Akinkugbe Plays Big, NCA&T Aggies Down Wright State

GREENSBORO, North Carolina – The tendinitis in Bryan Akinkugbe’s knee has hampered him since he arrived in Greensboro this past summer from Columbia State Community College.

It prevented the 6-foot-9 North Carolina A&T center from playing in the Dominican Republic in
August. He missed a lot of practice time leading up to the season, and he did not play in the Aggies’ first two games of the season.

On Thursday night however, he showed signs of what type of player he can be for the A&T men’s basketball team once he is fully recovered. Akinkugbe finished with a season-high 12 points, added five rebounds and made some key defensive plays down the stretch to help the Aggies earn a 62-59 win over the Raiders at Corbett Sports Center. The Aggies improved to 3-5 with their second win in three games.

“Tonight was huge for me,” said Akinkugbe. “I’ve been trying so hard to rehab and get right. I feel like I got my confidence back after not playing a whole lot.”

Akinkugbe’s performance was big because the Aggies were playing without leading rebounder and double-figure scorer Bruce Beckford who was sidelined with a concussion. In his absence, the Aggies trailed Wright State 57-55 with 2:44 remaining. Freshman Jerome Simmons changed all of that when he blocked AJ Pacher’s shot in the lane, which turned into a transition opportunity for A&T.

Middleton finished the fastbreak opportunity with a layup and was fouled as he converted the 3-point play to give A&T a 58-57 advantage. Wright State’s Jeran Young put the Raiders back in front by laying in the ricochet from Akinkugbe’s block of a Matt Vest layup with 1:50 to play.

The Aggies then went inside to Akinkugbe who was fouled by Young with 1:36 remaining.

Akinkugbe stepped to the line and netted two free throws without the ball touching any iron. After a Raider turnover, A&T guard Lamont Middleton hit one of two free throws to give A&T a 61-59 lead.

JT Yoho was headed toward tying the game for Wright State with 28 seconds remaining. His pump fake got him into the lane, but Akinkugbe would jump in front of him and throw up his long arms, forcing Yoho to pick up his dribble and eventually turn the ball over.

“This was Bryan’s best game,” said A&T head coach Cy Alexander. “He’s been injured. You probably saw him limping out there. He’s battling through it. He really doesn’t practice all the time because we are trying to save him.”

 Yoho’s turnover landed in in the hands of Simmons who went to the line and connected on one of two free throws, giving Wright State another chance to tie the game.  But Pacher’s 3-point attempt hit the back of the iron and Kendall Griffin’s desperation three hit nothing as time expired.

To our young men’s credit, they came out defensively in the second half and got stops, “ said Alexander after his team trailed 28-23 at the half. “We shot the ball a lot better in the second half. What we didn’t do is make free throws throughout the course of the game. But I have to give Bryan Akinkugbe credit. He stepped up and made two clutch free throws. And then freshman Jerome Simmons made one out of two.  That was just as big because it put us up three.”

Richaud Pack led the Aggies with 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting. Middleton added 14 points and Jeremy Underwood finished with 10 points and four assists. Wright State (5-5), who is still winless on the road, was led by Vest’s 15 points.

The Aggies held the lead most of the first half, but a Yoho 3-pointer and layup helped the Raiders tie the game at 22. After a Khary Doby free throw, the Raiders scored six straight points thanks to three Aggie turnovers.

A&T 62, Wright State 59

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Gold Rush hold on for 48-45 victory against Mobile

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier Rogers scored 14 points and blocked a shot in the closing seconds Thursday to help NAIA No. 19 Xavier University of Louisiana preserve a 48-45 men's basketball victory against Mobile.

The Gold Rush (7-3) completed a two-game season sweep of the Rams (2-7) and won for the sixth time in seven home games this season. Xavier has won 55 of its last 60 non-conference home games.

Rogers blocked Cody Scott's field-goal attempt with eight seconds remaining and Xavier leading 47-45. Xavier's Gary Smith made 1-of-2 free throws for the final point, then Mobile's Kwame Beard missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Sydney Coleman had 13 points and seven rebounds for Xavier, and Anthony Goode and Morris Wright scored eight points apiece. Wright had five assists.

Julien Sargent scored 15 points and Scott 12 for Mobile.

Xavier outshot the Rams 45.5 to 34.8 percent from the floor and outrebounded them 32-21.

The Gold Rush scored the first five points, held Mobile scoreless the first five minutes and never lost the lead. Xavier led 22-17 at halftime and took its largest lead, 32-19, on Goode's basket with 16:54 remaining.

Mobile remained in contention because Xavier missed six consecutive missed free throws in the final 33 seconds

It was the first time since February 2010 that the Gold Rush scored fewer than 50 points in a countable game, and it was the first time since January 2009 that the Rush won with fewer than 50 points.

It was Xavier's final game before fall semester final exams, which will begin Monday. The next Gold Rush game will start at 4 p.m. on Dec. 14 against city rival Loyola -- the first of six straight on the road. The next home game will start at 5 p.m. on Jan. 11 against SUNO.

Box score

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

A&M remains undefeated in December with win over Oakwood

NORMAL, Alabama  -- In a battle of cross-town HBCUs, the team from Normal's Hill was triumphant, defeating the visiting Oakwood University, 70-58.

The Bulldogs of Alabama A&M were able to improve to 3-4 on the year after a 12-point victory over the neighboring school. A&M remains undefeated in the month of December, after winning its two last outings.

At the end of the first 20-minutes of play, the Maroon and White went into the locker room with a sizable 16 point lead at 38-22. The Bulldogs gained a lead early and would hold the advantage over the visitors the entire first period of play.

In the second half, the visiting squad was determined not to go down without a fight. Oakwood outshot the Bulldogs for behind the arc and at the charity strip, converting 46.7 and 84.6 percent from each position respectively. Their exceptional shooting from these areas made the second half a battle.



Despite the increase effort from Oakwood University, who won the second half battle outscoring the home team 36-32, the Maroon and White held on for the victory.

A&M never trailed at any point this game and dominated multiple aspects of the contest. The Bulldogs shot 45% from the field (27-60), and ruled the boards. Overall A&M out-rebound Oakwood 43-36, , a first all season, while being plus four on the offensive boards and plus three on the defensive boards. Center Justan Banks led the way with nine rebounds. He added an assist and two blocks in 17 minutes of play.

The Maroon and White had two players score double digits, center Jerome Hunter with 11 and Brandon Ellis with 10. Another first this season was the 12 of 15 Bulldog players scoring in the game.

The Bulldogs will return to the hardwood next week versus Ohio University in Athens, Ohio on December 14.

COURTESY ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

2013 SWAC Hall of Fame Formally Inducted

PHOTO COURTESY SWAC.ORG

HOUSTON, Texas -- The 2013 SWAC Hall of Fame class was inducted on Thursday night at the annual reception at the Westin Galleria Hotel. The event kicked off championship weekend for 2013 Toyota SWAC Football Championship.

