Donte Jackson Named Stillman College New Men's Basketball Head Coach

COACH DONTE JACKSON
Courtesy: Central State University Athletics

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – Stillman College's Director of Athletics Paul Bryant announced the selection of Donte Jackson as its new men's basketball coach.  The announcement comes after a national search that saw more than 200 applicants vie for the position.  Jackson will be introduced at a press conference on Wednesday, June 4, at 2:30 p.m. in Birthright Alumni Hall.

"I am excited for the opportunity to be the head coach of the Stillman Tigers," said Jackson.  "I think that this is a great opportunity to build a great program in the SIAC."

The Wisconsin native comes to Stillman after four seasons at the helm of the Central State University (CSU) program.  He was named the men's basketball coach at Central State University in 2010 after serving as an assistant coach for seven seasons.  In four seasons as the Marauders head coach, he built a 68-42 record.  Jackson averaged 17 wins per season including finishing with a 19-9 mark during the 2011-12 campaign, which was his second as the leader of the CSU program.

While serving as an assistant coach at CSU, he helped guide the Marauders to an NCAA tournament appearance and three Independent Conference Association regular season titles while compiling a 125-61 record.

When asked about what fans and supporters can expect, Jackson responded with great optimism and determination.  "Fans can expect us to play hard night in and night out.  We will play with discipline and structure as we look to do what is necessary to build a championship program in the conference."

Jackson graduated from Central State in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and in 2008 earned the Master of Science in Educational Leadership.

As a student member of the Marauder basketball team, Jackson was a three-year letterman and earned all-conference and all-region honors during the 2001-2002 season. He led the Marauders to the NAIA Division I National Tournament and a Sweet Sixteen appearance with a 24-8 record during 1999-2000 season.

Jackson received one of the Central State's most prestigious honors in his senior year. He was selected as the recipient of the John W. Garland President's Award, presented annually to a student athlete who embodies the highest standards of leadership, integrity and sportsmanship through academic and athletic achievements.

"I am honored to have (Coach) Jackson join the Stillman family," said Bryant.  "He is a young, energetic professional who has proved to be a winner as a player, assistant coach and as a head coach.  I look forward to working with him as he continues the tradition of Stillman basketball."

Jackson is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and attended Alexander Hamilton High School. He was an All-City Conference player and received All-State honors his senior year of high school. Prior to Central State University, Jackson played one season at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (NCAA Division I).

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Jackson State baseball must replenish senior-laden roster in offseason

JACKSON, Mississippi  -- Jackson State bowed out of NCAA postseason baseball play on Sunday and said goodbye to a season to remember.

For many, many reasons.

Since last August, the team set a goal to win at least one game in the NCAA regional, something the program had never done in its five previous trips to the tournament.

That changed when the Tigers (32-25), who entered with the lowest RPI in the 64-team tournament, upset the unanimous No. 1 ranked Louisiana-Lafayette in shutout fashion and turned heads in college baseball. They landed the program a featurette on ESPN’s SportsCenter.

“No one tried to downplay anything that we’ve done, so I’m really grateful of that,” coach Omar Johnson said after Sunday’s 11-1 loss to the Ragin’ Cajuns that eliminated the Tigers.

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City, church top bidder to buy Morris Brown for $14.6 million

ATLANTA, Georgia  --  The City of Atlanta is the top bidder to buy Morris Brown College out of bankruptcy with an offer of $14.6 million, city officials announced late Thursday.

Atlanta partnered with Friendship Baptist Church, one of two historically black churches to sell in the wake of the future Atlanta Falcons stadium, to place a bid on the embattled property.

Under the proposal, the city — through its economic development agency Invest Atlanta — will spend $10.625 million and Friendship will contribute $4 million, according to Mayor Kasim Reed spokeswoman Melissa Mullinax. The Morris Brown Bankruptcy Creditors Committee has confirmed the city as the highest bidder, she said.

It’s unclear exactly what properties the city will assume in the takeover, but officials previously said Atlanta would gain control of the college stadium, while Friendship would own other portions of the campus.

Morris Brown will retain some of its historic buildings, which Mullinax said will allow the school to continue providing educational opportunities.

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TSU Dameus, Five Others, Vie For Spot in NCAA Championship

JACKSONVILLE, Florida  -- Over the weekend, six members of the Tennessee State track and field teams had solid outings in the 2014 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships as the University of North Florida.

Sophomore Clairwin Dameus came the closest to making the NCAA Championship in the long jump after finishing 15^th with a hop of 6.11 meters. Although she needed to be in at least 12^th, Dameus will still compete in the heptathlon in Eugene, Ore. on June 11-14.

