Bethune-Cookman Announces 2013 Football Schedule

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida  --  Bethune-Cookman University officially released the 2013 football schedule on Wednesday, Feb. 6, as announced by B-CU Director of Athletics Lynn W. Thompson.

The 12-game regular season slate is the first of its kind for B-CU since 2002.

Under the direction of head coach Brian Jenkins, recently completing his third year at the helm in Daytona Beach, the 2012 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion Wildcats will host five games inside Larry Kelly Field at Municipal Stadium on the 2013 slate.

"This year's schedule will definitely be a challenging one, but it's one we're all looking forward to," said B-CU head coach Brian Jenkins. "Our Director of Athletics, Lynn Thompson, has done a tremendous job in making sure we have a strong schedule, and we still have another game to add. So, it's going to be one that all Wildcat fans will enjoy."

The 2013 campaign opens with a trip to Tennessee State on Sunday, Sept. 1, as the Wildcats meet the Tigers for the John Merritt Classic at L.P. Field in Nashville, Tenn. The Tigers took a hard-fought 21-14 game from the Wildcats last year in front of a near-capacity crowd in Daytona Beach. The Cats then return to Daytona Beach for their home-opener against the Virginia Union Panthers on Sept. 7.

The following weekend, B-CU continues its new tradition of playing at least one BCS opponent as the Wildcats travel to Miami to face the FIU Panthers on Sept. 21. Network television will determine the kickoff time for that game up to 10 days out. B-CU will conclude the month of September with a game to be determined by next week.

"We have a big announcement coming with the open game we have right now on September 28," said Lynn W. Thompson. "Our fans need to stay tuned to BCUathletics.com because it's definitely going to be big news that they'll want to read about."

The Cats stay on the road for the first two weeks in October as they open Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play at Delaware State (Oct. 5) and Howard (Oct. 12). The games against the Hornets and Bison see resurgence in contests against those teams as they replace North Carolina A&T and Morgan State, respectively. It'll be the first time in two years B-CU has faced Howard and Delaware State.

Bethune-Cookman returns home to host Savannah State for the Third Annual Biker Classic on Oct. 19, followed by one of the biggest Homecoming weekends in recent history as the Cats welcome South Carolina State to Municipal Stadium on Oct. 26. Both of those games have kickoff set at 4 p.m.

B-CU hits the road to open its November slate with a trip to North Carolina Central (Nov. 2), before returning home for a pair of games against Virginia Tidewater-area foes Norfolk State (Nov. 9) and Hampton (Nov. 16), respectively. The month closes with the annual Florida Blue Florida Classic against Florida A&M at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando on Nov. 23.

For ticket information, please call the B-CU Ticket Office at (386) 481-2465, or visiting TicketMaster.com by clicking here.

For all the latest information on the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, follow the official Twitter feed, @BCUathletics, or "Like Us" on Facebook at Bethune-Cookman Athletics.


BCU WILDCATS 2013 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Location Time (ET)   Sun, Sep 01 Tennessee State Nashville, Tenn. TBA Sat, Sep 07 Virginia Union Daytona Beach, Fla. 4:00 p.m. Sat, Sep 14 FIU Miami, Fla. TBA Sat, Oct 05 Delaware State * Dover, Del. TBA   Sat, Oct 12 Howard * Washington, D.C. 1:00 p.m. Sat, Oct 19 Savannah State * Daytona Beach, Fla. 4:00 p.m. Sat, Oct 26 South Carolina State Daytona Beach, Fla. 4:00 p.m. Sat, Nov 02 North Carolina Central * Durham, N.C. 2:00 p.m. Sat, Nov 09 Norfolk State * Daytona Beach, Fla. 4:00 p.m. Sat, Nov 16 Hampton * Daytona Beach, Fla. 4:00 p.m. Sat, Nov 23 Florida A&M * Orlando, Fla. TBA

* Conference Games COURTESY BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

Six freshmen join UMES Hawks baseball for 2013

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland  -  University of Maryland Eastern Shore head baseball coach Pedro Swann will have six freshmen on the team for the 2013 season, bolstering the pitching and infield ranks.

Of the six, four will serve primarily as pitchers for the team, while the other two will man the left side of the infield. "This class is going to greatly help our team," says Swann, "I am excited to see these players grow and develop as their careers progress."

J.P. Black - RHP - R/R - Elkton, Md. - North East H.S.
Black joins the Maroon and Gray after being an all-around athlete at North East High School. He lettered in baseball, soccer and cross country with the Indians, serving as a relief pitcher for the school. He also is a strong student, graduating in the top five percent of his class.

"He is a very hard working guy, he gives you 100% everyday. He has very good command of his pitches, especially his changeup, and I see him as a middle relief/setup guy and a future starter."

 Connor Breslin - IF - R/R - Saylorsburg, Pa. - Pius X H.S.
Breslin comes to Princess Anne after a strong career at Pius X High School and is expected to compete in the left side of the infield. Batting .416 in his senior year, he competed with the Lehigh Valley Baseball Academy and helped the Royals win a pair of district championships.

"He is one of our best defensive infielders with great hands and a cannon for an arm. He will develop his hitting and he has great upside."

James DiBuo - RHP - R/R - Bishopville, Md. - Stephen Decatur H.S.
DiBuo remains on the Eastern Shore to play for UMES, serving as a pitcher for Stephen Decatur High School. Earning sportsmanship awards in his sophomore and junior years, he also played for American Legion Post 94 in summer ball.

"He has a strong work ethic, and that makes him better everyday. He will likely come out of the bullpen and his ceiling is very high."

Mike Escanilla - IF - S/R - Waldorf, Md. - North Point H.S.
Escanilla will fight for a place on the left side of the UMES infield after being one of the top players in southern Maryland. Helping North Point High School finish ranked 18th in the state last year, he finished as an all-county player the last three years and earned all-conference honors as a senior.

"He reminds me of Jerry Hairston, very athletic and quick plus will do whatever he needs to do: drop a bunt, make a fielding play, steal a base. He is a double threat as a switch hitter and will be a great player."

Chris Lopez - RHP - R/R - Vineland, N.J. - Vineland H.S.
Lopez will serve as the Garden State's representative to UMES after being a great all-around baseball player at Vineland High School. Earning all-area and all-conference honors as a senior, his final season he led Cape-Atlantic League with a 1.90 ERA in over 50 innings and batted .395.

"He has one of the livest arms on our team for a small guy. With his great fastball he should be a reliever this season, and he will be a future starter."