The 2013 Hall of Fame class included Reggie Barlow, an All-American wide receiver for Alabama State who is currently head football coach at his alma mater.

Carol Cummings, a record-setting sprinter at Prairie View A&M and a member of the first two SWAC women’s indoor and outdoor championship teams.

Jimmy Jones and Bob Hopkins, All-American basketball players at Grambling State, played professionally.

Richard Myles, a two-sport All-SWAC performer at Alcorn State who was also a member of the dean’s list.

Jim Osborne, an All-SWAC defensive tackle at Southern University who played 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears in the NFL.

Charles Ruth, a five-time All-SWAC distance runner at Alcorn State, who coached Mississippi Valley State’s men’s cross country and track and field teams to unprecedented success.

The class was also recognized by U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, 18th District, alongside State Representative Dr. Alma A. Allen with a proclamation of honor.

 

Photo Gallery

                        

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Barlow Joins SWAC Greats In Hall Of Fame

HOUSTON, Texas  -- Alabama State University head football coach Reggie Barlow entered the prestigious group of Southwestern Athletic Conference greats with his induction Thursday into the SWAC Hall Of Fame.

Barlow is a part of the seven-member class that included James 'Jimmy' Jones (Grambling State), Charles Ruth (Mississippi Valley State), James 'Jim' Osborne (Southern), Carol V. Cummings (Prairie View A&M), Bob Hopkins (Grambling State) and Richard P. Myles Sr. (Alcorn State).

The event at the Westin Hotel is a part of festivities for the newest class of SWAC Hall inductees as part of the Toyota SWAC Football Championship Game weekend. Barlow and the inductees will address the media Friday as part of the championship game press conference, and  be presented Saturday during the game at Reliant Stadium.

Barlow becomes the 15^th inductee to go into the SWAC Hall of Fame as an Alabama State Hornet, joining legends C.J. Dunn, Severne Frazier, John H. Jones, George "Pops" Lockhart, James Garrick Hardy, Charles "Buddy" Spears, Frank Lewis, Jesse White, Norman Walton, William "Bill" Gary, Eddie Robinson Jr., Lewis Jackson, James Oliver, and Horace Crump.

"I'm proud to say I'm a 2013 SWAC Hall of Famer," Barlow said. "I was the first to give my speech so I was a tad nervous, but pulled it off. This is so not about me, but my brothers Clemmon, Jeff, Rodney, and Darrell. It's about the preparation I got from ASU and my college coach Houston Markham, and it's about (my parents) Barbara Barlow and Clemmon Barlow, their commitment to discipline, work, and not giving up is in my fiber."

Barlow just completed his seventh season as head coach at his alma mater, leading the Hornets to an 8-4 record and wins in both the Magic City Classic and Turkey Day Classic in the same season for the first time since 1998. It was the fourth straight winning season for the program, a feat last accomplished in 1978-81. Barlow led Alabama State to the SWAC Eastern Division title in 2010, and has had the Hornets on the brink of championship game berths in each of the last three seasons.

As an Alabama State wide receiver (1991-95), Barlow ended his career first in receptions (133) and receiving yards (2,536 yards) and third in touchdowns (17). Barlow currently ranks tied for third, second, and fifth respectively in each category, and still owns the school's single-season record with 1,267 yards, set in 1994.

Barlow was drafted in the fourth round of the 1996 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, beginning an eight-year career (1996-2003) as a wide receiver and shined as a punt and kickoff returner. During his five seasons with the Jaguars, Barlow led the team in punt returns four straight years, and in kickoff returns twice. Barlow still owns franchise records for punt returns (146), punt returns yards (1,581) and touchdowns (two), and is fourth in kickoff returns (70), third in kickoff return yards (1,634), and tied for second in touchdowns (one). He was named a Pro Bowl alternate following the 1998 season.

Barlow spent one season with the Oakland Raiders, before playing his final two years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2002, Barlow was part of the history as the Bucs won Super Bowl 37. In his eight-year career, Barlow amassed more than 4,000 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns.

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

TSU defense hopes to live up to praise

E. Illinois coach says secondary is among best it faced

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Eastern Illinois coach Dino Babers called Tennessee State’s secondary the best his team has faced in the FCS.

But the bottom line is that Eastern Illinois didn’t have any more trouble moving the ball against TSU than it did against most of the secondaries it faced.

The Tigers (10-3) will get another chance Saturday at trying to stop the Panthers (11-1) in the second round of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs in Charleston, Ill.

“We think it’s either the first- or second-best secondary we played, and it’s the best FCS secondary for sure,” Babers said. “The only teams we could compare it to was (FBS) San Diego State and Northern Illinois’ secondary.”

Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was named one of three finalists for the Walter Payton Award, which goes to the best player in the FCS.

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Ram Ramblings: WSSU files formal complaint with NCAA, CIAA

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  -- Chancellor Donald Reaves of Winston-Salem State, who is recovering from hip-replacement surgery, is a man of his word.

During the press conference on Nov. 18 three days after quarterback Rudy Johnson was attacked in a bathroom by several Virginia State players Reaves said the school would eventually file a complaint with the NCAA and with the CIAA.

That complaint has been filed and WSSU is looking for plenty.

WSSU complaint   -  Download .pdf

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TSU Tigers Look to Settle the Score at EIU on Saturday

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NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Following its 31-0 blowout at Butler last week, the No. 17 Tennessee State football team will continue down its road in NCAA Division I Playoffs by traveling to No. 2 Eastern Illinois this Saturday for a rematch with the Panthers and a chance at revenge.

 

At TSU’s homecoming on Oct. 26, the Tigers (10-3) were out gained 567 to 338 in total yardage and committed 13 penalties for 110 yards en route to a, 34-16, loss to EIU.

 

Freshman quarterback Ronald Butler led the offense, completing 24-of-45 passes for 212 yards, two scores and zero interceptions. However, red shirt junior quarterback Michael German is expected to start in Butler’s place on Saturday.

 

TSU’s quarterbacks rank second in the nation in fewest interceptions thrown with four, trailing only the Citadel.

 

While the offense is doing a good job of not throwing the ball to the other team, the TSU defense has been one of the best at taking it away.

 

Big Blue has recorded 20 interceptions in 13 games, ranking them fourth in the FCS in picks and junior safety Daniel Fitzpatrick has helped his team’s cause with a team-high eight.

 

Fitzpatrick is tied with University of Virginia junior safety Anthony Harris for the most picks in D-I. He is also the only player in the FCS to return three picks for touchdowns.

 

The entire Tiger defense will have its hands full on Saturday against Eastern Illinois (11-1) and its No. 1 ranked offense (599.1 yards per contest).

 

On Oct. 26, EIU quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo finished with 410 yards on 24-of-41 passing and four touchdowns against the Tigers.

 

This year, Garoppolo is leading the nation in passing yard per game (374.1), touchdowns (48) and points responsible for (308).

