<<

2 The Cowl WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW October 27,2011 Council to Lead MEN'S Young

by Nick Aiken '12 Sports Editor

Men’s Basketball

This season marks the beginning of a new era in Men's Basketball Basketball, and despite the 2011-12 Schedule uncertainties surrounding the , one thing that November remains clear is that first-year Head Coach is ready to put Friars basketball back on the map. From the first day he stepped on campus, Cooley has been preaching the importance of dedication, discipline, and defense, and he has both players and fans buying into his system. Last year, the Friars were first in the Big East scoring offense (75.8 ppg), but 15th in scoring defense (75.3 ppg). Expect PC to be a much better defensive team this season. Despite losing Marshon Brooks, one of the nation's top scorers, to the NBA, the Friars return six of their top eight scorers from last year, none of whom are seniors. Junior guard Vincent Council needs to step up and lead the Friars this year. Council, who averaged 13.7 points and a Big East leading 5.9 assists per game last year, took on more of a "pass first, score second" role in 2010-2011. If the Friars are to improve upon their 15-17 record, he will need to increase his points-per-game average. "I expect Vincent to be one of the best point guards in the country and an incredible leader on and off the floor. He needs to give us some spirit," Cooley told the Providence

Journal. "He has to become part COURTESY OF THE COWL of our identity, a true leader." Vincent Council ’13 will be expected to lead the Friars in Ed Cooley’s first year as head coach. Counil Another key player will be led the team in assists last season. sophomore guard Gerard Coleman, who averaged 10.3 points per and they will combine to form Expect the Friars to improve game as a freshman. Both guards a very respectable backcourt. upon both their 15-17 overall have great speed and athleticism, The Friars will rely on Bilal and 4-14 Big East records, as Ed Dixon '13, Kadeem Batts '14, and Cooley begins to change the face Ron Giplaye '14 to play well in the of PC basketball and navigate the paint. The Friars struggled on the program in the right direction. Men's Basketball boards last year, but hopefully this 2011-12 Roster year will be a different story as PC's big men have gotten bigger, faster, and stronger during the off-season. Two newcomers worth mentioning 51 Ted Bancroft 6-4 are guard Kiwi Gardner '15 and forward LaDontae Henton '15. Guard Gardner averaged 23.7 points, seven 10 Kadeem Batts 6-9 assists, and four steals per game Forward during his senior season at Westwind 41 Chris Carter 6-4 Prep in Arizona, leading his team to a The Cooley File: A Providence 30-2 record and a state championship. native, Cooley attended Central Guard Henton, who averaged 22.2 points High School, earning two Rhode 12 Gerard Coleman 6-4 per game during his prep career, was Island High School Player of the Guard mid-Michigan's first four-time, all­ Year awards, and then Stonehill state selection. He is only one of 33 College, where he was a three-time 11 6-1 Michigan prep players to score 2,000 captain for the basketball team. Guard points. Both players will be vying Cooley began his coaching career 32 Vincent Council for a spot in the regular rotation. at the University of - 6-2 Dartmouth, helping the squad to Guard a 25-4 record and a number three him the first Fairfield head coach 42 Bilal Dixon 6-9 national ranking during the 1994- to post a .500 or better record in the Men's Basketball 1995 season. He then returned to Foward/Center MAAC in each of his first five seasons. 2011-12 Coaches to coach for one year. In the 2009-2010 season, Cooley 33 Kiwi Gardner 5-10 In 1996, Cooley began his 10 year led Fairfield to a 23-11 record and the Guard stint as an assistant coach under Al team's first post-season since 2003. At Ed Cooley - Head Coach Skinner, which included one season the end of the season, he was awarded 34 Ron Giplaye 6-6 Andre LaFleur - Associate at the University of with the first-ever , Forward and nine at . While presented annually to the nation's Head Coach at Boston College, he helped the 21 Lee Goldsbrough 6-9 top minority men's basketball coach. Bob Simon - Assistant Coach Eagles post a 175-108 record and Last year, Cooley guided Fairfield Forward Brian Blaney - Assistant advance to five NCAA Tournaments to a school-record 25 victories and a 55 LaDontae Henton 6-6 and one NIT. The Eagles also won MAAC regular season title. The Stags Coach the Big East title in 2001, and three Forward finished the season with a 25-8 record, Mike Jackson - Coordinator Big East regular season titles (2001, including a 15-3 mark in the MAAC, 13 Brice Kofane 6-8 of Basketball Operations 2003, and 2005) while he was there. and advanced to the second round of the Forward As a result of his impressive work NIT. He was named the MAAC Coach Kevin Kurbec - Associate at Boston College, Cooley was offered Mike Murray of the Year, and also earned United 53 6-2 Director of Development/ the head coaching job at Fairfield States Basketball Writers Association Guard University. In his five seasons there, his District I Coach of the Year honors. Video Operations team posted a 92-69 mark, including a On March22, 2011, Cooley became the 58-32 conference record, which made 15th head coach at Providence College. October 27, 2011 WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW The Cowl 3 Leaman Sets "Mission 3,000" MEN'S For Schneider