Will Turley - RHP/IF - R/R - Greensboro, Md. - North Caroline H.S.
Turley suits up for the Hawks after being one of the best pitchers on the Eastern Shore. At North Caroline High School, he helped the team win a state championship in 2011 and was an All-Bayside Conference player as a senior. He finished his career with a 10-0 record and hit .375 his senior season.

"His pitching style is controlling; everything he throws moves, including his fastball. His role will be middle relief, and he has a good bat so he can play third base."

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE SPORTS INFORMATION

Grambling State Universty National Signing Day Central

GRAMBLING, Louisiana  --  National Signing Day is TODAY, Wednesday, Feb. 6 and GSU fans can follow all of the official signee announcements for football, soccer and track & field at www.gsutigers.com.

This evening the Grambling State University Football Team will hold a signing day program at 5 p.m.in the theater of the Favrot Student Union.

See the latest signees here:

Football:

Weston Simmons DE 6'2 215 South Gwinnett H.S. (Snellville, Ga.)

Jerod Fisher LB 6'1 230 Stevenson H.S. (Sterling Heights, Mich.)

George Myers DB 5'5 160 Laney H.S. (Hephzibah, Ga.)

Craig White DE 6'4 250 Van Alsytne H.S. (Van Alstyne, Texas)

Jestin Kelly RB 5'10 240 Port Allen H.S. (Port Allen, La.)

Jonathan Wallace PK 5'10 180 Rayville H.S. (Rayville, La.)

Jeremiah Guillory OL 6'3 380 Hamilton Christian H.S. (Lake Charles, La.)

 

Myles Davis OL 6'6 355 Acadiana H.S. (Scott, La.)

Shelby Smith DL 5'11 244 Ouachita H.S. (Monroe, La.)

Donovan McCray DL 6'1 255 McKinley H.S. (Baton Rouge La.)

Triston Druden OL 6'2 300 Tatum H.S. (Beckville, Texas)

Joshua Hunt TE 6'2 240 Huntington H.S. (Greenwood, La.)

Verlan Hunter WR 6'1 190 Mansfield H.S. (Mansfield, La.)

Arkez Cooper DE 6'2 220 Mansfield H.S. (Mansfield, La.)
 

COURTESY GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Howard concludes the 2013 National Signing Day at 18 signees

WASHINGTON, D.C. --  Howard University Head Football Coach Gary "Flea" Harrell concluded his third National Signing Day on Wednesday, Feb. 6 with 18 student-athletes from across the United States of America.

Below is a complete list of the 2013 freshman class:

Time	Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	High School
7:38 AM	Austin Orr	LS	6'2	248	Cathedral HS/Indianapolis, Ind.
7:51 AM	Ronald Neilly	OL	6'5	275	Hallandale HS/Hallandale, Fla.
7:51 AM	Robert Alexander	LB	6'0	240	Hallandale HS/Hallandale, Fla.
8:04 AM	Howard Warren	OL	6'5	250	Hopewell HS/Hopewell, Va.
8:05 AM	Richard Johnson	DE	6'3	245	John Hay HS/Cleveland, Ohio
8:09 AM	Freddy Leroy	DB	5'11	185	North Miami Beach HS/Miami Beach, Fla.
8:24 AM	Travon Hunt	DB	6'1	180	Burns HS/Lawndale, N.C.
8:30 AM	Da'Vaun Williams	QB	6'3	215	Martin Lurther King HS/Detroit, Mich.
8:49 AM	Jordan Dunham	OL	6'1	300	Stephenson HS/ Stone Mountain, Ga.
9:41 AM	Jordan Pittman	TE	6'2	225	DeMatha HS/Hyattsville, Md.
9:48 AM	Travis Brown	LB	6'0	225	Victory Christian Center/Charlotte, N.C.
9:52 AM	Alonte Dunn	DB	6'1	177	McDonough HS/Ponfret, Md.
10:20 AM	Donte Hoskins	OL	6'3	280	Olympic HS/Charlotte, N.C.
11:00 AM	David Thiel	DB	6'1	180	Warren Eastern HS/New Orleans, La.
11:30 AM	Devyn Reid	OLB	6'3	215	Miami Central HS/Miami, Fla.
1:45 PM	Shaka Kendricks	OL	6'4	285	Bishop O'Dowd HS/Oakland, Calif.
2:05 PM	Anthony Philyaw	RB	6'1	210	Redondo Union/Redondo Beach, Calif.
2:28 PM	Leland Lassister	DB	5'9	175	Dunbar HS/Baltimore, Md.

For more information on Howard University Football, visit the official athletics website at www.howard-bison.com.

SC State Football Signs 15 Prospects

COACH BUDDY POUGH

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  --  South Carolina State, Wednesday, announced the signing of fifteen (15) football prospects to national letters. Only four of the signees are from South Carolina. Six are from Georgia, four from Florida and one from North Carolina.

The four Palmetto signees included Shrine Bowl running back Harold Atkinson of Carolina Forest High in Conway, QB Kylen Binn of Columbia, a North-South All-Star Game selection, and LB Michael Wamer of St. George, a High School Sports Report (HSSR) All-State performer and a Times and Democrat newspaper Elite 11 pick, and offensive lineman Justin Evans of Florence.

The Bulldogs were looking to strengthen their defense and add some speed on offense, according to SC State head coach Buddy Pough.

“We did well generally on defense and really helped ourselves on the defensive front”, Pough said. The defensive people we signed up front are really athletic and good solid players. We got two linebackers that are really special and a good group of defensive backs as we were really in need of safeties and corners.

“We also signed two wide receivers that are both skilled guys and can do a lot after catching the ball,” Pough continued. “And, we signed a tall quarterback we are excited about and a tight end that's really athletic and hard-nosed.”

Defensive end Victor Ismael of Miami, whose dad played at SC State in the mid 80s and currently an assistant strength coach for the Miami Hurricans, and Trayshaun Watkins of Mooresboro, NC, lead the defensive linemen Pough spoke of.

The talented linebackers are Dayshawn Taylor of Lincolnton, Ga., and Wamer; Kolby Gray of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. and Devondre Powell head the list of defensive backs.

Others lauded by Pough were receivers Chris Trimmings of Brunswick, Ga., and Bernard Morrison of Stone Mountain, Ga.; tight end Zane Fields of Jonesboro, Ga., Binn, the quarterback of Columbia and only offensive lineman among the signees, Justin Evans of Florence.