 

The Panthers also have a strong running game as Shepard Little leads the OVC in rushing with 1,306 yards and Taylor Duncan has added 809. The duo has combined for 22 scores on the ground.

 

Tennessee State will take on Eastern Illinois for the 17th time, with EIU holding a 9-7 edge in the series.

 

Saturday will mark the first time in school history that Big Blue will play 14 games in a season. Prior to this season, the 1986 squad was the only team at TSU to play 13 contests in a season.

 

Tigers will meet Panthers on Saturday at 1 p.m. The winner of the game will move on to the Elite Eight to face either Fordham or Towson on Dec. 14.

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ASU Lady Hornets Defeat Samford In Overtime

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- Led behind the efforts of senior Nakiya Smith's 12 points the Lady Hornets of Alabama State defeated the Bulldogs of Samford University in an overtime victory, Wednesday night at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome.

A slow first half saw the Lady Hornets down 20-15, with 11 turnovers to add to the damage.  Alabama State couldn't find their rhythm from the beginning and the shots just weren't falling, shooting only 23 percent from the field (6-26) in the first half. The Lady Hornets attacked the boards hard grabbing 21 rebounds with center Quentori Alford getting four. Smith led the team with four points in the half.

"Our girls had great discipline which is what we have been working on leading into this game," said head coach Freda Freeman-Jackson. "Samford is a good team that plays with that international stlye. They love to go backdoor and shoot the ball deep we defended them great.   We think we have really got the ladies (said of ASU) to buy into the concept that defense wins ball games. "

The Lady Hornets came out strong in the second half as they held Samford to only 15 points as they scored 40. Alford recorded six points and 6 rebounds before the Lady Bulldogs were still able to push the game in to overtime.  

Alabama State (4-1) secured the game for the Lady Hornets by making a series of crucial shots.  Alford led on the boards with 11 rebounds and being one point shy of a double-double with only nine points.

"Alford Started off slow in the first half but she really stepped up and was there for us in the second half when we needed her the most," stated Freeman-Jackson.  "Nakiya did what we was looking for out of her, she was taking good shots in regulation but just couldn't get them to stay down, in overtime she gave us that separation we needed to win the game."

Samford (2-5) was led by Ellen Riggins with 15 points and Christy Robinson who had seven.  Krista Stricklin was the leading rebounder for Samford with 13.

The Lady Hornets shot 70 percent from the striped line (12-17), while Samford was 14-22 shooting 63 percent.  Alabama State out rebounded Samford 41-32.

Alabama State will return to play on Saturday as they travel to Starkville, Miss. to face the Bulldogs of Mississippi State.  Game time is set for 5 p.m.

Box Score

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North Carolina A&T Cruises By Appalachian State, Extends Winning Streak

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GREENSBORO , North Carolina – The North Carolina A&T women’s basketball team extended its winning streak to five after it cruised by Appalachian State 62-43, Wednesday evening at Corbett Sports Center.

For the first time in six tries, the Aggies defeated the Mountaineers (1-5) in the sport of women's basketball. It was the first meeting between the two teams since the 1989-90 season when the Mountaineers defeated A&T in Corbett Sports Center. But on Wednesday night, the Aggies prevailed in a dominating performance to remain undefeated at home.

A&T’s defense held the Mountaineers to 43 points which is the fewest by any opponent this season. The Aggies also forced 24 turnovers and limited App State to 29 percent shooting from the field. 

Senior forward Tracy King finished with a game-high 16 points and recorded her sixth consecutive game in double-figures. King shot 8-for-12 from the field and tallied three steals. Sophomore center Eboni Ross, who has been seeing increasing minutes for the Aggies, recorded 15 points and eight rebounds off the bench. Ross was superb from the field (5-for-6) and recorded a pair of blocks. Redshirt-sophomore Aprill McRae led the Aggies with 10 rebounds. McRae also added seven points and two blocks.

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“We played a great defensive game tonight,” head coach Tarrell Robinson said. “Our defense has been our biggest attribute this season and I’m pleased with how it’s been in our last few games. I liked the balance we had on offense and it was good to get some players in the game who have been recuperating. We’re excited about the winning streak and we want to keep it going.”

The Aggies started the first half with several miscues, which allowed App State to take an 11-3 lead just three minutes into the game. A&T responded in the final minutes by clamping down on the Mountaineers defensively. App State scored connected on just three field goals over the final 17 minutes of the first half. When Ross made a turnaround jumper in the lane with 3:28 remaining in the half, she gave the Aggies a 23-18 lead, the same lead they took into the locker room. 

A&T never lost its lead the rest of the night and went up 11 when junior guard Ariel Bursey drained a 3-pointer to push its advantage to 34-23 with 15:33 remaining in the game. The Aggies continued to dominate in the paint as they went 15-for-30 from the field in the second half and outscored the Mountaineers 38-22 in the paint. 

KeKe Palmer recorded a double-double with 14 rebounds and 11 points for the Mountaineers. Maryah Synder finished with 13 points and seven rebounds.

A&T will host Virginia University of Lynchburg on Saturday, Dec. 7. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m., at Corbett Sports Center.

A&T 62, App. State 43 .pdf
 
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Howard Lady Bison Tame New Hampshire For First Road Win

DURHAM, New Hampshire -- In a game that featured six ties, 14 lead changes and no lead larger than six points, the Howard women's basketball team found a way to fend off the University of New Hampshire Wildcats, 45-40, on Wednesday evening in Lundholm Gymnasium.

Junior forward Cheyenne Brown and redshirt freshman Te'Shya Heslip combined for 20 points and 13 rebounds to help Howard (3-6) snap a five-game winless streak. The road victory over UNH (3-4) was the first of the season and first under first-year head coach Tennille Adams.

"I was really proud of our girls and their effort in coming to New Hampshire and pulling out a win," Adams said after the contest.

Both teams struggled to put the ball in the basket in the first half, going a combined 30 percent (15-of-50) in the period. Howard took its largest lead of the game, 14-9, halfway through the first but were outscored 11-6 to finish the half and go into the break knotted at 20-20. Brown, who scored 10 points in the game, had six at halftime to lead all scorers.

HU would lead 26-22 with 15:39 left in the second half before UNH put forth its strongest push of the contest, a 14-5 surge to turn the Lady Bison's four point edge into a six point deficit (36-30) with eight and a half minutes to go.

Unlike previous close calls this season, Howard would finish on a strong note and put the game away. The Lady Bison used a 15-4 run over the final 7:04 to claim the win, holding the Wildcats to 1-of-7 shooting during that span and keeping them without a field goal over the final 3:07 of the game.

In a game that was so close throughout, the highlight of the night for Howard was its season-best performance from the line. As a team, HU shot 83.3 percent (15-of-18) from the free throw stripe and improved their record to 3-1 in games in which the team shoots over 70 percent. Four of the six Howard players that shot free throws were perfect from the line.

When asked about the team's free throw performance, Adams said, "we shot really well from the line tonight, and that was the key tonight because neither team shot particularly well from the floor. We were able to consistently get to the line and, more importantly, knock shots down."

