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w w w . i b e v g r o u p . c o m

Volume XIII, Number 42

Publisher & Editor: John R. PoseyTravel/Leisure Editor: Mercedes A. PoseyNational Sales: Urban Sports NewsDistribution: Urban Sports News

Golf ColumnistKendall Thomas

Contributing Writers:FANCHenry BaileyCourtney TurnerJohn Posey

Contributing Photographers:Steve ColeChris JonesCalvin MorrisMercedes PoseyJohn Posey

Urban Sports News is published by BSPIN Media Group. 5509 VicksburgArlington, Texas 76017Copyright 2013 by Urban Sports News.

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Publisher’s CornerBy John Posey, USN Publisher

USN has just finished the busiest and, most productive quarter, inour fifteen year history of publishing. We served as the Official StillImaging Company of the SWAC Soccer and Football Championships inHouston. We have covered college basketball in three states and willexpand our coverage in 2014 to include NAIA, Division II, and Division Ischools. Depending on schedules, we will try to bring coverage from thefollowing conference tournaments: Red River, Sooner, Big 12 and SWACconferences. I am working on a book and exhibition project titled, “Pretty Girls Hoop2.” The idea emanated from the response to a post of a picture of TexasWesleyan star, Takoyia Larry. It said simply, “See Pretty Girls Can HoopToo!” I marinated on the wisdom of the comment and it hit me that pretty,smart, feminine women are rarely good ballers. I decided to photograph andinterview women who I thought dispelled that notion. To date, I havephotographed basketball players from Grambling, Texas Wesleyan andLangston. I will be photographing three players from Jarvis Christian. Weplan to extend invitations to players from St. John’s and TCU. I plan to add3-4 coaches as well. Tiny Jarvis Christian is emerging as a surprise power in the Red RiverConference. The women’s basketball team is undefeated (7-0) at press time.Coach Alisia Burwell is a well-respected coach and has assembled a well-balanced team led by Jasmine Troup, Ricquel Butler, Tarah Turner, Ti’lerBarnes, and Dayanna Mcgee. No starter is taller than 5’-10". The Legacy Sports Gallery at TJ’s Wings and Catfish has grown to 350framed images of our work and HBCU memorabilia from Grambling,Elizabeth City, Clark, Prairie View, FAMU, Southern and Hampton. Ourlatest addition is a shot of Fort Worth Dunbar basketball coaching legend,Robert Hughes. This marks the fourth year of our Black College Football Poll. The pollis distributed weekly to more than 1.500 sports media, sports informationband directors, fans, coaches and blogs. Tennessee State is our 2014champion. The Tigers made it to the second round of the FCS Playoffs andended the season 10-4. The recent boycott by Grambling football team has turned collegefootball on its head. Grambling has fallen on hard times due to statefinancial cuts, management ineptitude, and long-term neglect of theschool’s facilities. I have been on the GSU campus over the last four yearsand have seen the deplorable condition of the facilities. Grambling is the tipof the iceberg and makes me wonder what the future holds for HBCU sportsprograms. Players revolted at Southern over being fed cold chicken afterevery road game. Virginia State is under investigation for beating up theWinston-Salem quarterback at the CIAA luncheon. Attendance is way downat many HBCU Classics and most bands have shrunken due to budget cuts. Texas remains the King of High School football as the StateChampionships are on the horizon. DeSoto, Katy, Allen, Cedar Hill,Pearland, Aledo and Denton-Guyer are all nationally-ranked and will besending scores of players on to the next level.

Until Next Time,

Peace & Much LoveJohn R. Posey, Publisher

3 Urban Sports News Volume XIII, 42


My TakeThese are some sports issues that have beenmarinating on my mind since our last issue:

1) Will the NCAA conduct an investigation of theVirginia State-WSSU situation?2) Can HBCUs continue to play at the D-I levelgiven all of the state budget cuts?3) Why won’t Tennessee State leave the MVCand join the SWAC?4) Southern University men’s basketball team isvery good.5) Texas Southern’s men’s basketball team is verygood.6) Will Grambling’s football team be forced totake the bus to Daytona Beach to play Bethunenext year?7) Which pro sports league will hire the first blackcommissioner?8) Will the SWAC move its conference office toHouston?9) Did the Texas Rangers make the right move intrading for Prince Fielder?10) Will TCU replace its offensive coordinator?11) The only way Connecticut doesn’t winanother NCAA title is if they have an onslaught ofinjuries.12) Will Lolo Jones make the US Bobsled team?13) Will Bev Kearney win her lawsuit againstTexas?14) How can I get to Brazil for the World Cup?15) Aren’t there too many bowl games?16) Will Nick Sabin leave Alabama for Texas?17) My favorite college volleyball players areBailey Webster (UT), Arial Scott (Penn State),Haley Eckerman (UT), Samantha Bricio (USC),Ebony Nwanebu (USC), and Savanah Leaf(Miami). These are some tall, fine women ofcolor who bring the thunder.18) Will The NCAA Final Four suffer the jinx ofJerry Jones when it hits Cowboys Stadium? NBAAll-Star weekend and Super Bowl were hit withcold weather and snow.19) It seems as if Southern fans are caught in aneither/or dilemma. My sources tell me that theBayou Classic might take an attendance hit asfans are choosing to head to Houston for theSWAC Championship Title game against hatedrival Jackson State.20) Is there a smoother, more talented player thanIndiana Pacer, Paul George?21) I have a bad feeling about the JameisWinston/Florida State situation. Even if he isexonerated, he will have to battle the stigma ofbeing accused of sexual assault as well as facefuture lawsuits. So Sad…

Jarvis Sweeps UST, Baccone and LangstonBy Urban Sports Newswire

HAWKINS, TX – The Jarvis Bulldogs swept theirfirst three Red River Conference games to go intosemester break at 7-0. Jarvis features a balanced attack with 10-12 playersgetting playing time. The Bulldogs roster has noplayer taller than 5’-10”. Jasmine Troup leads theBulldogs with her 16.8 points per game average anddishes out 5.8 assists an outing. Jarvis opened Red River Conference play on theroad at the University of St. Thomas in Houston.Jarvis jumped out to an early lead and it ballooned to19 points midway in the second half before the Celtsmade a run. Jarvis held off the Celts and won a toughbattle 67-59. “We spotted them (Jarvis) an awful lot of pointstonight,” said UST head coach Mike Ricks. “Make nomistake about it though, they were the hungrier team.They played harder, executed better, and they shot theball better. They were just better than us tonight.” Chelsea Davis led the Celts with 17 points and 15rebounds. Maghen Lomard chipped in 15 points and 9rebounds. Jasmine Troup led the Bulldogs with 23points, 6 assists and 7 steals. Dayana Mcgee added 13points and Riquel Butler scored 11. The Bacone Lady Warriors (1-5) were the Bulldogsnext victim. The Warriors came up short in theirconference opener against the Jarvis ChristianBulldogs 68-57 at Anthony Robinson Gym. The Lady Warriors cut Jarvis Christian’s lead to sixpoints when Myriah Hadnot scored off an assist byKimberly Gaucin with 7:08 remaining in the secondhalf; however Bacone was unable to get any closer asJarvis Christian led by as much as 13 points down thestretch. Collectively, Bacone knocked down 40percent (24-of-59) from the field but went eight-for-20from the free throw line while committing 34turnovers.

Troup again led Jarvis with 18 points, 7 assists and7 rebounds. Barnes had 12 and Burrell added 9 pointsin the win. Dametria Dawson was the high-scorer for Baconewith 22 points, Myriah Hadnot tallied 12 and TamiyaGreen totaled 13 points and 13 boards. Jasmine Troupled Jarvis with 18 points. Ti’ler Barnes chipped in 12points and Ricquel Butler scored 7. Jarvis closed out the semester with a 78-76 thrilleragainst Langston. Jarvis blew the lady lions out of thegym in the first half and went to the locker room witha 15 point lead. Langston switched to a full court pressand slowly closed the gap and actually took the lead at71-70. Langston hit three straight baskets and neverlooked back. Jasmine Troup again led Jarvis with 21 pointsbefore fouling out. Dayanna McGee scored 17 andTi’ler Barnes added 14. Butler scored 9 off the bench. Langston’s Lynette Holmes notched a doubledouble with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Seniorforward Alex Adekunle also had a double double with21 points and 12 rebounds.

5 Urban Sports News Volume XI, 39

Maynor Accepts HamptonUniversity Football Post

Connell Maynor looks to revitalize the Hampton University footballProgram. Photo: Courtesy of the Winston-Salem Athletic Department.

By Urban Sports Newswire

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Hampton AthleticDirector, Novelle Dickinson, announced that Winston-Salem State University football coach, Connell Maynor,announced his resignation as the Rams head football coachto accept the head coaching position at HamptonUniversity. “I am very excited about having a veteran winner at thehelm of the Pirate football program,” said Dickenson. “Ibelieve that Coach Maynor is very well poised and has theacumen to take the program in the right direction. Givenhis past success, we have great expectations for the futureof Pirate football.” Maynor just completed his fourth season as head coachat WSSU, going 45-6 during his tenure. His teams won twoCIAA championships and made NCAA Division II playoffappearances three of those four years, including the 2012Division II National Championship game. Maynor’s Ramsclaimed the 2011 and 2012 National Black College Crown. “I am very excited to get on campus and meet theplayers, athletic staff and all of those who are associatedwith the program. I am also excited about getting out thereon the recruiting trail so we can get Hampton back to itswinning ways,” Manyor said. “I know that Hampton is notonly known for having great athletic programs, but alsooutstanding academics and that is something that I want tohelp that I ensure continues.” WSSU administrators were generous in their praise ofMaynor’s tenure. “Coach Maynor’s success and record are extraordinary,but even more impressive is his integrity, work ethic andcharacter,” said Winston-Salem State University