 

Dameus then teamed with Amber Hughes, Ashontae Jackson and Quanisha Sales to post a 45.08 second time in the 4x100 meter relay which earned the Tigerbelles 17^th place.

 

Hughes and Sales also competed in solo events in Fla., with Hughes clocking a 13.60 in the 100-meter hurdles and Sales running the 200-meter dash in 24.58 seconds.

 

Jerome Henderson of the Flying Tigers ran a time of 10.90 in the 10 
0-meter dash while Daryl Rice leapt 2.00 meters in the men’s high jump.

 

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State Legislature proclaims Xavier Gold Nuggets Day

June 2, 2014: Xavier Gold Nuggets Day

Proclaimed by the Louisiana Legislature.

Thanks to Rep. Walt Leger and Sen. Karen Carter Peterson

for their efforts in recognizing the 2013-14 XU women's tennis team.

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  -- The Louisiana Legislature commended the Xavier University of Louisiana women's team for its accomplishments in 2013-14 and declared June, 2, 2014, as Xavier Gold Nuggets Day.

Rep. Walt Leger, D-New Orleans, and Sen. Karen Carter Peterson, D-New Orleans, were the authors of House concurrent resolution No. 215, which recognized the team.

The Gold Nuggets finished 17-7, reached the semifinals of the NAIA National Championship for the second consecutive season and ranked third in the NAIA postseason coaches poll. Twice during the season they ranked No. 1 in the NAIA. Women's tennis is the only XU sport to reach the NAIA's national semifinals.

Coach Alan Green and four of his student-athletes -- Kourtney Howell, Brandi Nelson, Carmen Nelson and Sha'Nel Bruins -- traveled to the State Capitol to hear the reading of the resolution on the floor of the House and Senate. Jason Horn, XU director of athletics and recreation, also attended.

"I was surprised at how big a deal it turned out to be," said Howell, a three-time All-American and a senior from Cypress, Texas. "I've never received anything like that before. It was a really good experience."

It was the second trip to the State Capitol -- her first since a fifth-grade field trip --for Bruins, a freshman from Colfax, La.

"It was an honor to be part of this season and the big accomplishments we made to receive this recognition," Bruins said. "It was great to receive an honor of this magnitude in front of the Louisiana Legislature."

Carter read the names of all team members and said of Nour Abbes -- a freshman who was 17-0 in singles and earned a slew of national awards -- "She's the truth."

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TSU's Michael Strahan and the Ocean of Soul Band getting set for the Road to Canton

HOUSTON, Texas  --  On August 1-3, 2014 TSU alumnus Michael Strahan will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. To honor his achievement and celebrate Tiger pride, the Ocean of Soul marching band has been invited to participate in the prestigious Enshrinement Celebration by leading the Grand Parade through downtown Canton and performing at the Fan Appreciation Tailgate Party on the Hall of Fame Campus.

How can I help?
Make the trip to Canton to cheer on Michael and the Ocean of Soul
Support the band on their trip by making a donation to help cover the costs of the journey
Share your support on your social media accounts with by using TSUroadtoCanton and supportStrahan

Ways to give:
Donate Online

By check made out to Texas Southern University Foundation with "Road to Canton" in the memo line, mailed to Office of Development, Texas Southern University, 3100 Cleburne, Hannah Hall Ste. 206, Houston, TX 77004



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PVAMU Women's Basketball Loads Up For Future Success With Impressive Recruiting Class

HEAD COACH DAWN BROWN
PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY
Courtesy: PVAMU Sports Information

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas  --  Coming off a memorable inaugural season in which Prairie View A&M made its fourth straight NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament appearance, head women's basketball coach Dawn Brown took a major step in solidifying her program's immediate future as a SWAC and regional powerhouse with a monster recruiting class which fulfills a variety of needs.  The class is highlighted by four NCAA Division I transfers, four junior college transfers and two high school players.

With a returning roster dominated by upperclassmen, Brown and her staff recruited from coast-to-coast looking for players who can make an immediate impact while also building for the future as several of the NCAA Division I transfers will have to sit out one year per NCAA requirements.

 

The Lady Panthers received a much-needed infusion of size with the shortest player standing 5-6 with five players measuring 6-0 or taller. 