Brown added six rebounds to her double digit scoring effort, her first 10+ point game since going for 12 points at Saint Francis on November 26. Heslip bounced back from a two-point game against Delaware on December 1 with 10 points on 3-of-6 shooting along with a team high tying seven rebounds. Sophomore Victoria Gonzalez had a solid game with nine points and a season high seven rebounds.

HU will have two weeks off before its next game, a December 19 meeting with Temple University. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 pm.

Box Score

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Lady Hornets Storm Back Late, Take Down George Mason 90-83 in O.T.

DOVER, Delaware  -- Facing a 10-point deficit with under two minutes play in regulation, the Delaware State women’s basketball team (3-3) battled back at home to force overtime, followed by a courageous effort in the extra period to defeat the George Mason Patriots (5-4) Wednesday evening of the Atlantic 10 Conference for a 90-83 victory.

In the first half, the Hornets stayed within striking distance, despite shooting a dismal 29 percent (9-of-31) from the field, including leading scorer Tierra Hawkins going 1-of-6 (.166).

However, DSU shot 75 percent (15-of-20) from the charity stripe to stay in the game.

Leading the entire way, George Mason took a 35-33 lead into the locker room with guard Taylor Brown tallying 13 points (4-of-9) as the squad’s lone scorer in double figures.  In the case of DSU, guard Raven Bankston totaled 14 points on 50 percent shooting (5-of-10), whereas Hawkins went into the half with eight points while going a perfect 6-of-6 from free throw line.



After the break, Hawkins connected on back-to-back buckets in the paint to start the second half, giving DSU its first lead of the game, 37-36, at the 17:27 mark. On the next possession, Brown drained a three to put the Patriots back on top by two, but Hawkins tied the game on a layup after a pass from forward Deanna Harmon.

As the half progressed, neither squad led by more than a point, until George Mason scored nine unanswered points to go up 55-49 with 10:29 left in the ball game.

Snapping the run, meanwhile, was Diamond Williams draining a jumper, yet a Brown three pointer about a minute later sparked an 11-2 run, giving a George Mason 66-55 lead with 5:44 remaining in the contest.

Facing their largest deficit of the game, the Lady Hornets managed to cut the margin down to seven twice, but the Patriots answered each time, including Brown feeding forward Sandra Ngoie for a three pointer to put her squad up 73-63 with 1:44 to play.

In what seemed to be in the nail in the coffin, head coach Tamika Louis called a 30-second timeout to rally her troops.

“I told them we were going to win this game, but the way we are going to do it is by pressing and making them turn the ball over,” she said to her team.

After the timeout, DSU’s Jade Washington found guard N’Kayah Kersey on the wing for a three to cut the deficit back to seven.  On the next trip down, after another DSU timeout and a defensive stop, Williams connected for a three to make it a 73-69 ball game with 58 seconds remaining.

With George Mason feeling the heat, Brown turned the ball over on the ensuing possession, leading to Washington finding Williams for another three pointer with 47 seconds to play to cut the Patriots lead down to one.

Facing intense full court pressure, the Patriots barely got the ball in bounds on their next trip down, but Washington fouled Brown, sending her to the line for a one-and-one opportunity at the line.

Coming into the game, Brown was shooting a team best 86 percent (37-of-43) from the charity stripe.
After making the first attempt to put the Patriots ahead at 74-72, Brown missed the second, resulting in Hawkins pulling down one of her game-high 14 rebounds with 45 seconds left in the game.

With no timeouts remaining, the Lady Hornets milked the clock to under 20 seconds until Harmon drove all the down the lane for a layup to tie the game with 15 seconds left on the clock.

In what was likely the last possession of regulation, DSU’s defense held steady as Brown missed a step-back three as time expired.  When the buzzer sounded, the Lady Hornets closed the final 1:47 of regulation on a thunderous 11-1 run to force overtime.

To begin the overtime period, the Patriots scored four unanswered points, but the Lady Hornets answered with a 9-0 run to go up 83-78 at the 1:05 mark.  During this stretch, Hawkins scored five points, headlined by a three-point play after being fouled in the paint.

The rest of the way, Delaware State outscored George Mason 7-3, including Hawkins sealing the deal with two free throws with six seconds left to secure her perfect 9-for-9 night at the line.

At game’s end, the Lady Hornets shook off the slow start and shot 51 percent (17-of-33) from the floor in the second half, while finishing the contest shooting 79 percent (27-of-34) from the line.
I
ndividually, four DSU players finished the game in double figures, led by Hawkins’ game-high 29 points (10-of-21) to secure her third double-double of the season.  The Clinton, Md. native, also finished with a game-high two blocks.

Also, turning a performance double-double performance was Harmon with 14 points (6-of-13) and 10 rebounds while playing a game-high 43 minutes.

Bankston, on the other hand, finished the night with 18 points (6-of-15), whereas forward Tylinn Carter ended up with a career-high 10 points (3-fo-5), to go along with four rebounds, three steals and two blocks.

Washington, meanwhile, dished a game-high eight assists and tallied four steals in addition to her eight points (1-of-5).

In the case of George Mason, four players also finished the game in double figures, led by Brown’s 20 points (6-of-19).  Brown also added eight assists, five rebounds and two steals.

Guards Kyana Jacobs (4-of-8) and Cierra Strikland (3-of-5) both had 10 points, whereas Ngoie had 18 points (8-of-13) off the bench.

Coming up, Delaware State will back in action this Saturday (2 p.m.) at home for its MEAC opener against Coppin State.

Box Score

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Southern University football looks to defend run better in SWAC Championship

NEW ORLEANS  -- The defining moment of Jackson State’s 19-14 victory against Southern University in Baton Rouge in September was the incomplete pass thrown in the Tigers' end zone by Jaguars quarterback Dray Joseph on fourth down with one minute to go. Had Joseph completed the pass to receiver Bradley Coleman, who was open on the play, the Jaguars would have likely come away with the victory.

A lot is being made of the play as the teams prepare for the rematch in the SWAC Championship on Saturday at Reliant Stadium in Houston.

The play clock was fast approaching zero and the Jaguars were out of timeouts when Joseph called for the snap before he would have liked, he said. He had to rush the throw and the ball fell just short of Coleman.

“We dodged a bullet in the first game,’’ said Jackson State coach Rick Comegy, who guided the Tigers to the SWAC East title this season. “They had a guy wide open in the end zone. The quarterback came up short on the throw. That’s not going to happen often.’’


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Expectations run high for Norfolk State's MEAC opener

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NORFOLK, Virginia  -- If Norfolk State really is the best team in the MEAC, the time to prove it has come.

And so has the time to get over last season's awful ending.

Florida A&M visits the Spartans at 8 p.m. today in the MEAC opener for both teams. NSU (5-3), which got picked by league coaches and sports information directors to repeat as the regular-season champion, ran the MEAC table last season before getting upset by Bethune-Cookman in the first round of the league tournament.

