Well, it had to happen sometime. The defending NCAA Division II men's basketball national champion Fighting Owls of Kennesaw State University saw their 30-game winning streak come to an abrupt halt Saturday, as Montevallo ran its record to 6-0 after knocking off KSU 92-77 Saturday night (11/27/2004) at Kennesaw, Ga.
The Falcons shot 58 percent from the field, while the Owls (4-1) shot just 36 percent from the floor in a losing effort. Montevallo jumped to an early lead of 17-3 before taking a 43-27 advantage into the locker room. Kennesaw State managed to trim the lead to 64-63 in the second half before the defending Gulf South Conference champions pulled away late to pull off the upset.
Montevallo returns to action Friday night, Dec. 3, against Stillman, while Kennesaw State hopes to regroup at Carson-Newman (Tenn.) the following night.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Thursday, November 25, 2004
D-II SOUTH SPORTS REVIEW--THANKSGIVING REPORT--11/24-25/2004
It’s time for some news and notes here at D-II South Sports. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!
BLAZIN START! Both the Valdosta State University men’s and women’s basketball teams are off to combined 8-0 starts to open the 2004-05 season. That’s largely due to wins over mediocre teams.
The Lady Blazers opened the season with a 112-19 rout of the University of Puerto Rico de Cayey, (yes, that score is correct) on Nov. 15, followed by wins over Sunshine State Conference foes Barry and Nova Southeastern, and most recently a narrow 49-47 victory over SIAC foe Albany State. Meanwhile, the Blazers also have gotten off to a 4-0 start this season, with wins thus far coming over Puerto Rico de Cayey, Eckerd, Fort Valley State, and Southeastern College. Speaking of which, the VSU men routed Southeastern 110-47, with at least seven players scoring in double figures, led by a game-high 17 points by Travis Nelson.
Both teams face tremendous challenges in the coming weeks and months, with the VSU men facing a Barry team that won the Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic, as well as hosting Shaw, Eckerd, North Florida in the Park Avenue Bank Classic at Valdosta, Ga. on Dec. 3-4.
SURPRISES/DISAPPOINTMENTS: Yes, it’s early in the basketball season, but it’s not too early to talk about some of the early surprises and disappointments of the 2004-05 campaign. Let’s start the women’s teams first.
Surprises:
Kennesaw State—The Lady Owls have gotten off to a 3-0 start despite losing a ton of talent from last season, and being picked to finish in the middle of the pack this season.
USC-Aiken—The Lady Pacers are off to a 5-2 start after going a disappointing 14-14 last season, including winning the consolation bracket of the Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic. This squad could very well sneak up on a few unsuspecting teams in the Peach Belt Conference.
Valdosta State—See above.
Disappointments:
Lander—The defending Peach Belt Conference regular season champions have stumbled out of the gate thus far, going 0-3 after losing a heartbreaker to Lenoir-Rhyne on Nov. 23. It doesn’t get any easier for the Lady Bearcats, as they will host Newberry and Presbyterian in their own classic before spending their last three games before Christmas on the road, starting with a Nov. 30 visit to Division I College of Charleston.
Men
Surprises:
Lander—Hiring Bruce Evans as their new head coach seems to have paid off for the Bearcats thus far, as they’re 3-1 through four games. But it will be interesting to see if the Lander men can be competitive in the Peach Belt Conference.
North Alabama—The Lions at 4-0? Really. Two of the Lions wins came against last year’s national runners-up in Southern Indiana, as well as perennial power Kentucky Wesleyan. Can the UNA men be a serious contender in the tough GSC East? The coming weeks and months will surely tell.
West Alabama—A perennial cellar dweller in the GSC East of recent years, the Tigers have managed to split their first four games. It would be great if head coach Rick Reedy and Co. can go on a winning streak before the holiday break.
Disappointments:
The entire SIAC—Morehouse has gotten off to a 2-0 start so far, while Benedict has managed to split its first two contests. Aside from that, however, the rest of the league has struggled, with all of the other teams sitting below .500.
MUST SEE GAME: Valdosta State vs. Barry, Saturday Nov. 27, 7:30 p.m.
Valdosta State: http://www.valdosta.edu/athletics/
BLAZIN START! Both the Valdosta State University men’s and women’s basketball teams are off to combined 8-0 starts to open the 2004-05 season. That’s largely due to wins over mediocre teams.
The Lady Blazers opened the season with a 112-19 rout of the University of Puerto Rico de Cayey, (yes, that score is correct) on Nov. 15, followed by wins over Sunshine State Conference foes Barry and Nova Southeastern, and most recently a narrow 49-47 victory over SIAC foe Albany State. Meanwhile, the Blazers also have gotten off to a 4-0 start this season, with wins thus far coming over Puerto Rico de Cayey, Eckerd, Fort Valley State, and Southeastern College. Speaking of which, the VSU men routed Southeastern 110-47, with at least seven players scoring in double figures, led by a game-high 17 points by Travis Nelson.
Both teams face tremendous challenges in the coming weeks and months, with the VSU men facing a Barry team that won the Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic, as well as hosting Shaw, Eckerd, North Florida in the Park Avenue Bank Classic at Valdosta, Ga. on Dec. 3-4.
