ORLEANS - Keldra Hall scored 14 points Saturday to lead NAIA No. 17 Xavier University of Louisiana to a 71-28 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's basketball victory against Fisk.

The Gold Nuggets (14-5 overall, 4-0 GCAC) won their seventh in a row and produced their largest winning margin in conference since an 84-40 home victory against William Carey on Jan. 13, 2003.

Hall, who played 12 minutes, scored in double figures for the seventh consecutive game.

SiMon Franklin had 10 points for Xavier. Fourteen XU players scored, and none played more than 18 minutes. Jasmine Grant and Paige Gauthier each made a pair of 3-pointers for Xavier. Jazmoné Kelly had four of Xavier's 20 steals and moved into a tie for 15th place on XU's career list with former Gold Nugget Sherlett Hendy. Both have 208 steals.

Simona Newman had nine points for Fisk (3-10, 0-4), a second-year GCAC member.

Xavier scored the first nine points and led 35-8 when Grant passed to Franklin for a basket at 7:44 of the first half. The Gold Nuggets led 37-18 at halftime, and the final margin was their largest of the game.

The Gold Nuggets outshot the Lady Bulldogs 39.3 to 20 percent from the floor and outrebounded them 46-34. It was the fourth straight game that Xavier limited an opponent to less than 30 percent, and it was the fifth straight game that the Nuggets had a double-digit rebound advantage. Fisk made 6-of-17 free throws and committed 30 turnovers.

Xavier has won 33 in a row against GCAC opponents, 28 in the regular season.

Both teams will play GCAC games Monday. Xavier will play Philander Smith at 5 p.m. at The Barn, and Fisk will play SUNO at noon at Dillard's Dent Hall.

BOX SCORE

By Ed Cassiere,Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

Former Lake Gibson Star Emerging As FAMU's Leader

Former Lake Gibson star Antonia Bennett
entered play Saturday not only as FAMU's
best player but perhaps the best player
 in the entire Mid-Eastern
 Athletic Conference.

LAKELAND, Florida  -  Antonia Bennett never minded staying in the background, even though her game often pleaded for more attention. It's not that Bennett was unsure of herself or afraid of the spotlight. She just wasn't going to press.

Through her years at Lake Gibson High School and even for a couple of years at Florida A&M, Bennett was content letting her teammates be the vocal leaders and gaining all the accolades. She was just happy just doing her part on the court.

That was until FAMU coach LeDawn Gibson had a talk with Bennett during the summer and told the senior that in order for them to reach their shared goals, Bennett was going to have to do more than lead by example. And that was all the player needed to hear.

Bennett entered play Saturday not only as FAMU's best player but perhaps the best player in the entire Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. She was the conference leader in scoring (19.4 points per game) and rebounding (9.5 rebounds per game) and third in the conference in blocks per game (1.7). That's not bad for a 6-foot-1 guard/forward/center.

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FAMU's Henry Lawrence, a diamond in the rough, shined brightly;

Florida A&M 's Henry Lawrence is the
Rattlers' only first round draft choice to the
NFL (Oakland Raiders), later earning three
 Super Bowl rings in a 14 year career. 

Lawrence to be inducted into Florida Sports Hall of Fame on March 20th.

BRADENTON, Florida  -  John Madden will never forget the first day he saw Henry Lawrence (Florida A&M). It’s a reason he is an NFL Hall of Fame coach and Lawrence went on to win three Super Bowls. Then the head coach of the Oakland Raiders, Madden was at the 1974 Senior Bowl to check out Ed “Too Tall” Jones (Tennessee State), a heralded defensive lineman who would become the number one pick in that year’s NFL draft.

Madden saw what others didn’t. He was more impressed how Lawrence blocked Jones and kept him under check during the Senior Bowl practices.

“I went there to see Too Tall and I see Henry constantly blocking him and holding him back,” Madden said. “We couldn’t get Jones because we weren’t high enough up in the draft, but I said we are going to get the guy who can block the number one guy in the draft.”

The Raiders drafted Lawrence with their first pick (19th overall) and Lawrence went on to have the best NFL career of any player to come out of Manatee County (and Florida A&M), earning several Pro Bowl honors along with his Super Bowl rings.

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VISIT:  HenryLawrence.com
VISIT:  FLORIDASPORTSHALLOFFAME


3 time Super Bowl Champion Henry Lawrence of the Oakland Raiders; video taped live in Sarasota, FL in 2010,with Henry singing his version of Otis Redding's "Try A Little Tenderness."

Scores That Matters!!