The Spartans want to make sure they live up to the preseason poll, starting with the Rattlers (2-5).

"We have to make a statement that we let last year go, and we're here this year," said senior guard Malcolm Hawkins, a Norview High product and NSU's top scorer. "It's a new team. It's a new attitude, and we have to let the other teams in the conference know that we're preseason No. 1 for a reason."

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JSU Football set to take on Southern in SWAC Title Game

SWAC Championship Weekend Info  

 

 

SOUTHERN (8-4, 7-2 SWAC) vs. Jackson State (8-3, 8-1 SWAC)

SWAC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Date: Dec. 7
Time: 1:00 p.m. CST
Location: Houston, Texas
Venue: Reliant Stadium
TV Broadcast: ESPNU
Radio Broadcast: 95.5 FM (pregame show starts 1 hour before kickoff)
Series Record: Series tied 29-29

THE GAME: Jackson State and SU square off for the 59th time in series history. The two teams met in the inaugural SWAC Championship game 14 years ago in 1999 at Legion Field (Birmingham, AL). SU won that game 31-30 in front of a crowd of 47,621 fans (largest crowd in SWAC title game history). Despite being two of the most successful teams in SWAC history Saturday’s meeting marks only the 2nd time JSU and SU will meet in the conference championship game. JSU has been to the game four prior times and SU three. Rick Comegy has participated in the SWAC Championship game more than any other JSU coach. He has led teams to the game in the following seasons (2013, 2012, 2008, 2007). He has also recorded JSU’s only win in the current championship format.

HEAD COACH RICK COMEGY: Jackson State head coach Rick Comegy (Millersville, ‘76) enters his eighth season at the helm of the Tigers’ football program. He comes into the game with a 56-35 overall record at JSU and a 164-85 career record. Over the previous seven seasons, Comegy has led the Tigers to six winning seasons, three Southwestern Athletic Conference Eastern Division titles and one SWAC championship. Last season the Tigers fell just short of claiming a second SWAC championship by falling 24-21 in OT to Arkansas Pine Bluff in the conference title game at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala. Prior to coming to Jackson State, Comegy was the head coach at Tuskegee University where he won four Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championships (NCAA D-II), three Pioneer Bowl crowns and a Black College National Championship (2000). In 2000 his Tuskegee Tigers recorded a perfect 12-0 record. Since coming to JSU Comegy has a 6-2 record against SU.

SCOUTING SU: The Jags enter the SWAC title game with a four game winning streak, having beaten Texas So., Alabama St., Clark Atlanta and Grambling St. SU scored 38 pts or more six times this season. The Jags are led by arguably the league’s best signal caller Dray Joseph. He leads the SWAC in passing yds (3236) and passing TDs (27). Lee Doss is Joseph’s main target. Doss leads the SWAC in receiving yds (1047) and is second in receiving TDs (10). Lenard Tillery leads the team in rushing (741 yds) and has 9 rushing TDs. Daniel Brown leads the team in tackles (83) and sacks (5.5) and Anthony Balancier follows with 79 tackles and 3 sacks.

SOUTHERN HEAD COACH: DAWSON ODUMS: In the history of SU football, only two coaches have the distinction of having defeated Grambling State, Jackson State and Florida A&M in their first season running the program; Pete Richardson (1983) and Dawson Odums (2012). With over 15 years of coaching experience under his belt, Odums was named the SU football program head coach after serving as the interim head coach for nine games during the 2012 season. Odums entered the 2012 season as the defensive coordinator and academic liaison. Prior to joining the Jaguars staff, he served as the North Carolina A&T defensive coordinator.

LAST JSU- SU MEETING: On Sept. 28, the Tigers and the Jaguars met for the 58th time in series history. Both teams came into the game with 2-2, 2-0 records and the SU Jaguars entered the contest with a two game winning streak intact. JSU had just come off a 35-7 win over Texas Southern on an ESPNU nationally televised Thursday night game. At that point in the season JSU and SU were two of the league’s three teams that had not suffered a loss in conference play. JSU held on to beat Southern 19-14. In the final moments of the game, JSU stopped SU on downs inside the 10-yard line. Southern took over on its own 25 half way through the fourth quarter and marched to the SU 14 yard line. The drive fizzled and Dray Joseph’s 4th down pass fell incomplete. JSU took a 19-7 lead in the third quarter on 2-yard TD runs by Clayton Moore and Rakeem Sims. JSU had a balanced attack with 190 rush yds and 165 passing yds.



COURTESY JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Fobbs Selected to Lead Grambling State University Football

McNeese State’s Broderick Lee Fobbs, a Gramblinite legacy, tapped to lead team

GRAMBLING, Louisiana –  Grambling State University President Frank G. Pogue and Athletic Director Aaron James announce the selection of Gramblinite legacy Broderick Lee Fobbs as the next head coach of the university football team.

A second-generation graduate of Grambling State, Fobbs was chosen from a pool of more than 100 candidates.  His appointment, effective Monday (Dec. 9), is pending University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors approval. A news conference is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday in the Doris Robinson Room of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum on the campus.

“I’m elated for the opportunity. Grambling State University is a prestigious institution. It’s an opportunity I’ve always dreamed of at a place where I’ve always dreamed of being,” said Fobbs. “I stand on the shoulders of a number of great men, and many of them coached and mentored me. They instilled in me the importance of GSU’s expectations, history and legacy and we’re going to do just what they expect and deserve.”

Fobbs, the tight ends coach at McNeese State University, was an honors student while playing GSU football in the late 1990s under legendary head football coach Eddie G. Robinson Sr., the NCAA’s winningest coach in Division I. He has experience recruiting across Louisiana both at McNeese (FCS school) and the University of Southern Mississippi (SBS school).

“I couldn’t be happier that Broderick has agreed to return home and lead our football program back to greatness,” said Pogue. “It’s obvious that we’ve had a couple of truly difficult seasons, and that’s not something that Grambling State alums and supporters are used to – and we’re about to change that with Fobbs.”

“We believe Fobbs is the right person to breathe new life into our football program, a Gramblinite who is professional, respectful, a listener, a doer and a strong administrator who understands the multiple roles of a good football coach in athletics and the university as a whole,” add Pogue. “This is a guy who knows and understands Grambling State and all of its deep, rich history and the tradition of winning on the field and off the field.”

“I’ve known Fobbs for a number of years,” added James, “and I am confident that he is the man for the job. It’s a big job with a lot of challenges and a lot of opportunities, but the guy came in with a heck of a plan and a presentation that wowed us.”