SURPRISES/DISAPPOINTMENTS: Yes, it’s early in the basketball season, but it’s not too early to talk about some of the early surprises and disappointments of the 2004-05 campaign. Let’s start the women’s teams first.
Surprises:
Kennesaw State—The Lady Owls have gotten off to a 3-0 start despite losing a ton of talent from last season, and being picked to finish in the middle of the pack this season.
USC-Aiken—The Lady Pacers are off to a 5-2 start after going a disappointing 14-14 last season, including winning the consolation bracket of the Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic. This squad could very well sneak up on a few unsuspecting teams in the Peach Belt Conference.
Valdosta State—See above.
Disappointments:
Lander—The defending Peach Belt Conference regular season champions have stumbled out of the gate thus far, going 0-3 after losing a heartbreaker to Lenoir-Rhyne on Nov. 23. It doesn’t get any easier for the Lady Bearcats, as they will host Newberry and Presbyterian in their own classic before spending their last three games before Christmas on the road, starting with a Nov. 30 visit to Division I College of Charleston.
Men
Surprises:
Lander—Hiring Bruce Evans as their new head coach seems to have paid off for the Bearcats thus far, as they’re 3-1 through four games. But it will be interesting to see if the Lander men can be competitive in the Peach Belt Conference.
North Alabama—The Lions at 4-0? Really. Two of the Lions wins came against last year’s national runners-up in Southern Indiana, as well as perennial power Kentucky Wesleyan. Can the UNA men be a serious contender in the tough GSC East? The coming weeks and months will surely tell.
West Alabama—A perennial cellar dweller in the GSC East of recent years, the Tigers have managed to split their first four games. It would be great if head coach Rick Reedy and Co. can go on a winning streak before the holiday break.
Disappointments:
The entire SIAC—Morehouse has gotten off to a 2-0 start so far, while Benedict has managed to split its first two contests. Aside from that, however, the rest of the league has struggled, with all of the other teams sitting below .500.
MUST SEE GAME: Valdosta State vs. Barry, Saturday Nov. 27, 7:30 p.m.
Valdosta State: http://www.valdosta.edu/athletics/
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
D-II SOUTH SPORTS JOINS U.S. SPORTS RADIO
D-II South Sports has joined U.S. Sports Radio as an affiliate. During the 2004-05 season, our coverage of select basketball and baseball games will be available online at the U.S. Sports website. U.S. Sports Radio, based in the northern Virginia area, has a wide range of sports talk shows, as well as a myriad play-by-play including high school, college, and amateur, and even women's professional football. For more information on U.S. Sports Radio, visit its website at http://www.ussportsradio.com.
MEN'S BASKETBALL REPORT--11/16/2004
Montevallo 74 Albany State 63
The Albany State University (Ga.) Golden Rams, looking to improve on a 17-11 season a year ago, opened the 2004-05 season at home against the University of Montevallo. The defending Gulf South Conference champion Falcons looked to pick up right where they left off last season. The game proved to be a seesaw battle from start to finish, but in the end, the Falcons proved themselves to be the better team, as they pulled away late to defeat the Golden Rams 74-63.
Montevallo (1-0) traded the lead with Albany State (0-1) for most of the first half, with neither team leading by more than five points. The Golden Rams held a 32-27 lead with 50 seconds left in the first half before the Falcons rallied to make the score 32-31 at halftime.
The second half again saw both teams trading the lead during the first few minutes. Albany State led 45-40 thanks to a three pointer with 15:58 remaining in the game. But Montevallo took over from there, as the Falcons outscored the Golden Rams 12-4 over the next 6:34 to take a 52-49 lead with 9:24 to go in the contest. Albany State then took what turned out to be its last lead, 54-52, with less than eight minutes remaining. Montevallo then pulled away down the stretch for the win.
Marcus Kennedy scored a game-high 23 points to lead Montevallo to victory, while D.J. Towns was the only other Falcon to score in double figures, as he finished with 15 points. Nick Wallery led Albany State with 19 points, while Jarett Mathis added 18 points, and Frank Pinson scored 12 points in a losing cause.
Montevallo returns to action on Sat. Nov. 20 hosting the UM/Coca-Cola Classic, while Albany State will travel to Macon, Ga. to face Division I Mercer University the same day.
The Albany State University (Ga.) Golden Rams, looking to improve on a 17-11 season a year ago, opened the 2004-05 season at home against the University of Montevallo. The defending Gulf South Conference champion Falcons looked to pick up right where they left off last season. The game proved to be a seesaw battle from start to finish, but in the end, the Falcons proved themselves to be the better team, as they pulled away late to defeat the Golden Rams 74-63.
Montevallo (1-0) traded the lead with Albany State (0-1) for most of the first half, with neither team leading by more than five points. The Golden Rams held a 32-27 lead with 50 seconds left in the first half before the Falcons rallied to make the score 32-31 at halftime.
The second half again saw both teams trading the lead during the first few minutes. Albany State led 45-40 thanks to a three pointer with 15:58 remaining in the game. But Montevallo took over from there, as the Falcons outscored the Golden Rams 12-4 over the next 6:34 to take a 52-49 lead with 9:24 to go in the contest. Albany State then took what turned out to be its last lead, 54-52, with less than eight minutes remaining. Montevallo then pulled away down the stretch for the win.