January 14, 2012

Women's Basketball

GCAC

Southern-New Orleans 73, Edward Waters 67

Talladega 71, Tougaloo 61

Xavier 71, Fisk 28

Dillard 62, Philander Smith 45

SWAC
Southern 81, Arkansas Pine Bluff 62
Mississippi Valley 66, Alcorn State 58
Jackson State 48, Prairie View A&M 46
Texas Southern 54, Grambling State 51
Alabama A&M 65, Alabama State 56

OVC
SIU Edwardsville 60, Tennessee State 50

MEAC
Florida A&M 55, Savannah State 50
Hampton 76, Coppin State 50
Howard 65, North Carolina A&T 57
Norfolk State 76, Morgan State 75

Maryland Eastern Shore 69, Delaware State 56

South Carolina State 71, Bethune-Cookman 60

SIAC

Fort Valley State 95, Benedict49

Stillman 60, LeMoyne-Owen 56

Miles 66, Tuskegee 64

Albany State 82, Paine 77

Kentucky State 60, Clark Atlanta 56

CIAA

Winston Salem State 60, Elizabeth City State 56

St. Augustine's 72, Bowie State 60

Virginia Union 82, Livingstone 76

Shaw 75, Chowan 67

MEN'S BASKETBALL

GCAC

Southern-New Orleans 83, Edward Waters 76

Tougaloo 67, Talladega 57

Philander Smith 82, Dillard 77

Xavier 65, Fisk 58

SWAC

Mississippi Valley 85, Alcorn State 66

Southern 69, Arkansas Pine Bluff 68
Texas Southern 61, Grambling State 57
Alabama State 53, Alabama A&M 50
Prairie View A&M 72, Jackson State 66

OVC
Tennessee State 52, SIU-Edwardsville 57

MEAC
Norfolk State 90, Morgan State 89 (2 O.T.)

Savannah State 69, Florida A&M 58

Coppin State 83, Hampton 66

Bethune-Cookman 82, South Carolina State 76

North Carolina A&T 70, Howard 65

Maryland Eastern Shore 63, Delaware State 60 (O.T.)

SIAC
Benedict 72, Fort Valley State 62
Paine78, Albany State 75 (O.T.)

Clark Atlanta 80, Kentucky State 74

LeMoyne-Owen 59, Stillman 58
Tuskegee 82, Miles 74
Lane 61, Morehouse 55

CIAA
Winston Salem State 63, Elizabeth City State 60
Bowie State 75, St. Augustine's 71
Virginia Union 88, Livingstone 68
Shaw 103, Chowan 89

Five Tennessee State Tigers Earn Top-5 Marks in First Day at UNC

Chapel Hill, North Carolina  -  The Tennessee State University track and field team had five student-athletes notch top-5 finishes during the first day of the UNC Dick Taylor Invitational.

TSU opened up the day with a pair of qualifiers in the 60-meter dash and 60-meter hurdle prelims. Ashontae Jackson, a redshirt-freshman, picked up a fifth place finish in the 60-meter dash with a run of 7.75 seconds.

The Gordonville, Va., product later placed fifth in the long jump with a leap of 18-2 ¼ (5.54m). Teammate Daniecce Ward notched a distance of 17-3 ¼ (5.26m) to earn 11th in the event.

Arthur Combest ran the 60-meter hurdles preliminary in 8.32 seconds to qualify for the final race. In the finale, the Memphis native clocked in with a time of 8.61 for seventh overall.

Sophomore Royce Dates recorded the Ohio Valley Conference's top-mark in the long jump, clearing a distance of 24-1 ¾ (7.36m). His mark earned him second at the meet and is good for 10th nationally as of Friday evening.

Also in the long jump, Avian Hughes leapt 23-1 ¼ (7.04m) for fourth in the completion.

In the women's weight throw, Brittani Logan notched a lunge of 45-11 ¼ (14.00m) to earn fifth in the competition.

Tennessee State closes out the UNC Dick Taylor Invitational tomorrow beginning with the women's high jump at 10 a.m. Live results will be available online at TSUTigers.com.

Tigerbelles Friday Results

60-meter Hurdles Preliminaries

Brielle Moore (19) 9.38

Daniecce Ward (23) 9.47

LaTia Carney (26) 9.60

60-meter Dash Preliminaries
Ashontae Jackson (7) 7.82q

60-meter Dash Finals
Ashontae Jackson (5) 7.75

600-meter Run
Breanna Adams (10) 1:40.80
Charita Harris (11) 1:42.13

Weight Throw
Brittani Logan (5) 14.00m - 45-11 ¼

Long Jump
Ashontae Jackson (5) 5.54m - 18-2 ¼
Daniecce Ward (11) 5.26m - 17-3 ¼

Flying Tigers Friday Results

60-meter Hurdles Preliminaries

Arthur Combest (6) 8.32q

Jahleel Michael 8.60

60-meter Hurdles Finals

Arthur Combest (7) 8.61

60-meter Dash Preliminaries

LeQuinn Davis (12) 7.01

Lamonte Burton (18) 7.07

Julian Mallory (26) 7.18

Distance Medley Relay

Team 'A' (9) 11:05.47

Long Jump

Royce Dates (2) 7.36m - 24-1 ¾

Avian Hughes (4) 7.04m - 23-1 ¼

Adrien Hill (12) 6.32m - 20-9

Weight Throw
Alex Griffin (15) 9.12m - 29-11 ¼

Courtesy: Tennessee State University Athletics
VISIT: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: TSUTIGERS

Gold Rush defense fuels 70-39 rout of Edward Waters

NEW ORLEANS — Anthony Simmons had 18 points, a season high, and 12 rebounds Friday to lead NAIA No. 18 Xavier University of Louisiana to a 70-39 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men's basketball victory against Edward Waters.

