Alabama State Jenkins Signs 15 Football Student-Athletes

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The Alabama State football team has signed 15 players to on National Signing Day:

Player	Position	HT, WT	Hometown
Kenneth Thomas	RB	5-8, 230	Fort Mitchell, Ala.
Jordan Williams	OL	6-4, 280	Tallahassee, Fla.
Chase Nixon	OL	6-6, 320	Cape Coral, Fla.
Stevie Smiley	TE	6-2, 225	Brundidge, Ala.
Shaquille Powell	DT	6-1, 310	Blakely, Ga.
Isaac Nickson	DE	6-4, 240	Banks, Ala.
Elston Ricky Halye	LB	6-5, 245	Norfolk, Va.
Robert Easterwood	DB	5-11,162	Fayetteville, Ga.
Don'te Hendricks	WR	6-0,180	Paintsville, Ky.
Caleb Madden	DB	5-9, 170	Canoga Park, Calif.
Jaelen Rising-Barnwell	DB	6-1,165	Long Beach, Calif.
Christian Loubriel	OL	6-4, 275	Tampa, Fla.
Samuel Jenkins	OL	6-3, 320	Duncanville, Texas
Sam Baptiste	OL	6-3, 350	Waycross, Ga.
ALREADY ENROLLED
Ellis Richardson	QB	6-4, 235	Villa Rica, Ga.

The Alabama State football recruiting bash is tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Club Lounge at the New ASU Stadium.

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Alcorn State Football Inks 27 on National Signing Day

Braves football has a productive day on National Signing Day

LORMAN, Mississippi  -- Head Coach Jay Hopson and his staff were eager to get to the fax machine this morning to find out who would join the Alcorn State football team for the 2015 season.

This years' class includes 27 outstanding players from the states of Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, South Carolina, Louisiana and Alabama.

Coach Hopson is expecting all of the signees to contribute right away, as the Braves look to defend their SWAC title in the upcoming football season.

"We are very excited about the group of guys we signed today," said Hopson. "We recruited players that could come make an immediate impact and that wanted to become a Brave."

A list of the Braves 2015 signees are listed below:

Michael Ajumobi OL (6'3, 250, Grand Prairie, Texas/South Grand Prairie)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2939687/michael-ajumobi

Kevorkian Brewer (6'0, 182, Macon, Miss./Noxubee County)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1904053/kavorkian-brewer

Raidarious Anderson WR (6'3, 190, Somerville, Tenn./Fayette Ware)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4061165/raidarious-anderson

Jaquaveon Boles DE (6'1, 215, Duncanville, Texas/Duncanville)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2561366/jaquaveon-boles

Deonte Brooks OL (6'5 320, Meridian, Miss./Meridian)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3399811/deonte-brooks

Allen "AJ" Bruce DB (5'11, 175, Lake Providence, La./Lake Providence)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1057477/aj-bruce

Leishaun Ealey DB (5'10, 165, Jacksonville, Fla./Atlantic Coast)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1673477/leishaun-ealey

Rodney English QB (6'4, 175, Mobile, Ala./Leflore)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3945365/rodney-english

Trae'veris Ferrell DE (6'4, 240, Jacksonville, Fla./Atlantic Coast)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1746139/trae-ferrell

William Gordon OL (6'4, 318, Miami, Fla./Norland)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3153452/william-gordon

Darrell Henderson, Jr. DL (6'1, 315, Jacksonville, Fla./Duval Charter)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3299087/darrell-henderson

Albert Howard, WR (6'4, 184, Mobile, Ala./Murphy)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1498930/albert-howard

Corbin Johnson, ATH (6'4, 200, Jackson, Miss./Lanier)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3350794/corbin-d-johnson

Noah Johnson, QB, (5'11, 187, Tampa, Fla./Armwood)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2188147/noah-johnson

Bryce Mingo-Bradley DL (6'5, 270, Boynton Beach, Fla./Boynton Beach)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1893595/bryce-anthony-mingo

Solomon Muhammad LB (6'0, 205, Birmingham, Ala./A.H. Parker)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2227707/solomon-muhammad

Deundre Pickett-White QB (6'0, 190, Miami, Fla./Southwest Florida)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3822181/deundre-pickett-white

Mahlon Robinson DB (5'11, 185, Macon, Miss./Noxubee County)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1904060/mahlon-robinson

Quintin Smith DB (6'1, 190, Plantation, Fla/American Heritage)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/595575/quintin-smith

Alex Taylor OL (6'4, 260, Flora, Miss./Madison Central)

Hakeim Warren WR (6'2, 187, Easley, S.C./Easley)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3285668/hakeim-warren

Demetrius Whitehead (5'10, 185, Hallandale, Fla./Hallandale)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2492798/demetrius-whitehead

Terry Whittington (6'3, 207, Cooper City, Fla./Cooper City, Fla.)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3030259/terry-whittington

Pablo Williams, Jr. (6'7, 320, Jackson, Miss./Jim Hill)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3853543/pablo-williams-jr

Mid-Year Enrollees
Evan Grimes LS (6'0, 190, Florence, Miss./East Mississippi CC)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4346509/evan-grimes

Edrick Thigpen OL (6'1, 315, Yazoo City, Miss./Mississippi Delta CC)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3150074/edrick-thigpen

De'Lance Turner RB (5'11, 205, New Augusta, Miss./Copiah Lincoln CC)
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2941718/delance-turner


COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Jackson State Signs 19 New Tigers for Football

JACKSON, Mississippi --  JSUTigers.com will be the signing day home for Jackson State football in 2015, with real-time official announcements of official letters on intent.