by Patrick Shea '14 Sports Staff

Men’s Ice Hockey

Providence College Head Coach has made immense strides for his hockey teams in the past, but will he be able to do so in Friartown? Leaman's coaching experience began at the , when during the 1998-1999 season, Men's Hockey he was a member of the coaching staff 2010-11 Schedule that led the Black Bears to a national championship. Leaman then moved on to Harvard as an assistant coach, and helped turn the team completely October around within three years; the Crimson began as one of the bottom 14 vs. * two teams in the league, but ended 15 vs. Massachusetts* up as conference champions before the end of his stint there. He then 21 vs. Minnesota-Duluth took up the head coaching position 22 vs. Minnesota-Duluth at Union College and built its team 28 at Maine* into a league champion as well. Leaman has turned down offers 29 at Maine* to work in the National Hockey League to come to November and coach the Friars. When asked why he made this decision, he said: 4 vs. Vermont* "I like coaching at a good academic COURTESY OF HOCKEYEASTONLINE.COM 5 vs. Vermont* institution; it's important to have Nate Leaman comes to PC after spending eight seasons at Union College. He hopes to fill 11 vs. Alabama-Huntsville athletes that not only excel on the Schneider Arena to capacity for every home game. ice, but in the classroom as well. I 12 vs. Alabama-Huntsville chose Providence College because The team has played four games see the school spirit here," Leaman 18 vs. Northeastern* when I spoke with Fr. Shanley over so far this season, two of which were told me. "I remember walking into a the phone, our ideas on how a coach, against Conference building on campus for the first time 20 vs. Northeastern* a team, and the leadership roles that opponents. Every single player on and seeing a huge banner that said 25 vs. Miami (OH) arise from these positions matched the Friars' roster needs to have an ' Welcome to Friarto wn, Nate Leaman.'" 26 vs. Princeton up. We are representing Providence impact if the team is to continue We need to support our classmates College on and off the ice, and its stellar play. Players to look and the newest addition to the we should take pride in that." out for this season are center Tim Providence College community, Nate December Coach Leaman has an incredible Schaller '13 and left wing Matt Leaman. Head over to Schneider Arena! resume, and knows he will use every Bergland '12, both of whom have 2 vs. Merrimack* bit of his experience to turn the PC been playing particularly well, 3 at Merrimack* hockey program into a perennial and Team Captain Danny New '12. 6 at Boston College* winner. "Last season the hockey Coach Leaman needs one more Men's Hockey program had 75 goals and almost thing this season to give the 2010-11 Roster all of the players graduated," he Friars a chance at winning the January said in an interview that took place championship —the support of 1 vs. Brown prior to the season. "This year's Friartown. The student section needs 4 Mark Adams SO team is still adjusting to me as a to be packed and loud at every 19 Derek Army SO 5 vs. Massachusetts* coach as well as the intensity of the single game. "Friartown has been so 33 Andy Balysky SR 11 vs. New Hampshire* practices, and so far it's going well." welcoming to me and it's amazing to 35 Alex Beaudry SR 15 vs. Vermont* 17 Matt Bergland SR 20 at Boston University* 21 vs. Boston University* 5 David Brown SR 24 vs. UMass-Lowell* 7 Drew Brown FR 29 at Merrimack* 9 Damian Cross FR 12 Stefan Demopoulos FR February 29 Justin Gates SR 3 at New Hampshire* 2 Kevin Hart SO 4 vs. New Hampshire* 44 Myles Harvey JR 10 vs. Maine* 8 Barrett Kaib FR 11 at Massachusetts* 30 Julien Laplante FR 17 at Northeastern* 20 Shane Luke FR 18 at Northeastern* 18 Robert Maloney SR 14 Ross Mauermann FR 24 vs. Boston College* 26 Matt Montesano FR 25 at Boston College* 16 Kyle Murphy JR March 55 Daniel New SR 2 vs. UMass-Lowell* 10 Michael Pieper FR ) 3 at UMass-Lowell* 21 Chris Rooney JR 11 Tim Schaller JR 28 Steven Shamanski SO # = Exhibition Game 15 Billy Simon JR * = Hockey East Opponent 1 Russ Stein JR 22 Rem Vanderbeek JR 27 Alex Velischek JR 3 Craig Wyszomirski FR COURTESY OF THE COWL