Marcus Kennedy scored a game-high 23 points to lead Montevallo to victory, while D.J. Towns was the only other Falcon to score in double figures, as he finished with 15 points. Nick Wallery led Albany State with 19 points, while Jarett Mathis added 18 points, and Frank Pinson scored 12 points in a losing cause.
Montevallo returns to action on Sat. Nov. 20 hosting the UM/Coca-Cola Classic, while Albany State will travel to Macon, Ga. to face Division I Mercer University the same day.
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Saturday, November 13, 2004
2004-05 BASKETBALL PREVIEWS--SIAC MEN
We wrap up our 2004-05 preseason basketball previews with a report on the men's teams in the SIAC.
Benedict--After winning the SIAC tournament last season, and advancing to the NCAA tournament, and going 20-9 last season, the Tigers have been named the preseason favorites to win the regular season title. Sophomore forward Joshua Obiajuwan hopes to lead the Benedict men back to postseason play.
Morehouse--The Maroon Tigers will look to Jason Patterson for leadership, as they hope to improve on last season's 25-6 record.
Miles--The Golden Bears will rely on some inside muscle from 6-7 forward Joseph King.
Lane--The Dragons have another big man leading the way in Jason Williams.
Albany State--Center Nick Wallery hopes to lead the Golden Rams to an SIAC championship.this season, but must get through a tough schedule that includes defending Gulf South Conference champion Montevallo, as well as 20-game winners Florida Gulf Coast and West Georgia, not to mention Division I Mercer.
Paine--Three of first six games are against Peach Belt Conference also-rans Augusta State and Georgia College & State University.
Fort Valley State--The Wildcats have a brand new head coach in Travis Williams.
Tuskegee--Ondray Wagner takes over as the interim head coach for a Golden Tigers team that finished 15-13 last season, but lost to Fort Valley State in first round of the SIAC tournament.
Kentucky State--The Thorobreds look to turn the corner after a dismal 8-21 season last year.
LeMoyne-Owen--The Magicians hope to perform their most challenging magic act of all: staying out of the SIAC basement.
Clark Atlanta--The Panthers face an uphill battle after struggling to a 8-20 record last season.
Benedict--After winning the SIAC tournament last season, and advancing to the NCAA tournament, and going 20-9 last season, the Tigers have been named the preseason favorites to win the regular season title. Sophomore forward Joshua Obiajuwan hopes to lead the Benedict men back to postseason play.
Morehouse--The Maroon Tigers will look to Jason Patterson for leadership, as they hope to improve on last season's 25-6 record.
Miles--The Golden Bears will rely on some inside muscle from 6-7 forward Joseph King.
Lane--The Dragons have another big man leading the way in Jason Williams.
Albany State--Center Nick Wallery hopes to lead the Golden Rams to an SIAC championship.this season, but must get through a tough schedule that includes defending Gulf South Conference champion Montevallo, as well as 20-game winners Florida Gulf Coast and West Georgia, not to mention Division I Mercer.
Paine--Three of first six games are against Peach Belt Conference also-rans Augusta State and Georgia College & State University.
Fort Valley State--The Wildcats have a brand new head coach in Travis Williams.
Tuskegee--Ondray Wagner takes over as the interim head coach for a Golden Tigers team that finished 15-13 last season, but lost to Fort Valley State in first round of the SIAC tournament.
Kentucky State--The Thorobreds look to turn the corner after a dismal 8-21 season last year.
LeMoyne-Owen--The Magicians hope to perform their most challenging magic act of all: staying out of the SIAC basement.
Clark Atlanta--The Panthers face an uphill battle after struggling to a 8-20 record last season.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
2004-05 BASKETBALL PREVIEWS--SIAC WOMEN
Our preseason basketball previews on D-II South Sports continue with a quick outlook on the women's teams in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Fort Valley State--Forward Amanda Ray hopes to avoid a sophomore jinx, as the Lady Wildcats look to improve on last year's 24-8 record.
Tuskegee--Talasha Thues and Temika Green look to make the Tigers a contender for the SIAC championship after going 18-9 last season.
Clark Atlanta--After sharing the SIAC regular season last season, the CAU women hope to take the next step, and advance to the NCAA tournament this season.
Benedict--The Tigers hope that the senior leadership provided by Dione Chandler will lead them to a repeat of the SIAC tournament title they won a year ago.
Albany State--The Lady Rams look to move up in the SIAC standings after finishing third in league play at 13-5 (15-12 overall).
Paine--Senior Kisha Lucette looks to lead the Lions to greater heights after finishing 16-11 overall and 12-6 in the SIAC a year ago.
Kentucky State--The Thorobreds struggled to a 9-18 overall, a 6-12 mark in the SIAC last season.
Miles--The Golden Bears managed only six wins all of last season. They'll be fortunate to double that win total this season.
Le Moyne Owen--Looks to improve on last year's 6-21 record.
Lane--Faces an uphill after winning just three games last season.