Since graduating from GSU in 1997 as the son of two Gramblinites, Fobbs coached high school football while in Waco, Texas; worked as a graduate assistant with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette football program and spent five seasons, 2002 to 2007, with Northwestern State University in a variety of coaching positions, including tight ends, receivers and running backs coach.  The latter part of Fobbs career has been at McNeese State with the exception of a 2012 season stint at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Fobbs was a part of multiple championship football teams, including McNeese State’s 2009-2010 and 2007-2008 when each team made it to the FCS playoffs and Northwestern State University’s conference championship team in 2004-2005. He has a reputation as a strong motivator and leader, coaching a number of successful football players, including Darius Carey, a McNeese State All-American punt returner; Quinten Lawrence, a sixth-round draft pick with the Kansas City Chiefs from McNeese; Steven Whitehead, an All American who played/plays with the New Orleans Saints and Northwestern State’s David Pittman, a kickoff return specialist drafted in the third round by the Baltimore Ravens. While coaching at Northwestern State, he recruited and coached Derrick Doyle and Toby Zeigler, two of the most productive receivers in NSU history who rank No. 1 and No. 2 at the school in receptions, respectively.

Fobbs, a native of Monroe, La., will coach with McNeese State as they face the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in an NCAA Division I FCS football championship game at Cowboy Stadium in Lake Charles, La., on Saturday at 6 p.m.

“I want to thank the football head coach search committee for a superb job,” said Pogue. “Theirs was a high-level, approach that included a rubric and questions for each candidate, a ranking system and a clear, objective feedback process. I’ve participated in and led a lot of searches, and this was one of the best I’ve ever seen.”

James thanked the football coaches, especially interim head coach Dennis “Dirt” Winston, for leading the football team through a difficult transition, helping the team become more competitive in the final weeks of the season.

From GSU Release

Gold Nuggets use second-half surge to win at Loyola

NEW ORLEANS -- Whitney Gathright scored 19 of her career-high 27 points in the second half Tuesday to lead NAIA No. 15 Xavier University of Louisiana to a 74-65 women's basketball victory against city rival Loyola at The Den.

The Gold Nuggets (5-5) trailed 35-31 at halftime but shot 61.5 percent in the second half to snap a three-game losing streak and halt Loyola's win streak at three.

Gathright, a sophomore guard, was 9-of-12 from the floor, 4-of-6 on 3-pointers and 5-of-9 from the line in 32 minutes. She also had five rebounds, two assists and four steals. Gathright became the second XU female in the last 10 seasons to reach 27 points -- the first since Brittany Powell did it in back-to-back games in January 2010.

Paige Gauthier had 11 points, four steals and a season-high eight assists for the Nuggets. Danielle Tucker had 10 points and five rebounds, and Vinnie Briggs had nine points and career-highs of five rebounds and five steals.

Janeicia Neely scored 22 points, including four 3-pointers, for Loyola. Jasmine Brewer had 11 points and seven rebounds, and Kylah Jones scored 10.

Loyola trailed most of the first half before making five of its last six shots during a 14-6 rally. The Wolf Pack extended the lead to 37-31 on a Neely basket to start the second half, then Xavier answered with an 11-2 run
which lasted less than three minutes. Gathright's 3-pointer at 17:23 put the Nuggets ahead to stay, 42-39.

Coach Bo Browder started four guards -- Gathright, Gauthier, Briggs and Emoni Harvey -- in the second half. They were a combined 11-of-19 from the floor after halftime, and Gathright, Gauthier and Briggs collected three steals apiece.

"That was a great combination for us," Browder said. "We generated some energy in the second half and made a lot of good things happen. I'll definitely start that lineup Thursday."

The second half was Xavier's most accurate from the floor since February 2012. The Nuggets shot 45.5 percent for the game. Loyola made 51.9 percent in the first half but finished at 47.2. Xavier committed 18 turnovers and gained 25.

Xavier will play William Carey at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Convocation Center.

Box score

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

NCCU Eagles Take Down ODU Monarches for 6th Straight Win

NORFOLK, Virginia –  For the third time in the 2013-14 campaign, North Carolina Central University used overtime to earn its sixth straight victory after outlasting the host Monarchs of Old Dominion University 76-69 on Tuesday night inside the Ted Constant Convocation Center in Norfolk, Va.

The win for NCCU gives its second victory against an opponent from an FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) conference with the Monarchs new to Conference USA and the other being NC State from the Atlantic Coast Conference.

A sluggish start found the maroon and gray down 11-5 with 16:09 to go in the first half after  Keenan Palmore's jumper, the Eagles responded with 15-9 run to knot the game at 20 with 10:35 left in the first frame.

Over the next seven minutes, head coach LeVelle Moton's squad turned it up a notch going on a 15-6 run to grab a 35-26 advantage, silencing the announced crowd of 5,189.


COURTESY OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Despite early foul trouble for local product Jay Copeland (Suffolk, Va.) and Karamo Jawara (Bergen, Norway) the Eagles prospered due to the spark provided by junior Jordan Parks (Queens, N.Y.) who nearly recorded a double-double in the first half with 12 points and seven rebounds that included a couple of rim-rocking dunks
.
NCCU finished the half with its largest lead at 43-30 following redshirt senior Reggie Groves' (Raleigh, N.C.) three-pointer from the right side to take the momentum into the locker room.

Through the first frame the Eagles used the last ten minutes to outscore the Monarchs 23-10, giving them the double-digit lead, the maroon and gray shot a scorching 17-for-26 (65.4 percent) from the field, 3-for-5 from deep.

The second half tested the veteran Eagles' will as the Monarchs started to pick it up offensively while NCCU sputtered a bit.

Slowly but surely, ODU climbed back in the contest cutting the margin to single digits on a Dimitri Batten three-pointer to make it 52-43 with 13:20 left.

After an NCCU turnover, Batten's layup cut the Monarch deficit seven at 52-47 less than a minute later.

Old Dominion kept gnawing away at NCCU's lead forcing Moton to call a 30-second timeout after Aaron Bacote's layup made it a one-point game at 56-55 with 7:14 to go.

After the maroon and gray missed two opportunities to stretch the lead back out, the Monarchs grab their first advantage since the 9:41 mark in the first half on Bacote's drive to the basket to make it 57-56 with 4:47 left in the game.

Senior guard Jeremy Ingram (Charlotte, N.C.), who started the game 3-for-4 from-the-field fouled out of the contest with 4:31 left in the game and the Eagles up by one at 58-57.  After the hot early portion of the game, Ingram went 2-for-10 to finish 5-for-14 from-the-floor with 14 points and four rebounds.

Over the last four minutes, there were three ties and two lead changes, but perhaps one of the biggest shots of the evening took place with the Eagles down three at 61-58 with 3:18 left, when Jawara drilled his first three of the night to knot it up at 61 apiece.

The junior forward gave the Eagles a 63-61 lead with 2:39 left on a layup, in which ODU answered a minute later to tie it up at 63 thanks to Batten's huge putback.

Both teams missed chances over the last minute, including Batten who missed both of his free throw attempts with 52 seconds left.  Batten also missed a jumper with time winding down that sent the game into the extra session.

In each of the three contests that have gone to overtime, the score at the end of regulation has been 63 all.