2013 Football Signees

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. High School Hometown/Honors

Harold Atkinson RB 5-10 230 Carolina Forest Conway/Shrine Bowl, All- American Game
Kylen Binn QB 6-5 210 Blythewood Columbia, SC/North-South Game
Tyberius Cravens DE 6-1 231 Pebblebrook Austell, GA/All-Region
Justin Evans OL 6-4 278 Wilson Florence, SC/Rivals.com 3 Star
Zane Fields TE 6-2 235 Lovejoy Jonesboro, GA/GA-FL All-Star Game
Kolby Gray DB 5-9 170 Atl. Sports Acad. Ft. Lauderdale, FL/Rivals.com 2 Star
Chris Herise DL 6-4 225 Central Miami Miami, FL/FL All-Star Game, Rivals.com 2 prospect
Victor Ishmael DE 6-1 260 Miami Sunset Miami, FL/FL All-Star Game
Bernard Morrison WR 6-0 184 South Gwinnett Stone Mountain, GA/ Gwinnett All-Star Game, Rivals.com 2 Star
Gregtavious Newell DE 6-1 210 Atl Sports Acad McDonough, GA/Team DL of the Year
Devondre Powell DB 5-9 175 Miami Jackson Miami, FL/GA-FL All-Star Game, All-Dade County
Dayshawn Taylor LB 5-10 240 Lincoln County Lincolnton, GA/All-State, All-Region
Chris Trimmings WR 5-10 172 Brunswick Brunswick, GA/All-Region, Rivals.com 2 Star
Michael Wamer LB 6-2 187 Woodland St. George/Elite 11, HSSR All-State
Trayshaun Watkins DE 6-1 228 Chase Mooresboro, NC/All-Conference, All-County

  
COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION  

The Official List of the 2013 AAMU Football Signees

NORMAL, Alabama  --  Throughout National Signing Day aamusports.com will post and update the official list of prospective student-athletes who have signed National Letters of Intent to play football at Alabama A&M in 2013. Refresh/reload this page for the latest information.

Prospective student-athletes are listed below only when the AAMU Football Office has received an official, signed NCAA National Letter of Intent that has been verified by the AAMU Athletics Compliance Office.

 

Updated Alabama A&M Football Signing List as of 8:40 p.m.

• Jabari Baker RB 5-11 210 Forest Hill, Miss. Hinds Community College

• Bryran Brower RB 5-9 185 Millbrook, Ala. Stanhope Elmore HS

• Byran Brower LB 5-10 210 Millbrook, Ala. Stanhope Elmore HS

• Antonio Carey DB 5-10 150 Dallas, Texas LG Pinkston HS

• Tyler Davis OL 6-2 320 Faunsdale, Ala. Linden HS

• Cesar Diaz K 5-10 165 Stevenson, Ala. North Jackson HS

• Talon Green DE 6-0 245 Atlanta, Geo. Atlanta Prep
• Kyle Harmyk QB 6-5 180 Middletown, Calif. Mendocino Community College
• Dominque Harris QB 6-4 220 Memphis, Tenn. Northwest Community College
• Harvey Harris RB 5-10 165 Montgomery, Ala. Carver HS
• Darius Hooten OL 6-8 340 Nashville, Tenn. Pearl Cohn HS

• Malcolm Johnson OL 6-2 300 Jonesboro, Geo. LoveJoy HS

• Virgin Johnson LB 5-10 220 Orangeburg, SC Orangeburg Wilkerson HS

• Anthony Jones OL 6-3 340 Meridianville Ala. Hazel Green HS
• Jaymason Lee QB 6-0 230 Honoluu, Haw. Mesa Community College

• Diondre Lewis LB 6-1 215 Miami, Fla. Florida Atlantic

• Justin Lucas DB 5-8 170 Notasolga, Ala. Notasolga HS

• Keland McElrath DL 6-4 315 Ripley, Tenn. Coahoma CC

• Dayquan Miller OL 6-2 240 Augusta, Geo. Laney HS

• William Pritchett LB 6-0 200 Mobile, Ala. Davidson HS

• Akeem Samuels OL 6-2 280 Miami, Fla. American HS

• Joshua Sandlin RB 5-11 215 Memphis, Tenn. Central HS

• Jordan Shelton OL 6-4 285 Madison, Ala. Bob Jones HS

• Austin Simmons OL 6-7 350 Montgomery, Ala. Alabama Christian HS

• Jeremy Smith DB 6-0 170 Augusta, Geo. Laney HS

COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Hampton football announces 2013 signing class

HAMPTON, Virginia  --  Hampton University head football coach Donovan Rose announced his 2013 class of signees on Wednesday, a slate of five players that includes one student-athlete from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

“We’re committed to continuing to recruit character guys, and I think this year’s class fits that mold,” Rose, coming into his fifth season, said. “We’re anxious to see these kids come in and compete and begin working toward getting back to where we need to be as a program.”

This year’s signees:

-Bryan Bailey (6-2, 185, QB, Woodruff, S.C., Woodruff HS): was named All-Region and All-Conference, as well as earning WSP Player of the Week honors. He chose Hampton over Western Carolina.

-David Holley (5-11, 225, LB, Stockton, Calif., San Joaquin Delta College): was All-State in high school and played in the Dade-Broward All-Star Game. He was also a junior college All-American, recording 96 tackles (15 for loss), two sacks, and three forced fumbles. Holley chose Hampton over a number of schools, including MEAC rivals Howard, Bethune-Cookman, and South Carolina State.

-Blake Porter (6-3, 285, OL, Charlotte, N.C., West Charlotte HS): was an All-Conference and All-Region selection. He was also named Student-Athlete of the Year and was a member of the Charlotte Touchdown Club.

-Paul Robertson (5-10, 204, RB, Richmond, Va., LC Bird HS): rushed for 2,935 yards this past season and was named VHSL Player of the Year. He earned All-District, All-Metro, All-Region, and All-State honors. Robertson chose Hampton over such schools as Delaware and Massachusetts.

-Tyric Robinson (5-11, 170, WR, Columbia, S.C., Ridge View HS): was named All-Conference and holds the South Carolina record for longest touchdown reception at 99 yards. He chose Hampton over Alcorn State and Coastal Carolina.

“Our recruits this year were very need-specific,” Rose said. “We still have a few more slots left open, but I feel like we’re in good shape in being a little more selective.”

The Pirates will open the 2013 season on Aug. 29, when they head to Macomb, Ill. to take on Western Illinois. For more information on Hampton University football, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.




COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

SAU Falcons Ranked No. 1 In NCAA Division II Men's Indoor Track and Field Poll

Legendary Head Coach George Williams
Has  His Men's Team Ranked No. 1
 in the Nation.