Fort Valley State--Forward Amanda Ray hopes to avoid a sophomore jinx, as the Lady Wildcats look to improve on last year's 24-8 record.
Tuskegee--Talasha Thues and Temika Green look to make the Tigers a contender for the SIAC championship after going 18-9 last season.
Clark Atlanta--After sharing the SIAC regular season last season, the CAU women hope to take the next step, and advance to the NCAA tournament this season.
Benedict--The Tigers hope that the senior leadership provided by Dione Chandler will lead them to a repeat of the SIAC tournament title they won a year ago.
Albany State--The Lady Rams look to move up in the SIAC standings after finishing third in league play at 13-5 (15-12 overall).
Paine--Senior Kisha Lucette looks to lead the Lions to greater heights after finishing 16-11 overall and 12-6 in the SIAC a year ago.
Kentucky State--The Thorobreds struggled to a 9-18 overall, a 6-12 mark in the SIAC last season.
Miles--The Golden Bears managed only six wins all of last season. They'll be fortunate to double that win total this season.
Le Moyne Owen--Looks to improve on last year's 6-21 record.
Lane--Faces an uphill after winning just three games last season.
Friday, November 05, 2004
AASU, AIKEN WOMEN OPEN AT DISNEY CLASSIC!
The women's basketball teams at Armstrong Atlantic State University (Ga.) and USC-Aiken will open their respective seasons tonight at the Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic near Orlando, Fla. The Lady Pirates will face Anderson (SC), while the Lady Pacers will play Final Four participant Henderson State (AR). To listen to the USC-Aiken games, click pn the link below:
LIVE AUDIO
2004-05 BASKETBALL PREVIEWS--PEACH BELT CONFERENCE MEN
Our preseason basketball reports continue with the men's teams in the Peach Belt Conference. The PBC sent four teams to the NCAA tournament last season, including eventual National Champion Kennesaw State. So, what are waiting for? Let's go!
Kennesaw State--After winning 26 games in a row to end the season, which, of course, includes a national championship, the Owls and Head Coach Tony Ingle have to wonder what they'll do for an encore. Yes, that includes repeating as national champs. But, first things first for the KSU men, as they must replace superstars Terrence Hill and Reggie McKoy. But the Owls do bring back NCAA South Atlantic Regional MVP Georgy Joseph and letterwinners Rey Luque and Kevin McDonald. However, this year's team will have no seniors, with Joseph, Luque, and McDonald providing the leadership for the KSU men. Even so, until another team de-thrones, these Owls from Kennesaw State University are still the team to beat.
Clayton State--The Lakers posted a 22-8 record last season, and reached the semifinals of the Peach Belt Conference tournament before losing to this aforementioned Kennesaw State team. Head Coach Gordon Gibbons begins his fourth season looking to take the new step: a trip to the NCAA tournament. In order to get there, though, the Lakers must get through a tough early season schedule, including a season-opening visit to central Florida to play in the Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic. Gibbons welcomes back his top three scorers from last year in B.J. Puckett, Craig Butts, and Darien Chavis. Butts and Puckett also finished last season as the team's top two rebounders. This aforementioned trio of players must step up if the Lakers hope to win their first PBC regular season title since Gibbons came on board in 2002. In fact, don't be surprised if the Lakers are contending for the championship come late February.
Columbus State--Even after dealing with the tragic death of Jed Bedford last season, the Cougars still managed to go 22-8, and advance to the NCAA Divsion II tournament for the second straight season, losing to KSU in round two. Now Head Coach Herbert Greene begins his 24th season looking to make it three straight trips to postseason play in 2004-05. But the three players that played the biggest role in the Cougars success a year ago: Deshawn Bowman, John Thomas, and Kamar Zachery, have all graduated. That leaves Greene with a lot of holes to fill for this season. However, the CSU men do return All-American Yandel Brown, who became the first player in school history to score more than 700 points in one season. The Cougars will also have six newcomers on the squad this season, including center Will Davis, who transferred from Kennesaw State during the off-season.
Armstrong Atlantic State--The Pirates finished 21-10 last season, which included a trip to the NCAA tournament. But Head Coach Jeff Burkhamer loses eight players from last year's squad, and just four players coming back. With so many players gone, the AASU men will be fortunate just to match last season's win total. But the Pirates did receive somewhat of a boost when Travis Wallace transferred to Savannah from UNC-Pembroke.
Francis Marion--Perhaps the biggest surprise of last season, the Patriots finished 27-4, won the PBC North Division title, and reached the South Atlantic regional final, where they fell to Kennesaw State. But FMU faces a tremendous challenge heading into this season, as Louis McCullough (17.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg) returns as the Patriots only returning starter. Michael Jenkins, Andrew Snipe, and George Walker are the only other returnees for the FMU men.
USC Upstate--Last year, they were known as the Rifles of the University of South Carolina at Spartanburg. This year, not only is there a new name for the school: the University of South Carolina Upstate, the nickname is also brand new, as the Rifles became the Spartans. As for the team itself, the Spartans return C.J. Paul at one of the guard positions, while leading Charleston Long also comes back after seeing his season cut short due to a foot injury.