Tigers head coach Harold Jackson will discuss JSU's overall recruiting class and discuss each recruit during the annual signing party Wednesday night at 6 p.m. at WOW Cafe (American Grill and Wingery) located at 1100 J.R. Lynch Street near the Penguin restaurant.

JSUTigers.com will have a signing day roster with highlight videos of each signee as they become official. If you are following on social meda, get up-to-the minute news of signing day at https://twitter.com/JStateTigers or https://www.facebook.com/JSTATETIGERS.

2015 Jackson State Football Signees (updated 7:45 PM CT)

Nikolas Davis / 6-2 / 256 / OL, DL / Fayetteville, GA / Sandy Creek HS / Highlights

Vallemond German / 6-3 / 255 / DL / Anaheim, CA / Savannah HS / Golden West College / Highlights

Yacoub Hammoudeh / 6-5 / 300 / OL, DL / American Canyon, CA / American Canyon HS / Contra Costa College / Highlights

Malik Hamner / 6-5 / 228 / DE,TE / Tuscaloosa, AL / Central HS / Highlights

Jamarius Mabry / 6-4 / 190 / WR / Jackson, MS / Forest Hill HS / NW Miss. CC / Highlights

Brandon McCoy / 6-6 / 340 / T, NG / Memphis, TN / Memphis Central HS / Highlights

James Reid / 6-3 / 280 / DT, NG Vallejo, CA / Contra Costa College / Highlights

Tyler Rogers / 5-11 / 183 / DB / Starkville, MS / Starkville HS / Highlights

Nijee Smith / 6-3 / 225 / DL, OLB / Oxnard, CA / Golden West CC / Highlights

Ramone Ward / 6-1 / 182 / DB / Ellenwood, GA / Cedar Grove HS / Highlights

Brandon Wright / 6-2 / 326 / DL / Fresno, CA / Contra Costa College / Highlights

Mid-Year Enrollees (enrolled at JSU in January)
Alem Amores /6-2 / 290 / OL / Oakland, CA / Contra Costa CC / Oakland Tech HS / Highlights
Zavian Bingham / 5-10 / 185 / CB / Terry, MS / SW Miss. CC / Terry HS / Highlights
Vincent Hunter /6-4 / 325 / OL / Memphis, TN / UAB / Whitehaven HS / Highlights
Justin Morgan /6-4 / 235 / LB / Senatobia, MS / Copiah-Lincoln / Senatobia HS / Highlights
Jarin Morikawa /6-0 / 190 / QB / Mililani, HI / UNLV / Mililani HS / Highlights
Demaris Peppers / 6-3 / 287 / DL / Memphis, TN / Minnesota / Fairley HS / Highlights
Zechariah Ray /6-7 / 325 / OL / Yazoo City, MS / Copiah-Linsoln CC / Yazoo City HS / Highlights
Kenneth Tyler /6-4 / 335 / OL / Vicksburg, MS / Hinds CC / Vicksburg HS / Highlights

COURTESY JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

FAMU head coach Alex Wood: ‘No challenge’ in recruiting

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Alex Wood has been on the job as Florida A&M head football coach for six weeks.

So far, most of his job has consisted of replacing what the program has lost since the end of last football season. Wood’s focus has been on recruiting and putting together his coaching staff.

On Wednesday, during a 5:30 p.m. press conference at FAMU’s College of Pharmacy, Wood will reveal the fruits of his hard work. And he doesn’t think the Rattler Nation will be disappointed.

Wood will release the roughly 15 recruits he’s expected to sign and introduce the team’s five new coaches he hired last week.

Additionally, Wood will reintroduce retained offensive line coach Edwin Pata and unveil the final two assistants, expected to be a running backs coach and a linebackers coach.

CONTINUE READING

Hopkins leads Nuggets as they sweep past Lady Tigers

NEW ORLEANS — Reserve point guard Trana Hopkins scored 12 points Monday to lead Xavier University of Louisiana in a 70-57 women's basketball victory against Edward Waters.

The Gold Nuggets (13-11, 6-2 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference) completed a two-game regular-season sweep of the Lady Tigers (14-10, 2-6). Hopkins scored in double figures for the third time this season — the first time since Dec. 30 — and led Xavier in scoring for the first time. She grabbed five rebounds, which matched her season high, and had two assists and a steal in 17 minutes.

