After a hiatus of a little over a week, the preseason thoughts on NCAA Division II basketball in the Southeast continue on D-II South Sports. This installment features what's likely to be a tight regular season men's race in the Peach Belt Conference.
1. USC Aiken
2. Augusta State
3. GC&SU
4. Clayton State
5. Armstrong Atlantic State
6. Francis Marion
7. Georgia Southwestern State
8. Columbus State
9. North Georgia
10. Lander
11. UNC Pembroke
Analysis: With four of five starters returning from last season NCAA Tournament, USC Aiken is the team to beat going into this season. But don't count out defending national runner-up Augusta State, as the Jaguars bring back field goal percentage leader Garrett Siler, as well as all-conference Ben Madgen. From there, it's anybody's guess as to who will finish third or lower in the PBC. That includes defending conference tourney champion Clayton State, whose Lakers overcame a sluggish regular season to earn the Peach Belt's autobid to the NCAA D-II dance, losing to ASU in the South Atlantic regional semifinals.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Friday, November 07, 2008
Rowland's shot lifts GCSU over Mercer
It was only an exhibition game, but a late basket helped the NCAA Division II Georgia College & State University men's basketball team knock off the NCAA Division I Mercer University Bears in Macon, Ga. Thursday.
Article courtesy of the Macon (Ga.) Telegraph
Article courtesy of the Macon (Ga.) Telegraph
Friday, October 31, 2008
Barksdale steps down as Georgia Southwestern A.D.
After nearly three decades in intercollegiate athletics, Randolph Barksdale is stepping down. The former men's basketball head coach resigned as the athletics director at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Ga. Thursday.
Article courtesy of the Albany (Ga.) Herald
Article courtesy of the Albany (Ga.) Herald
2008-09 BASKETBALL PREVIEW--Peach Belt Conference Women
Welcome to the 2008-09 D-II South Sports preseason basketball previews. The road to "March Madness" starts here. Here are the preseason predictions for the women's teams in the Peach Belt Conference.
D-II South Sports Prediction--Peach Belt Conference Women
1. USC Aiken
2. Clayton State
3. Francis Marion
4. GC&SU
5. Columbus State
6. North Georgia
7. Lander
8. UNC Pembroke
9. Augusta State
10. Armstrong Atlantic State
11. Georgia Southwestern State
Analysis: After a season where five, yes, five teams shared the Peach Belt Conference regular season title, what does someone do for an encore? Well, how about another campaign filled with potential unpredictability. USC Aiken begins the season ranked No. 19 in the nation, while Clayton State starts at No. 21. The Lady Pacers, as well as Columbus State, get strong early season tests this weekend, as they open the 2008-09 campaign at the Disney Division II Tip Off Classic at Orlando, Fla.
D-II South Sports Prediction--Peach Belt Conference Women
1. USC Aiken
2. Clayton State
3. Francis Marion
4. GC&SU
5. Columbus State
6. North Georgia
7. Lander
8. UNC Pembroke
9. Augusta State
10. Armstrong Atlantic State
11. Georgia Southwestern State
Analysis: After a season where five, yes, five teams shared the Peach Belt Conference regular season title, what does someone do for an encore? Well, how about another campaign filled with potential unpredictability. USC Aiken begins the season ranked No. 19 in the nation, while Clayton State starts at No. 21. The Lady Pacers, as well as Columbus State, get strong early season tests this weekend, as they open the 2008-09 campaign at the Disney Division II Tip Off Classic at Orlando, Fla.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Fall Sports Update--Soccer
Like the old saying goes, "it's late, but better late than never".
As the regular season winds down, and conference tournament play heats up, let's take a brief at how the postseason pairings are shaping up in soccer.
Gulf South Women: It's been a two-team race between West Florida (7-0 GSC) and Montevallo (6-0-1 GSC) all season long. It all comes down to one match on Friday, Oct. 31, between the Falcons and the Argonauts, who are currently ranked No. 2 in the most recent National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) poll.
Gulf South Men: The race for the GSC men's regular season title also has involved UWF and UM, as the Falcons will put their perfect 5-0 conference mark on the line against the Argonauts, who are ranked 18th in the NSCAA poll. Christian Brothers is 4-1 in GSC games, with one match remaining against Alabama-Huntsville (Oct. 29).
Peach Belt Women: The PBC is well represented in the national ranking, with Columbus State ranked fourth, UNC Pembroke ninth, and Georgia College & State University 21st. A win over either Georgia Southwestern State or GC&SU would all but wrap up the top seed for the upcoming PBC tournament.
Peach Belt Men: Francis Marion and Lander both carry identical 4-0-1 PBC records into Saturday's regular season finale, with the winner earning the top seed in next week's conference tournament. A third team, Clayton State, completed conference play unbeaten, at 3-0-3.