North Florida--Injuries plagued the Ospreys all of last season, which led to a disappointing 13-15 finish. Donny Lotz, Derrick Scott, and David Ashwell all provided at least two-thirds of the UNF scoring from a year ago. But if the Ospreys hope to make any noise in the PBC this season, they need to avoid the injury bug that bit them once too often.
Georgia College & State University--The Bobcats will look to bounce back from a dismal 7-22 season, which included a 3-13 mark in PBC action. Of the five players that return for GC&SU, only two of them saw any significant playing experience in Cooper Sellers and Travis Nesby. But the Bobcats do have a solid class of recruits both at the high school and junior college levels. Whether that mix will be enough to put Head Coach Terry Sellers and his charges in contention remains to be seen.
USC Aiken--Head Coach Mike Roberts will need name tags for this season, as the Pacers (11-18) return only two players from last season, as well as say hello to 10 newcomers.
Augusta State--New Head Coach Dip Metress built Belmont Abbey into a powerhouse in the Carolinas-Virginia Athletic Conference, leading that program to back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances in 2002 and 2003. Now Metress faces a new challenge in replacing Gary Tuell, who resigned to take over the Nova Southeastern (Fla.) program. The Jaguars have only one starter coming back from last season, senior forward Clarence Brown. While the Augusta men have finished either first or second in the PBC North Division in each of the last six seasons, the Jaguars may be fortunate just to finish second this season.
Lander--The Bearcats also have a brand-new head coach in Bruce Evans, who has his work cut out for him in trying to improve on back-to-back 7-21 seasons.
UNC Pembroke--The Braves have managed just three wins over the past two seasons, including a miserable 3-25 mark last season. That in part cost former head coach Bryan Garmroth his job. Enter Jason Tinsley, who took over the reins of the UNCP program during the off-season. Looks like Tinsley will also have his work cut out for him trying to turn this downtrodden program around.
Kennesaw State--After winning 26 games in a row to end the season, which, of course, includes a national championship, the Owls and Head Coach Tony Ingle have to wonder what they'll do for an encore. Yes, that includes repeating as national champs. But, first things first for the KSU men, as they must replace superstars Terrence Hill and Reggie McKoy. But the Owls do bring back NCAA South Atlantic Regional MVP Georgy Joseph and letterwinners Rey Luque and Kevin McDonald. However, this year's team will have no seniors, with Joseph, Luque, and McDonald providing the leadership for the KSU men. Even so, until another team de-thrones, these Owls from Kennesaw State University are still the team to beat.
Clayton State--The Lakers posted a 22-8 record last season, and reached the semifinals of the Peach Belt Conference tournament before losing to this aforementioned Kennesaw State team. Head Coach Gordon Gibbons begins his fourth season looking to take the new step: a trip to the NCAA tournament. In order to get there, though, the Lakers must get through a tough early season schedule, including a season-opening visit to central Florida to play in the Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic. Gibbons welcomes back his top three scorers from last year in B.J. Puckett, Craig Butts, and Darien Chavis. Butts and Puckett also finished last season as the team's top two rebounders. This aforementioned trio of players must step up if the Lakers hope to win their first PBC regular season title since Gibbons came on board in 2002. In fact, don't be surprised if the Lakers are contending for the championship come late February.
Columbus State--Even after dealing with the tragic death of Jed Bedford last season, the Cougars still managed to go 22-8, and advance to the NCAA Divsion II tournament for the second straight season, losing to KSU in round two. Now Head Coach Herbert Greene begins his 24th season looking to make it three straight trips to postseason play in 2004-05. But the three players that played the biggest role in the Cougars success a year ago: Deshawn Bowman, John Thomas, and Kamar Zachery, have all graduated. That leaves Greene with a lot of holes to fill for this season. However, the CSU men do return All-American Yandel Brown, who became the first player in school history to score more than 700 points in one season. The Cougars will also have six newcomers on the squad this season, including center Will Davis, who transferred from Kennesaw State during the off-season.
Armstrong Atlantic State--The Pirates finished 21-10 last season, which included a trip to the NCAA tournament. But Head Coach Jeff Burkhamer loses eight players from last year's squad, and just four players coming back. With so many players gone, the AASU men will be fortunate just to match last season's win total. But the Pirates did receive somewhat of a boost when Travis Wallace transferred to Savannah from UNC-Pembroke.
Francis Marion--Perhaps the biggest surprise of last season, the Patriots finished 27-4, won the PBC North Division title, and reached the South Atlantic regional final, where they fell to Kennesaw State. But FMU faces a tremendous challenge heading into this season, as Louis McCullough (17.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg) returns as the Patriots only returning starter. Michael Jenkins, Andrew Snipe, and George Walker are the only other returnees for the FMU men.
USC Upstate--Last year, they were known as the Rifles of the University of South Carolina at Spartanburg. This year, not only is there a new name for the school: the University of South Carolina Upstate, the nickname is also brand new, as the Rifles became the Spartans. As for the team itself, the Spartans return C.J. Paul at one of the guard positions, while leading Charleston Long also comes back after seeing his season cut short due to a foot injury.