Freshman Daylin Boatner scored 10 points for Xavier — her second double-figure game for the Gold Nuggets — and Donyeah Mayfield had nine points and 11 rebounds. Vinnie Briggs scored nine.

Kyeshia Dawkins scored 20 points for Edward Waters, and Amber Antoine and Alexis Grant scored 11 apiece.

Xavier trailed 21-12 but outscored the Lady Tigers 21-2 in the final 8:20 of the first half to take a 31-23 halftime lead. The Nuggets' Alesha Smith opened the second half with a 3-pointer, and Xavier led by double digits for all but 18 seconds thereafter. Boatner's two free throws with 3:49 remaining gave Xavier its largest lead, 63-45.

The Gold Nuggets shot 43.6 percent from the floor — their second-most-accurate game of the season — produced a season-high 19 assists and outrebounded Edward Waters 43-28. Xavier limited the Lady Tigers to 35.7 percent from the floor. Ten Nuggets had at least one assist, and all-star guard Whitney Gathright had a game-high five.

Xavier is 8-1 this season when it reaches 67 points and 10-2 when it allows fewer than 60. The Gold Nuggets avoided back-to-back GCAC home losses, which hasn't occurred since 2002, and improved their all-time record against Edward Waters to 11-0.

Xavier will continue its three-game GCAC home stand with a 5:30 p.m. Thursday matchup against Voorhees.

Box score

Facebook photos

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/

Rush beat Edward Waters for 7th consecutive victory

NEW ORLEANS — Defense and Morris Wright have been important components of Xavier University of Louisiana's recent men's basketball success, and they were again Monday in a 56-45 victory against Edward Waters.

Wright scored 20 points, and the Gold Rush, ranked 19th in NAIA Division I, allowed less than 50 points to a Gulf Coast Athletic Conference opponent for the second consecutive game. It's the first time in 20 years that XU recorded back-to-back sub-50s in the GCAC.

It was the seventh consecutive victory for Xavier (18-6, 7-1), its longest streak since winning nine straight from Jan. 10-Feb. 7, 2011.

"I thought our halfcourt defense in the first half was the best 20 minutes we've had all season," XU head coach Dannton Jackson said. "We were really engaged."

Xavier led 33-22 at halftime and made 9-of-10 free throws in the final 5:28 — 5-of-5 by Wright — after the Tigers (12-10, 2-6) cut the margin to 45-42. Xavier limited Edward Waters to one point in the final four minutes, a free throw with nine seconds remaining.

"Mo Wright came through at the end with some big plays," Jackson said.

Wright, Xavier's only double-figure scorer, made 3-of-5 3-pointers and had five rebounds, three assists and four steals. It was Wright's 19th double-figure scoring game this season and fifth 20-point game, both team-leading totals.

Sydney Coleman scored nine points and Troy Salvant eight for Xavier, which completed a two-game regular-season sweep of the Tigers.

Dontay Sheppard scored 15 points and Nathaniel Hill 11 for Edward Waters.

The Gold Rush are a half-game behind Talladega, which was idle, in the GCAC. Xavier's seven straight victories all occurred in conference after a 93-78 loss at Talladega in the GCAC opener Jan. 5. Since that loss the Gold Rush have allowed 54.6 points per game, and Wright averaged a team-best 15.1 points.

Talladega, ranked fourth nationally, will visit Xavier next Monday. But next for the Gold Rush will be a 7:30 p.m. Thursday home game against Voorhees, a team Xavier beat by 14 on the road last week.

"This is a journey for our team," said Jackson, who is trying to guide Xavier to the NAIA's national tournament for the fifth consecutive year. "A long journey."

Box score

Facebook photos

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/

Two FBS Opponents, Five Home Games highlight 2015 NCCU Football Schedule

DURHAM, North Carolina -- After capturing a share of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship and posting the most wins as a Division I-FCS program last season, North Carolina Central University's 11-game 2015 football schedule features two NCAA Division I-Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponents and five home games.

During the 2014 campaign under the leadership of first-year head coach Jerry Mack, NCCU posted seven victories, including the program's first win over a nationally-ranked FCS opponent.

NCCU kicks off the 2015 season on Sept. 5 by hosting Saint Augustine's, a former Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association foe, at 6 p.m. inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. This will be the 31st meeting between the Falcons and Eagles, with NCCU holding a 27-2-1 advantage in the series. In the last match-up on Sept. 7, 2013 in Durham, it took double-overtime for the Eagles to edge SAU, 23-20.

The Eagles reunite with Durham neighbor Duke University on Sept. 12 in the first game played inside the newly renovated Wallace Wade Stadium. The Blue Devils have won all for contests in the series that started in 2009.

NCCU faces its second straight Division I-FBS opponent on Sept. 19 with a trip to Miami to play Florida International University out of Conference USA. This will be the first meeting between the Eagles and the FIU Panthers.