As the regular season winds down, and conference tournament play heats up, let's take a brief at how the postseason pairings are shaping up in soccer.
Gulf South Women: It's been a two-team race between West Florida (7-0 GSC) and Montevallo (6-0-1 GSC) all season long. It all comes down to one match on Friday, Oct. 31, between the Falcons and the Argonauts, who are currently ranked No. 2 in the most recent National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) poll.
Gulf South Men: The race for the GSC men's regular season title also has involved UWF and UM, as the Falcons will put their perfect 5-0 conference mark on the line against the Argonauts, who are ranked 18th in the NSCAA poll. Christian Brothers is 4-1 in GSC games, with one match remaining against Alabama-Huntsville (Oct. 29).
Peach Belt Women: The PBC is well represented in the national ranking, with Columbus State ranked fourth, UNC Pembroke ninth, and Georgia College & State University 21st. A win over either Georgia Southwestern State or GC&SU would all but wrap up the top seed for the upcoming PBC tournament.
Peach Belt Men: Francis Marion and Lander both carry identical 4-0-1 PBC records into Saturday's regular season finale, with the winner earning the top seed in next week's conference tournament. A third team, Clayton State, completed conference play unbeaten, at 3-0-3.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
West Florida Volleyball upsets #2 Tampa
The University of West Florida volleyball team further established itself as one of the premier NCAA Division II programs in the nation with a three-set sweep over second ranked Tampa Saturday.
University of West Florida Sports Information
University of West Florida Sports Information
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
AASU Soccer, Volleyball get weekend wins
Source: Armstrong Atlantic State University Sports Information
Pétursdóttir Puts In Overtime Winner In 2-1 Pirate Victory
MORROW, Ga. - Freshman Þórdís Pétursdóttir delivered the game-winner inovertime as the Armstrong Atlantic State women's soccer team won itsPeach Belt Conference opener, 2-1, over host Clayton State on Saturdayevening in Morrow, Ga.
The Pirates (4-2-1, 1-0 PBC) - playing an 11-on-9 advantage after Clayton State had its second player sent off with a red card in the closing moments of the first overtime period - finally broke through inthe 104th minute as junior Kristin Burton's cross found the foot of Pétursdóttir, who beat Laker goalkeeper Whitney Jowers for the winner.
Burton opened the scoring in the match in the 29th minute as sheconverted a penalty kick to put the Pirates up, 1-0. Clayton State (0-7,0-1 PBC) equalized in the 59th minute as Caitlin Clark drilled a shotfrom 35 yards out to tie things up at 1-1. The score would remaindeadlocked at 1-all at the end of regulation, despite the Pirates holding a 22-5 edge in shots.
AASU held the Lakers without a shot in the overtimes, while registering six in the first overtime and two in the second. The Pirates also enjoyed a 10-3 advantage in corner kicks.
Pirate goalkeeper Tracey Mitchell played the entire match in net forAASU, giving up the lone goal and facing just five shots. Laker starting goalkeeper Chelsea Bettis played 62 minutes, making seven saves and giving up one goal. Jowers played 42 minutes and made two saves.
Burton finished the night with nine shots, four on goal, including thepenalty kick that was her PBC-leading sixth goal of the season. Eleven different Pirates notched shots on the night and the win was the first for AASU on the road this season in four matches.
AASU returns to action on Wednesday, Sept. 24, as the Pirates host No.8-ranked UNC Pembroke at 5:00 p.m. at AT&T Field.
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Pirates Down Fort Valley State, 3-1, In Volleyball
SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Armstrong Atlantic State volleyball squad won itsthird straight match with a 3-1 win over visiting Fort Valley State onSaturday afternoon in Savannah. Game scores were: 25-11, 25-15, 20-25, 25-17.
The Pirates (10-4) jumped out to a quick lead after the first two gamesby hitting .486 against the Wildcats (6-6), but Fort Valley State rebounded to take game three with a 15-kill, .313 percentage performance. AASU closed out the match in a tight fourth game, thanks in large part to Wildcat service errors - Fort Valley State had 16 serviceerrors in the match and five in the fourth game alone.
Junior Michele Remlinger hit .421 with 10 kills to lead the Pirates offensively, while freshman Casie Richards added 10 kills and threeblocks. Junior setter Hannah Segebart tallied 28 assists and freshman Casey Howett notched 11 digs.Fort Valley State was led by Raven WynnRynn's match-high 14 kills, while Sheriann Norris added 24 assists, seven kills and seven digs.
The Pirates collected 11 service aces in the match and both teamsrecorded six team blocks.AASU returns to action on Tuesday, September 23, with a 7:00 p.m. match against in-state rival West Georgia in Carrollton, Ga.