North Florida--Injuries plagued the Ospreys all of last season, which led to a disappointing 13-15 finish. Donny Lotz, Derrick Scott, and David Ashwell all provided at least two-thirds of the UNF scoring from a year ago. But if the Ospreys hope to make any noise in the PBC this season, they need to avoid the injury bug that bit them once too often.
Georgia College & State University--The Bobcats will look to bounce back from a dismal 7-22 season, which included a 3-13 mark in PBC action. Of the five players that return for GC&SU, only two of them saw any significant playing experience in Cooper Sellers and Travis Nesby. But the Bobcats do have a solid class of recruits both at the high school and junior college levels. Whether that mix will be enough to put Head Coach Terry Sellers and his charges in contention remains to be seen.
USC Aiken--Head Coach Mike Roberts will need name tags for this season, as the Pacers (11-18) return only two players from last season, as well as say hello to 10 newcomers.
Augusta State--New Head Coach Dip Metress built Belmont Abbey into a powerhouse in the Carolinas-Virginia Athletic Conference, leading that program to back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances in 2002 and 2003. Now Metress faces a new challenge in replacing Gary Tuell, who resigned to take over the Nova Southeastern (Fla.) program. The Jaguars have only one starter coming back from last season, senior forward Clarence Brown. While the Augusta men have finished either first or second in the PBC North Division in each of the last six seasons, the Jaguars may be fortunate just to finish second this season.
Lander--The Bearcats also have a brand-new head coach in Bruce Evans, who has his work cut out for him in trying to improve on back-to-back 7-21 seasons.
UNC Pembroke--The Braves have managed just three wins over the past two seasons, including a miserable 3-25 mark last season. That in part cost former head coach Bryan Garmroth his job. Enter Jason Tinsley, who took over the reins of the UNCP program during the off-season. Looks like Tinsley will also have his work cut out for him trying to turn this downtrodden program around.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
2004-05 BASKETBALL PREVIEWS--PEACH BELT CONFERENCE WOMEN
Our preseason basketball previews continue with an outlook on the Peach Belt Conference women. The PBC had its best season ever on the hardwood, sending five women's teams to the NCAA tournament, while Augusta State advanced to the Elite Eight. Which teams will thrive in 2005? Keep reading to find out!
Armstrong Atlantic State--A combined 50-12 record. A PBC regular season co-championship. A PBC tournament title. Not to mention back-to-back trips to the NCAA tournament. Those are just some of the many accomplishments the AASU women have had under Head Coach Roger Hodge have had over the last two seasons. Now the challenge for the Lady Pirates (23-8) is trying to make a third straight trip to postseason play. AASU will have to do it without All-America guard Tasha Washington and All-PBC player Vandy Noldon. But the Lady Pirates do have three of their starters coming back, with PBC Freshman Of The Year Kaneetha Gordon and junior guard Alicia Durham leading the way. The AASU women will be tested early, as they travel to central Florida to play in the Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic.
Georgia College & State University--The Lady Bobcats are coming off their best season ever, finishing last season at 28-6, winning the Peach Belt Conference tournament, and reaching the South Atlantic regional final, where they fell to Augusta State. If the GC&SU women hope to match last year's mark, Head Coach John Carrick must replace six players, including career three-point shooters Breane Haggard and Alicia Ransom, as well as point-guard Adrienne Tucker. However, the Lady Bobcats do bring back All-PBC first teamer Latia Love and guard Kirsti Jones.
Lander--The Bearcats will look to defend their PBC regular season title after going 24-6 overall and 14-2 in conference play. PBC Coach Of The Year Jonathan Norton returns two All-PBC players in Tracy Jacobs and Natasha Hemphill. Seniors Jacquay White and Ashley Johnson come back to give the Bearcats some much-needed leadership.
North Florida--The Lady Ospreys (24-6) are another program that has reached back-to-back NCAA tournaments the last two years, including a trip to the Elite Eight in 2003. However, Head Coach Mary Tappmeyer must replace first-team all-league Skye Barber, who averaged 15.7 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. The UNF women will look to win the PBC South Division title for the third time in four seasons.
Columbus State--After struggling to a 11-16 record last season, the Lady Cougars will look to regain its place among the PBC's elite teams in 2004-05. Lucia Heston and Angie Parkman both to bounce back from injuries that kept them sidelined a year ago, while Head Coach Jay Sparks welcomes back leading scorer Erin Gibbs, top rebounder Angelica Graham, point guard Denise Stubbs, and Karina Pulici. CSU also has seven newcomers to help lead the team back to the NCAA tournament.
Augusta State--The surprising Lady Jaguars (24-8) reached their first-ever Elite Eight as the eighth seed in the South Atlantic regional before falling to Merrimack (Mass.). Now Head Coach Greg Wilson must start over, as he welcomes ten newcomers into the fold. In addition, Augusta State has just one returning starter in senior wing Latoya Renwrick.
Kennesaw State--The Lady Owls finished 19-10 last year, but Head Coach Colby Tilley will ten new players, including nine freshmen. In a Peach Belt Conference that is getting stronger by the year, that could spell trouble for the KSU women.
Francis Marion--FMU returns six letterwinners from last season's 14-13 team that finished third in the PBC North Division. Jennifer Howard and Michelle Ghere return for their senior years. Looks like Head Coach Valecia Tedder will need the leadership of both players for the FMU women to contend this season.