RALEIGH, North Carolina  --  Saint Augustine's University took over the top spot in the NCAA Division II Men's Indoor Track & Field Rankings, which was released by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013.

The Falcons head the men's poll for the first time since the third week of the 2011 season. They have 203.23 points in the computer-based rankings to lead Ashland (188.07 points) and Grand Canyon (170.03). Adams State, ranked No. 1 last week, fell to fourth with 128.70 points.

This was the first week the preseason times, marks and scores were removed from the ranking formula. It helped the Falcons move up two spots from No. 3 last week despite being idle this past weekend. The Falcons put on scintillating performances in the sprints at the Winston-Salem State Open Jan. 20 and the Penn State National Invitational Jan. 25-26 to put themselves in position to grab the top ranking.

“We accomplished our goal of earning the No. 1 ranking,” said iconic Head Coach George Williams, whose St. Aug men's and women's teams have combined to win 31 NCAA indoor and outdoor titles. “Now our goal is to win the national championship.”

The Falcons continued their hold on the Atlantic Region rankings. Their 466.22 points lead the regional poll followed by Shippensburg (345.78) and Slippery Rock (247.47). In the women's regional poll, the Lady Falcons are fourth with 197.57 points. Shippensburg is ranked first with 278.09 points followed by Kutztown (229.22) and Slippery Rock (218.58).

Individually, Dane Hyatt (Jr./Goodwill, Jamaica) remained the top sprinter in both the men's 200 (21.25) and 400 (47.17) meter dashes for the second consecutive week. A 2012 Olympian, Hyatt is also part of the St. Aug men's 4x400 relay team which held onto its top ranking (3:09.46) for a second straight time. The squad also consists of Joshua Edmonds (Jr./Jacksonville, Fla.), James Quarles (Jr./Washington, D.C.) and Burkhead Ellis, Jr. (Fr./Raleigh, N.C.).

Anaquan Peterson (Fr./Suffolk, Va.) and DeJon Wilkinson (Jr./Summerville, S.C.) are ranked among the top three triple jumpers in the nation. Peterson is second (50-7½) and Wilkinson is third (50-6¾).

Moussa Dembele (Jr./Dakar, Senegal), a 2012 Olympian, is ranked second in the 60 Hurdles (7.89) to lead three Falcons in the top 10 in the event. Gerkenz Senesca (Sr./Newark, N.J.) is tied for fifth (7.92) and Ty'reak Murray (Jr./Portsmouth, Va.) is tied for eighth (8.01). Jermaine Jones (Fr./Wilmington, N.C.) is ranked fifth in the 200 (21.43) and tied for seventh in the 60 (6.79).

Eddie Shelton (Jr./Deltona, Fla.) is tied for ninth in the high jump (6-10¼) and the men's distance relay team of Torion Bailey (Fr./Compton, Calif.), Elhadji Mbow (Jr./Dakar, Senegal), Jameel Walcott (Jr./Trinidad & Tobago) and Marcelis Lynch (Jr./Stone Mountain, Ga.) is ranked eighth (10:06.38). Among the women, the 4x400 relay team of Zikeena Parker (Fr./Rocky Mount, N.C.), Brittany Brown (So./Akron, Ohio), Sherri-Ann Ashman (So./Brooklyn, N.Y.) and Kelly Shaw (Sr./Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) is ranked third (3:45.03) in Division II, while Shaw is ninth in the 400 (55.62).

The Falcons and Lady Falcons will compete this weekend in the CIAA Championships at the Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton, Va. The date of the event is Feb. 9-10. The men's team has captured 27 indoor conference crowns overall including the last 15 titles. The women have won 16 league championships.


COURTESY SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Alcorn State Braves Ink 26 Signees on National Signing Day

LORMAN, Mississippi  --  It was big day on the "Reservation" as Coach Hopson and his staff were at work early awaiting the newcomers for the 2013 season. The Braves finished the day with a total of 26 signees with players around the south region of the United States.

Darien Anderson LB 6'2 210 Miami, FL (Palemetto HS)
Peter Bailey DE 6'3 220 Kissimmee,FL (Osceola HS)
Nicklas Brown DB 6'0 180 Lorman,MS (Jefferson CO.)
Detonio Dade OL 6'4 305 Laurel,Ms (Laurel HS)
Kourey Davis WR 6'3 190 Vicksburge, MS (Warren Central)
Nelson Easterling LB 6'3 245 Mobile,AL (Faith Academy HS)
Devin Fleming DB 6'4 190 Water Valley,MS (Water Valley HS)
Lenorris Footman QB 6'0 190 Monticello,FL ( Jefferson CO.)
Stacey Garner LB 6'4 220 Hattiesburg,MS ( Forrest Co. AHS)
Leroy Greenridge DE 6'4 270 Naples,FL (Lely HS)
Jayeon Harness DB 6'3 185 Madison, MS (Madison Central HS)
Khaderal Hodges QB 6'2 185 D'Lo, MS (Mendenhall HS)
Charles Hughes WR 6'1 190 Macon, MS (Noxukee Co. HS)
Michael Hurns LB 6'2 200 Cleveland,Ms (Eastside HS)
Kylan Johnson ATH 5'11 180 Rosedale,MS (West Bolivar HS)
Haiden McCraney K 6'0 170 Jackson, MS (Madison-Ridgeland Academy HS)
Ronald Perry OL 6'5 290 Jackson, MS (Hinds CC)
Jonathan Raudales OL 6'2 275 Enterprise,AL (Enterprise HS)
Deago Sama WR 5'10 155 Boynton Beach, FL (Olympic Heights HS)
D'Andre Smith ATH 6'0 180 Miami, FL (Archbishop Carroll)
Jacoby Smith DB 5'10 190 Starkville, MS (Starkville HS)
Jeff Smith WR 6'3 190 Prentiss,MS (Bassfield HS)
Jeremy Toines OL 6'5 300 Richland,MS (Hinds CC)
Reggie Warren DB 6'0 175 Pensacola,FL (Pensac ola HS)
Corey Williams LB 6'2 235 Macon,MS (East Mississippi CC)
Lorenzo Young OL 6'3 285 Ridgeway,TN (Ridgeway HS)




COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Carter Resigns as Men's Basketball Coach at SC State

ORANGEBURG, S.C.  --  South Carolina State head men's basketball coach Tim Carter has resigned, effective immediately, the university announced Wednesday.

Associate head coach Murray Garvin will assume the head coaching duties until further notice, according to Bulldog athletics director Charlene Johnson.

“We thank Coach Carter for his service as head men's basketball coach at SC State and wish him well in his future endeavors,” Johnson said.