Matt Bergland '12 will be expected to lead the Friars’ offense this season. So far, he has scored 26 goals during his career at PC. 4 The Cowl WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW October 27, 2011

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL ~Open by Sean Bailey '14 Sports Staff

Women’s Basketball

In Big East women's basketball, and women's in general, Women's Basketball there is a hierarchy that begins with the 2011-12 Schedule UConn Huskies and includes Notre Dame, amongst other teams. Though many experts are warning fans that the November famed nobility of women's basketball 11 at Boston University might be overthrown by the "Third 14 vs. Virginia Estate," this season has potential to be the most competitively balanced 16 at Rhode Island season yet. For the first time since 18 vs. Harvard 2005, the Huskies are not favored in the Big East, swinging open a door for 22 at Oakland other teams. Now enter in our beloved 26 vs. Dartmouth Friars, a team that has been steadily improving under Phillip Seymore's tenure. The team has been in the middle December of the pack in the Big East for a number 3 vs. Fairfield of years, but it is now hoping to take 4 at Brown the next step in competitiveness. PC finished last season with a 13-16 7 vs. Villanova* record, including a 6-10 record in the 9 at Massachusetts Big East. However, it will be tough 19 vs. Delaware sledding for the Friars, as the team is left to replace Mi-Khida Hankins '11 22 vs. Clemson and Miranda Tate '11 two of the top 28 at Akron three scorers from the previous season. But the Friars return three key starters 31 vs. Hartford including guard Symone Roberts '13. As a sophomore, Roberts averaged January 9.3 points per game, so watch for her to have a breakout year for the Friars. 4 at St. John's* Also, forward Teya Wright '12 (nine 7 vs. DePaul points per game and eight rebounds 10 at * per game) and guard Lola Wells '12 (the team leader) look to lead 14 vs. West Virginia* the Friars this season as seniors. For 18 at Louisville* COURTESY OF THE COWL Wright, this will be Wright's fifth 21 at Marquette* year with the team, providing the Symone Roberts ’13 is hoping to have a productive junior season. As a sophomore, she averaged otherwise young squad with a wealth 9.3 points per game. 28 vs. Pittsburgh* of experience. 31 vs. Syracuse* The Friars have a balanced group the postseason since 1999. This Not only will the non-conference with seven freshmen and sophomores group is now bursting with young schedule test the Friars merit, but the compared to eight juniors and seniors. talent, including three highly-rated Big East schedule proves to be just February The upperclassmen will provide freshmen in Chanise Baldwin '15, as daunting as ever, despite UConn's 4 vs. Villanova* experience, especially those who Alexis Harris '15, and Ajai Meeks perceived "down" year. The top tier were a part of the 2009-2010 team '15. All three of these players were looks strong, but the bottom tier of the 7 vs. Cincinnati* that made it to the WNIT, the first ranked above an 86 according to conference will provide formidable 11 vs. Seton Hall* time a PC women's team has made ESPN scouts. challenges to the Friars' squad as well. 14 at Notre Dame* The Friars' road is not easy, as PC's time in conference play won't their schedule is stacked with good be eased because the Friars will face 18 at Georgetown* competition from not only the Big UConn, Louisville, and Notre Dame, 25 vs. Rutgers* Women's Basketball East, but also their non-conference the top three projected teams, all on 2011-12 Roster opponents. The Friars will take on the road. However, there will be some 27 at USF* two ACC schools—Virginia and good home games for fans to attend, 15 Chanise Baldwin 6-2 Clemson-as well as battle with including contests against soon-to-be *= Big East Opponent Forward local rivals such as UMass, BU, and ACC teams, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse as well as gmes against West Virginia 30 Rachal Barnes 5-8 URI. The ACC teams will be forced to travel to Providence, which will and DePaul. Guard/Forward provide for some entertaining home 21 Colleen Breslin 5-8 games. The schedule also features Guard some exotic games, with trips 14 Alicia Cropper 5-8 to Rochester, Michigan, and the Guard University of Akron. 33 Brianna Edwards 6-1 Forward 42 Alexis Harris 6-1 Women's Basketball Forward 2011-12 Coaches 11 Tiffany Hurd 5-10 Guard 3 Chandler McCabe 6-3 Forward Phil Seymore - Head Coach 4 Ajai Meeks 6-3 Jonath Nicholas - Associate Forward 32 Lauren Okafor 6-3 Head Coach Forward Shauna Green - Assistant 10 Danielle Pearson 5-9 Coach Guard/Forward Morra Gill - Assistant 12 Symone Roberts 5-7 Guard Coach 13 Tori Rule 5-7 Kristen Duhamel - Athletic Guard Trainer 20 Lola Wells 5-6 Guard Safiva Grant - Director of