After a bye week, NCCU begins MEAC play by hosting fellow conference co-champions Bethune-Cookman on Oct. 3 at 4 p.m. The Eagles defeated the Wildcats in the first meeting back in 1994, but B-CU has beaten NCCU in each of the last five contests since 2010.

NCCU makes a return trip to Florida to challenge the Rattlers of Florida A&M on Oct. 10 in Tallahassee. In the last meeting at Bragg Memorial Stadium, the Rattlers rallied for a 22-21 win over the Eagles on Nov. 10, 2012. FAMU leads the series 6-1-1.

The Eagles stay on the road for an Oct. 17 match-up against Savannah State in Georgia, as the Tigers host NCCU for its homecoming. The Eagles have won the last three meetings with SSU to push the series advantage to 7-2-1.

NCCU returns to O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium on Oct. 24 to welcome the Bears of Morgan State for a 2 p.m. kickoff. In last year's clash, MSU scored a touchdown with 32 seconds left to complete a 13-point, fourth-quarter comeback victory over the Eagles in Baltimore. The Bears have won seven of the last nine meetings with NCCU to extend their series cushion to 23-13-2.

NCCU celebrates Homecoming on Oct. 31 when the Eagles host Norfolk State at 2 p.m. A fourth-quarter special teams touchdown proved to be the winning margin for NCCU in Norfolk a year ago, as the Eagles improved their series advantage to 7-5 over the Spartans.

For the third consecutive week, the Eagles will play at home inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium, this time against Delaware State on Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. for NCCU Senior Day. The Eagles and Hornets last played in a double-overtime thriller in 2012, with NCCU celebrating a 23-20 victory.

NCCU travels to the nation's capital for a match-up against Howard on Nov. 14. The Eagles beat the Bison 27-22 last season in Durham to even the series at 9-9-1.

The Eagles close out the regular season in Greensboro with the 87th meeting against rival North Carolina A&T on Nov. 21. NCCU ended its 2014 campaign with a 21-14 triumph over the Aggies to earn a share of the conference title.

NCCU will hold its spring football game on Friday, April 10 at 6 p.m. inside O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.

Details about NCCU football season tickets will be announced at a later date.

Complete 2015 NCCU Football Schedule 

Day	Date	Opponent	Location	Time/Result
Sat.	9/5/2015	St. Augustine's University	Durham, NC - O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium	6:00 pm
Sat.	9/12/2015	Duke University	Durham, NC - Wallace Wade Stadium	TBA
Sat.	9/19/2015	Florida International University	Miami, FL	TBA
Sat.	10/3/2015	Bethune-Cookman University	Durham, NC - O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium	4:00 pm
Sat.	10/10/2015	Florida A&M University	Tallahassee, FL	TBA
Sat.	10/17/2015	Savannah State University	Savannah, GA	TBA
Sat.	10/24/2015	Morgan State University	Durham, NC - O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium	2:00 pm
Sat.	10/31/2015	Norfolk State University	Durham, NC - O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium	2:00 pm
Sat.	11/7/2015	Delaware State University	Durham, NC - O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium	2:00 pm
Sat.	11/14/2015	Howard University	Washington, DC	TBA
Sat.	11/21/2015	North Carolina A&T State University	Greensboro, NC	TBA

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

TSU Tigers prevail in an overtime thriller over AAMU 68-65

HOUSTON, Texas -- The Texas Southern Tigers beat the Alabama A&M Bulldogs 68-65 in an overtime thriller Monday night. Tonnie Collier led the way with a team high 18 points while shooting 5-of- 9 from beyond the arch.

Madarious Gibbs who scored 17 points, coupled with Malcolm Riley's 15, provided Texas Southern with the balanced scoring effort needed to hold off a spirited Bulldog team that was looking to upset the Tigers who are now tied for first place in the SWAC.

Texas Southern trailed most of the first half, but would rally late in the session to pull even 29-29 at the break on a jumper from guard Tyree Bynum with four seconds remaining in the first half.

The second half, much like the first, was highly contested. With the score tied at 61, Alabama A&M's Ladarius Tabb missed a jumper with five seconds remaining in regulation.

The Tigers would eventually pull away in the overtime session and clinch the win with two clutch free throws from Gibbs with just 5 seconds remaining on the clock, giving Texas Southern the win.

Texas Southern's Nick Shepard who leads the SWAC in blocks per game provided a defensive presence throughout the night. He recorded a team high, seven rebounds and five blocks. The Tigers shot 42 percent from three point range and 47 percent from the field.

BOX SCORE

COURTESY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Bryan Henry: Excitement surrounds signing day, new baseballs

COURTESY FAMU ATHLETICS

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- Happy National Signing Day! Wednesday is a big day for the Florida A&M and Florida State football programs.

New FAMU football coach, Alex Wood, has been on the road recruiting hard since he was named the university’s head coach. He has the athletic department buzzing, and I am excited to see the players he signs. I have had the opportunity to meet and speak with Coach Wood a couple times, and he is an unbelievable guy that will do great things here. I am really looking forward working with him and watching what he does for program and athletic department.