Chancellor Donald J. Reaves. “He has been the perfect fitto lead us back into CIAA and to the national forefront ofDivision II football. With him as our coach, we have goneto three consecutive NCAA DII playoffs, including thenational championship game in 2012, and we also securedthe most wins in a season, in HBCU history. We are proudto have had him for the time we did and appreciate all hehas brought to Rams football and to Winston-Salem StateUniversity. We certainly wish him and his family nothingbut the best in this new endeavor.” “From our time together here at WSSU and our time atNCA&T, I consider Connell Maynor to be one of mysons. When I had the opportunity to name a coach here atWinston-Salem State, I jumped at the chance to give himan opportunity because I knew his work ethic, dedicationand football knowledge would make him successful.What he has been able to do in a short period of time forour university and our football program cannot beovershadowed because he has chosen to move on andadvance his career”, said Hayes. “I know everyone joinsme in thanking Coach Maynor for all he did over the pastfour years. He is not only a great coach, but a greatperson and an asset to the community. We wish Connell,Meryl and Nicole the very best.” “I first want to thank our chancellor, Donald JulianReaves, and his staff for hiring me, Bill (Hayes) and hisstaff for giving me an opportunity, and everyone from theprovost to the athletic department for supporting me andmy staff and the football program”, said Connell Maynor.“They have given us what we needed to be successfulboth on and off the field, in the classroom and in studyhall. I can’t thank them enough.” “I also want to thank all of the players. I did not throwone pass, or make one tackle or kick any balls. Thoseplayers did. They are the ones that are 45-6. I always sayif your X’s are bigger than my O’s then you aren’t goingto win a lot of games. We had great players here, greatacademics to offer those guys, and when you put thosetwo together you get the successes that Winston-SalemState has had during my time.” “I also want to thank all our fans, alumni and friendsof the program that supported me and this program andthis university from day one”, Maynor added. “We havethe best fans in the CIAA or in Division II, period. Ourfans follow us on the road very well. Probably 90% of thegames since I have been here we had the most fansupport, whether home or away. Our fans went to theNational Championship game and stood on their feet andcheered for us the whole game when things were notgoing our way. That is something I will never, everforget.” “I will be forever indebted to Winston-Salem StateUniversity. They have been great to me and my family forfour years. That starts with the Chancellor, down toCoach Hayes and the athletic staff,” said Maynor. “We will start a national search for our next headfootball coach at Winston-Salem State and will worktirelessly to find the perfect fit to continue the ascensionof WSSU Ram football”, added Hayes. “We will workthrough the holiday to get this process going to make surewe find the right person to lead our program.”

RobinsonHonored

The SWAC Alumni Association honored threeSouthwestern Athletic Conference stalwarts during itsannual Legends Reception & Awards Dinner and Roast atthe Sheraton Suites Hotel during the SWAC FootballChampionship weekend. Dr. Dennis Thomas, commissioner of the Mid-EasternAthletic Conference and a SWAC Hall of Fame offensivelineman for Alcorn State, Dr. Rod Paige, former footballcoach at Jackson State and athletic director at TexasSouthern who was Secretary of Education during GeorgeH.W. Bush’s presidency, and Zelmo Beaty, an All-American basketball player at Prairie View A&M and NBAAll-Star, will receive Lifetime Achievement Awards. Beatywas honored posthumously. Harlan Stefann Robinson, Marketing and PromotionsManager at Texas Southern University recievedthe Charles“Chuck” Prophet Memorial Wagon Master Award. Thisaward is named in honor of Chuck Prophet, the long-timeSports Information Director and Athletic Director atMississippi Valley State University. It is presented annuallyto an employee of a conference member institution whobest exemplifies Chuck’s spirit and dedication and loyaltyto their school and SWAC. Robinson, a graduate of Alcorn State, has been involvedin athletic administration for more than 25 years. He beganhis career as assistant sports information director at hisalma mater. He has also worked at Albany State University,Southern University, Prairie View, and Texas Southern. Stefann has been involved in planning and organizing anumber of major athletic events, the Bayou Classic, theState Fair Classic, the TSU Relays, the Labor Day Classic,the Atlanta Football Classic and the Southwestern AthleticConference Basketball Tournament. He also hasrepresented the athletics department in institutional fundraising projects to help enhance the department’s financialresources. The SWAC Alumni Association was founded inBirmingham, Ala., in 1999 during the inaugural SWACChampionship Football Game out of concern that theconference’s legacy of athletic excellence was beingforgotten.


TCU Wins a Pair Before Big 12 Conference Play

Kyan Anderson lead the TCU Horned Frogs to a pair of victories over Tulsa and Grambling to go into the break at 8-3. Anderson scored 52points in the wins. Photo: John Posey,USN.

By John Posey & Courtney Turner, USN

FORT WORTH, TX- The TCU Men’s basketballteam (8-3) closed out the first half of the 2013-2014basketball season with a pair of impressive wins overGrambling (98-75) and Tulsa (70-58). Junior guard, KyanAnderson, continued his strong play, dropping in 52points in the wins. The Horned Frogs opened the week with a win over ascrappy Grambling team coming off its first win of theseason. Anderson was simply unstoppable during key parts ofthe game, outscoring the Tigers all on his own midwaythrough the first half, 15-5. The Fort Worth native, who atone point during the opening frame of play scored 17-straight points for the Horned Frogs, finished the nightwith a season-high 27 points, which included 21 in theopening period. With his 27-point outing, Andersonrecorded his most points since he nailed 29 at KansasState last season. “Coach (Johnson) had told me earlier to come out alittle aggressive in this game and get a lead early since wehave a game on Saturday,” said Johnson. “I needed tosave my legs. I just tried to do that early.” It was a balanced effort as the Frogs scored a season-high 98 points and led by as many as 32, TCU had threeother players score in double-figures. Michael Williamsdropped a career-high 14 points on 5-of-7 from the field,while fellow freshman Karviar Shepherd was also solid,scoring a career-high 12 points. He also grabbed eightboards and swatted away four shot attempts. It marked thesecond-straight game in which the Dallas native hasscored in double-figures. Brandon Parrish rounded out theHorned Frogs double-digit scorers, dropping in11 points.

Richard Freeman’s 20 points led Grambling State,while Remond Brown chipped in with 16 points as theTigers fell for the fifth time (1-5) this season. TCU, who shot 53.4 percent for the game, including52.9 percent from deep, did most of its damage offturnovers Thursday, outscoring Grambling State, 20-8.The Frogs also controlled the paint, outdueling GSUdown low, 32-24. Simply put, Anderson, who scored 17-straight pointsduring a stretch for the Frogs, took over the game midwaythrough the opening period, going on a 15-5 run all on hisown. By the time Ray exploded to the hole for a dunk atthe 7:20 mark, TCU had blown the door open, now up 31-18. Jarvis Ray pushed the Frog advantage to 48-33,scoring three-straight to open the half, but GSU continuedto battle, pulling within 13. The two teams would tradebuckets the next couple of trips until Anderson continuedhis offensive explosion, dropping in a jumper to make it52-37 at the 17:48 mark of the period. On the very next possession, Williams dropped in atriple from the corner and the Frogs were off and runningonce again, now up 55-37. The Purple and White pushedit to 20 at the charity stripe and never look back the rest ofthe night, winning comfortably at Daniel-MeyerColiseum. The Tulsa re-match was an uphill climb. TCU trailedby 10 early in the second half, but a late 15-3 run allowedthe Horned Frogs to defeat Tulsa Saturday at Daniel-Meyer Coliseum, 70-58. Coach Johnson felt his team did a good job of keepingits poise during the Tulsa onslaught. “Obviously, we knew Tulsa was going to come outextremely hard and physical. They have been playing

extremely well. One of the things we talk about as a groupis withstanding the opponent’s emotional charge early inthe game. Tulsa is a good rebounding team. Our guys dida good job at keeping their poise throughout the first halfwhen things got erratic at times” With the win, the Frogs swept the Golden Hurricane inthe season series, having defeated Tulsa last month at theGreat Alaska Shootout. Heading into the holiday break,TCU has now won four-straight and eight out of its lastnine. On the day, the Purple and White, who shot a blistering87 percent from the charity stripe Saturday, receivedcontributions from several individuals. Junior KyanAnderson stole the show though, tallying a game-high 25points on 7-of-15 from the field. The Fort Worth nativehas now posted back-to-back games of 27 and 25 points,respectively. Freshman Brandon Parrish was also solid,scoring a career-high 17 points, while also grabbing acareer-high six boards. As good as Anderson and Parrish were, the Frogswould not have completed the comeback Saturdaymorning if it weren’t for the work of senior’s ThomasMontigel and Jarvis Ray. Montigel, who logged a season-high 20 minutes, finished the day with six points and threerebounds. Ray pulled down a team and career-high nineboards Saturday, including three on the offensive end ofthe court. Tulsa, who coming into the game had won three out ofits last four, fell to 4-8 on the year. The Golden Hurricanewere carried by James Woodard’s double-double. Thesophomore tallied 15 points and 11 rebounds from hisguard position. Rashad Smith was lone other UT player indouble-figures, scoring 12 points.

TCU senior, Thomas Montigel, gives the Horned Frogs valuableminutes off the bench. Photo: John Posey,USN.


TCU Basketball Through the USN Lens

Top: Freshman Karviar Shepard scrambles for a loose ball against Tulsa. Bottom: Senior, Jarvis ray, drives to the basket. Photo: JohnPosey,USN.

Christian Gore & Hudson Price are zone busters for TCU. Photo:John Posey,USN.

Sports Through USN The Lens


Southern Wins SWAC Championship in 2 OT’s 34-27

The much-maligned Southern University defense came up big in the SWAC Championship Game, holding the vanuted Jackson State defense to262 yards of offense. Photo: John Posey,USN.

By Henry Bailey & John Posey, USN HOUSTON,TX—-Although the Houston weatherpulled a fast one and was an uncommonly cold 35degrees at kickoff, the SWAC Championship was asgood as advertised between Southern and JacksonState. The Jaguars avenged an early season loss to theTigers (8-4) and escaped with a thrilling 34-27 doubleovertime win before 38,950 fans. The Jaguars (9-4), which hadn’t recorded awinning season since 2009 before this year and hadn’twon a SWAC title in 10 years, celebrated on the floorof Reliant Stadium with hugs, cheers and some tears.Dray Joseph, from West St. John High, and Doss,from St. Augustine, embraced as the two seniorsenjoyed a victory that seemed near impossible 15months ago when they, as juniors, started the 2012season 0-2. This was a battle of quarterbacks and Josephhandily won this contest. Joseph, who has been one of the most scrutinizedplayers in the SWAC over his four-year career on theBluff, completed 27-46 passes for 337 yards and threetouchdowns in his final college game. His last pass, a16-yard touchdown completion to senior receiver LeeDoss proved to be the go-ahead score for thechampionship. Joseph, despite the scrutiny, will go down inSouthern lore as one of its most accomplished playersever. He is now the all-time career leader in passing

touchdown with 73, eclipsing Bryant Lee. He is nowthe Jags’ career passing leader. Joseph remained humble when asked about all hisindividual achievements at Southern. “In every accomplishment that I ever achieved asan individual is a testament to my faith in God,”Joseph said. “It’s a great feeling (breaking Lee’srecords), but none of this would be possible withoutmy teammates and my coaches.” The teams exchanged roles from the first meetingin the final moments. This time, it was JSU trying toreach the end zone. After Joseph’s 16-yard touchdown pass to LeeDoss gave Southern a 34-27 lead in the secondovertime, the Tigers needed to drive 25 yards to scorea touchdown and force a third overtime.Tommy Gooden rushed for 3 yards and a passinterference penalty on Southern’s Virgil Williamsgave JSU a first down at the 7. Gooden rushed for 2yards, Moore threw an incompletion, then ran for nogain.After a timeout, Gooden drifted out of bounds beforegrabbing a throw from Moore in the end zone onfourth down. “A tough way to lose it,’’ said Jackson State coachRick Comegy. “At first, I thought he had it. But I sawon the replay he was clearly out. It was just he lost hisperception of the field on the play.’’ The incompletion ended the Tigers’ comebackhopes, just as Joseph’s incompletion to tight end