2 Teya Wright 6-1 Basketball Operations COURTESY OF THE COWL Forward The Friars are hoping to improve their record this year, as the Big East Conference is much weaker than in past years. October 27, 2011 WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW The Cowl 5 WOMEN'S ICE HOCKEY

by Meg O'Neill '12 Sports Staff

Women’s Ice Hockey

The Providence College Women's Ice Hockey team's season has been underway for about a month. The Friars have faced some tough competition, starting with their exhibition game victory against the defending Canadian Interuniversity Champs, McGill University. Since then, Women's Hockey the Friars have had an uphill battle, 2011-12 Schedule fighting off injuries and tackling strong opponents with a very young team. According to Head Coach Bob COURTESY OF THE COWL September Deraney, "Injuries have played an 24 vs. McGill # integral role in our slow start and we The Friars entered the season as one of the top-ranked teams in the country, but several losses W, 5-3 need to get away from the injury bug." have forced the squad to deal with some adversity. 30 at Bemidji St. T, 0-0 In fact, he continued, "every weekend we have ended up with some sort of past two weekends, the Friars that," he said. "There is always a injury that has affected the way we returned to Schneider Arena to cycle, and I have to remember that." October practice and the way we prepare." take on number nine Mercyhurst. Deraney recognizes the drive 1 at Bemidji St. L,3-l The 1-5-2 squad began its The Friars, plagued by penalties in the Friars have to win. "I know our 8 at Clarkson L, 3-0 2011-2012 campaign against Bemidji the first game, fell to Mercyhurst kids want to be better and it is our State University in Bemidji, Minn. 5-0. Coming back out on the ice on responsibility as a coaching staff, 9 at St. Lawrence T, 3-3 The Friars battled on the ice in Sunday, the Friars, who were unable and mine in particular, to create 15 vs. Mercyhurst L, 5-0 the first game to a 0-0 (OT) time. to finish their scoring opportunities, the environment and do the things 16 vs. Mercyhurst L, 3-0 Goaltender Genevieve Lacasse '12 were defeated by a margin of 3-0. necessary to achieve that," he said. was able to collect her 13th career This past weekend in a pair of close Deraney and his staff are well on 21 at Vermont* L, 3-2 shutout with 39 saves. The second games against division rival Vermont, their way to making this happen. 22 at Vermont* W, 4-3 game of the weekend was taken by the Friars managed to skate their way Playing with such a young squad the BSU Beavers with a score of 3-1. to their first regular season win on has created some great opportunities 28 vs. Boston College* Following their weekend in Saturday. After falling to Vermont, 3-2, for the Friars, even if their record thus November Minnesota, the Friars headed on Friday night, the Friars fought back far does not show it. According to 1 vs. Yale to upstate to take on against the Catamounts, outshooting Deraney, this season has "increased Clarkson University and St. Lawrence U VM 32-20 and winning the contest 4-3. our growth curve and development 5 vs. Maine* University. While the Friars put up "I really believe the win on Saturday of this team, and overall is helping 6 vs. Maine* a great fight, they were unable to afternoon is indicative, of the fighters us become the team I know we are 12 at Connecticut* answer the three goals Clarkson put and competitors that we have in our capable of becoming, a lot faster in the back of the net, two of which locker room," commented Deraney. than under normal circumstances." 