Pétursdóttir Puts In Overtime Winner In 2-1 Pirate Victory
MORROW, Ga. - Freshman Þórdís Pétursdóttir delivered the game-winner inovertime as the Armstrong Atlantic State women's soccer team won itsPeach Belt Conference opener, 2-1, over host Clayton State on Saturdayevening in Morrow, Ga.
The Pirates (4-2-1, 1-0 PBC) - playing an 11-on-9 advantage after Clayton State had its second player sent off with a red card in the closing moments of the first overtime period - finally broke through inthe 104th minute as junior Kristin Burton's cross found the foot of Pétursdóttir, who beat Laker goalkeeper Whitney Jowers for the winner.
Burton opened the scoring in the match in the 29th minute as sheconverted a penalty kick to put the Pirates up, 1-0. Clayton State (0-7,0-1 PBC) equalized in the 59th minute as Caitlin Clark drilled a shotfrom 35 yards out to tie things up at 1-1. The score would remaindeadlocked at 1-all at the end of regulation, despite the Pirates holding a 22-5 edge in shots.
AASU held the Lakers without a shot in the overtimes, while registering six in the first overtime and two in the second. The Pirates also enjoyed a 10-3 advantage in corner kicks.
Pirate goalkeeper Tracey Mitchell played the entire match in net forAASU, giving up the lone goal and facing just five shots. Laker starting goalkeeper Chelsea Bettis played 62 minutes, making seven saves and giving up one goal. Jowers played 42 minutes and made two saves.
Burton finished the night with nine shots, four on goal, including thepenalty kick that was her PBC-leading sixth goal of the season. Eleven different Pirates notched shots on the night and the win was the first for AASU on the road this season in four matches.
AASU returns to action on Wednesday, Sept. 24, as the Pirates host No.8-ranked UNC Pembroke at 5:00 p.m. at AT&T Field.
--
Pirates Down Fort Valley State, 3-1, In Volleyball
SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Armstrong Atlantic State volleyball squad won itsthird straight match with a 3-1 win over visiting Fort Valley State onSaturday afternoon in Savannah. Game scores were: 25-11, 25-15, 20-25, 25-17.
The Pirates (10-4) jumped out to a quick lead after the first two gamesby hitting .486 against the Wildcats (6-6), but Fort Valley State rebounded to take game three with a 15-kill, .313 percentage performance. AASU closed out the match in a tight fourth game, thanks in large part to Wildcat service errors - Fort Valley State had 16 serviceerrors in the match and five in the fourth game alone.
Junior Michele Remlinger hit .421 with 10 kills to lead the Pirates offensively, while freshman Casie Richards added 10 kills and threeblocks. Junior setter Hannah Segebart tallied 28 assists and freshman Casey Howett notched 11 digs.Fort Valley State was led by Raven WynnRynn's match-high 14 kills, while Sheriann Norris added 24 assists, seven kills and seven digs.
The Pirates collected 11 service aces in the match and both teamsrecorded six team blocks.AASU returns to action on Tuesday, September 23, with a 7:00 p.m. match against in-state rival West Georgia in Carrollton, Ga.
Friday, September 19, 2008
GSW soccer fighting growing pains
Here it is, the 500th post at D-II South Sports! The Georgia Southwestern State University soccer programs are struggling to adjust to the competition in the Peach Belt Conference, as both the Hurricanes and Lady Hurricanes begin their first full year of membership at the NCAA Division II level.
Article courtesy of the Albany (Ga.) Herald.
Article courtesy of the Albany (Ga.) Herald.
Friday, September 05, 2008
2008 Fall Sports Preview--SIAC Volleyball
Our 2008 fall sports preview wraps up with a preview of SIAC volleyball.
Article: Volleyball Preseason All Conference Team Announced (courtesy of the SIAC)
Analysis: The Albany State University Lady Rams will look to win the SIAC championship for the eighth straight year, as well as another such appearance in the NCAA tournament. Preseason all-conference first teamer Rachel Anderson hopes to lead her team to yet one more postseason trip.
In the West, Kendra Joseph and Ramona Douglas hope to lead Kentucky State to the top.
Article: Volleyball Preseason All Conference Team Announced (courtesy of the SIAC)
Analysis: The Albany State University Lady Rams will look to win the SIAC championship for the eighth straight year, as well as another such appearance in the NCAA tournament. Preseason all-conference first teamer Rachel Anderson hopes to lead her team to yet one more postseason trip.
In the West, Kendra Joseph and Ramona Douglas hope to lead Kentucky State to the top.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Lady Cougars Post Shutout in Season Opener at Barry
Source: Columbus State University Sports Information
Miami Shores, FL - Columbus State scratched out two first-half goals and then rode its customary strong defense the rest of the way Friday in a season-opening 2-0 win over Barry University. CSU, ranked #5 in the NFCA Division II preseason poll, will conclude its Florida road trip with a game at Rollins College on Sunday.