Monique Abbs	Guard	5-6	Jr.	Phoenix, Ariz. (South Mountain CC)
Tori Carter	Guard	5-8	Jr.	Atlanta, Ga. (UNC Charlotte)
Lamaria Cole	Guard	5-6	Jr.	Bryan, Texas (University of Kansas)
Shanique Dogins	Forward	6-0	Jr.	Wharton, Texas (Lamar University)
Alison Gore	Guard	5-10	Fr.	Atlanta, Ga. (North Atlanta)
La'Sha Haynes	Forward	6-2	Fr.	Port Gibson, Miss. (Port Gibson)
Kaitlyn Parks	Center	6-4	Jr.	Barstow, Calif. (Pasadena City)
Chelsey Rosier	Guard	5-8	Jr.	Tallahassee, Fla. (Gulf Coast State)
Christina Soloman	Center	6-2	Sr.	Waltham Park, Jamaica (Winthrop)
Ebonee Tate	Forward	5-10	Jr.	Fort Worth, Texas (Arkansas Baptist)

 

Monique Abbs              Guard   5-6        Junior  Phoenix, Ariz. (South Mountain Community College)

Finished her final season at South Mountain as the team's second-leading scorer with 18.5 points per game and 4.7 rebounds…seventh-leading scorer in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference…led her team in three-point shooting and finished seventh amongst ACCAC leaders…finished third on her team in field goal percentage…had a season-high 36 points versus Eastern Arizona…named Player of the Week on Nov. 27, 2013 after averaging 16 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals…named to the 2012-13 All-ACCAC Third Team and Second Team All-Region I (Division II) Team…originally signed with Seattle University out of high school…earned All-State, All-Region honors in high school while also running track.

Brown on Abbs: "Moe" is a strong, athletic combo-guard with a scorer's mentality who handles well in transition.  She can push the tempo, is smooth to the rim and can finish with her weak hand. Moe is also an impressive three-point shooter from deep behind the arc."

 

Tori Carter                    Guard   5-8        Junior  Atlanta, Ga. (UNC Charlotte)

A transfer from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte…played in 26 of UNC Charlotte's 31 games with two starts as a sophomore…finished the 2013-14 campaign with 3.7 points per game and shot 39 percent from the field…helped guide team to back-to-back Women's NIT appearances in 2013 and 2014….originally from Norcross High School in Atlanta, Ga. and was an All-County selection as a senior along with playing in the 2012 Georgia All-Star Game…four-year starter at Norcross who was picked to the GACA Junior All-Star team after averaging 7.8 points and three assists as a junior…guided her high school to the 2011 Class 5A State Championship and led the program to three Region 7-5A titles.

Brown on Carter: Tori is an ultra-athletic combo-guard who can create her own shot and is explosive in transition.  She has a midrange pull-up game and has a lot of upside.Tori is a leader on the floor and will bring a great level of expertise as she has played alongside ACC Freshman of the year Diamond DeShields and former Georgetown standout player Shayla Cooper."

 

Lamaria Cole                Guard   5-6        Junior  Bryan, Texas (University of Kansas)

Transfer from the University of Kansas…started five games and appeared in 24 averaging 10.4 minutes per game during the 2013-14 season…also amassed 63 points, 28 assists and 26 rebounds while shooting 38.7 percent from the field and 54.2 percent from the free throw line…prepped at Rudder High School in Bryan, Texas and was ranked as the 25^th-best guard in the nation by HoopGurlz.com…selected as the District 16-4A MVP during her junior and senior campaigns…averaged 14.8 points, 5.4 assists and 4.1 steals per game in her final season and was named all-state by the Texas Girls Coaches Association and Texas Association of Basketball Coaches…a 2012 McDonald's All-American Girls Game nominee and a regional qualifier in track & field.

Brown on Cole:  "Mari" is very athletic with a quick, hesitation game to the rim as she handles, directs, slashes and finishes well.  With "Mari" advancing in the 2013 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament to the Elite Eight, I think it will definitely add an extra work ethic in our team's daily workouts. She will be a great floor leader and I am excited to have an opportunity to coach her."

 

Shanique Dogins         Forward           6-0        Junior  Wharton, Texas (Lamar University)

Transfer from Lamar University…played her freshman season at nearby Blinn College…led Blinn with 12.4 points and ranked second on the team with 9.1 rebounds per game…shot 46.4 percent from the field en route to earning All-Region XIV and team co-MVP honors…played prep ball at Rice Consolidated High School, where she averaged 23.7 points and 13.0 rebounds per game as a senior en route to earning all-region honors ...Played AAU basketball for Cy-Fair Premier.

 

Brown on Dogins: "Shaq" is a very athletic, versatile forward threat with quick release on her jumper.  She is springy with the ability to rebound and putback baskets well.  Shaq also is a strong finisher versus contact and will add depth to our low block game as I'm looking forward to her dominant presence on the glass."