Bradley Coleman had dashed Southern’s 10 weeksearlier. Southern head Coach, Dawson Odums Odums saidhis team stayed united after Southern fans disappearedafter an 0-2 start. “God has been on our side,” Odums said. “I knowhe’s been on my side. To start 0-2 and some of ourown beloved (fans) writing us off and to end it asSWAC champions, it’s just an honor. “I take my hats off to these seniors. These guyshaven’t won much. For them to leave as champions iswonderful. I’m grateful to be in their lives. I hope Imade a difference. One day when they look back onthis journey, 10 years in our first reunion, we nolonger have to ask someone to come speak to us andtell us what the tradition is like at Southern. This 2013class will leave their own legacy. When I need to referback to our past, I can call my own to speak.’’ For the Tigers, it was the third-consecutive SWACchampionship game defeat and second in the last twoyears. The SWAC east champions finish 8-4 on theyear and fell victim to turnovers and penalties in theseason finale. Uneven quarterback play by JacksonState quarterback, Clayton Moore contributed to theloss. Moore’s fumble and interception resulted in 14Jaguar points. The Tigers committed 10 penalties for 76 yards onthe day, including a fourth-down pass interference thatwould eventually lead to the Jaguars’ 99-yard, leadtaking possession. Both teams combined for seven fumbles on theday, but the Jaguars led the Tigers by more than 30minutes in total time of possession – 52:45 to 22:15.Ball control is what led to the Jaguars victory.


Southern University Head Football Coach, Dawson Odums, and Toyota Vice-President of New Product Communications, hoist theChampionship trophy after the Jaguars thrilling double overtime win over Jackson State. Below. The Southern Jaguars bask in the glory of themoment at Reliant Stadium. Photo: John Posey,USN.

SWAC Defensive MVP, Anthony Balancier, enjoys the momentimmediately after the final gun. Below. Southern linemen hug. Photo:John Posey,USN.

SWAC Football Award Celebration

By John Posey, USN

ARLINGTON, TX-At first glance, during pre-game warm-ups, Tabrian Resby hardly looks like aNFL prospect. He is listed at 5’-11" and 230pounds, but probably is 5’-9’ and 210 pounds. Thisis small for a middle linebacker even at the FCSlevel. I begin to wonder if I’ve driven 240 miles, on afool’s errand, to see this “tackling machine” fromHoward University. The longer I watch him, the more impressed Iam with the linebacker from the Athens, GA. He isextremely quick and focused like a laser on theimpending task at hand. He is all business andclearly the leader of the Bison defense, calmlyexplaining to his teammates when they are out ofposition. He barks out the defensive signals withconfidence. Resby runs at 100% at all times eventhough these are drills. He clearly has a high-running motor. To understand Tabrian Resby’s determinationand drive, only takes a look at the long road he tookto end up playing for the Howard Bison and headedon the path to playing in the NFL and joining hisformer Howard teammate, Keith Pough. Resby grew up on the east side of Athens in thehard scrabble, Nellie B Homes housing projects,where he said positive role models were hard tofind. “It was tough to not follow the crowd and go inthe wrong direction,” Resby said. “There just

weren’t many positive influences coming from oneof the highest poverty areas in the state of Georgia.” “It’s not often you hear anything good aboutkids from Athens, especially African-Americanmales,” Resby said. Resby played football at Cedar Shoals HighSchool and graduated in 2009. With no offers and ashaky transcript, Resby attended Georgia MilitaryCollege, where he received his associate’s degree ingeneral studies. Resby chose Howard over South Florida andLouisiana Tech among others. He chose the Bison, hesays, “because of its rich history of being a prestigiousUniversity.” “I needed the extra direction in life as a blackmale,” added Resby My JUCO coaches made sure Iknew that if I can play at the next level, they’ll findme.” Resby began to be noticed after his stellar juniorseason at Howard. He logged 77 tackles (45 solo and8.5 for loss) with 3 sacks and an interception. Hehelped Howard to its first winning season in a decade.He has 79 tackles and 2 sacks with one gameremaining in his senior season. When he hangs up his spikes, Resby has twoimmediate goals; to graduate and to play in the NFL.He is just two semesters away from graduating witha bachelor’s degree in health science and a minor inchemistry. “I see myself as the underdog who has beengiven a chance, Resby told Athens Online. “I’mfrom a small school and small for my position, but

that just adds a chip on my shoulder. I possess thequality needed (for the NFL) because militaryschool has helped me to be prepared for anything.” “I believe in myself, and I plan on following mydreams to the next level and will graduate high inmy class with my degree, but I’m also fully devotedand focused on following my dream into the NFL,”Resby said. “I love the sport and love the game. ... Ijust love being part of a team.” Resby knows he is a long shot, but he has been along shot all of his life. Tabrian Resby just mightbeat the odds once again. I wouldn’t bet againsthim.

HU Linebacker Plays Big HU WideoutWins POW


Howard’s Brandon Flanagan was named the CFPAFCS National Punt Returner of the Week. A 5-8, 165-pound senior from Corona, CA, Flanagan returnedtwo punts for 90 yards, including a career-best 72-yard effort that set up a TD. Flanagan, who also servesas a wide receiver, caught a seven yard TD passagainst Texas Southern.



2013 Texas Wesleyan Women’s Basketball PreviewBy Urban Sports Newswire

ARLINGTON, TX: The Sooner Athletic Conferencehas released its 2013-14 Preseason Women’s BasketballCoaches’ Poll. The Texas Wesleyan Lady Rams werepicked to finish fourth. Oklahoma City University is the overwhelmingfavorite in the league, garnering the maximum 100 pointsand 10 first place votes (coaches were not permitted tovote for their own team). OCU was 24-6 in 2013-2013and punched a ticket to the NAIA Division I Nationals.Oklahoma Baptist University received the remaining firstplace vote and finished second. John Brown Universityplaced third with Texas Wesleyan and Wayland BaptistUniversity tied for fourth at 69 total points. This is Texas Wesleyan’s first year as a member of theSooner Athletic Conference. The Lady Rams spent 11seasons in the Red River Athletic Conference. Last year,the Rams finished at 21-10 overall and 15-7 in RRACplay. The 2012-2013 campaign marked the fourthconsecutive season of at least 20 wins for the Lady Rams. TWU will be led again by its three All-Conferenceselections; Takoia Larry (15.7 points and six rebounds agame); Kayla McCray (12.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and55% field goal average); and Toieasha Cooper (11.3points, 7.5 points, and shot 50% from the field). The Lady rams have opened the season 3-2 and claiman impressive 74-69 win over number 22 Wiley College.Takoia Larry led the way with a career high 32 points, 15rebounds, 2 blocks and 3 steals. She is averaging 19.5points a game. McCray finished with 13 points and 8rebounds. She is averaging 10.6 points on the season.

The 2013-14 SAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll1. Oklahoma City (10) 1002. Oklahoma Baptist (1) 873. John Brown 774 (T) Texas Wesleyan 694 (T) Wayland Baptist 696. St. Gregory’s 507. Mid-America Christian 478. USAO 399. SW Assemblies of God 2610. Northwood 2311. Southwestern Christian 18

Kayla McCray and Takoia Larry will lead the 2013-2014 Texas Wesleyan Lady Rams. The duo averaged 28.3 points and 12 rebounds in 2012.Larry and McCray are seniors. Photo: John Posey,USN.

Turner To Intern at USN

ARLINGTON, TX—Courtney Turner has beenselected to work as an intern with Urban Sports Newsthroughout the remainder of the 2013-2014 collegeseason in both men’s and women’s sports. Turner is aformer Texas Wesleyan basketball player and

graduated in May with a degree in masscommunications and a specialty in advertising/publicrelations. She graduated with a 3.2 GPA. She hasworked as an intern at Texas Wesleyan and SupremeMarketing. Turner will work on creating new social mediaplatforms for Urban Sports News, game coverage,features, statistics and postgame video interviews. Shewill also attend postgame press conferences andplayer/coach media availability events. Turner asalready attended TCU Basketball Media Day, TCUfootball press conferences and interviewed TCU All-American, Jason Verrett. She will be covering teamsin the AAC, Red River, SWAC and Big 12Conferences. “I have had the pleasure of covering Courtney as aplayer and always thought she had a high sports IQ,”said John Posey, CEO of Urban Sports News.. “At thisstage of my career, I rarely take on interns but I wasimpressed with her desire to get into some aspect ofsports communications. It’s tough to get anopportunity fresh out of college, but I’m committed togetting her both experience and access. She is brightand passionate about sports so I believe she will proveto be an asset to USN.” Courtney is a native of Amarillo, Texas.

Get Ready for The “Sonic Boom of the South”By John R. Posey, USN

If you haven’t had the pleasure of watching theJackson State Marching Band enter a footballstadium, then you have missed out on one of thegreat shows in Black College band entertainment.The fan fare, high-stepping drum majors,“Prancing J-Settes,” alluring drum cadences, andmelodic sounds combine to make this the bestHBCU band entrance in the land For nearly 70 years, the Jackson State UniversityMarching Band, “The Sonic Boom of the South” hasmystified and thrilled audiences throughout the nation. The band was first organized in the early 1940sunder the direction of part-time band director KermitHolly, Sr. (As early as the mid-1920s, the Universityhad a well-organized orchestra.) In its infancy, theband consisted of college students and students fromLanier High School where Holly was employed asfull-time band director. Charles Saulsburg was appointed band director in1947. He served for one year. (In the 1947-1948 yearsbook, he is listed as a social science teacher. Thiswriter was unable to find any additional informationon Charles Saulsburg.) In 1948, William W. Davis of Ironton, Ohio,former arranger for Cab Calloway’s legendary bigband became the first full-time band director. Davis’sconcept of the marching band was greatly influencedby Cab Calloway’s big band sound and showmanship.Cab Calloway’s influence is still present today in thesound and show design of the Jackson StateUniversity Marching Band. The Jackson State University Marching Band wasdubbed The Sonic Boom of the South in 1971 bystudents in the band. In 1974, the band’s theme, “GetReady,” an old Motown favorite was selected andthree years after that, the “Tiger Run-On” wasperfected. The “Tiger Run- On” is a fast, eye-catchingshuffle that blends an adagio step with an up-temposhuffle, then back to adagio — a “Sonic Boom”trademark that brings fans to their feet during halftimeperformances. The “Prancing J-Settes” is the official name ofthe Jackson State University dance auxiliary group ofthe Jackson State University Marching Band, “TheSonic Boom of the South.” The Prancing J-Settes aresupervised by Mrs. Kathy Pinkston-Worthy, J-SettesSponsor. The Jackson State University MarchingBand, “The Sonic Boom of the South” is an ensembleof the Department of Music, Dr. Jimmie James, Jr.,Chair. “The thrill of a thousand eyes,” were the wordsspoken by Dr. Jimmie James, Jr. at the onset of the“Prancing Jaycettes” in 1971. Shirley Middleton, aformer majorette, initiated the concept of themajorettes abandoning their batons and dancing topopular musical selections. As the majorette sponsor,Shirley Middleton and the majorettes met with Dr.