Carter was in his fifth season as Bulldog head coach. The Kansas graduate and former head coach at Texas-San Antonio had his best season during his third campaign in Orangeburg when SC State was 18-14 and reached the championship game of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament.

COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Winston-Salem State Hires Henderson as Head Volleyball Coach

Coach Andi Henderson

WINSTON-SALEM, NC – The Winston-Salem State Lady Rams volleyball program welcomes its new leader with the hiring of head coach Andi Henderson. She will make her head coaching debut at Winston-Salem State after assistant coaching stints at her alma mater, Catawba College and nearby Greensboro Colleges. She will take the reins of the Lady Rams program immediately and will look to take it to new heights.

“I am really excited about the opportunity that WSSU has given me. I want to especially thank Mr. William ‘Bill’ Hayes and Mrs. Tonia Walker for giving me the opportunity to lead this program,” WSSU head volleyball coach Andi Henderson said. “I am excited to get in the gym for training and to start moving this program in a different direction.”

Henderson joins the Winston-Salem State staff after spending three seasons at Catawba College. Prior to joining the Catawba staff, she served as an assistant coach at nearby Greensboro College. Henderson began her coaching career in 2008 when she coached for the Cherry Point Women’s Military Team. As a coach, Henderson has guided the development of many top players, including producing two all-conference players at Greensboro College and five all-conference players at Catawba, including two NCAA Division II All-Southeast Region players. In 2011, she was a part of an Indians staff that took the team to the second round of the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional Tournament.

As a player, Henderson was a three-year all-conference performer at Catawba College, graduating in 2008 with a degree in sports management. During her career, she set school records for assists in a match (83), per set average (12.94), and in a career (4,119). She also ranked second for assists in a season with 1,605.

Henderson is no stranger to Lady Rams volleyball as she earned a spot on the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) All-Rookie team as a freshman with the Lady Rams. She will take over a Lady Rams program that posted an 11-24 overall record last season, but finished third in the CIAA Southern Division, just one game out of second place in the division for a second straight season. The Lady Rams reached the semifinal round of the 2012 CIAA Volleyball Championship Tournament.

Henderson and the Lady Rams will begin spring training and preparation for the upcoming season, immediately. For more information on Lady Rams volleyball, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.

 

COURTESY WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION  

NCCU Eagles Add 13 Football Recruits on National Signing Day

DURHAM, North Carolina -- North Carolina Central University head football coach Henry Frazier III identified two positions of need for the 2013 recruiting class, defensive line and wide receiver, and those needs were met during Wednesday’s college football signing day.

Frazier announced the addition of 13 recruits, including seven defensive linemen and four wide receivers, along with an offensive lineman and a tight end. The seven defensive linemen boast an average size of 6-2, 259 pounds.

“We knew we needed defensive linemen and wide receivers,” said Frazier. “That was our focus.

“We are definitely pleased with this class,” he added. “It’s a small class in numbers, but that’s just an indication of us signing two large classes in our first two classes. We were able to keep those kids in school and have a program in place where we are now able to add pieces as we see fit.”

Of the newcomers, three are from North Carolina, three from Virginia, three from South Carolina, two from Florida, and one each from Maryland and New York.

The recruiting class includes 10 high school seniors and three transfers, including two NCAA Division I-FBS transfers and one from a junior college.

NCCU kicks off the 2013 season on Aug. 31 at Duke University in the “Bull City Gridiron Classic.”

 

2013 North Carolina Central University Football Signing Class

Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Hometown	Last School	Video
William Aaron Jackson	WR/DB	6-0	165	Lorton, Va.	South County H.S.	Video
JaCory Fitzgerald	DL	6-2	245	Dinwiddie, Va.	Dinwiddie County H.S.	Video
Antonio Brown	DL	6-3	245	Jacksonville, Fla.	Nathan B. Forrest H.S.	Video
Tyus White	WR/CB	5-9	160	Stafford, Va.	Brooke Point H.S.	Video
Jon MacBride	TE	6-3	230	Fuquay-Varina, N.C.	Fuquay-Varina H.S.	Video
Roderick "Dee" Harris	DL	6-1	260	Simpsonville, S.C.	Hillcrest H.S.	Video
Kenjorie Ware	DL	6-0	290	Greenwood, S.C.	Greenwood H.S.	Video
Keiton Burgess	OL	6-4	290	Sumter, S.C.	Crestwood H.S.	Video
Felix Small	DL	6-3	250	Brooklyn, N.Y.	Lackawanna College	Video
Antonio Belt	WR	6-0	170	Forestville, Md.	Temple University	Video
Ismail Williamson	WR	6-3	200	Fayetteville, N.C.	E.E. Smith H.S.	Video
Ja'Quan Smith	DL	6-2	260	Miramar, Fla.	Miramar H.S.	Video
Daniel Rhodes	DL	6-3	265	Charlotte, N.C.	Univ. of Illinois	Video

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Players' Profile

William Aaron Jackson (WR, DB, KR, PR; 6-0, 165, Lorton, Va./South County H.S.)Selected First Team All-District, First Team All-Region and First Team All-State… As a senior in 2012, collected 34 receptions for 832 yards, 12 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.

JaCory Fitzgerald (DL, 6-2, 245, Dinwiddie, Va./Dinwiddie County H.S.)
Named First Team All-District, Second Team All-Metro and Second Team All-Region… As a senior in 2012, amassed 78 tackles , including 9 for a loss with 5 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries, 2 forced fumbles and 2 recovered fumbles… As a junior in 2011, recorded 49 tackles, including 9 for a loss with 3 sacks, 3 quarterback hurries, 3 forced fumbles, 1 recovered fumble and 1 blocked kick… Earned All-District Academic Team honors.

Antonio Brown (DL, 6-3, 245, Jacksonville, Fla./Nathan B. Forrest H.S.)

Tyus White (WR/CB, 5-9, 160, Stafford, Va./Brooke Point H.S.)
Selected Northwest Region Player of the Year… Named All-District, All-Region, All-Area, First Team All-State and ESPN All-America Honorable Mention… Career Statistics: 197 receptions for 3,068 yards and 41 touchdowns… As a senior in 2012, recorded 76 catches for 1,284 yards and 16 touchdowns, along with 2 punt return touchdowns, a rushing touchdown, 44 tackles and 6 interceptions, including 2 interceptions for touchdowns of 76 and 100 yards.

Jon MacBride (TE, 6-3, 230, Fuquay-Varina, N.C./Fuquay-Varina H.S.)
Earned Tri-Nine All-Conference recognition in 2011 and 2012… Three-year varsity starter… Team won conference championships in 2010 and 2011… Made diving catch for game-winning 2-point conversion in 14-13 win over Clayton (Aug. 24, 2012).