In the extra session, the maroon and gray left no doubt once again after Batten's layup to give the Monarchs their only lead in overtime at 65-63, Jawara's second and final shot from deep gave the
Eagles a lead they would never relinquish after consecutive stops saw Groves and Copeland both drop-in layups to put NCCU up 70-65 halfway through the frame.

The Eagles held the Monarchs to six points in the extra five minutes as Parks put the final dagger in ODU with a hard slam to make it 76-67 in favor of the maroon and gray.

NCCU struggled from-the-field in the second stanza shooting 9-for-28 (32.1 percent) along with a 1-for-6 effort (16.7 percent) from beyond-the-arch.

In overtime, NCCU picked it back up offensively shooting 5-for-6 from-the-field (83.3 percent), while ODU shot a paltry 3-for-8 (37.5 percent).

Four Eagles ended the night in double figures led by senior Alfonzo Houston (Cleveland Heights, Ohio) who shot 7-for-12, scoring 16 points, tying his season-high against Appalachian State.

Jawara contributed a career-high 14 points including five clutch points in overtime, while Parks ended the night with 14 points ripping down eight rebounds in the win.  The junior scored 12 of his 14 points in the second frame.

ODU's (4-4) Batten led all scorers as he tied a career-high with a double-double 25 points and 10 rebounds in the third straight loss for the Monarchs.

Free throws were certainly an issue for both teams on the night as the Eagles shot a season-low 9-for-19 (47.4 percent) from the charity stripe, while the Monarchs were 8-for-18 (44.4 percent).

With the win in the extra frame, Moton moves to 5-2 all-time in overtime and 53-6 when leading at the half.

Since the calendar turned to 2013, the NCCU men's basketball program has compiled a 22-3 record, winning 10 of their last 11 contests.  The Eagles since last January are 10-2 as the road team, while sporting a 12-game winning streak at home.

NCCU (6-1) turns its focus to Saturday, Dec. 7 as the Eagles will battle the Jaguars of IUPUI at 2:00 p.m. from the Jungle in Indianapolis, Ind.

For more information about NCCU athletics, visit www.NCCUEaglePride.com or download the NCCU Sports Network app available in the App Store, Google Play and Amazon.
Box Score      

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Rush rally from 16 down to beat 10th-ranked Carey in OT

NEW ORLEANS -- Sophomore guard Morris Wright scored six of his career-high 26 points in overtime Tuesday to help Xavier University of Louisiana rally for a 90-80 men's basketball victory against William Carey in a matchup of ranked NAIA Division I teams.

The Gold Rush (6-3), ranked 19th, trailed by 16 points in both halves but never trailed in overtime. Wright put Xavier ahead to stay, 80-78, with two free throws at 3:48. It was the first Xavier lead since the fourth minute.

Wright, who scored 20 points after halftime, made two free throws with 57 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the score at 78. He forced overtime when he blocked Jeremiah Dunnings' attempted layup at the buzzer.

Anthony Goode scored a career-high 17 points for Xavier. Xavier Rogers scored 16 points, Sydney Coleman 14 and RJ Daniels 10. Coleman grabbed 10 rebounds for his fourth double-double in five games.

Daron Bell had 27 points, seven assists and seven steals for 10th-ranked William Carey (4-1), and Dunnings scored 23.

"I am proud of our players," XU coach Dannton Jackson said. "They found a way to win. This was a game about toughness. We showed resiliency. We played together."

Wright set a school record for free-throw accuracy by making all 14 of his attempts. The previous best was 12-of-12 by Jonathan Harper and Timothy Green in separate games in December 2003.

Xavier limited William Carey, which entered the game shooting 55 percent from the floor, to 41.5 percent. The Crusaders shot 64.3 percent in building a 47-33 halftime lead but shot 16 percent after the break. After making 7-of-11 3-pointers in the first half, the Crusaders went 0-of-9 in the final 25 minutes -- 0-of-5 in overtime.

"We got some big defensive stops in the second half," Jackson said. "And offensively, we stopped settling for jump shots. We took the ball to the basket."

A 15-1 run gave the Crusaders a 17-6 lead through seven minutes. They led by 16 in the final minute of the first half and again at 18:38 of the second half when Kelvin Mixon made 1-of-2 free throws for a 49-33 advantage. But Xavier rallied, getting 15 points from Goode in the final 11 minutes of regulation.

"We played until exhaustion, which is the way you're supposed to play," Jackson said.

Xavier shot 47.5 percent from the floor -- 53.1 percent after halftime -- and made 30-of-36 free throws to William Carey's 29-of-38. The teams committed a combined 58 fouls, and five players fouled out.

The victory was the first for the Rush against a top-10 team since January 2008. Xavier and William Carey will meet again Feb. 11 in Hattiesburg, Miss.

Xavier's next game will start at 7:30 p.m. Thursday against Mobile at the Convocation Center.

Box score

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

Anthony Jones: 'I can't be bitter' after 12-year run as Alabama A&M coach ends

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - A quarter-century ago, Anthony Jones felt he was "called" to coaching. Even as a career that saw 101 victories in 15 years finds itself at a crossroads, Jones intends to continue that calling.

Jones, the Alabama A&M head football coach for the past 12 seasons, with the second-highest win total in school history, was informed on Sunday by Alabama A&M director of athletics Bryan Hicks that his contract would not be renewed.

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SCSU Bulldogs switch focus to recruiting after playoff loss

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  -- The level of activity was less vibrant than it was a week ago at Rowe Hall Monday following South Carolina State’s season-ending loss in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

It was still business as usual for Bulldogs’ head coach Buddy Pough and his coaching staff at the office. With another season in the books, the month of December marks the early planning period for 2014, highlighted by scouting new talent both on the high school and junior college level.



With 14 departing seniors, Pough discussed at his final 2013 press conference those areas of need for the Bulldogs.

“We need kickers,” he said. “We’ve got to figure out how to fix our kicking, punting, graduation deal. We need a tight end or two. We’ve got to figure how to add to that group in a way where we can fill our ...

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MVSU softball inks seven high school standouts

ITTA BENA -- Mississippi Valley State has announced the signing of seven student-athletes who will join the team in fall 2014.

Bria Daniels (1st, Catcher)

The Missouri, Texas native has excelled both in the classroom and on the diamond while at Ridge Point High School, earning Honorable Mention (2011), Second Team All-District (2012) and Academic All District (2013). Daniels, a 5-foot-7 right-hander, played for the Texas Impact Gold summer league team. She plans to major in Biology at MVSU. 

 

In her own words: "I chose MVSU because of its reputable softball program and I wanted to be a part of the winning tradition and the academic standards of the team. I loved everything the school had to offer and couldn't help but feel a part of the community the moment I set foot on campus. Everyone I met welcomed me to the school wholeheartedly. I'm excited to take part in the experiences that can only be found at HBCUs such as Valley State."