John A. Peoples, the University’s sixth president, andrequested that they be permitted to “put down theirbatons.” Through the years, The Sonic Boom hasbecome known for intricate, precision marchingand the big band sound. In 1965, under the batonof William W. Davis, the Symphonic WindEnsemble (Band) reached its apex with aperformance at the New York World’s Fair,becoming the first historically African-Americancollege to perform at a World’s Fair.Commissioned by Braniff Airlines, in 1972, theJSU band performed arrangements of DukeEllington compositions for the Battle of the Bandsin Dallas, Texas The Boom was commissioned by Dr. John A.Peoples, Jr., President of Jackson State University,to do an original arrangement of the Alma Mater,“Jackson Fair.” The arrangement “SymphonicPortrait of Jackson Fair” premiered October 22,1978, commemorating the one hundred firstanniversary of Jackson State University The “Sonic Boom” has performed manyhalftime appearances for the Atlanta Falcons,Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints and CincinnatiBengals; a television special for Motown’s 30thAnniversary and the 34th NAACP Image Awards,with a special guest performance by “Cedric the

Entertainer.” The band is a favored entry inhalftime performances during football season aswell as for parades across Mississippi and in otherstates. In October of 2003, the marching band wasenshrined in the NCAA Hall of Champions. Dr.Liddell and drum major Tamara Myles werepanelists on the NCAA Hall of Championseducation program “The Drumline–The StudentPerformer.”


The Fabulous Southern University Dancing Dolls

“My first game performing as a Dancing Doll is myfavorite memory. We played Florida A&M at the SWAC/MEAC Challenge in Birmingham. It was one hundreddegrees, but it didn’t matter because I was now a part ofthe Dancing Dolls Legacy which meant so much to megrowing up. My first time performance at MumfordStadium was amazing. We played Prairie View. There isnothing that can compare to the roar of the home crowdwhen the band walks through the gate. I felt like asuperstar. My first Bayou Classic in 2007 was anotherspecial memory. After all those years being a spectator, Iwas performing at the Superdome on national television.It was my first Thanksgiving away from home. I neverknew the amount of work and practice that goes intopreparing for the Bayou Classic. We practice onThanksgiving and perform three times in less thantwenty-four hours.” “My tenure as captain has helped me mature as anadult. I actually learned how to be a leader and keepthings positive between eleven, different personalities. Ihave to thank all of my sister Dolls for their input andbonding together as a team. I spent a great deal of timetrying to develop that “IT” factor for our lines in 2009and 2010. The ladies embraced it and we flourished as aline. I believe the key was communication and makingour shared experience a democracy. I am so proud ofthem all.” Photos I’ve taken of the Dancing Dolls haveappeared in ads, articles, websites, coffee table books,exhibitions and galleries. The group shots were taken atthe 2010 Bayou Classic and some for ads, as well as atthe Belle Rouge Hotel. The photo of the five Dancing

Dolls, in blue, was taken at Southern University and wasa featured photo in my 2004 Black College BandExhibition, “And the Band Played On.” The exhibitionran at the African-American Museum of Dallas. One ofthe Dolls in the photo, Raeven Hall, performed in themovie, “Drum Line.” Another Doll in the picture,Melissa Prejean is a native of Sugar Land, Texas and ismarried to Orlando Magic power forward, BrandonBass. A photo of the three Dancing Dolls captured inmid-air was taken in 2010 for a promotional poster. The Dolls featured in the 2011 salute ad are: BeatrizAlfaro; Britany Brown; Meagan Callier; Seaera Cole;Prentice Garrett; Casey Greggs; Chauncey McCoy; AprilRollins; Kayla Smith; and, Anngelica Taylor. I’ll leave my readers with this thought: “The Dancerbelieves that his(her) art has something to say whichcannot be expressed in words or in any other way thanby dancing... there are times when the simple dignity ofmovement can fulfill the function of a volume of words.There are movements which impinge upon the nerveswith a strength that is incomparable, for movement haspower to stir the senses and emotions, unique in itself.This is the dancer’s justification for being, and hisreason for searching further for deeper aspects of hisart.” ~Doris Humphrey, 1937

D’Tara Frank performed as a Southern UniversityDancing Doll from 2007-2010. She was captain in 2009-2010. D’Tara work as an engineer in Sulphur.Louisiana.

The 2011 Southern University Dancing Dolls strike a “Rockettes” pose during their recent photo shoot at the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino &Hotel. Sports Legacy Gallery Photo: John Posey, USN.

By John Posey & D’Tara Frank, Urban Sports News

I have had the unique opportunity to observe andcapture many of the special moments of Black CollegeMarching Bands over the last twenty years. One of mymost enjoyable experiences annually has been the honorof photographing the Southern University Dancing Dollsin an official capacity. The “photo shoot” featured in thead on the opposite page allows for more creativity andquality control than I could ever accomplish at a gameor parade. This year’s edition of the Dancing Dolls is the bestHBCU dance line I’ve worked in 20 years of working asa photographer. We are partners in a photo shoot. Theyhave proven to be disciplined, creative and fun to workwith for me. I don’t have to direct them. Ours is acreative exchange of ideas in search of photographicexcellence. I will miss seniors, Meagan Callier, BritanyBrown, and Kayla Smith. They have carried on theproud tradition of what it means to be a Dancing Doll. The Dancing Dolls are a tradition-rich danceauxiliary. The Southern University, Dancing Dolls arethe creation of former Southern University BandDirector, Dr. Isaac Greggs. The original SouthernUniversity Auxiliary was called the Southern Belles. Dr.Greggs decided he wanted dancers rather thanmajorettes. Mr. Lawrence Jackson has expanded on Dr.Greggs’ formula and has maintained a commitment toforty-one years of excellence in collaboration with RoseRoche’ as their sponsor. Bridgette Richard, a formerDancing Doll, has taken over the reins as the Dolls’sponsor. She is a classy lady and a true professional. The Southern University Dancing Dolls are bothgraceful and beautiful, but they are more than acollection of pretty faces; they are dancers. And asAlbert Einstein said, “Dancers are the athletes of God.”My photos of the Dancing Dolls represent acollaboration between the disciplines of photographyand dance. Photography is an aesthetically pure form ofself-expression. The only limits are within the artist’sown mind. Dance, like sports, is the art of motion.There is an innate beauty in the movement,choreography, imagination and precision in dance thatoften seems surreal to the human eye. Kiara Ely, Tianna Barnett and Traci Prince, whoperformed in Westside Story, are some of the “Dolls”who have gone on to careers in entertainment. Kiara hasperformed for Christina Aguilera and choreographed the“Dolls” 2006 Bayou Classic halftime show. D’Tara Franks is a former captain of the DancingDolls and an associate of Urban Sports News. She is asmart, down-to-earth leader who was a please to workwith over four years. She is always responsive and a go-getter. She graduated from Southern with a degree inengineering. The following are her thoughts that wepublished in the 2010 coffee table book on the DancingDolls. “There have been so many memorable moments andso many people to thank over my Dancing Dolls careerthat writing about it is a daunting challenge. WithoutGod in my life, none of this would have been possible.My mother, Tara Frank, has been my rock through thegood and bad times. She is the, “Wind Beneath MyWings.”


Baylor’s Sims Nominated For AwardBy Urban Sports Newswire

ARLINGTON, TX – Baylor senior, OdysseySims, has been selected as one of 30 candidatesnationally for the Senior CLASS Award for women’sbasketball.

The Senior CLASS Award announced its listof candidates on Wednesday, Oct. 30. To beeligible for the award, a student-athlete mustdisplay notable achievements in community,classroom, character and competition. Theacronym for “Celebrating Loyalty andAchievement for Staying in School,” the SeniorCLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use theirplatform in athletics to make a positive impact asleaders in their communities. Sims, a 5-8 senior point guard from Irving,Texas, is a two-time consensus All-American, athree-time first-team All-Big 12 selection and isthe Big 12 Conference’s 2013-14 PreseasonPlayer of the Year. In addition, she was a finalistfor the Wooden Award, Wade Trophy, NaismithTrophy and USBWA Player of the Year honors


TCU’s Verrett Hauls in Postseason Honors

last season. Sims averaged 12.9 points, 5.8assists, 2.8 steals and 2.5 rebounds a contest as ajunior. The list of 30 candidates will be narrowed to10 by a national media committee for the 2014Senior CLASS Award in November. The 10finalists will be placed on the official ballot for anationwide vote. Fan balloting will be coupledwith votes from coaches and media to determinethe recipient of the award.

By Courtney Turner, USN

TCU cornerback, Jason Verrett, has been named afirst-team All-American by the Walter Camp FootballFoundation. Verrett, a second-team selection lastseason, is TCU’s fifth Walter Camp All-Americaselection in the last six seasons, joining defensive endJerry Hughes (2008-09), safety Tejay Johnson (2010)and center Jake Kirkpatrick (2010). Verrett has alsobeen named to the USA Today All-American team. Verrett, ranked by ESPN.com as the No. 1 playerin the Big 12, was a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalistand Lott IMPACT Trophy quarterfinalist. He was aBig 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year, as well as,being named to first team All-Big 12. These are high honors for someone who almostquit after watching RG III torch the Horned Frogssecondary for six touchdowns his sophomore year. “It was a humbling experience,” said Verrettduring his media availability to announce hisselection to the Camp All-American team. “That’spretty much what made me a fighter and all theaccomplishments I have now I can thank TCU for it.” Despite battling injuries all season, Verrettfinished second in the Big 12 and tied for seventhnationally with 1.5 passes defended per game (2interceptions, 14 pass breakups). Since the start ofthe 2012 season, Verrett tops the nation with 38passes defended (8 interceptions, 30 pass breakups). He has been invited to the Senior Bowl, but willonly attend and meet NFL scouts so his torn labrumcan heal. Verrett will play in the East-West ShrineGame. As he is a native of the Bay Area.