Alison Gore                  Guard               5-10      Freshman         Atlanta, Ga. (North Atlanta)

Averaged 9.6 points, six rebounds, 2.7 steals and 2.1 assists per game as a high school senior…led her team to the playoffs as a senior…named Player of the Game on Feb. 8, 2014 by MaxPreps.com after scoring 18 points with five steals, five assists and four rebounds against MLK High School…also named Player of the Game on Nov. 14, 2013 for her performance against Walker High in which she scored 10 points and tallied seven steals.

 

Brown on Gore: "Alison has big upside to her game. She has a strong frame and can get to the rack at will. She is an athletic lead-guard with handles and can push the tempo with the ability to dish on the break while also a creator with developing mid-range consistency. Alison chose PVAMU over University of Pennsylvania (Penn), UNC Asheville, Gardner-Webb, Southern, Agnes Scott and Averett University.

 

La'Sha Haynes                 Forward           6-2        Freshman         Port Gibson, Miss. (Port Gibson)

Ranked as the 17^th-best player in the state of Mississippi by MSGBR.com…named a top 40 player in the state of Mississippi by FILA MS and the Clarion Ledger…averaged 8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2,6 steals as a senior…a four-year varsity letterwinner…selected to play in the Mississippi Association of Coaches North/South (Junior) All-Star Basketball game in 2013.

 

Brown on Haynes: "Shay" one of the most highly recruited athletes in the state of Mississippi as she was recruited by Ole Miss, Southern Miss, Lafayette-Lafayette, McNeese State and Louisiana at Monroe. She is a face-up forward that will soon follow in the footsteps of upcoming senior and All-SWAC forward Larissa Scott.  "Shay" has a pro-frame with the ability to produce off the bounce and is a solid interior passer and an explosive leaper."

 

Kaitlyn Parks                Center              6-4        Junior              Barstow, Calif. (Pasadena City College)

Averaged a double-double for PCC with 11.7 points and 10.6 rebounds as a sophomore… led the South Coast Conference in overall field goal percentage (56 percent) and blocked two shots per contest…earned All-State honors and First Team All-SCC following the 2013-14 campaign… became the 28th player in Pasadena City College women's basketball history to score 500 points in her two-year junior college career…led her team to the third round of the Southern California Regional Playoffs.

Brown on Parks: "Kaitlyn is a low-post insider with a pro frame.  She has off-the-charts potential as she has a long frame and a shot blocking presence and can easily alter shots.  She is a strong rebounder with the ability to create put backs and is very mobile in transition." 

 

Chelsey Rosier             Guard           5=8        Junior              Tallahassee, Fla. (Gulf Coast State College)

Guided team to the semifinal round of the 2013 NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship as a freshman with a 28-6 record...averaged 8.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists as a sophomore…shot 42.5 percent from the field and 80.5 percent from the free throw line…led her team on a 16-game winning streak to open the 2013-14 campaign…earned 2014 All-Panhandle Conference Honorable Mention honors...recruited heavily by several Southern Conference institutions.

Brown on Rosier: "Chelsea is a natural born shooter and a deep threat from the perimeter. I expect her to bring leadership coming for nationally ranked Gulf Coast State College program. She's a player that can create off the bounce and has a scorer's mentality."
 

Christina Soloman       Center              6-2        Senior              Waltham Park, Jamaica (Winthrop)

Played one season at Winthrop University…began her career at Tallahassee Community College and averaged five rebounds per game while shooting 44 percent from the field…earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors in 2011 and Second Team All-Conference honors in 2012 at TCC…a native of Jamaica and was one of the top netballers, a sport which derived from basketball, in the world while in high school…participated in the U-16 National Championship, the World Senior Netball Championship, and the World Youth Netball Championship.

Brown on Soloman: "Christina is a very athletic forward with a pro fame.  She elevates on mid-range shots and cleans up around the basket. She will be eligible in the spring semester and we look forward to her presence."

Ebonee Tate                 Forward           5-10      Junior              Fort Worth, Texas (Arkansas Baptist)

Played one season at Arkansas Baptist College and finished with 10.2 points and 7.1 rebounds per game…shot 67.7 percent from the charity stripe and 38.2 percent from the three-point line…began her freshman campaign at nationally ranked Paris Junior College and finished the season with 5.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per contest…ranked as one of the top players in Fort Worth during her high school career.
 

Brown on Tate: "Eb" is a versatile combo forward with a developing interior game.  She can rebound with the ability to put back in addition to having quick feet and can also finish with her weak hand in traffic."

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