If you are interested in meeting the football coaching staff and learning about the players that they signed you are move than welcome to head to the FAMU National Signing Day Event. It will start Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in the FAMU Pharmacy Building in the Florida Blue Auditorium. Feel free to come on out.

Of course, Friday, Feb. 13, can’t get here soon up for the FAMU baseball team. It is hard to believe we are getting ready to open up our season at home against Marshall.

CONTINUE READING

Albany State men swat away Clark Atlanta

ALBANY, Georgia — Like a buzzing mosquito that constantly aggravates on a hot summer South Georgia night, Clark Atlanta played the role to perfection Monday night at the HPER Gymnasium.

After watching an 18-point advantage get whittled to a basket with 3:25 left, Albany State figured out a way to exterminate the Panthers and take a 92-85 victory.

“That was a typical Clark Atlanta team,” Albany State men’s basketball coach Michael Moore said. “They always get those good athletes from the city that plays good basketball. Plus, their coach does a good job too.”

The Rams used a pair of 3-point plays at the free throw line from Darshtyn Baker and Elijah Jordan to gain themselves some breathing room, then their defense cut down Clark Atlanta’s rally attempt.

CONTINUE READING

Frost's buzzer-beater lifts Lady Rams past CAU

ALBANY, Georgia -- Mecca Frost simply couldn't let it end like that.

Down a point with less than 20 seconds to play, the Lady Rams' junior guard turned the ball over and sent the Lady Panthers to the free throw line with a chance to extend their lead.

Instead, she was just setting up for an even better ending.

After CAU missed the first of a one-and-one, Frost sprinted down the court and banked in a three-point heave with two seconds left to give the Lady Rams a 68-66 win, their fourth straight.

"I knew after I had got the ball ripped the first time, I knew I had to get a point up by any means necessary," she says. "I felt confident in that shot. I practice it all the time after practice with my teammates, so I put it up. When it left my hands, I wasn't sure. But when it hit the glass, I knew. I couldn't believe it. I was just looking at the scoreboard."


CONTINUE READING

Ty-Nita Baker Named CIAA Newcomer of the Week for the Third Time

COURTESY BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

HAMPTON, Virginia  --  Bowie State University junior Ty-Nita Baker (Houston, Miss.) was named Women's Newcomer of the Week for the third time this season by the conference coaches and Sports Information Directors.

Baker knocked down 50 percent of her shots in games against Virginia State and Elizabeth City State and averaged 18.5 ppg and shot 80 percent at the free throw line. Her best outing of the week came at home against ECSU as she scored 20 points, grabbed six rebounds, handed out three assists, blocked one shot and accounted for two steals. She is currently the CIAA's fourth leading scorer.

The Lady Bulldogs return to action on Saturday (2/7) facing The Lincoln University Lady Lions at 2 pm in LU's Manuel Rivero Hall.

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

COURTESY BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Texas Southern to host Alabama A&M on ESPNU Monday Night

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Monday night’s ESPNU basketball matchup features Alabama A&M University at Texas Southern from H&PE Arena. Tonight’s battle is highlighted by one of the league’s best scorers and a team that is as hot as anyone right now in college basketball.

AAMU (5-13, 4-4) is led by Ladarius Tabb who is second in the Southwestern Athletic Conference in scoring at 17.1 points per game. Not only does he lead his team in points scored but the Shelton State Community College transfer leads the Bulldogs and is fourth in the SWAC in rebounding averaging 6.9 per outing. In his last five games, Tabb is averaging 27.4 points per contest three of which includes 31 points against Mississippi Valley State, 33 against Alcorn State, and another 30 last Saturday night at Prairie View. The Bulldogs however are still in search of that signature win. A victory over TSU (10-11, 7-1) would complete a sweep of the Texas schools as the Bulldogs topped PVAMU over the weekend.

Dating back to the month of December, Texas Southern has won nine of its last 12 games. The Tigers opened conference play by winning its first five. Their only loss came at Arkansas Pine Bluff, a team that has now won four in a row. Since falling at UAPB, TSU has since reeled off its last two. The heart and soul of this team is through its scoring leaders Chris Thomas (13.8 ppg) and Madarious Gibbs (13.3 ppg).

Tipoff Monday night in Houston is set for 8:00 p.m. on ESPNU/WATCHESPN

The complete ESPNU/WATCHESPN schedule is as follows:
February 23 – Alabama State at Southern 8 p.m.

2015 Toyota SWAC Basketball Tournament
March 15 – SWAC Women’s Final – 2 p.m. ESPN3
March 15 – SWAC Men’s Final - 5:30 p.m. ESPNU



COURTESY SWAC.ORG

Florida A&M Law student by day, MMA fighter by night (Video)

ORLANDO, Florida -- It is the second day of class as Professor Deleso Alford orders her Florida A&M University law students up to the podium, one by one, to introduce themselves.