Host Barry controlled possession early in the contest, but CSU mounted a run in the ninth minute and a crossing pass from Kellie Myles found the head of Jill Walthall in the box and the sophomore poked the shot past Buccaneer keeper Sami Cromartie for a 1-0 lead.
The Lady Cougars got a second goal in the 16th minute when Cromartie could not control a ball in the box. Stephanie Parris was there to collect the loose ball and booted into the empty net for a 2-0 lead. That score would stand the rest of the way as CSU relied on its defense to post the shutout.
The best scoring opportunity for Barry came in the 18th minute as Michelle Tarasiuk slipped a shot past Monica Sanchez, but defender Sarah Hawkins was on the spot to sweep the shot away near the goal for an empty net save. Sanchez played the first half in goal and posted two saves, while Kelly Nimmo took over in the second half and collected four saves to preserve the shutout win.
"It was not that pretty, but a win is good any way you get it," said CSU coach Jay Entlich. "It hurt us to not have had a preseason scrimmage to get game experience. It was sort of like a football team practicing in shorts and then putting on the pads to play a game - that first hit gives you a jolt. We were fortunate enough to get a couple of goals and come away with a win."
CSU committed 15 fouls in the game, including one yellow card issued to Hawkins in the 74th minute. Barry had eight fouls and picked up two yellow cards in the first half. CSU led in corner kicks by a 6-5 count.
CSU (1-0) returns to action on Sunday as they stop over in Winter Park, FL, to face Rollins College at noon.
Miami Shores, FL - Columbus State scratched out two first-half goals and then rode its customary strong defense the rest of the way Friday in a season-opening 2-0 win over Barry University. CSU, ranked #5 in the NFCA Division II preseason poll, will conclude its Florida road trip with a game at Rollins College on Sunday.
Host Barry controlled possession early in the contest, but CSU mounted a run in the ninth minute and a crossing pass from Kellie Myles found the head of Jill Walthall in the box and the sophomore poked the shot past Buccaneer keeper Sami Cromartie for a 1-0 lead.
The Lady Cougars got a second goal in the 16th minute when Cromartie could not control a ball in the box. Stephanie Parris was there to collect the loose ball and booted into the empty net for a 2-0 lead. That score would stand the rest of the way as CSU relied on its defense to post the shutout.
The best scoring opportunity for Barry came in the 18th minute as Michelle Tarasiuk slipped a shot past Monica Sanchez, but defender Sarah Hawkins was on the spot to sweep the shot away near the goal for an empty net save. Sanchez played the first half in goal and posted two saves, while Kelly Nimmo took over in the second half and collected four saves to preserve the shutout win.
"It was not that pretty, but a win is good any way you get it," said CSU coach Jay Entlich. "It hurt us to not have had a preseason scrimmage to get game experience. It was sort of like a football team practicing in shorts and then putting on the pads to play a game - that first hit gives you a jolt. We were fortunate enough to get a couple of goals and come away with a win."
CSU committed 15 fouls in the game, including one yellow card issued to Hawkins in the 74th minute. Barry had eight fouls and picked up two yellow cards in the first half. CSU led in corner kicks by a 6-5 count.
CSU (1-0) returns to action on Sunday as they stop over in Winter Park, FL, to face Rollins College at noon.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
2008 Fall Sports Preview--Peach Belt Conference
Our 2008 fall sports previews continues with the outlook on the Peach Belt Conference. So, what are waiting for? Let's get started!
Volleyball: Despite a second place finish (6-4 in 2007) in PBC play last year, Lander was selected to finish first out of six teams in this year's regular season race. Armstrong Atlantic State and two-time defending regular season and tournament champion USC Aiken also figure to find themselves in the mix for the top spot in PBC volleyball in 2008.
BONUS COVERAGE: PBC Preseason All-Conference Team 2008
Women's Soccer: Columbus State (20-3-2 overall in 2007) is coming off the best season in the program's four-year history, reaching the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II tournament, and bring back seven starters that look to go even further this season. Armstrong Atlantic State (14-5-1) looks to be a strong challenger to the Lady Cougars supremacy, as the Lady Pirates lose only three starters from the squad that has finished in the PBC standings two years in a row.
BONUS COVERAGE: PBC Preseason All-Conference Team 2008
Men's Soccer: If the vote in the preseason coaches poll is any indication, expect a tight two-way for first place between Clayton State and Lander, as both teams were separated by only one vote. The Lakers lose 10 starters from last year's team, while the Bearcats bring back all league players Aaron Brittain and Jamie Ramm for 2008. Oh, and Lander begins the season ranked 18th nationally.