Roderick “Dee” Harris (DL, 6-1, 260, Simpsonville, S.C./Hillcrest H.S.)
Two-time All-Region selection… Two-time Offensive Line MVP… Team Captain in junior and senior seasons.

Kenjorie Ware (DL, 6-0, 290, Greenwood, S.C./Greenwood H.S.)
Greenwood Eagles posted unblemished 15-0 record to win the South Carolina Division II, 4A State Championship… First 15-0 record in school history… Played 2011 and 2010 seasons at Emerald High School in Greenwood, S.C.

Keiton Burgess (OL, 6-4, 290, Sumter, S.C./Crestwood H.S.)
Selected to play in The Shrine Bowl… Named to 2012 Palmetto Champions Team… Chosen as the 2012 Sumter Touchdown Club Offensive Lineman of the Year… Earned All-Conference, All-Area, All-Region and All-State honors… Also lettered in track & field (shot put and discus throw)… Voted “Most Athletic Male” among Crestwood High School 2013 senior class.

Felix Small (DL, 6-3, 250, Brooklyn, N.Y./Erasmus Hall H.S./Lackawanna College)
Transfer from Lackawanna College in Scranton, Pa. … Recorded 21 tackles (18 solo) with 9.5 sacks in 2012… As a senior at Erasmus Hall High School in 2009, collected 76 tackles with 10 sacks… Named to The Post’s All-Brooklyn Team… Two-star rating by Rivals.com.

Antonio Belt (WR, 6-0, 170, Forestville, Md./Forestville Military Academy/Fork Union Military Academy/Temple University)
Originally signed with Temple University in 2010, but did not play for the Owls… Played at Fork Union Military Academy during 2010 season… Three-star prospect by Scout.com and Rivals.com coming out of Forestville Military Academy… As a senior in 2009, collected 414 rushing yards, 448 passing yards, and 403 receiving yards with three touchdowns… As a junior in 2008, had 11 touchdown receptions… As a sophomore in 2007, posted four touchdowns and returned two interceptions… Also lettered in basketball.

Ismail Williamson (WR, 6-3, 200, Fayetteville, N.C./E.E. Smith H.S.)
Named to Mid-South 4-A All-Conference First Team… As a senior in 2012, amassed 56 receptions for 1,048 yards and 13 touchdowns… Posted four 100-yard receiving games as a senior… As a junior in 2011, recorded 32 receptions for 364 yards and 2 touchdowns… As a sophomore in 2010, collected 22 receptions for 398 yards and 2 touchdowns… Also lettered in basketball.

Ja’Quan Smith (DL, 6-2, 260, Miramar, Fla./Miramar H.S.)
Named First Team All-County by The Sun-Sentinel… Picked to 2012 Florida Class 8A Elite Team as a First Team honoree on the defensive line… Recognized as Third Team All-State… Selected to the Florida Athletic Coaches Association North-South All-Star Game… Recorded three sacks in a 2012 Region 3-8A first-round playoff win over South Plantation.

Daniel Rhodes (DL, 6-3, 265, Charlotte, N.C./Independence H.S./Univ. of Illinois)
Two-star recruit by Scout.com and Rivals.com out of Independence High School in Charlotte, N.C. … Named First Team All-State as a senior in 2010… Played both tight end and offensive tackle in high school… As a senior, recorded 15 receptions for 312 yards and 2 touchdowns… Originally signed with the University of Illinois in February 2011, enrolled in spring in 2012, was on football roster in 2012, but did not play.

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Arizona Cardinals hire former Southern Coach Stump Mitchell as running backs coach



Coach Stump Mitchell returns to NFL



Tempe, Ariz. — New Arizona Cardinals Coach Bruce Arians has completed his staff with the announcement of the hiring of 13 assistants.

The group includes former Cardinal Stump Mitchell as running backs coach and Amos Jones as special teams coordinator. Mitchell was head coach at Southern University the past three seasons. Jones has spent the last six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and was special teams coach there last year.

Others and their responsibilities are: outside linebackers James Bettcher, defensive line Brentson Buckner, linebackers Mike Caldwell, tight ends Rick Christophel, wide receivers Darryl Drake, offensive assistant Kevin Garver, assistant special teams-assistant tight ends Steve Heiden, pass rush specialist Tom Pratt, defensive backs Nick Rapone, cornerbacks Kevin Ross and assistant offensive line Larry Zierlein.

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Woods 31 Points Lift Talladega Tornadoes over Dillard Bleu Devils

NEW ORLEANS  --  Dillard entered tonight's game prepared to showcase its seniors, but instead it was Talladega's Phillip Wood who stole the show and put on a shooting clinic as he led his Tornadoes to a 68-59 victory over the Bleu Devils on senior night. Wood buried six three pointers and finished with a game-high 31 points and added 12 boards in the victory.

Dillard (2-16 overall, 1-8 GCAC) was led by freshman Tyrone Williams who finished with a team-high 23 points, six rebounds, two steals and one assist in 35 minutes of action. Williams hit 9-of-12 shots from the field and nailed all four of his free throw attempts for Dillard.

The Bleu Devils had a solid first half and led 27-26 at the half, but the Tornadoes turned up the heat as they outscored Dillard 42-32 in the second half.

Senior Terry Church had a quiet game and finished with only two points in 11 minutes before he suffered an ankle injury which kept him sidelined for the remainder of the game. Dillard's only other senior, Kelth Cameron, picked up three first half fouls and was forced to sit out for most of the game.

Freshman Jarrain Jenkins had a solid game for the Bleu Devils and scored 18 points and grabbed six boards while sophomore Jordan Kilson finished with seven points, two rebounds, five assists, five turnovers and one steal in 32 minutes of action.

On Saturday, February 9, Dillard continues conference play as they travel to Nashville to face Fisk University. Tip-off is at 5:00 p.m.



COURTESY GULF COAST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE SPORTS (GCAC)

It's a pair of 11's for Xavier teams in NAIA top-25 rankings

NEW ORLEANS -- Both Xavier University of Louisiana basketball teams were 11th in the NAIA Division I Coaches' Top 25 polls announced Tuesday afternoon.

Since the start of 2000-01 season -- that's the extent of the poll data in XU's sports information archives -- it's the first time that both the Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets were 11th or higher in the same week. It's also the first time during that period that both XU teams possessed the same ranking in a particular week.