She wants them to share an interesting fact as they spend the next several months discussing deep, personal issues about race and society.

One man says he was a high school English teacher in a previous life. Another says he was listed as state witness 48 in the George Zimmerman trial. One woman owns nine dogs and one cat that thinks he's a dog.

A dark-haired man, dressed in a tie and crisp white shirt, waits his turn as he sits in the second row, his yellow note pad open.

"William Kelly," Alford says finally.  Kelly, 29, walks to the podium.

CONTINUE READING

Albany State gears up for 2015 baseball season

ALBANY, Georgia — If January was a crazy month for you, then listen to how Albany State interim baseball coach Daniel Stockdale’s month went.

Stockdale was hired on Jan. 9 to replace Kenyan Conner, who resigned in December to join ASU football coach Mike White’s staff at Benedict.

Stockdale left his assistant baseball job at Savannah State, had a little more than three weeks to learn his new team and had to trim the roster from 40 to 28 players.

On top of that, Stockdale still hasn’t fully moved and is still living in a hotel.

Yet, when the Rams open their 2015 baseball season Tuesday afternoon against Brewton Parker College, none of that matters to the first-year coach.

“These guys are handling (the transition) well,” Stockdale said. “They needed a little organization and they’ve been able to get that corrected.”

2015 Albany State Golden Rams Baseball Schedule

CONTINUE READING

'McDonald's Rhythms of Triumph' Awards Honor People of Triad

BILL HAYES

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- The 15th Annual McDonald's Rhythms of Triumph awards show honored people of Triad who were chosen for their outstanding accomplishments, contributions and personal sacrifices that have made an impact in the African American community on Friday.

The event took place at Greensboro Coliseum. The winners were Evainna Ross, William "Bill" Hayes, and George W. Clopton.

William "Bill" Hayes' leadership within intercollegiate athletics at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), North Carolina A&T State University (NC A&T), North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and Florida A&M University has gained much recognition. He is in the Hall of Fame at WSSU, NC A&T and NCCU, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), and has the distinction of being named the MEAC and CIAA Coach of the Year. He currently serves on the executive board of his local Boy Scouts of America and is on the board of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem.

CONTINUE READING

TSU Track and Field Wins 11 Events at Ed Temple Classic

COURTESY TSU ATHLETICS

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State track and field teams took home 11 first-place finishes on their home track at the annual Edward S. Temple Classic on Sunday.

Sophomore Amber Hughes paced the squads by winning four events: the 55 meter dash (7.04 seconds), 200 meter dash (24.60 seconds), triple jump (12.39 meters) and the 4x400 meter relay (3:53.68). Both her times in the 55 meter and the triple jump are new personal bests.

Senior Diera Taylor who was also a part of the first-place 4x400 team, finished with the top time in the 400 meter dash (59.85 seconds).

In the throwing events, junior Angel Davis’s lob of 13.02 meters won the shot put and her 17.00 meter throw in the weight toss set a new career best.

For the Flying Tigers, Travon Alexander clocked the best time in the 55 meter dash in a blazing 6.40 seconds. The mark set a new personal record for the senior and is currently the 23rd fastest time in the country.

Quamel Prince also had a nice afternoon, winning the mile run (4:31.65) and contributing to the team of Jason Griffin, Jakeenan Guthrie and Perry Stokes that took home first prize in the 4x400 meter relay (3:20.88).

In the field events, Daryl Rice outleapt the competition in the high jump (2.01 meters) and Roc-M Nesbitt placed first in the shot put (14.51 meters).

    Final Results

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South Carolina State Bulldogs look to land top class in MEAC

HEAD COACH OLIVER "BUDDY" POUGH
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  -- South Carolina State head coach Buddy Pough said lack of consistent offensive production may have keep cost the Bulldogs a postseason appearance in 2014. Thus far, S.C. State seems to be addressing those needs in recruiting, assembling the projected No. 1 class in the MEAC as ranked by 247sports.com.

Pough, who said he’d hoped to bring in at least two quarterbacks this recruiting cycle, has two committed. Charlotte, North Carolina (Providence High School) product Caleb York is a 6-2, 200-pound pro-style quarterback expected to sign on Wednesday. The Bulldogs also look to add two-star dual-threat quarterback Marquane Goodman (6-2, 200) from West Florence.

The Bulldogs also expect a signature from a potential game-breaker at receiver in Charlotte Latin School’s Canyon Tuttle (6-0, 170) and should also add running back Bishop Ford (5-5, 175) of William Amos High in Cornelius, North Carolina.

Hunter-Kinard-Tyler senior quarterback Khaliq Anthony is no stranger to Oliver C. Dawson Stadium at South Carolina State. The Trojans occasionally practiced at the venue throughout his high school career.  Anthony is expected to cement his return to S.C. State as a member of the Bulldogs’ 2015 class. Anthony, The T&D Region’s All-Area first-team QB, accounted for 48 touchdowns, throwing for 2,009 yards and rushing for 1,542 as he led H-K-T to a second straight state title in 2014.