BONUS COVERAGE: PBC Preseason All-Conference Team 2008
Volleyball: Despite a second place finish (6-4 in 2007) in PBC play last year, Lander was selected to finish first out of six teams in this year's regular season race. Armstrong Atlantic State and two-time defending regular season and tournament champion USC Aiken also figure to find themselves in the mix for the top spot in PBC volleyball in 2008.
BONUS COVERAGE: PBC Preseason All-Conference Team 2008
Women's Soccer: Columbus State (20-3-2 overall in 2007) is coming off the best season in the program's four-year history, reaching the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II tournament, and bring back seven starters that look to go even further this season. Armstrong Atlantic State (14-5-1) looks to be a strong challenger to the Lady Cougars supremacy, as the Lady Pirates lose only three starters from the squad that has finished in the PBC standings two years in a row.
BONUS COVERAGE: PBC Preseason All-Conference Team 2008
Men's Soccer: If the vote in the preseason coaches poll is any indication, expect a tight two-way for first place between Clayton State and Lander, as both teams were separated by only one vote. The Lakers lose 10 starters from last year's team, while the Bearcats bring back all league players Aaron Brittain and Jamie Ramm for 2008. Oh, and Lander begins the season ranked 18th nationally.
BONUS COVERAGE: PBC Preseason All-Conference Team 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
2008 Fall Sports Preview--Gulf South Conference
D-II South Sports begins its look at the 2008 fall sports season with an inside look at the volleyball, men's and women's soccer programs in the Gulf South Conference.
Volleyball: For the first time in least the last 12 years, the University of North Alabama isn't a favorite to win the GSC title. Instead, that nod goes to the University of West Florida, whose Argonauts are coming off a successful 26-4 campaign, and was picked to win the East Division in 2008. In the West, Harding is team to beat, as the Lady Bisons hope to win their seventh straight division crown.
Women's Soccer: The UWF women's soccer team is also a favorite to finish on top in the GSC, as the Argonauts return three starters from last year's squad. But defending league champion Montevallo returns eight starters from a year ago, which will make for a very tight race.
Men's Soccer: The preseason pick to win the regular season title in this sport is, you guessed it, the University of West Florida! The Argonauts hope to win their third straight GSC title. But just like on the women's side, the University of Montevallo Falcons expect to give the Argos all they can handle.
Volleyball: For the first time in least the last 12 years, the University of North Alabama isn't a favorite to win the GSC title. Instead, that nod goes to the University of West Florida, whose Argonauts are coming off a successful 26-4 campaign, and was picked to win the East Division in 2008. In the West, Harding is team to beat, as the Lady Bisons hope to win their seventh straight division crown.
Women's Soccer: The UWF women's soccer team is also a favorite to finish on top in the GSC, as the Argonauts return three starters from last year's squad. But defending league champion Montevallo returns eight starters from a year ago, which will make for a very tight race.
Men's Soccer: The preseason pick to win the regular season title in this sport is, you guessed it, the University of West Florida! The Argonauts hope to win their third straight GSC title. But just like on the women's side, the University of Montevallo Falcons expect to give the Argos all they can handle.
UWF volleyball ranked 23rd in AVCA poll
Entering its ninth season of play, the University of West Florida volleyball program begins the 2008 season nationally ranked at No. 23 in the CBS College Sports/American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) NCAA Division II preseason poll.
Click here for the complete rankings (Gulf South Conference via the AVCA).
Click here for the complete rankings (Gulf South Conference via the AVCA).
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
CSU signs eight
Summer might be winding down, but Columbus State University's recruiting season is wrapping up, as the Cougars signed eight men's basketball players this week.
Article courtesy of Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer
Article courtesy of Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Georgia Southwestern gains full D-II membership
From provisional status to full members.
That was the good news the Georgia Southwestern State University athletics department received recently, as all Hurricane and Lady Hurricane sports received full eligibility for NCAA Division II membership. That means GSW will be eligible for any and all automatic bids to NCAA postseason play.
Article courtesy of Peach Belt Conference
That was the good news the Georgia Southwestern State University athletics department received recently, as all Hurricane and Lady Hurricane sports received full eligibility for NCAA Division II membership. That means GSW will be eligible for any and all automatic bids to NCAA postseason play.
Article courtesy of Peach Belt Conference
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Georgia College Basketball Across The Pond
Source: Georgia College & State University Sports Information
For immediate release
June 25, 2008
Contact: Al Weston
gcsu.sid@gcsu.edu
478-445-1779
www.gcsu.edu/bobcats
Georgia College Basketball Across the Pond
GCSU Hall of Famer Julius Joseph has parlayed Bobcat success into a strong professional career in Europe
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – His British accent isn’t the only thing that made Julius Joseph stand out during his three years playing basketball at Georgia College & State University from 1997-2000. The 2008 inductee to the GCSU Athletic Hall of Fame was the first All-American of the NCAA era of Georgia College men’s basketball, reaching Division II Bulletin Honorable Mention All-American status in 2000, a feat only achieved once in the years since by a Bobcat cager.