There's something else the Rush and Nuggets share: continued appearances in the top 25. For the XU men, it's their 19th consecutive appearance and their 32nd in the last 33 polls. The XU women's staying power is even stronger -- this is their 39th consecutive top-25 appearance, a streak which began in the final week of January 2010.

Xavier is one of three schools with both basketball teams among the NAIA's top 11. The others are Lee (men No. 2, women No. 7) and Westmont (men No. 6, women No. 8). Six other schools -- Westminster (Utah), Bethel (Tenn.), Faulkner, Rogers State, MidAmerica Nazarene and Georgetown (Ky.) -- have both teams in the top 25.

The Gold Nuggets made the biggest upward move, three places, in this week's women's poll. The ranking is their highest in four weeks and the same as their preseason position. The XU men moved up two places to equal their highest ranking of the season; they've improved eight spots since the preseason poll.

Unbeaten Columbia (Mo.) is the top-ranked men's team for the fourth consecutive week. The women of Freed-Hardeman and Oklahoma City share No. 1 and replaced Lubbock Christian, which fell to fourth after its second loss to Oklahoma City this season.

Both XU teams concluded brief home stands Monday. Both will be on the road for the next four games before playing their home finales Feb. 23 against Dillard in the Crosstown Classic at XU's new Convocation Center.

The Gold Rush are 21-4 overall and 8-1 in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference to lead the league by two games. The Gold Nuggets are 19-4 and 7-2 and share second place in the GCAC with Talladega. They trail SUNO by one game.
Xavier's next opponent will be Philander Smith on Saturday in Little Rock, Ark. The Gold Rush will play the 24th-ranked Panthers at noon, and the Gold Nuggets will play the Lady Panthers at 2 p.m. The Nuggets are closing in on a 12th consecutive 20-victory season and their 20th in 21 seasons.

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

Orlando Oak Ridge WR Victor Love commits to FAMU

ORLANDO, Florida  --  Orlando Oak Ridge wide receiver Victor Love has committed to Florida A&M.

The 6-foot-5, 175-pound Love  had mostly played basketball before joining the football team last spring. He ended up with 24 catches for 488 yards and nine touchdowns in his only varsity season.

 “I’m very very excited,” Love said. “I’ll be the first person of my generation in my family to go to college.”

 The second oldest of six children, Love picked FAMU over Weber College, Edward Waters and Iowa State.



“FAMU is a historically black college with a good tradition and I have always been a big fan of the Classic,” Love said of the annual Florida Classic rivalry game between FAMU and Bethune-Cookman, which has been held in Orlando in recent years. “I’m very excited about that.”

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Shaw University Releases 2013 Football Schedule

RALEIGH, North Carolina  --  Shaw University's football team will open its 2013 season with a home contest against Charleston (WV) on September 7 it was announced today.  In all, the Bears will play ten contests - four of them at home.

 

"The schedule is certainly a challenge," said Shaw Head Football Coach Robert Massey.  "Our early games should give us a real insight into where we are and provide outstanding preparation for our CIAA competition."

 

After opening against Charleston, the Bears travel to Virginia Union in a non-conference matchup on September 14.  The following week, Shaw heads to Wilmington, N.C., where they will face UNC-Pembroke in the Cape Fear Classic.

 

Conference play gets underway on October 12 when the Bears will conclude their three-game road trip with a game at Chowan.

 

They return home on October 5 to host Virginia State, then travel to Fayetteville State to begin CIAA Southern Division play.

 

Shaw's homecoming matchup features Livingstone on October 19.  The Bears take to the road for two straight weeks - facing Johnson C. Smith and Winston-Salem State - before closing out the season at home against Saint Augustine's on November 9.

 

Last season - the first under Massey - the Bears finished 4-6, 3-4 in the CIAA

COURTESY SHAW UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Shaw women confident as CIAA schedule hits stretch run

RALEIGH, North Carolina  --  As the buzzer sounded on Jan. 30 at Spaulding Gymnasium, the Shaw women’s basketball team went into celebration mode. Kearah Jeffreys had just sunk the game-winning three-pointer from the corner for the No. 9 ranked Bears to escape an upset at the hands of Fayetteville State.

Or did she?

Just moments after the postgame rave began, it ended, and a disbelieving silence filled the building. The officials waved off the basket. Jeffreys had stepped out of bounds prior to the shot.

In heartbreaking fashion, the Lady Bears (18-3, 9-2 CIAA) fell to 3-1 in the CIAA Southern Division.
It was, however, a mere hiccup for the defending Division II National Champions. Led by head coach Jacques Curtis and eight seniors, Shaw still controls their own destiny to win the CIAA and get back to the NCAA Tournament as a top-tier threat.


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Pendarvis Williams helps NSU stay perfect in MEAC

BALTIMORE, Maryland  --  The Norfolk State Spartans figured a messy affair awaited them at Morgan State on Monday night, and they weren't disappointed.

On a night when foul trouble and poor offense were the norm for both teams, Norfolk State did enough to survive with depth, composure and Pendarvis Williams.

The junior guard scored a game-high 22 as Norfolk State outlasted Morgan State 64-59.

Norfolk State has won eight games in a row to improve to 14-10. For the first time in school history, the Spartans are 9-0 in MEAC play.

"It's a dogfight at Morgan every year," said Williams, who shot 8 for 13 overall, including 3 for 5 from 3-point range. "We still have lots of room for improvement. We're still not finishing games the way we'd like. But it feels good to be 9-0."

The Spartans never led by more than eight points but never trailed during the game's final 17 minutes.

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Recruiting: Jackson State coach Comegy on hunt for several more linemen

JACKSON, Mississippi  --  With National Signing Day hours away, Jackson State coaches are putting the finishing touches on a 2013 class they hope can make an immediate impact.

Coming off of last season’s SWAC championship game appearance, JSU entered the off-season with several positions in need of an influx of talent.

At the top of that list — linemen.

JSU coach Rick Comegy said his staff plans on signing “18 to 20” players Wednesday. That number leaves little room for error or misses in the staff’s evaluation process.

JSU had just two such players committed as of last week in Cornelius Henderson, a offensive lineman/defensive line prospect from Duncanville, Texas, and Javancy Jones, a defensive end/linebacker from Noxubee County.

Jackson State picked up another commitment Monday in defensive end/tight end Ronald Fuller out of Blinn Community College in Texas.

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Gold Rush tame Tigers for 10th victory in 11 games

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana used a standout first-half defense and a record-setting free-throw performance to earn a 63-42 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men's basketball victory against Edward Waters on Monday at XU's new Convocation Center.