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Historic marker to go up at restored home of Florida A&M's Legendary Coach Jake Gaither

COURTESY CORNELIUS JONES
visit www.jakegaitherhouse.com

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Cornelius Jones has not given up. So circle April 11 on your calendar.

That’s when a Florida historic marker will go up at 212 Young Street, at the former home of Florida A&M University football coaching legend Jake Gaither — which has been lovingly restored by Jones.

Jones, 44, is a Tallahassee real estate entrepreneur, who bought the house more than a year ago simply to re-sell. But when he learned the house was the home of the late Gaither — and was still filled with all his photos, trophies and memorabilia — Jones decided to restore it as a meeting place and museum.

Already, the house has hosted several parties and receptions. It will host a grand opening when the historic marker is erected on April 11 — Gaither’s birthday.

A native of Cleveland, Jones played one year of football for FAMU before earning a degree in civil engineering in 1994. He never met Gaither, but saw his name all over campus and Tallahasssee and came to rever his role in local history.

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Albany State take pair of homecoming victories

ALBANY, Georgia -- It was a win that everybody could feel good about.

There’s nothing like beating your rival on homecoming.

Even Albany State women’s basketball coach Robert Skinner had to smile about what he saw Saturday evening.

The Lady Rams kicked off homecoming Saturday with a 74-64 win over Fort Valley State at the HPER Gymnasium.

ASU took an early 4-2 lead after a 3-pointer from Keidra Green. Both teams continued to trade baskets in the first half, with points in the paint being nearly nonexistent. The Lady Wildcats ended the first half with six blocks, while ASU had seven.

A pair of free throws and a basket from Artisha Holston helped the Lady Rams end the first half with a 33-28 lead.



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Livingston’s Career-High Helps Bowie State Dump Elizabeth City State 88-86

BOWIE, Maryland -- Bowie State men's basketball held off a feisty Elizabeth City State team and captured an 88-86 CIAA division win on Saturday afternoon. The Bulldogs improve their season record to 17-6, 9-2 in league play and 4-1 in the North.

The Bulldogs shot a season-best 54.9 percent from the field on 28-of-51 shooting and were led by junior Julian Livingston (Bowie, Md.) with a career-high 25 points. Livingston shot a blistering 8-of-11 from the field which included 8-of-9 behind the arc. Senior Cameron Knox (Baltimore, Md.) contributed 15 points while Zafir Williams (Philadelphia, Pa.) and Justin Beck (Ellicott City, Md.) chipped in 11 points each. Beck led Bowie State on the glass with eight rebounds.

"I was pleased with the flow of our offense … We played faster today and did a good job moving the ball but I was not pleased with us defensively and did not come out with a defensive mindset", stated Bowie State head coach Darrell Brooks.

Three Elizabeth City State players scored in double figures with Miykael Faulcon (Durham, N.C.) scoring a game-high 29 points on 11-of-17 shooting to go along with three rebounds. Brachon Griffin (Fayetteville, N.C.) scored 17 points in the loss while Darnell Ward contributed a double-double of 16 points and a game-high 12 rebounds.

The lead changed hands 15 times during the contest and 6 times over the final 12 minutes of the second half. The Vikings faced their largest deficit of the afternoon, a fourteen point spread (55-41) after Cameron Knox hit a three pointer at the 17:36 mark. ECSU then went on a tear with a 20-4 run which included 11 unanswered following a jumper by Faulcon, giving the Vikings took their first lead of the game since the first half, 61-59.

There were four more lead changes before senior Andre Jackson (Baltimore, Md.) knotted the count at 75-all with 5:51 to go.

A three-pointer from Jackson sparked a short 7-2 run giving BSU some cushion with 2:45 left. Griffin pulled the Vikings within three points twice in the final 1:41, first with a layup and then with two free throws with 26 seconds on the clock.

Beck countered Griffin's free throws with two of his own with 12 ticks remaining and a three at the buzzer by Jermaine Brown accounted for the final point spread.

The Bowie State Bulldogs hit the road for their next contest, making a short drive to The Lincoln University on Saturday (February 7th). Tip-off between the Bulldogs and Lions is set for 4 pm.

Box Score

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JC Smith men’s basketball gets efficient to surpass Shaw

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  -- Johnson C. Smith was short on healthy bodies against Shaw but long on efficiency.

The Golden Bulls men’s basketball team outscored Shaw 25-13 over the final eight minutes to earn an 83-67 CIAA South win Saturday at Brayboy Gym. It was the team’s second victory in a row after four straight losses.

J.C. Smith (11-11, 5-6) got sterling performances from forward Emilio Parks, who pumped in a game-high 28 points, and swingman Diondre Pratt, who came off the bench for 20. The Golden Bulls shot a torrid 62.5 percent (30-of-48) from the floor.

“I’m just glad my teammates believed in me to actually still score and still play the way I played,” said Parks, who connected on 12 of 14 shots. “I’m glad they got me the ball tonight.”