Joseph was the best player on arguably the best team in program history during that 1999-2000 season, a year when playing as an undersized 6-foot-4 center, he led a balanced Georgia College attack with 14.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per contest. The Bobcats made it to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, buzzing through the competition with a 25-6 record, tying for the most wins in school history.
“That Elite Eight team was one of the best teams I’ve ever been a part of,” said Joseph. “It seemed that during that season, each guy on the roster helped us win games. If one guy didn’t have it for whatever reason that night, another would step up and get it done.”
With a knack for getting to the line, a sign of a great player, Joseph set the school records in both free-throws made (151) and attempted (202) that season. He’s 10th in GCSU career records with 445 rebounds, second with 305 free-throws made and ninth in free-throw percentage (.753). His 60 double-digit scoring games ranks sixth in school history, and he once scored double-digits in 34 straight games.
“What made Julius so special is his status as a complete player,” said Georgia College head coach Terry Sellers. “He excelled in offense, defense and had all of the intangibles. On top of that, he had the most amazing work ethic. I’ve never coached a player with a stronger desire to improve.”
Add in another All-PBC performer in Earl Grant with 3.8 assists per game and 13.3 points per contest, as well as Mike Jones at 12.0 points and John John Steensland at 11.7 points, and one can see how this was one of the best teams in league history.
The Bobcats were regular-season champs that season, thanks to a 13-3 PBC record. USC Spartansburg ended the team’s run at the conference tournament title with a 72-69 tally. This left the Bobcats with something to prove going into the NCAA South Atlantic Regional Tournament. An 11-point win over Gardner-Webb started the tourney, and Georgia College kept it going with wins over Winston Salem State 72-68 and downed Columbus State 68-62 for the region title. Both Gardner-Webb and Winston Salem State are now Division I programs.
The amazing run came to a close at the hands of Seattle Pacific 77-65, but it couldn’t dampen the excitement of a great season.
Joseph’s Post-Georgia College Success
Next to perhaps baseball’s Milt Hill, who spent seasons in Major League Baseball with the Cincinnati Reds, Joseph has had the most successful professional sports career of any Georgia College alumnus.
Joseph started with the Manchester Giants in the English League for one season, moving to Bree in the Belgium League for the next three years. After one season with Naterre in France , Joseph returned to his native England to play with the Scottish Rox of the English League.
He joined the Rox so he could represent the English National Team in the Commonwealth Games, helping his countrymen to a bronze medal in 2006. All told, Joseph has been on the English National squad for 60 games, ranking in the top-20 in the English team’s history.
While with the Rox, Joseph helped the team to an English League finalist spot in 2007 and 2006, including a spot in the final game of the English League Cup in 2007. His stellar 2006 season landed him a spot on the All-English League Team.
With all of his basketball honors, he says the GCSU Athletic Hall of Fame sticks out.
“I was overwhelmed, the magnitude and rarity of the award is extremely important to me. That honor shows how much the school and people at Georgia College appreciated my efforts and the efforts of the special teams I played on.”
From London to Milledgeville Through Hard Work
Sellers ran across Joseph while working as a guest clinician at a basketball camp in Europe . Current UNC Pembroke women’s head coach John Haskins offered Sellers a role in this camp, and he jumped at the chance.
“It was a high-profile camp,” said Sellers, “a great opportunity to work with some solid players and learn from other coaches. Julius was there for two years, and was a solid player.”
Sellers admits that by no means did he look at Joseph then as a player who was going to lead his Bobcats to a region title.
“It was a great opportunity at an education and I couldn’t pass it up,” said Joseph. “Coach Sellers taught me about hard work and overcoming obstacles to get what you want.”
Joseph started out near the end of the bench in his first season, starting just eight of his 28 games and averaging 4.3 points, 2.4 rebounds per contest for his sophomore campaign. In his junior season, he jumped to 17.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, leading the Bobcats to both the regular season and PBC Tournament titles.
“Julius’ improvement from his sophomore to junior season was like none other I’ve seen in my history as a coach,” said Sellers, the now 24-year head coaching veteran. “He just refused to be anything but great.”
“I had a scholarship to play basketball,” said Joseph. “I felt I needed to earn that right to an education. I never wanted to take it for granted.”
Joseph parlays that into great words of advice for every youngster he runs across considering playing basketball at the collegiate level in the United States .
“I tell them to jump at the chance. I’ve learned that things don’t always fall in your lap, and the harder you work the more opportunities will arise. It’s an opportunity for a good education, and a great experience learning the game of basketball. I’m always looking for players to recommend to Coach Sellers.”