Verrett opened his senior year matched up on LSUreceiver Odell Beckham and the oter speedyreceivers in the lSU receiving corps. He held hisown. “People wanted to see me play against an SECteam. Beckham is very good. It was fun.” In the Horned Frogs’ 20-10 to Texas Tech, Verrettput his skills on display for the nation to see. He heldRed Raiders wide receiver, Eric Ward without acatch. Prior to TCU, Ward had caught a pass in 25consecutive games. He ended his career on a strong note as well. In his final game as a Horned Frog, Verrett limitedAntwan Goodley, Baylor’s leading receiver, to justone catch for 12 yards. Verrett also broke up twopasses against Baylor. While Verrett thinks his play was solid all season,he points to one game he feels defined him as acornerback. “I think the West Virginia game was my bestoverall game,” said the soft-spoken Verrett who has adegree in communications and plans to train for theNFL Combine in San Diego. TCU Head Coach, Gary Patterson, has high praisefor his former cornerback. “It gives you confidence knowing you can line upwith him on the best,” said Patterson of his 5-foot-10standout. “He’s not the biggest corner, but he battlesyou and is smart about what he does. He learns onthe field.”

Verrett is projected to be drafted in either the firstor second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He thinks hebrings several positive characteristics to the team thatdrafts the Fairfield, California native. “I am solid in press coverage and think myattitude and physicality are definite pluses,”explained Verrett. “I need to work on gaining 10pounds to deal with the bigger receivers in the NFLand increase my speed.” NFL scouts have listed the following positives onVerrett: 1) Fantastic in press coverage; 2) A hardhitter; 3) Can play on either side of the field; 4) Adefensive playmaker; 5) Solid in pursuit; 6) A greatattitude. On the other side of the coin, these are NFLscouts’ concerns about the TCU All-American: 1)Undersized; 2) Teams view him as only a slot corner;3) Struggles with bigger receivers. Whatever the future holds for Jason, he hopes hislegacy will provide inspiration for future HornedFrogs. “Everybody’s gonna face times where they feelthey’re struggling or put down,” said Verrett. “I feellike my story will be able to uplift people goingthrough the same situation. I’m blessed. It’s shockingto see all my accomplishments over the course of mythree years here.”

John Posey contributed to this report.


Big 12 Women’s Basketball Preview

Aaryn Ellenberg (3) will lead Oklahoma in 2013. The AP Honorable Mention All-American scored 18.7points a game in 2012. The So0ners are picked to win the Big 12. Photo: John Posey,USN.

ARLINGTON, TX. — Oklahoma was selected the preseason favoriteto win the Big 12 women’s basketball regular season title in a vote of theleague’s head coaches, the conference announced Wednesday. It is the fourth time the Sooners have topped the preseason rankings.OU was also picked No. 1 in 2001-02, 2006-07 and 2008-09, winning atleast a share of the Big 12 championship in each of those seasons. OU hasclaimed six regular season conference titles and four Big 12 Tournamentcrowns.OU tallied five first-place votes, landing on top of half of the coaches’ballots. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams. Led by Preseason All-Big 12 Team member and the conference’s topreturning scorer Aaryn Ellenberg, the Sooners return four starters from itsSweet 16 appearance last season and welcome back two — redshirt-freshman guard Maddie Manning and sophomore forward KaylonWilliams — from season-ending injuries. Oklahoma also introduces sixnewcomers in 2013-14. Baylor, winner of the past three Big 12 regular and postseason titles,received three first-place votes. West Virginia and Oklahoma State tied forthird with 63 points. The Mountaineers were awarded the final two first-place votes. Texas was next at No. 5, followed by Iowa State, Kansas,TCU, Kansas State and Texas Tech.

The Big 12 has ranked No. 1 in conference RPI for the past six seasonsand has led the nation in attendance 14 consecutive years. The Big 12topped all leagues with 70 percent of its teams in the 2013 NCAAChampionship and 80 percent in postseason play. It marked the secondconsecutive year for the Conference to lead in both categories. Baylor’s Odyssey Sims was named Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year.Oklahoma State junior transfer Marisha Wallace, formerly of NorthernOklahoma College (Enid), was selected Big 12 Preseason Newcomer ofthe Year, and Baylor’s Ieshia Small was awarded Big 12 PreseasonFreshman of the Year.Joining Sims on the Preseason All-Big 12 Team were Aaryn Ellenberg(Oklahoma), Hallie Christofferson (Iowa State), Imani McGee-Stafford(Texas) and Asya Bussie (West Virginia).

2013-14 Preseason Big 12 Women’s Basketball Coaches Poll1. Oklahoma (5) 742. Baylor (3) 703. West Virginia (2) 634. Oklahoma State 635. Texas 496. Iowa State 477. Kansas 268. TCU 239. Kansas State 2010. Texas Tech 15(first place votes in parentheses; coaches not allowed to vote for their ownteam)

TCU Junior, Natalie Ventress, provides TCU with a versaile perimeter play who can shoot the jumper orslash to the basket. Ventress has scored acored 742 points during her first two years and averaged 12.4points a game. Photo: John Posey,USN.


Oklahoma City University Women’s Basketball Preview

By John R. Posey, Urban Sports News

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – OklahomaCity University is the rock-solid pick ofthe Sooner Athletic Conference women’sbasketball coaches to win the conferencecrown; and with good reason given thewinning tradition at OCU. OCU has won or shared the leagueregular-season title 14 times – in 1987,1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012 and2013. OCU won its nine SAC Tournamenttitles in 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006,2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012. OCU ownsnational championships won in 1988,1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2012. The Stars have won or shared everyregular-season conference title since 2009.OCU went 28-4, captured the regular-season league title with a 16-0 record andreached the NAIA Division I Tournamentquarterfinals in 2012. The Stars arecurrently ranked number 2 in the NAIADivision I Poll. OCU received the maximum score of100, gathering 10 of 11 first-place votes.Coaches were not permitted to vote fortheir own school. The Stars return seniors AutumnHuffman, Kayla MacKenzie and CaraPugh. In addition to its core group,Oklahoma City University has added threetransfers with experience playing at theNCAA Division I level, three junior-

college transfers and a high school recruitamong seven additions to the Stars’women’s basketball program for 2013-14. Tommitrise Collins joins the Starsfrom Texas-El Paso, Markeisha Johnsoncomes from Northwestern State inLouisiana and Autumn Lau arrives fromCoker (S.C.). Oulaymatou Coulibaly,Camila Lacerda and Cetoria Pettiescome from the junior-college ranks, whileAlbany Anderson signed out of Norman,Oklahoma. Yvonte Neal comes to the Starsfrom Cochise Junior College. Lau, a 5-10 forward from Mount Wolf,Pa., put together 18.0 points and 7.0rebounds to grab all-Southeast Region andall-Conference Carolinas accolades forCoker last season. Lau spent her first twoseasons playing for St. Francis, where shemade the Northeast Conference all-rookieteam as a freshman.Coulibaly, a 6-2 center from Bamako,Mali, West Africa, collected 14.6 pointsand 10.2 rebounds per game as well asfirst-team all-NJCAA Region II andhonorable-mention all-American honorsfor Seminole State. The newcomers have fueled the potentOCU attack. Lau (14.3), Neal (16.3), andCoulibaly (16.3) have combined for 46.9points a game. Lau leads the SoonerConference in rebounding snaring 12.3boards a game. OCU opened the season withexhibitions against Texas A&M and

Baylor and has trounced its first fourregular season opponents. Most recently,the Stars humbled Southwestern Christian98-58 to open conference play. “We are honored and humbled that ourconference has respect for our program torank us No. 1 in the preseason poll,” saidOCU coach Latricia Trammell. “We haveone of the best conferences in the countryand to be a part of the SAC and to goagainst the teams and coaches thatrepresent our conference is not an easytask. We have a special team this season,and we are striving to live up to theexpectations that we have set forourselves.” Oklahoma Baptist was the runner-up inthe poll with the remaining first-place voteat 87 points, while John Brown (Ark.) isthird in the rankings with 77 points. Texas Wesleyan and Wayland Baptist(Texas) tied for fourth in the rankings with69 points, followed by St. Gregory’s insixth at 50. Mid-America Christian is pickedseventh at 47, followed by USAO with 39,Southwestern Assemblies of God (Texas)with 26, Northwood (Texas) with 23 andSouthwestern Christian with 18 points. The SAC welcomes new membersNorthwood, Southwestern Assemblies ofGod, Southwestern Christian and TexasWesleyan in 2013-14. The SAC Tournament is set for March5-8 at OBU.

Sooner Athletic Conference2013 Preseason Coaches’ Poll

Place School (First-place votes) Points1. Oklahoma City (10) 1002. Oklahoma Baptist (1) 873. John Brown 774 (T) Texas Wesleyan 694 (T) Wayland Baptist 696. St. Gregory’s 507. Mid-America Christian 478. USAO 399. Southwestern Assemblies of God 2610. Northwood 2311. Southwestern Christian 18

. Photo By John Posey, USN

BSPIN Media GrBSPIN Media GrBSPIN Media GrBSPIN Media GrBSPIN Media Group: Video · Still · Documentoup: Video · Still · Documentoup: Video · Still · Documentoup: Video · Still · Documentoup: Video · Still · Documentararararary · Radioy · Radioy · Radioy · Radioy · RadioDDDDDallas · Ballas · Ballas · Ballas · Ballas · Baaaaattttton Ron Ron Ron Ron Rouge · Aouge · Aouge · Aouge · Aouge · Atlanttlanttlanttlanttlanta · 214-929-8573a · 214-929-8573a · 214-929-8573a · 214-929-8573a · 214-929-8573

“Pretty Girls Hoop 2” Project Debuts at Legacy Sports Gallery

“Pretty Girls Hoop 2” subjects, Secrett Anderson, Neisha Sims, Kashyla Fields, Takoia Larry, and Courtney Turner share a moment during theunveiling of their pictures at TJ’s Catfish and Wings. Photo By John Posey, USN

By John Posey, USN

“Photography is observing and interpreting whatyou see in a fashion that moves the emotionalthermostat of the viewer. This is accomplished throughthe use of light. Photography isn’t about theequipment; it’s about the light. My photographic styleis the process of observing, visualizing, interpreting,and painting with light what I see in a manner thatmakes people think.”—John Posey, 2011