Simmons, the reigning GCAC Player of the Week, scored in double figures for the fifth consecutive game and recorded his second double-double in three games. Ten of his teammates scored but none reached double figures.

Xavier allowed its fewest points since a 116-27 home victory against Wesley (Miss.) on Nov. 15, 2004, and its fewest in a GCAC game since a 62-36 home victory against Spring Hill on Feb. 15, 2003. It was Xavier's largest winning margin in conference since a 98-64 decision at Belhaven on Jan. 3, 2008.

Carlton Darling had 12 points and eight rebounds for Edward Waters (7-9, 2-2), a second-year GCAC member.

Xavier scored the first five points and never trailed. The XU men had a 16-3 run en route to a 39-18 halftime lead and held their largest advantage, 70-36, on a Simmons 3-point play with one minute remaining. The Tigers never were closer than 18 points in the second half.

The Tigers shot 26.2 percent from the floor, a season best for Xavier's defense. The Gold Rush shot 42.9 percent and converted 32 Edward Waters fouls into 25-of-33 free throws. XU reserves Cordell Hadnot and Gil Mathieu made 6-of-6 free throws apiece.

Xavier also produced its best turnover margin of the season, committing 21 but gaining 32. The Tigers made 17 first-half turnovers.

It's the first time in Xavier history that both basketball teams allowed less than 40 points in a GCAC doubleheader. The Gold Nuggets defeated Edward Waters 63-35 in the opening game.

Both the Gold Rush and Tigers will play GCAC games Saturday. Xavier will play Fisk at 7 p.m. at The Barn, and Edward Waters will remain in the city and play SUNO at 3 p.m. at Dillard's Dent Hall. Fisk won 72-60 at Dillard on Friday.

Box Score

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

Ariel Mitchell's 27 Points Fuels Dillard Lady Bleu Devils to Third Straight Victory

LADY BLEU DEVILS ARIEL MITCHELL
5-7 FORWARD, SENIOR
HOMETOWN: ST. JAMES, LA

NEW ORLEANS  -  Ariel Mitchell had a season-high 27 points and 10 rebounds as the Dillard Lady Bleu Devils won their third straight game, 63-52 over Fisk University on Friday night on the Battlefield in Dent Hall on opening night of the MLK Weekend GCAC Midseason Tournament.

The Lady Bleu Devils remained undefeated in conference play at 3-0 and evened their overall record at 6-6.

The Fisk Lady Bulldogs (0-3, 3-8) gained the upper hand on the Lady Bleu Devils early in the first half, racing out to an 11-3 lead to begin the game. Ariel Mitchell led a 12-0 Lady Bleu Devil charge, scoring eight points during that span to help catapult Dillard into a 15-11 lead. The Lady Bleu Devils began to assert themselves on offense, while turning up the pressure on defense versus the Lady Bulldogs.

The Dillard Lady Bleu Devils continued to score at will on the Lady Bulldogs, although the score remained close throughout the first half. Dillard went into halftime up on the Lady Bulldogs 28-26. Ariel Mitchell led the Lady Bleu Devils with 13 first half points. The Lady Bleu Devil defense was as stingy as it has been all season, forcing the Lady Bulldogs into 19 first half turnovers while shooting on 37% from the field.

In the second half, the Lady Bleu Devils wasted little time capitalizing on Fisk's errors. The Lady Bleu Devils scored the first five points of the second half to take a commanding 33-26 lead. Fisk responded with a 7-0 run to tie the game at 33-33. Ariel Mitchell's three-point play broke the tie and gave the Lady Bleu Devils a lead that they would not relinquish. The Lady Bleu Devils were able to extend the lead to as much as sixteen with six minutes left in the game, and from there cruised to the victory.

Lauren Daniel contributed 11 points, 5 assist and 4 rebounds for the Lady Bleu Devils, while Jazzmin Smith tallied 10 points and 9 rebounds in the victory.

The Lady Bleu Devils will have little time to celebrate the victory, because they will be back in action tomorrow, Saturday, January 14th. The Lady Bleu Devils will battle the Lady Panthers of Philander Smith on the Battlefield in Dent Hall. Tipoff is set for 5:00 p.m.

By Dillard University Sports Information

VISIT: DILLARDBLEUDEVILS

VISIT: DILLARD UNIVERSITY

Grambling's Doug Williams paves the way for his son

GRAMBLING, Louisiana  -  Doug Williams had the finest day of his NFL career in 1988 when he guided the Washington Redskins to a 42-10 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII. Williams, a former Grambling State star, threw four touchdown passes in that game and was named the Super Bowl MVP. Moreover, he became the first black quarterback to win a Super Bowl.

His leadership and trailblazing efforts have opened the doors for a number of African-American quarterbacks. Williams couldn't have won a Super Bowl without receiving a good foundation that allowed him to polish his skills as a player and have a clear understanding of the game. He got his foundation from Grambling State coach Eddie Robinson. Williams is now carrying on the late Robinson's legacy as the coach of Grambling State. He is developing and shaping the lives of young players just like his mentor, and one of them is his son D.J. Williams.

Like his father, D.J. plays quarterback ...

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