Joseph’s successes still surprise his old skipper.
“With his work ethic and the unbelievable improvement he achieved here, I shouldn’t be surprised of his success in the professional leagues in Europe , but I still am. He was not a great athlete. He wasn’t the fastest, or the strongest and didn’t jump the highest. His heart and work ethic more than made up for any deficiencies as well as his sheer will to improve.”
“He was what every coach looks for in a student-athlete. He never took anything for granted, and was just so solid both on the court and off. He was a young man that was just a joy to coach.”
The GCSU Department of Athletics sponsors 10 NCAA Division II athletic programs over three seasons. As a Division II program, GCSU prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the Bobcats’ multiple appearances in post-season competition as well as documented academic success and community-service involvement. Follow the Bobcats and their positive impact on the Milledgeville community at www.gcsu.edu/bobcats.
###
For immediate release
June 25, 2008
Contact: Al Weston
gcsu.sid@gcsu.edu
478-445-1779
www.gcsu.edu/bobcats
Georgia College Basketball Across the Pond
GCSU Hall of Famer Julius Joseph has parlayed Bobcat success into a strong professional career in Europe
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – His British accent isn’t the only thing that made Julius Joseph stand out during his three years playing basketball at Georgia College & State University from 1997-2000. The 2008 inductee to the GCSU Athletic Hall of Fame was the first All-American of the NCAA era of Georgia College men’s basketball, reaching Division II Bulletin Honorable Mention All-American status in 2000, a feat only achieved once in the years since by a Bobcat cager.
Joseph was the best player on arguably the best team in program history during that 1999-2000 season, a year when playing as an undersized 6-foot-4 center, he led a balanced Georgia College attack with 14.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per contest. The Bobcats made it to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, buzzing through the competition with a 25-6 record, tying for the most wins in school history.
“That Elite Eight team was one of the best teams I’ve ever been a part of,” said Joseph. “It seemed that during that season, each guy on the roster helped us win games. If one guy didn’t have it for whatever reason that night, another would step up and get it done.”
With a knack for getting to the line, a sign of a great player, Joseph set the school records in both free-throws made (151) and attempted (202) that season. He’s 10th in GCSU career records with 445 rebounds, second with 305 free-throws made and ninth in free-throw percentage (.753). His 60 double-digit scoring games ranks sixth in school history, and he once scored double-digits in 34 straight games.
“What made Julius so special is his status as a complete player,” said Georgia College head coach Terry Sellers. “He excelled in offense, defense and had all of the intangibles. On top of that, he had the most amazing work ethic. I’ve never coached a player with a stronger desire to improve.”
Add in another All-PBC performer in Earl Grant with 3.8 assists per game and 13.3 points per contest, as well as Mike Jones at 12.0 points and John John Steensland at 11.7 points, and one can see how this was one of the best teams in league history.
The Bobcats were regular-season champs that season, thanks to a 13-3 PBC record. USC Spartansburg ended the team’s run at the conference tournament title with a 72-69 tally. This left the Bobcats with something to prove going into the NCAA South Atlantic Regional Tournament. An 11-point win over Gardner-Webb started the tourney, and Georgia College kept it going with wins over Winston Salem State 72-68 and downed Columbus State 68-62 for the region title. Both Gardner-Webb and Winston Salem State are now Division I programs.
The amazing run came to a close at the hands of Seattle Pacific 77-65, but it couldn’t dampen the excitement of a great season.
Joseph’s Post-Georgia College Success
Next to perhaps baseball’s Milt Hill, who spent seasons in Major League Baseball with the Cincinnati Reds, Joseph has had the most successful professional sports career of any Georgia College alumnus.
Joseph started with the Manchester Giants in the English League for one season, moving to Bree in the Belgium League for the next three years. After one season with Naterre in France , Joseph returned to his native England to play with the Scottish Rox of the English League.
He joined the Rox so he could represent the English National Team in the Commonwealth Games, helping his countrymen to a bronze medal in 2006. All told, Joseph has been on the English National squad for 60 games, ranking in the top-20 in the English team’s history.
While with the Rox, Joseph helped the team to an English League finalist spot in 2007 and 2006, including a spot in the final game of the English League Cup in 2007. His stellar 2006 season landed him a spot on the All-English League Team.
With all of his basketball honors, he says the GCSU Athletic Hall of Fame sticks out.
“I was overwhelmed, the magnitude and rarity of the award is extremely important to me. That honor shows how much the school and people at Georgia College appreciated my efforts and the efforts of the special teams I played on.”
From London to Milledgeville Through Hard Work
Sellers ran across Joseph while working as a guest clinician at a basketball camp in Europe . Current UNC Pembroke women’s head coach John Haskins offered Sellers a role in this camp, and he jumped at the chance.