ARLINGTON, TX—As a photographer, I havetried to formulate an overriding mantra that guides mywork, whether through news coverage or documentaryprojects. Can I move you? Did I move you when youviewed one of my action shots or sports portraits? Ifnot, why not? I attempt to preserve the history of minorities andwomen through the recorded image and explain whothey are to the global village. I accomplish myphotographic goals primarily by documenting sports,black college marching bands, dance, and actiondisciplines. Sports, dance and music are arts of motion,movement and coordination. This is my photographicarea of specialty. There is a beauty in capturing anathlete at a critical moment in his/her flight to thefinish line, goal, or basket. Athletes float the wayMiles Davis’ fingers glided up and down thatglistening Martin Committee horn or LeBron swoopsto the hoop on a solo flight that defies the restraints ofgravity. There is an implied beauty in capturingsomeone moving in ways that challenge ourperceptions of what is possible. You can’t explainwhat they’ve done; you just enjoy it for the miracleyou’ve just witnessed. I believe that dance, marching bands, movementdisciplines, musicians and sports are intertwined withthat American icon—jazz. They are cultural andaesthetical cousins if you will. Like jazz, there is aunique, individual and collective improvisation in allsports and movement disciplines. Jazz has nolimitations and neither do athletes when performing intheir disciplines. Jazz is an experiment put to musicand so are the movements of athletes. It’s about Jazzand that’s what I hear when I photograph sports.Improvisation. Riffs. The creation of moves thatimbue power in the athlete as artist as he/she movesthrough ritual space. Disparate sounds working inharmony as a team to create an athletic masterpiece. My images are a recording of a period in the life ofsomeone or something. But what I capture is morethan a moment in time; it is a duplicate of reality.Thus, I photograph with a purpose; my lenses burrowinto the souls of my subjects searching for truth as towho they are and how they feel so I can present myinterpretation to the viewer. I don’t shoot pictures; Iattempt to construct complex images of life through

portraits, documentary projects and capturing thebeauty of motion in a wide variety of sports and actiondisciplines. The genesis of “Pretty Girls Hoop 2” emerged aftermy Facebook post of Takoia Larry shooting a jumpshot. Someone made the comment on her timelinethat, “See you all…pretty girls can hoop too.” Asimple, but subliminal message marinated in my mind.Girls can be great basketball players, yet feminine inlook and style. Thus, a project was born as I decided to illustratethe veracity of that post. “Pretty Girls Hoop 2” is abook and gallery project designed to shine a light onsmart, beautiful, feminine women who play or coachbasketball. My goal was to identify 15-20 women whopersonify being a “Pretty Girl” who hoops withferocity and femininity. To date, I have photographedseven women playing the game they love andcapturing their complexity and layers of personalityoff the court. Secrett Anderson is a financial analyst forRaytheon and models. Kashyla Fields is an accountingmajor. Tonishea Mack graduated with honors andcoaches high school basketball. Courtney Turner,Kayla McCray, and Takoia Larry are masscommunications majors. There is a complex story that has emerged of eachof these ladies as we work together. Most haveovercome adversity to excel on the court andclassroom. Secrett and Takoia gave birth sons, yetremained in school and continued their basketball

careers. Neisha and Kashyla have had family membersincarcerated. Courtney was raised in a single parenthousehold. Each “Pretty Girl” subject is smart, charming andunique. I found them to be innovative, committed andhard-working subjects Secrett has a classic model build at 6’-1” withsquare shoulders and longs arms. She is the epitome ofstyle and grace. Courtney is smart, likeable and funny.Kayla is silly, highly competitive, and full of pride.She has a good heart. Takoia is bright, thoughtful, andsensitive underneath a tough exterior. Kashyla is detailoriented about her appearance. She is sweet and haseyes that most people would kill to own. Neisha isvery creative. She came up with many of the mostunique shots I’ve taken to date. She is sensitive and abit insecure, but in a good way. T-Mack is another onewith a tough exterior that protects her from peeringeyes. She is smart as hell and another one who takesher photo shoots seriously. I call her the “PictureDiva.” Taking pictures of people that that are worthviewing is, at once, extremely difficult, ever-challenging, and particularly taxing from a creativepoint of view. Hopefully I have generated interest andawakened feelings deep in the bowels of of the viewerwith my interpretation of my “Pretty Girls” subjects.If so,then I’ve accomplished my goal of bringing visual joyto the lives of the people who view my workthroughout the world.


“Pretty Girls Hoop 2” Photo Shoot Pics

Former Grambling All-Conference player, Secrett Anderson palms abasketball in a cocktail dress. Photo By John Posey.


Lamgston University guard, Kashyla Fields, strikes an stunning posewearing a cocktail dress. Photo By John Posey.

Former Texas Wesleyan post player, Courtney Turner, flexes withbasketballs wearing an alluring leopard print. Photo By John Posey.

Texas Wesleyan guard & Tulsa native, Neisha Sims, serves up herbasketballs on a silver platter in her photo shoot.Photo By John Posey.

Former Grambling guard, Tonishea Mack, wanted to convey she wasa college graduate and a Grambling basketball player during hersenior photo shoot. Photo By John Posey.

Texas Wesleyan All-Conference players, Kayla McCray and Takoia“TK” Larrry, show their love of the sport by worshipping abasketball.Photo By John Posey.

Xavier Gold Nuggets Women’s Basketball PreviewBy John Posey, USN

After a series of practices and the first of twoOctober scrimmages, Head Coach, Bo Browder, wasready to declare his Xavier University of Louisianawomen’s basketball team capable of meeting thechallenges of the 2013-14 season. “We’ll be fine,” said Browder, in his 15th season ashead coach of the Gold Nuggets and two victoriesfrom his 350th at Xavier. He opened the season withan Xavier career record of 348-117. Browder is theonly Louisiana collegiate women’s basketball coach toproduce 12 consecutive 20-victory seasons. We’ve gotsome new players, and they’re blending in to ourprogram. What I saw in our first scrimmage was ateam where everybody played all-out from start tofinish. I liked that. I liked that a lot. If we can maintainthat kind of focus — and I think we will — then we’llhave a good year.” There are eight returning letterwomen, includingstarters Whitney Gaston-Loyd (All-Gulf CoastAthletic Conference in 2012-13) and CarmenHolcombe. Also back is preseason All-GCACselection Paige Gauthier. Joining them will be sevennewcomers and a redshirt freshman. The team has fiveseniors. The Gold Nuggets, 24-6 a year ago and 12-2in the GCAC, seek a fourth consecutive GCACregular-season championship, Gauthier, a 5-6 senior guard, averaged 7.5 points torank third on the team, led the Nuggets with 64 assistsand was second with 26 made 3-pointers and 67 steals.Gaston-Loyd, a 6-foot senior center, was the Nuggets’No. 2 scorer last season with 9.2 points per game. Shealso averaged 3.6 rebounds and blocked a team-best21 shots and shot a team-high 52 percent from thefloor. She scored in double figures 15 times.Holcombe, a 5-11 senior forward, averaged 6.2 pointsand shared the team lead in rebounding with Gauthierat 4.9. The other returning letterwomen are seniorsDanielle Tucker and Chelsea Broussard andsophomores Whitney Gathright, Emoni Harvey andAmara Person-Hampton. Tucker, a 5-10 forward,started 10 times and averaged 7.3 points and 4.0rebounds and ranked fourth on the team in scoring.Broussard, a 6-foot forward, averaged 3.9 points and2.7 rebounds and ranked second on the Nuggets with17 blocked shots. Gathright, a 5-4 guard, averaged 3.0points and had 55 assists and 42 steals. Harvey, a 5-6guard, averaged 1.5 points and had 41 assists and 45steals. Person-Hampton, a 6-1 center, played just 94minutes in 21 games but produced 14 points, 20rebounds, eight blocks and nine steals. Xavier reached 20 victories for the 21st time in 22seasons and earned a berth at nationals for the fifthconsecutive year and the 18th time in 20 seasons.Browder’s teams have been close to unbeatable ingames at Xavier, winning 92 percent (185-16). Theywere 15-2 at home last season, which was their first in

the Convocation Center, a $25 million facility thatseats nearly 4,000. Coach Browder has put together a challengingschedule to get his team ready for the marchconference tournament. There will be seven gamesagainst teams which appeared in last season’s NAIAnational tournament: Our Lady of the Lake, LSU-Shreveport, Oklahoma City, Faulkner, Southern Polyand GCAC and city rival SUNO twice. “It’s anothertough schedule, and I wanted it that way,” Browdersaid. “We’re looking forward to some great tests andseeing how well we stack up.”

The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference released its 2013-2014 Women’s Basketball preseason poll. Xavier is thepick to win the conference and garnered seven first placevotes.

1. Xavier (7) 62 points

2. SUNO (1) 53 points

3. Talladega 49 points

4. Tougaloo (1) 46 points

5. Philander Smith 39 points

6. Dillard 26 points

7. Edward Waters 21 points

8. Fisk 17 points

9. Voorhees 11 points

Xavier guard, Paige Gauthier, is leading the Gold Nuggets in scoring ar 12.7 points. She was a preseason Gulf Coast All-Conference selction. Hereshe cores against Langston University. Photo: John Posey, USN.

Whitney Gathright is the other member of Xavier’s dynamicbackcourt. She is averaging 12.3 points a game. Photo: JohnPosey,USN.