Clayton State--The Lakers have a brand-new head coach in Dennis Cox, who spent the last six seasons at Daytona Beach Community College (Fla.). Obviously, Cox has a lot of work ahead, as the Clayton State women struggled to a disappointing 10-18 mark last season.
USC Aiken--The Lady Pacers look to improve upon last year's 14-14 record, which included a 6-10 record in PBC play. USCA must replace two starters from a year ago in Sarah Kendrick and Erica Larsen. But Aiken does bring back the core of its frontcourt in Benazura Serbecic and Lana Mandic.
USC Upstate--Formerly USC Spartanburg, the Spartans return a solid core of players to a team that managed just nine wins a year ago.
UNC Pembroke--Former UNCP men's head coach John Haskins takes over as the women's head coach. Haskins replaced Sandi Littleton during the off-season. He'll have his work cut out for him this season, as the Lady Braves finished a dismal 8-20 last year.
Armstrong Atlantic State--A combined 50-12 record. A PBC regular season co-championship. A PBC tournament title. Not to mention back-to-back trips to the NCAA tournament. Those are just some of the many accomplishments the AASU women have had under Head Coach Roger Hodge have had over the last two seasons. Now the challenge for the Lady Pirates (23-8) is trying to make a third straight trip to postseason play. AASU will have to do it without All-America guard Tasha Washington and All-PBC player Vandy Noldon. But the Lady Pirates do have three of their starters coming back, with PBC Freshman Of The Year Kaneetha Gordon and junior guard Alicia Durham leading the way. The AASU women will be tested early, as they travel to central Florida to play in the Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic.
Georgia College & State University--The Lady Bobcats are coming off their best season ever, finishing last season at 28-6, winning the Peach Belt Conference tournament, and reaching the South Atlantic regional final, where they fell to Augusta State. If the GC&SU women hope to match last year's mark, Head Coach John Carrick must replace six players, including career three-point shooters Breane Haggard and Alicia Ransom, as well as point-guard Adrienne Tucker. However, the Lady Bobcats do bring back All-PBC first teamer Latia Love and guard Kirsti Jones.
Lander--The Bearcats will look to defend their PBC regular season title after going 24-6 overall and 14-2 in conference play. PBC Coach Of The Year Jonathan Norton returns two All-PBC players in Tracy Jacobs and Natasha Hemphill. Seniors Jacquay White and Ashley Johnson come back to give the Bearcats some much-needed leadership.
North Florida--The Lady Ospreys (24-6) are another program that has reached back-to-back NCAA tournaments the last two years, including a trip to the Elite Eight in 2003. However, Head Coach Mary Tappmeyer must replace first-team all-league Skye Barber, who averaged 15.7 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. The UNF women will look to win the PBC South Division title for the third time in four seasons.
Columbus State--After struggling to a 11-16 record last season, the Lady Cougars will look to regain its place among the PBC's elite teams in 2004-05. Lucia Heston and Angie Parkman both to bounce back from injuries that kept them sidelined a year ago, while Head Coach Jay Sparks welcomes back leading scorer Erin Gibbs, top rebounder Angelica Graham, point guard Denise Stubbs, and Karina Pulici. CSU also has seven newcomers to help lead the team back to the NCAA tournament.
Augusta State--The surprising Lady Jaguars (24-8) reached their first-ever Elite Eight as the eighth seed in the South Atlantic regional before falling to Merrimack (Mass.). Now Head Coach Greg Wilson must start over, as he welcomes ten newcomers into the fold. In addition, Augusta State has just one returning starter in senior wing Latoya Renwrick.
Kennesaw State--The Lady Owls finished 19-10 last year, but Head Coach Colby Tilley will ten new players, including nine freshmen. In a Peach Belt Conference that is getting stronger by the year, that could spell trouble for the KSU women.
Francis Marion--FMU returns six letterwinners from last season's 14-13 team that finished third in the PBC North Division. Jennifer Howard and Michelle Ghere return for their senior years. Looks like Head Coach Valecia Tedder will need the leadership of both players for the FMU women to contend this season.
Clayton State--The Lakers have a brand-new head coach in Dennis Cox, who spent the last six seasons at Daytona Beach Community College (Fla.). Obviously, Cox has a lot of work ahead, as the Clayton State women struggled to a disappointing 10-18 mark last season.
USC Aiken--The Lady Pacers look to improve upon last year's 14-14 record, which included a 6-10 record in PBC play. USCA must replace two starters from a year ago in Sarah Kendrick and Erica Larsen. But Aiken does bring back the core of its frontcourt in Benazura Serbecic and Lana Mandic.
USC Upstate--Formerly USC Spartanburg, the Spartans return a solid core of players to a team that managed just nine wins a year ago.
UNC Pembroke--Former UNCP men's head coach John Haskins takes over as the women's head coach. Haskins replaced Sandi Littleton during the off-season. He'll have his work cut out for him this season, as the Lady Braves finished a dismal 8-20 last year.
Monday, November 01, 2004
2004-05 BASKETBALL PREVIEWS--GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE WEST DIVISION--MEN
Coming right at ya, another preseason basketball preview on D-II South Sports. This time we spotlight the men's teams in the Gulf South Conference West Division.