“It was a high-profile camp,” said Sellers, “a great opportunity to work with some solid players and learn from other coaches. Julius was there for two years, and was a solid player.”
Sellers admits that by no means did he look at Joseph then as a player who was going to lead his Bobcats to a region title.
“It was a great opportunity at an education and I couldn’t pass it up,” said Joseph. “Coach Sellers taught me about hard work and overcoming obstacles to get what you want.”
Joseph started out near the end of the bench in his first season, starting just eight of his 28 games and averaging 4.3 points, 2.4 rebounds per contest for his sophomore campaign. In his junior season, he jumped to 17.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, leading the Bobcats to both the regular season and PBC Tournament titles.
“Julius’ improvement from his sophomore to junior season was like none other I’ve seen in my history as a coach,” said Sellers, the now 24-year head coaching veteran. “He just refused to be anything but great.”
“I had a scholarship to play basketball,” said Joseph. “I felt I needed to earn that right to an education. I never wanted to take it for granted.”
Joseph parlays that into great words of advice for every youngster he runs across considering playing basketball at the collegiate level in the United States .
“I tell them to jump at the chance. I’ve learned that things don’t always fall in your lap, and the harder you work the more opportunities will arise. It’s an opportunity for a good education, and a great experience learning the game of basketball. I’m always looking for players to recommend to Coach Sellers.”
Joseph’s successes still surprise his old skipper.
“With his work ethic and the unbelievable improvement he achieved here, I shouldn’t be surprised of his success in the professional leagues in Europe , but I still am. He was not a great athlete. He wasn’t the fastest, or the strongest and didn’t jump the highest. His heart and work ethic more than made up for any deficiencies as well as his sheer will to improve.”
“He was what every coach looks for in a student-athlete. He never took anything for granted, and was just so solid both on the court and off. He was a young man that was just a joy to coach.”
The GCSU Department of Athletics sponsors 10 NCAA Division II athletic programs over three seasons. As a Division II program, GCSU prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the Bobcats’ multiple appearances in post-season competition as well as documented academic success and community-service involvement. Follow the Bobcats and their positive impact on the Milledgeville community at www.gcsu.edu/bobcats.
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Wednesday, July 02, 2008
UM PRESIDENT: PBC BETTER FIT THAN GSC
There's more to the University of Montevallo's decision last week to apply for potential membership in the Peach Conference than meets the eye. That's according to the Birmingham (Ala.) News.
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Analysis: As mentioned in a previous post, Montevallo's decision to apply for membership in the PBC really comes as no surprise, given the fact that UM is one of just four current GSC schools without football (the others being Alabama-Huntsville, Christian Brothers, and West Florida; see corrected blog entry below). Don't be surprised if one of the other remaining non-football schools decide to follow suit, and try to join Montevallo in the PBC.
MORE
Analysis: As mentioned in a previous post, Montevallo's decision to apply for membership in the PBC really comes as no surprise, given the fact that UM is one of just four current GSC schools without football (the others being Alabama-Huntsville, Christian Brothers, and West Florida; see corrected blog entry below). Don't be surprised if one of the other remaining non-football schools decide to follow suit, and try to join Montevallo in the PBC.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
MONTEVALLO APPLIES FOR PBC MEMBERSHIP
Goodbye, Gulf South Conference! Hello, Peach Belt Conference? Well, maybe! The University of Montevallo (Ala.) hopes to make the upcoming 2008-09 academic year their last in the GSC.
If approved, the move to the PBC becomes effective in the fall of 2009.
Article courtesy of University of Montevallo Sports Information
Analysis: The move to the PBC from the GSC probably should come as no surprise for UM, as it's one of the few schools in the latter conference without a football program. While it joins the likes of Columbus State, Georgia College & State University, Augusta State, and other schools in the PBC, the biggest drawback could be that Montevallo would become the first, and only, PBC member school in the Central Time Zone, as well as the state of Alabama.
If approved, the move to the PBC becomes effective in the fall of 2009.
Article courtesy of University of Montevallo Sports Information
Analysis: The move to the PBC from the GSC probably should come as no surprise for UM, as it's one of the few schools in the latter conference without a football program. While it joins the likes of Columbus State, Georgia College & State University, Augusta State, and other schools in the PBC, the biggest drawback could be that Montevallo would become the first, and only, PBC member school in the Central Time Zone, as well as the state of Alabama.
(Blog entry corrected/updated July 2, 2008)
Saturday, June 21, 2008
OUACHITA BAPTIST LOSES D-II BASEBALL TITLE BID
Believe it or not, the Tigers of Ouachita Baptist University (Ark.) played for a national championship in NCAA Division II baseball. But they lost out to a team from North Carolina. Find out who it is by clicking the link above.
Article courtesy of NCAA.com
Article courtesy of NCAA.com
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