St. Thomas University Women’s Basketball Preview

The University of St. Thomas women’s basketball teamheads into its third season with its highest expectationsyet; competing for the Red River ConferenceChampionship. “I’ve had a lot of people look at me funny when I’veshared our goal with them,” said head coach Mike Ricks.“We’re still a relatively new program and the best we’veever finished is sixth place so I understand the skepticismbut from my first day in the gym with this year’s team Iknew what our goal had to be. Anything less would havebeen selling the work ethic and ability of this group short.If you walk into our gym on a given day the energy levelis palpable – this team wants to accomplish something.” Once again, the team’s nonconference schedule willtest its mettle as well as prepare it for Red RiverConference play. The Celts have games scheduled againstevery level of competition possible as they will face teamsfrom NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, NAIA Divisions I andII. Returning to the Celts for their senior seasons areGaby Guzman and Mary Hansen. Guzman, a threeyear starter has been one of the most dependableplayers for the Celts in their first two seasons. “I feellike a broken record when I talk about Gaby butwhen someone is consistent like she is I guess that’show it is,” said Ricks. “She shows up and does greatwork every day. She’s not loud about it so it mightseem like we take her for granted but trust me when Isay that we do not.” Hansen has also been with the team since theinaugural season in 2011-2012. “Mary is another oneof those who shows up every day and does her job,”

said Ricks. “She has steadily improved each seasonand I expect her to do the same this year.” The junior class returns Emily Sebo and AnnieNemmer, who have also been with the program sinceits inception. Sebo has been the driving force behindthe Celts defense for the past two years. SophomoresMaghen Lormand, Kirstin Lee, and Taylor Mitchellalso return for the Celts. Lormand is coming off afreshman year that saw her named RRAC Newcomerof the Year and Second Team All- Conference.“Maghen was a major contributor for us last year sothe expectations we have for her are high,” saidRicks. “To her credit she also had a great summer.She really got into her workouts and you could tellthe difference right away. It’s hard to go from being areally good player to a great player but the road therestarts with hard work – she’s on that road.” Lee returns to the lineup after suffering a season-ending injury late in her freshman year. “Kirstinworked her tail off to get back for the start of theseason,” said Ricks. “Not only is she fully recoveredbut she is in better condition than she was last yearand she’s more explosive and more confident too.She’s really just scratching the surface of how goodshe will be and that’s scary.” Seven newcomers round out the roster includingtransfers Chelsea Davis, Danielle Parks, and RebekahDouglas as well as freshmen Tori Frederick, ChanteJefferson, Taylor Forrest, and Brittany Bigott. “Wehave a strong group joining us this year – a goodsized group too,” said Ricks. “We have never had this

much depth or this much talent. Every one of ourrecruits has a chance to come in and make animpact.” The Celts know that the road to reach their goalswill be arduous and they will have to clear obstaclesthey have yet to overcome in their short history inorder to do so but Ricks believes that the hard way isthe only way for this team. “We want to be conference champions, but thereare teams in our conference that we’ve never beaten,nor have we even come close to beating them,” saidRicks. “There are some questions that we obviouslyhave to find the answers to and we expect it to beextremely difficult. All of us will have to be morethan we’ve ever been just to have a chance at it. Thesilver lining to all of that is that we wouldn’t have itany other way. So now we go to work and when it’sover the work will speak for itself.” The Celts have opened the season at 4-2 andnumber among their victims Texas Wesleyan, a teamUST lost to twice last season. The Celts lost to D-I,Incarnate Word University, in overtime 71-67 at thePSN Sports Classic. Clearly the Celts have improvedgreatly thanks to an influx of talent and a stiflingdefense. This edition will be entertaining to watch asthey work towards winning the Red RiverConference title.

Urban Sports News Volume XIII, 4220

St. Thomas forward, Maghen Lormand, is second on the team inscoring with an 11ppg average. She is a great defender and solidrebounder.Photo By John Posey.

Urban Sports News Volume XIII, 4221

BIRMINGHAM, AL. – The Southwestern AthleticConference (SWAC) honored its 2013 Hall of Fame Class. The seven inductees: Reggie Barlow (Alabama State),James ‘Jimmy’ Jones (Grambling State), Charles Ruth(Mississippi Valley State), James ‘Jim’ Osborne (Southern),Carol V. Cummings (Prairie View A&M), Bob Hopkins(Grambling State) and Richard P. Myles Sr. (Alcorn State)were enshrined in the SWAC Hall of Fame on at theHouston Westin Hotel Galleria. The newest members of the Hall of Fame were selectedfrom a list of nominees who were submitted by his or herrespective institution. The nominees were then elected forinduction by the selection committee from membersappointed by SWAC Presidents and Chancellors. Barlow, currently the head football coach at the AlabamaState University, spent eight years in the NFL with theJacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and theOakland Raiders. Barlow played wide receiver at AlabamaState and finished his career as the school’s all-time leadingreceiver. After his collegiate career at Grambling State, Jones wasthe No. 2 selection of the former Baltimore Bullets (nowWashington Wizards) of the NBA in 1967 and was the No.1pick of the New Orleans Buccaneers franchise in the ABAdraft. He played 10 seasons between the two leagues andwas a six-time ABA All-Star. Ruth was named All-SWAC five times a distance runnerat Alcorn State, setting a school record for the outdoor twomile run (9:26). Ruth coached track and football at severalSWAC schools and was named 2010 SWAC Coach of theYear in track and field. Osborne graduated from Southern in 1972 and wasdrafted by the Chicago Bears after graduation in the seventh

round. Soon after being drafted, he was named winner ofthe Brian Piccolo Award as a rookie and spent his entire13-year career with the Bears as a defensive tackle. Cummings was one of eight women who won the firstSWAC Indoor and Outdoor Championship for PrairieView A&M University. During her four years at PrairieView, the women’s track team won eight championships,and she set several records in the 100 & 220 yards forIndoor and Outdoor track. Myles was voted Alcorn State’s Most OutstandingAthlete after leading the Braves to an undefeated regularseason in 1984. Named All-SWAC as a quarterback infootball and catcher in baseball, Myles was also selectedto the dean’s list and was named to Who’s Who amongCollege Student-Athletes. Hopkins was recently selected for induction into theNational Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, after animpressive collegiate at Grambling State and professionalathletic career. Still ranked as the No.1 all-time scorer inmen’s basketball for the state of Louisiana, Hopkins isconsidered one of Louisiana’s legendary athletes. The Induction Ceremony kicked-off the annual SWACFootball Championship Game weekend, consisting of 11events over a four-day period in Houston. The Inducteeswere also presented with a Congressional Proclamation byCongresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee. The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC),established in 1920, is a college athletic conferenceheadquartered in Birmingham, Ala., which is comprisedof historically black universities in the Southern UnitedStates. It participates in the NCAA’s Division I for allsports and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

SWAC 2013 Hall of Fame Inductees

Jim Osborne graduated from Southern in 1972 and was drafted bythe Chicago Bears after graduation in the seventh round. Soon afterbeing drafted, he was named winner of the Brian Piccolo Award as arookie and spent his entire 13-year career with the Bears as adefensive tackle.Photo By John Posey.

2013-2014 College Basketball Players to Watch

Langston wing, Kashyla Fields, averages 7.7 points a game . She is anaccounting major. Photo By John Posey.

Jarvis Christian guard, Jasmine Troup, averages 16.8 points a game.She leads the team in scoring and assists. Photo By John Posey.

Oklahoma City University center,Ouleymatou Coulibaly, is a nativeof Mail and averages 16.3 points a game.

St. Thomas point guard, Gabby Guzman, is the Celts leader. Sheaverages 9 ppg and 2 assists.Photo By John Posey.

Baylor point guard, Odyessey Sims, is a two-time All-American. Simscurrently averages 29.4 ppg and 5.4 assists a game for the Bears.Photo By John Posey.




Jarvis Christian wing, Ricquel Butler, averages 8.7 points a game andmaintains a 4.0 GPA. Photo By John Posey.

Arizona transfer, Lynette Holmes, leads Langston in scoring with a23.3 ppg average. She also leads the team in blocks. Photo By JohnPosey.

Oklahoma City University forward, Autumn Lau (42), leads theSooner Conference in rebounding and blocked shots. Lau averages14.3 ppg. Photo By John Posey.

Texas Wesleyan guard, Takoia Larry, leads the Sooner Conference inscoring with a 17.7 ppg average. Photo By John Posey.

St. Thomas forward, Maghen Lormand, is second on the team inscoring with an 11ppg average. She is a great defender and solidrebounder.Photo By John Posey.

Xavier of New Orleans point guard, Paige Gauthier, is second on theteam in scoring with a 10.6 ppg average. She average 4 assists andsteals a gaem. Paige is a chemistry major. Photo By John Posey.

24 Urban Sports News Volume XIII, 42 WenzigNamed

All-America

By John R. Posey, USN

Jackson State head football Coach Rick Comegyhas been fired after eight season, the universityannounced in a statement from the athleticdepartment. Jackson State spokesman Eric Stringfellow saidata Wednesday press conference that the decision tofire Comegy wasn’t completely based on his record,but a combination of factors. The football programhas had academic issues in the past, failing to meetthe NCAA’s APR standards. Those numbers haveimproved during recent seasons. “This isn’t just about wins and losses,”Stringfellow said. “If you’ve done your homework,you can see that coach Comegy has had somesuccess. This is about the direction of the programand about our student-athletes, putting them inposition to be successful.” Comegy was 55-35 in his eight seasons at JSUand he led Jackson State to the 2007 SWAC Title.Jackson State was 8-4 in 2013 and 8-1 in the SWAC.Comegys, however lost games to JSU’s biggestrivals, Alcorn State, Tennessee State, and Southern. The news comes 11 days after JSU fell toSouthern in the SWAC championship game in doubleovertime 34-27. Many questioned his conservativeplay-calling, inability to get the ball to wide receiverZach Pendleton in the second overtime, and theerratic play of quarterback Clayton Moore. It was the Tigers’ second straight appearance inthe title game, and they lost both in overtime afterleading late. Comegy received a two-year contract extensionon November 2011 with a $191,580 salary. It was set

to expire in December 2014 and included a $50,000buyout. “It was kind of a shock to me, hearing it,” senior,All-SWAC cornerback Qua Cox said. “It’s tough getting back to the SWACchampionship game for any coach,” he added. “For acoach to bring you back-to-back, that’s pretty good.The outcome, you never can control the outcome. Allyou can do is go out there, and try to get a win.” A search for Comegy’s successor will beginimmediately, JSU Director of Athletics Vivian L.Fuller said. “We are grateful to Coach Comegy and his stafffor their service to Jackson State,” Fuller said. “Weappreciate the work he has done with JSU athleticsand we wish him well.” Assistant Coach, Antonio Knight, will lead thefootball program while Jackson State undertakes anational search for a new coach.

ComegysFired

MONTGOMERY, AL—Alabama StateUniversity senior punter Bobby Wenzig has beennamed to the 2013 Football Championship Series(FCS) All-America Third Team by The SportsNetwork. This is the second time the FCS has namedWenzig as an All-American. He also received thehonor following the 2012 season. Wenzig has alsobeen named to the All SWAC team. During his senior campaign Wenzig had 77 puntsfor 3,285 yards, a 42.8 yards per kick average. Hislongest punt of the year was a 67 yarder and cameagainst Jacksonville State in the season opener. Hehad 24 of his punts downed inside the 20 yard lineand another 24 of his punts traveled over 50 yards.Wenzig completed his career at ASU with 208 puntsfor 8,977 yards, both team records. He also finishedhis career with a 43.2 yards per kick average which issecond in team history. Punting was not the only job the senior from SanDiego, Calif. held with the Hornets. He was also thekicker for ASU and finished with 201 pointsbecoming only the fourth person in ASU history tofinish his career with over 200 points. “We are so happy for Bobby,” Head Coach ReggieBarlow said. “This is an honor that is well deservedfor him. He has been a huge asset for this programsince he arrived on campus and has been the ultimatestudent-athlete and we are so proud of hisaccomplishments.”

Photo Courtesy of Alabama State.