Jordan Brown (OF)

The Thompsons Station, Tenn. native joins the Devilette squad from Columbia Academy where she batted .468 and named All-District, All-Tournament, All-Midstate, All State and Out of the Park Award. Brown also has excelled in classroom, earning honors such as National Honor Society, Honor Roll and TSSAA Scholastic Awards. The 5-foot-5 outfielder recently played for the Tennessee Attack summer league team. Brown's resume includes an on-base percentage of .613, 68 RBIs and 13 home runs. She also lettered in volleyball, earning numerous accolades including Best Blocker, Best Hitter, All-District, All-Tournament and All-Region. 

 

In her own words: I chose MVSU because the atmosphere of the school was amazing and the girls on the team, coach Lee Smith and assistant coach Shanika Randle were very welcoming. I could see myself being on campus without any doubts. It almost felt like a home away from home and I love that about MVSU."

Sharia Cormier (INF)

The Hemet, Calif. native signed with MVSU out of West Valley High School where last season she was named team MVP and Team Captain. Cormier has been named First Team All-League each year from 2010-13 and was named Scholar Athlete in 2010. The 5-foot-5 infielder, who hit .635 at West Valley High, played with the Minors Gold summer league team. Cormier also lettered in volleyball, earning Most Improved Player. 

 

In her own words: "I choose to come to MVSU because I have always wanted to go out of California to play college softball at the next level and Valley gives me that opportunity. Once I visited the campus I fell in love with atmosphere of a small school setting and the hospitality that everyone on and off campus displayed. I am extremely excited in becoming a Devilette. I am looking forward to continuing the championship legacy that has been established at MVSU in winning SWAC championships. I am thrilled to be able to play for the coaching staff under coach Smith and with the girls as my future teammates. Furthering my education and pursuing my goal of having my degree in Kinesiology makes me absolutely ecstatic to allow myself to accomplish this at Mississippi Valley State University."

Haley Young (Pitcher)

The Bixby, Okla. native comes to Valley from Bixby High School where she boasts an ERA of 1.83 and was named All-Conference and All-District. The 5-foot-7 pitcher was also named Academic All-Conference in 2012 and Academic All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2013. Last summer, she played for the Tulsa Shootout 180 Gold summer league team. She batting .270 with 23 RBIs and four home runs. She has 234 strikeouts during her time at Bixby High including three no-hitters and two perfect games. 

 

In her own words: "When I first visited Valley, it felt like home to me. I love the people and the atmosphere and I couldn't imagine my college experience anywhere else. To me, being a Devilette means achieving dreams and exceeding expectations. I know that my dreams have come true and that I have exceeded many peoples expectations by becoming a Devilette and being given the opportunity to play Division-I softball. I also know that there will be many more dreams to come true and expectations broken in years to come and I couldn't be more excited."

Rebekah Clinton (Pitcher)

The Ponca City, Okla. native was named Pitcher of the Year (2010), MVP (2011, 12) and First Team All-District (2011, 12) while at Ponca City High School. Clinton has amassed 568 strikeouts, 76 career victories and an ERA of 2.09. Clinton, who also lettered at swimming, played for the Tulsa Eagles Gold summer league team. She plans to major in education at MVSU. 

 

In her own words: "I love the school's atmosphere. The first time I walked on campus it felt like home. Everyone is so nice and seems like if you ever need anything there's always someone to help you. I wanted to go to a program that was well known and established and that could help me take my game to the next level. To be a Devilette is a privilege and an honor to wear the green and white of Valley. I can't wait to be a part of the program and represent the school."

Alexandra Dobbins (Catcher)

The Kansas City, Mo. native lettered in softball and basketball at Grandview High School. Her resume includes First Team All-District (2012), Second Team All-District (2010, 12), First Team All-Conference (2012) and Second Team All-Conference (2010, 12). Dobbins, who hit .449 last season, also earned the team's highest batting average from 2010-12 and was named Varsity MVP in 2011 and Varsity Captain in 2011-12. The 5-foot-11 catcher played for the Kansas City Skinners summer league team from 2012-13. Dobbins was named to the National Honor Society. 

 

In her own owns: "I chose to come to Mississippi Valley State University because I wanted to be a part of the great softball program it has and the campus felt like a place I could call home. It is an honor to be a Devilette. I feel like I am part of a new family. I have a strong sense of responsibility and I am motivated to be a better player and contribute to the winning traditions of the Devilette softball team."

Jacquelyn Espinoza (INF)

The 5-foot-8 infielder was named Second Team All-District in 2010-11, First Team All-District 2011-13 and MVP of the Floresville Softball Tournament while at Harlandale High School in San Antonio, Texas. She boasts a batting average of .425 and an on-base percentage of .551. Espinoza, who's academic achievements include the National Honor Society and 2013 All-District Academic Team , plans to major in Health, Physical Education and Recreation. She played for the Texas Titans summer league team. 

 

In her own words: "I chose MVSU because the school has an amazing softball program; not only do they perform on the filed, but as well in school. Upon my visit, everyone I met made me feel like you all were just one big family. During my visit, everywhere I went I was greeted in the kindest of ways. The coaching staff seems to take care of each of their players as if they were their own which shows how much of a family it is."

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Alabama A&M AD Bryan Hicks: Decision to fire Jones in 'best interest of where we want to go'

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama  -- With an eye to the future, Alabama A&M director of athletics Bryan Hicks made a decision that he said was in "our best interest" in choosing not to renew the contract of head football coach Anthony Jones.

"After looking over the program as a whole I made the decision that we just wanted to go in a different direction with the program," Hicks said Monday morning in an exclusive 17-minute interview with The Alabama Media Group/The Huntsville Times. "I looked at everything. I looked at everything. And after looking at everything, our best interest to where we want to go in the future would be going ahead and making a change in direction."

Jones was informed Sunday of the decision and it was announced to local media via an email press release.

Jones, 53, coached at Alabama A&M for 12 years, with a record of 83-57. The Bulldogs had only three losing seasons in that ...

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Tennessee State Tennis Signs Local Product

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee State tennis coach Robert Cain announced the signing of Grant Maddox to a National Letter of Intent. Maddox is completing his senior year at Greenbrier High School where he has played for Coach Blaise Miranda.

 

“Grant is in an awesome situation being he has a year to work on his game prior to putting on a TSU uniform,” Cain said. “Upon his arrival, there will be no expectations placed on him because of the make-up of our team. His responsibility will be to get to know our system and working on his game. He is a very hard working young man with a huge upside to his game.”

Maddox led GHS to a 2013 District Championship. The local product has amassed a 60-9 record including undefeated seasons in his sophomore and junior seasons. In doubles action, Maddox claimed district and regional championships in 2012. He also earned an individual District championship in 2013.

Maddox has won numerous individual tournaments as he has totaled a 40-15 record in the USTA 16’s and 18’s divisions. He has increased his skills over the last year as he has worked with private instructors including Cain and Wilson Webb. Maddox played basketball at GHS and is a member of the National Honor Society, BETA Club and Future Business Leaders of America. He intends to major in Business Administration at TSU.

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