Henderson State--The Reddies reached the second round of the NCAA tournament before being knocked off by GSC tournament champion Montevallo to end up 23-7. The HSU men hope to go even further in post-season play this year with the leadership of All-GSC senior guard Tarvoris Uzoigwe. The Reddies will be tested early to open the season, as they will participate in the Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic at Walt Disney World in central Florida.
Central Arkansas--The Bears managed to reach the semifinals of the Gulf South Conference tournament before losing to West Georgia, thus ending their season at 20-10. If the UCA men hope to get over the hump, and advance to their first-ever NCAA tournament, they'll need senior guard Lamar Grimes to lead the way.
Ouachita Baptist--The Tigers finished second in the GSC West with a 12-4 conference mark, and 19-9 overall. However, OBU saw its season end with an upset loss to, you guessed it, Montevallo, in the quarterfinal round. If 6-6 senior forward Kevin White can exceed expectations, these Tigers may just get past that quarterfinal round, and then some.
Delta State--The Statesmen had a disappointing 2003-04 campaign, losing six straight games to end the season at 11-16 overall, and finishing last in the GSC West at 3-13. However, many observers expect the DSU men to return to their familiar position of being one of the premier programs in the Gulf South Conference. And it appears that Delta State may have just what it takes to do just that.
Harding--The Bisons went 18-10 overall, and 11-5 in GSC West action, good enough for the division's third seed for the GSC tournament. Unfortunately, though, Harding's season ended in the quarterfinal round of the conference tourney with a loss to West Georgia.
Christian Brothers--The Buccaneers had their best season as a member of the Gulf South Conference last year, going 23-6 overall, and 11-5 in the GSC West. Despite that impressive record, however, the Bucs were snubbed for an NCAA tournament berth, as they fell in the quarterfinal round of the GSC tournament to GSC East champion Valdosta State. The CBU men hope to go a lot further this season, but it will take a lot of work. And 6-4 senior forward Jake Bazeley will need to provide some much-needed leadership if the Bucs are to make another trip to Tupelo.
Arkansas-Monticello--The Boll Weevils will look to work their way into contention after going 9-18 last season. UAM has 6-7, 245 lb. bruiser Billy McDaniel leading the way, but it will take a lot more than him for the Boll Weevils to do any serious damage in the top-heavy GSC West.
Southern Arkansas--The Muleriders struggled to a 10-17 overall record last season. And things look to get even rougher this season.
Arkansas Tech--The Wonder Boys record was anything but wonderful last season, as they managed to finish a dismal 7-20.
Henderson State--The Reddies reached the second round of the NCAA tournament before being knocked off by GSC tournament champion Montevallo to end up 23-7. The HSU men hope to go even further in post-season play this year with the leadership of All-GSC senior guard Tarvoris Uzoigwe. The Reddies will be tested early to open the season, as they will participate in the Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic at Walt Disney World in central Florida.
Central Arkansas--The Bears managed to reach the semifinals of the Gulf South Conference tournament before losing to West Georgia, thus ending their season at 20-10. If the UCA men hope to get over the hump, and advance to their first-ever NCAA tournament, they'll need senior guard Lamar Grimes to lead the way.
Ouachita Baptist--The Tigers finished second in the GSC West with a 12-4 conference mark, and 19-9 overall. However, OBU saw its season end with an upset loss to, you guessed it, Montevallo, in the quarterfinal round. If 6-6 senior forward Kevin White can exceed expectations, these Tigers may just get past that quarterfinal round, and then some.
Delta State--The Statesmen had a disappointing 2003-04 campaign, losing six straight games to end the season at 11-16 overall, and finishing last in the GSC West at 3-13. However, many observers expect the DSU men to return to their familiar position of being one of the premier programs in the Gulf South Conference. And it appears that Delta State may have just what it takes to do just that.
Harding--The Bisons went 18-10 overall, and 11-5 in GSC West action, good enough for the division's third seed for the GSC tournament. Unfortunately, though, Harding's season ended in the quarterfinal round of the conference tourney with a loss to West Georgia.
Christian Brothers--The Buccaneers had their best season as a member of the Gulf South Conference last year, going 23-6 overall, and 11-5 in the GSC West. Despite that impressive record, however, the Bucs were snubbed for an NCAA tournament berth, as they fell in the quarterfinal round of the GSC tournament to GSC East champion Valdosta State. The CBU men hope to go a lot further this season, but it will take a lot of work. And 6-4 senior forward Jake Bazeley will need to provide some much-needed leadership if the Bucs are to make another trip to Tupelo.
Arkansas-Monticello--The Boll Weevils will look to work their way into contention after going 9-18 last season. UAM has 6-7, 245 lb. bruiser Billy McDaniel leading the way, but it will take a lot more than him for the Boll Weevils to do any serious damage in the top-heavy GSC West.
Southern Arkansas--The Muleriders struggled to a 10-17 overall record last season. And things look to get even rougher this season.
Arkansas Tech--The Wonder Boys record was anything but wonderful last season, as they managed to finish a dismal 7-20.
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