ITTA BENA, MS—Mississippi Valley StateUniversity is not bringing head football coach KarlMorgan back next year after he compiled an 8-35record in four seasons. The Southwestern AthleticConference school said on Monday Morgan’scontract will not be renewed when it expires Dec. 31. The Delta Devils finished 2-9 this season,including 2-7 in SWAC games.“We feel that it is imperative that we move thefootball program in a different direction. We wouldlike to thank Coach Morgan for his years of serviceto MVSU,” the athletic program said in a statement. Morgan’s best season was in 2012, whenMississippi Valley State finished 5-4 in the SWACand 5-6 overall. He became the first MVSU coach tolead victories over Southern and Grambling State inthe same season since Archie Cooley in 1984.

MorganReleased



TCU guard, Kyan Anderson is averaging more than 14 points a game.He was the 2011-2012 Mountain West Frehman of the Year. Photo ByJohn Posey.

Nicole Griffin, is a 6’-6” senior center for the University ofOklahoma. She averages 11.9 ppg and 6.3 rebounds a game for theSooners. Photo By John Posey.

Karviar Shepard is a freshman at TCU who has made an immediateimpact whith his defense and rebounding. Photo By John Posey.

A’Torri Shine is a 6-6 transfer who has averaged 20.2 points in hisfirst season for the G-Men. Photo By John Posey.

Texas Wesleyan center, Kayla McCray, is an All-Conferenceperformer, who is expected to score her 1,00th point this season. Sheis averaging 11 points a game. Photo By John Posey.

Antwan Scott is a 6-1 transfer who has averaged 17 points a game inhis first season for the G-Men. Photo By John Posey.



Baylor guard, Alexis Prince, is expected to have a big year. An earlyseason foot injury slowed her down. She is averaging 16 points agame. Photo By John Posey.

TCU freshman swingman,Brarndon Parrish is averaging 9.6 points agame. He is an explosive scorer who is deadly from three pointland.Photo By John Posey.

Tulsa sophmore guard, James Woodard, is the Golden Hurricanesleading scorer. He is averaging 13.8 points and 5.8 rebounds..PhotoBy John Posey.

Oklahoma Baptist center Zbeyda Aremi is a native of Tunisa. The6’4” post averages 10.6 points a game. Photo By John Posey.

Oklahoma Baptist senior point guard, Allie Brandenburg is theemotional leader for the Bison. Photo By John Posey.

Destynee Hives-McCray is a junior post for SMU. She averages 11points and 7 rebounds a game. Photo By John Posey.


Valley Selects Ford-Kee AD

Mississippi Valley State University PresidentWilliam B. Bynum announced Dianthia Ford-Kee as the new Director of Athletics. Previously, Ford-Kee served five years as theDirector of Athletics at Lincoln University ofPennsylvania having successfully navigatedLincoln’s Athletic Department to activemembership in NCAA Division II and return tothe CIAA. Ford-Kee came to Lincoln from ShawUniversity where she spent 18 years working inathletic administration and coaching. Ford-Kee,was named the National Association ofCollegiate Women Athletic Administrators(NACWAA) – NCAA Division II FemaleAthletic Administrator of the Year in 2006 whileserving as Shaw’s Associate Athletic Directorand Senior Woman Administrator. “While serving as president of three CIAAschools (Virginia Union, Livingstone and St.Augustine’s), I had the opportunity to get toknow and view first-hand the coaching andathletic administrative career of Dianthia Ford-Kee while she was at Shaw University,” said Dr.Bernard Franklin, NCAA Executive VicePresident for Membership and Student-AthleteAffairs and NCAA Chief Inclusion Officer.“Since joining the NCAA in 2003 as a seniorexecutive staff member, I continued myrelationship with Dianthia and have had theopportunity to witness her Associate A.D. workat Shaw and A.D. work at Lincoln and know ofthe numerous NCAA committees she has served

on and the respect that the NCAA staff has forher work and leadership in athletics. MVSU isgetting a seasoned, highly professional andexpert athletic administrator who is viewed asone of the finest A.D.’s in the country. I knowthat she will do an excellent job at The Valleyand Dr. Bynum and the MVSU community andathletic teams are very fortunate to have heraboard as A.D. The NCAA staff and I lookforward to a continued strong workingrelationship with Mrs. Ford-Kee.” Ford-Kee has been appointed to serve on theNCAA Minority Opportunity & InterestCommittee and the CIAA Executive Committeeas the Vice President for the Northern Division.She currently serves on the NCAA Division IIProject Team to Review Issues Related toDiversity and the NCAA DII Strategic AllianceMatching Grant Selection, NCAA DII Women’sBasketball Atlantic Regional AdvisoryCommittee, Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce,Southern Chester County Chamber ofCommerce. Previous committee service includesNCAA Division II Management Council as theCIAA Conference representative from 1999-2005 and Committee on Women’s Athletics,Division II Nominating Committee. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree inBusiness Administration from Fayetteville StateUniversity in 1982 and a master’s degree inPublic Affairs from Northern Illinois Universityin 1984.Most recently, Ford-Kee was honored by theBlack Women in Sports Foundation for heraccomplishments at Lincoln University and inthe field of athletics with the Legends Award.She has received several honors in the state ofNorth Carolina, she was a 1998 inductee in theWake County Academy for Women for Athleticsand a 1999 nominee of the Governor’sDistinguished Woman Award for Athletics.Recently, in October of 2009, she was honoredand the recipient of the Northern IllinoisUniversity’s College of Liberal Arts & SciencesGolden Anniversary Alumni Award for she was 1of the 50 alumni who has distinguishedthemselves in their careers that have contributedto the worlds of education, science, scholarship,business, law, medicine, community leadershipand engagement, philanthropy and governmentservice. Ford-Kee has enjoyed a tremendous amountof success with her softball and volleyball

program. Her team members have won NCAAnational statistical honors as well as NCAA PostGraduate Scholarships. Shaw University won theCIAA Softball Championship four times (1993,1994, 1996 and 2003) and the CIAA VolleyballChampionship twice in 1993 and 1995. Ford-Keewas named CIAA Softball Coach of the Year in1993, 1994, 1996 and 2003. The 1996 team wasundefeated in the CIAA and compiled an overallseasonal record of 39-9. Ford-Kee led Shaw to aconference record of 212-86 and an overall markof 309-207. While competing in the sports of basketballand softball as a student at Fayetteville StateUniversity she was a member of the 1979 CIAAWomen’s Basketball Championship Team andthe 1982 CIAA Softball Championship Team.Ford-Kee earned several All Conference andTournament Team honors and was selected MVPof the 1982 Softball Championship Tournament.In 1982, she was selected Fayetteville StateUniversity’s Athlete of the Year and was theyoungest inductee into Fayetteville StateUniversity’s Athletic Hall of Fame (1997). A native of Lawrenceville, N.J., Ford-Keewas inducted into the inaugural class ofLawrence High School’s Athletic Hall of Famein 2008 as the first athlete in the history of thehigh school to score over 1000 points playingonly 3 years of high school basketball. Shecurrently holds basketball records that have notbeen broken at Lawrence High School inLawrenceville, N.J., in its 44 years of existence.

Courtesy: MVSU Media Relations


NCAA Selects Championship Sites


RICHARDSON, TX – The NCAA hasawarded the 2016 Division II Men’s Basketball EliteEight to the city of Frisco, Texas as part of the largestset of host site announcements in association historyWednesday. The Lone Star Conference and FriscoConvention & Visitors Bureau will host the eventMarch 23-26.

The Elite Eight will take place in the state of Texasfor the first time ever at Dr Pepper Arena, a multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue that seatsabout 5,000 for basketball.

“This is great news and an historic opportunity forthe Lone Star Conference and its many constituents.The Division II Men’s Basketball Elite Eight is oneof the NCAA’s premier events, and never before hasit been played this close to home,” LSCcommissioner Stan Wagnon said. “In fact, thisseason’s site of Evansville, Indiana, which is about760 miles from Frisco, is the closest the event hascome to us since the LSC joined Division II in theearly 1980s.”

“We owe a great deal of thanks to Marla Roe andLaChelle Evans with Visit Frisco, as well as EdReusch and Bill Herman at Dr Pepper Arena, for theorganizational and planning efforts they’ve alreadyand will continue to put forth. Certainly Frisco,Texas, has become known as a great sportsdestination, and the Lone Star Conference looksforward to assisting in the opportunity for Division II

basketball players, coaches, and fans to enjoy all thatFrisco has to offer,” added Wagnon.

Frisco is located 20 minutes north of downtownDallas and is home to 8 million square feet of retailand four professional sports teams.

“Frisco is very excited to partner with both theLone Star Conference and the Dr Pepper Arena tobring this exciting championship to our city,” FriscoConvention & Visitors Bureau Executive DirectorMarla Roe said. “As host to the NCAA Division IFootball Championship Game for the fourth year, wefeel that we have proved ourselves capable of hostingsuccessful NCAA championship events and have nodoubt this one will be equally as successful!”

Additional site selections included Texas Woman’sUniversity and the Fort Worth Convention & VisitorsBureau as hosts of the 2015 and 2016 NCAAWomen’s Gymnastics Championships at the FortWorth Convention Center Arena in Fort Worth,Texas.

The 2018 Division II Women’s Golf NationalChampionships will be held in the Lone Star State atthe Wildcat Golf Course in Houston under theguidance of Houston Baptist University and theHarris County-Houston Sports Authority.

The NCAA also awarded a pair of regionalchampionships to the LSC for the 2014-18 seasons.West Texas A&M University is set to host the CrossCountry South Central Regionals in 2015 and 2016 atthe The Range in Canyon, Texas.

“We really want to thank everyone who put in abid,” said Mark Lewis, NCAA executive vicepresident of championships and alliances. “Thecompetitiveness of the bids made it extremelydifficult for the sport committees to select sites asthere just weren’t spots for all of the great bids wereceived. Ultimately the sites that were selected willprovide our student-athletes, coaches and fans thebest experience possible.”

The new NCAA championship bid process createsthe largest host site announcement ever, spanning 82championships across a four-year cycle. Previously,selection announcements varied by sport. Thisprocess now gives the NCAA and host sites moretime to plan each championship experience.

Bidding for 82 of 89 NCAA championships began inJuly and 1,984 bid applications were ultimatelysubmitted. Each sport committee, per division,selected the host sites it believed would provide theultimate experience for the respective student-athletes, resulting in 523 total championship eventsites awarded. The seven championships not includedin the process due to preexisting site arrangementsare: Division I baseball, Division I men’s basketball,Division I football, Division I men’s and women’sgolf, Division I softball and Division III women’s icehockey.

For more information on all of the NCAAchampionship sites awarded, log on towww.ncaa.com/site-selections.

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