The victory was the fourth in a row and the 10th in 11 games for the Gold Rush (21-4 overall, 8-1 GCAC), ranked 13th in NAIA Division I. Xavier extended its conference lead to two games when Philander Smith lost 80-68 at SUNO.

Wanto Joseph scored 21 points, Anthony Simmons 11 and Denzell Erves 10 for Xavier. Odayne Clarke led Edward Waters (9-12, 5-4) with 15 points.

Xavier led 26-11 at halftime after allowing its fewest points in a half since the start of the 2003-04 season. The Gold Rush limited the Tigers to 3-of-20 from the floor in the first half.

Xavier set a school record for free-throw accuracy by making all 18 attempts, 15 in the second half. Joseph was 8-of-8 from the line, and Erves was 4-of-4.

Darion Green's basket with 6:41 remaining trimmed Xavier's lead to 46-37, but the Tigers never got any closer in the second half. Xavier outscored the Tigers 17-5 thereafter to finish with its largest lead of the game.

For the game the Gold Rush outshot the Tigers 52.5 to 31.8 percent from the floor and outrebounded them 35-19. Simmons led Xavier with eight rebounds, and Erves grabbed five to become the seventh Gold Rush player to reach 700 in a career.

The winning margin was Xavier's largest of the season. It was the second time in four games that the Gold Rush allowed fewer than 50 points.

Xavier's next game will start at noon Saturday against Philander Smith in Little Rock, Ark. The next Gold Rush home game will start at 5 p.m. on Feb. 23 against Dillard.

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

Busy day of locals signing football scholarship set for Wednesday

DOTHAN, Alabama  --  It will be a busy Wednesday of local high school seniors signing football scholarships in the Wiregrass.

Pending any last-minute changes, it appears 30 or more area players will sign a true athletic football scholarship on Wednesday, including eight with major bowl subdivision programs.

EXCERPT:

Abbeville standout quarterback Martavious King is expected to sign with fellow Ohio Valley program, Murray State,  and Northview linebacker Trey Brown with Prairie View A & M of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

Nine players will sign with Division-II programs, including three to Tuskegee -- Dothan wide receivers Adrian Kirkland and Trey Jackson and Northview wide receiver Jonathan Carmichael.
Also planning to ink with Division-II programs are Dothan offensive lineman Daniel Hill and Barbour County linebacker Michael Williams to West Alabama, Dothan linebacker Charles Corbitt and Northview nose guard Trey Balcom with Stillman College, Northview defensive lineman Corey Whitehurst and offensive lineman James Tillman with Benedict (S.C.) College and Carroll linebacker Darice Allen with Miles College.

Six Northview players are planning to play at Concordia College of Selma, which lists itself as an NAIA school, though it plays mostly as an independent program. The six are tight end Maurice Pittman, outside linebacker Antonio Glasco, running back Caleb Easley and wide receivers KeHandre Martin, Adrian Brooks, and Darius Gary.

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Southern’s Beltran scores 35 in win over Jackson State

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  Derick Beltran started hot Monday night and never cooled off, hitting eight 3-pointers and flirting for a while with outscoring Jackson State by himself.

The senior guard finished with a career-high 35 points to lead the Jaguars to a 78-58 men’s college basketball victory, putting on a show for the crowd of 2,722 in the F.G. Clark Activity Center, well worth the $7 cost for general admission.

Beltran finished 12-of-21 from the field, including 8-of-14 from long range. He scored Southern’s first 15 points and led the rival Tigers 13-0 after five minutes.

“My coach gave me the green light, told me to be aggressive and go for the open shot,” Beltran said. “So my confidence was really high.”

Southern coach Roman Banks said he heard from his assistants before tipoff that Beltran was on the mark during pregame warmups. But he was every bit as pleased with the way Beltran, who had seven rebounds and blocked three shots, played defense.

“We’re talking about him on ...

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Gold Nuggets glitter in seventh consecutive victory

NEW ORLEANS -- Reserve forward Danielle Tucker scored 13 points Monday to lead NAIA No. 14 Xavier University to a 65-46 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women's basketball victory against Edward Waters at XU's new Convocation Center.

The victory gave the Gold Nuggets (19-4 overall, 7-2 GCAC) their second seven-game win streak this season.

Tucker scored 12 points in the first 11 minutes, eight during a 10-0 run which gave Xavier a 14-6 lead. Tucker's 3-pointer at 13:02 put the Gold Nuggets ahead to stay, 9-6. Xavier led 31-21 at halftime and twice led by 24 points, the second time at 63-39 after Jolie Bellow's layup with 2:35 remaining.

Xavier scored the first 14 points of the second half, including three 3-pointers in the first two minutes.

Tucker scored in double figures for the first time in eight games. She also led Xavier with eight rebounds.

Whitney Gaston Loyd had 11 points and two blocked shots for Xavier. Andraquay Quinnine scored nine points, all on 3-pointers, and SiMon Franklin had eight points and a season-high-tying five steals.

Tiffany Tolbert and Chelsey Ruise scored eight points apiece for Edward Waters (7-15, 2-7), which dropped its fifth straight conference game. Tolbert, Ruise and Katelyn Grant each made a pair of 3-pointers.

Xavier outshot the Lady Tigers 42 to 29.2 percent from the floor and outrebounded them 38-29. The Gold Nuggets gained 28 turnovers, 17 on steals.

Xavier remained in a second-place tie in the GCAC with Talladega and a game behind SUNO. Talladega won 78-56 at Dillard, and SUNO won 67-43 at home against Philander Smith.

Xavier's next game will start at 2 p.m. Saturday against Philander Smith in Little Rock, Ark. The Nuggets' next home game will start at 3 p.m. on Feb. 23 against Dillard.


By Ed Cassiere, SID
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

Lake Weir 'Canes Meggie commits to Savannah State

OCALA, Florida -- For the first time since 1990, Lake Weir High School will have a lineman sign with an NCAA Division I school.

Linton Meggie recently committed to Savannah State and will sign with the NCAA D-I FCS program on National Signing Day this Wednesday.

Meggie, who plans to major in computer science, has played football for just two years but has made quite an impact in a short period of time.

He’ll be the first lineman from LWHS to sign with a school this high up on the NCAA ladder since Stacy Yopp, who played both offense and defense for the Hurricanes, inked a deal with Naval Academy 23 years ago.

“It’s big to know that I am the first one in over 20 years to do this,” Meggie said. “I never expected this and I didn’t think that I’d ever get this far.”

For years, potential standout players walked the halls at LWHS but never made it to the practice field, but the Hurricane coaching staff worked diligently to make sure the talented Meggie suited up.

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