Parks knew what to do in the post, taking the ball strong against Shaw’s bigger defenders with a deft touch from either side of the basket.

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Stillman women's basketball can’t pull out upset over Kentucky State

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Stillman College women’s basketball team held up strong against top SIAC opponent, Kentucky State University, in its game at Birthright Gymnasium on Saturday. But The Lady Tigers made too many mistakes and weren’t able to pull off the upset, losing, 61-58, to the Lady Thorobrettes.

Stillman slowed down Kentucky State (13-4, 8-2), which is the most efficient field goal shooting team per game in the SIAC (43 percent), holding them to 36 percent from the field. However, Stillman couldn’t stop Shaia Horton from hitting three, heart-wrenching 3-pointers to give her team the edge in the second half. She finished with a game-high 17-point, 11-rebound double-double.

Stillman had an opportunity to make a push late in the game, but turnovers plagued any attempt the Lady Tigers made at a comeback. Stillman ended with 23 turnovers on the night.

Stillman (6-13, 5-6) kept the game close thanks to a lively performance from senior center Samantha Thomas and senior guard Angel Mitchell.

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Fayetteville State edges Saint Augustine's

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina -- Fayetteville State had to stop the CIAA's top scorer on one play Saturday to score a critical Southern Division win.

And they did it.

Barely.

The Broncos thwarted a game-tying attempt by Jack Britt High School graduate Raheem Jolliffe that went down, then spun out of the basket as time expired to pull out a 77-75 victory against Saint Augustine's at Capel Arena.

The dramatic win helped FSU end a three-game losing streak and improve its record to 11-10 overall, 5-6 in CIAA play and 2-3 in the Southern Division.

"We needed this win,'' FSU coach Alphonza Kee said. "We have had everything happen to us. We've played well and lost, then we weren't very good against Shaw (in a Wednesday loss). We just wanted to get back going again and beat a good team, which we did the hard way because we didn't shoot the ball very well.''

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WSSU Lady Rams Give Great Effort in 64-56 Loss to #11 Livingstone

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- The Winston-Salem State Lady Rams (7-13, 3-7 CIAA) gave the #11 Livingstone Blue Bears (20-0, 11-0 CIAA) all they could handle in a hard-fought 64-56 loss, Saturday evening. Though the Lady Rams took the loss, the team was never short on fight as they staged a furious second half rally against their only ranked opponent of the season.

After struggling in the first half, the Lady Rams gave a stellar second half effort that saw the team outscore the Blue Bears, 46-36 in the second half. However, the Lady Rams could not overcome their toughest first half of the season as they managed just 10 first half points. As a team, the Lady Rams shot 31.4% from the floor, including shooting 9.5% (two-of-21) in the first half of the game.

WSSU senior forwards Dionna Scott and Jovanah Graham led the way for the team with 12 points each in the game. Redshirt-senior guard Taylar Wells added 12 points off the bench as well. Sophomore forward Jasmine Carter pulled in a team-high eight rebounds as well.

The Lady Rams gave a great effort in the early going of the game when a Graham jumper at the 14:25 mark, left the Lady Rams within one point of the Blue Bears, 6-5. However, the jumper marked the last field goal of the half for the Lady Rams. For the remainder of the half, the Lady Rams managed just five more points in the half, all from free throws and took a 28-10 deficit into the locker room at halftime.

The second half turned out to be a much different story as the Lady Rams clawed their way back into the game with a great offensive showing. For the half, the Lady Rams shot 46.7% (14-of-30) from the floor in the half. The Lady Rams kicked things off with an 11-4 run that included a three-point barrage from Edwards and Wells. Edwards hit a pair of three-pointers while Wells added one of her own during the run. The effort cut the WSSU deficit down to just 12 points, 33-21 with 16:15 left.

The Lady Rams were able to get their deficit down to single digits when junior forward Jeri Craine hit a lay-up at the 10:39 mark that pulled the Lady Rams within striking distance, 42-34 with 10:39 left. The lay-up capped an 11-6 run by the Lady Rams. Things got really interesting for the Lady Rams when sophomore center Sha'Quira Palmer hit a jumper at the 8:26 mark that pulled the Lady Rams within four points, 42-38 with 7:48 left to play. Unfortunately, the effort turned out to be a last stand for the Lady Rams as the team allowed Livingstone to push its lead back to double-digits after a 10-2 run by the Lady Rams that left the team trailing, 54-40 with 3:49 left to play. The Lady Rams made their last stand in the final minutes of the game when Edwards' fourth three-pointer of the game pulled the team within six points, 60-54 with 00:48 left to play. However, the connected on four free throws and held the Lady Rams to just one lay-up for the remainder of the game to seal the tough loss.

The loss marked the Lady Rams' first loss to Livingstone since 2007. After the tough loss, the Lady Rams won't have long to relax as they will return to the road for their next action as they take on the Virginia Union Lady Panthers in Richmond, Va. For more information on Lady Rams basketball, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.

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