13 vs. New Hampshire* came on a power-play. In the second Friars goaltender Lacasse has been As the season progresses, the 19 vs. Vermont* game of the weekend, played at St. a strong component in the team so far team will be preparing for some Lawrence, the Friars were able to in this very young season. In the first tough conference matchups which 20 vs. Boston University* acquire a 3-3 tie. In this game, the seven games, Lacasse has managed to will test the strength and resiliency 25 vs. Brown Friars scored their first power-play save 223 shots with a save percentage of the team. The Friars will be facing 27 at Union NY goal of the season, but the score of .921. Her presence in the net has number four Boston College in a remained at 3-3 from the end of the truly kept the Friars in these games. heated match this Friday, Oct. 28, second period until the final buzzer. Overall, Head Coach Deraney at 7 p.m. in Schneider Arena. The December After being on the road for the has asserted, "We are a group that Friars, who lost a heartbreaker in the 3 vs. Boston University* is much better than our record." Hockey East semifinal to the Eagles, The 1-5-2 start is not something are looking to make up for lost time. 4 at Boston University* Women's Ice Hockey Deraney is used to as a coach here "Don't judge us on who we are 8 vs. Harvard 2011-12 Roster at Providence College, as he has now, but [on whom] we will become," compiled a record of 227-151-48 over affirmed the coach. With a big game 31 vs. Dartmouth his career. "I've been spoiled the coming up on Friday, Deraney reaches past two years having such a veteran out to fans saying, "Come out and watch January team, and a coach has to remember us play. You won't be disappointed." 20 Nicole Anderson JR 6 vs. Robert Morris 15 Kate Bacon SR 7 vs. Robert Morris 11 Corrinne Buie SO 15 vs. Northeastern* 22 Jessica Cohen JR 20 at Boston College* 16 Ashley Cottrell SR 22 at Maine* 9 Stephanie DeMars SO 28 vs. Connecticut* 30 Hillary Drake FR 29 at Connecticut* 21 Haley Frade FR 10 Jennifer Friedman SR February 14 Abby Gauthier SR 4 at Boston College* 18 Emily Groth JR 11 at New Hampshire* 28 Beth Hanrahan FR 12 at New Hampshire* 5 Christie Jensen SR 17 vs. Northeastern* 27 Genevieve Lacasse SR 19 at Northeastern* 19 Suzie Lundeen FR 26 Allison Michelettie FR 7 Rebecca Morse SO 2 Maggie Pendleton SO # = Exhibition Game 1 Nina Riley SO * = Hockey East Opponent 17 Brooke Simpson FR 6 Laura Veharanta SR 12 Jessica Vella JR 23 Victoria Virtue FR

COURTESY OF THE COWL

Laura Veharanta ’12 (left) has proven to be one of the best players on this year’s team. As a junior, she tallied 13 goals and four assists. 6 The Cowl WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW October 27, 2011 SWIMMING AND DIVING INDOORTRACK

by Veronica Lippert '15 Nikolas Rebovich '13 will also be key members of the squad. Treacy expects to have a big year. Riley won the Most Sports Staff by James Kirby '15 important contributions to come from Improved Swimmer title last year. Sports Staff many of his freshman members as well. Caroline Caliri '12 also represented The women's side includes three the Friars in the championships by Indoor Track Swimming & Diving former All-Americans in Hannah qualifying for the 50y, 100y, and 200y Davidson '12, Shelby Greany '13, events. Diver Melanie Dubois '12 and The Providence College Track and University of Wisconsin transfer Thirty —that's the number of freestyle swimmer Erica Devine '12 Team looks to improve on last season's Emily Sisson, '14. In sprints and swimmers and divers from Providence are the only other seniors on the team. strong performance as it prepares for mid-distance, Treacy will look College who qualified to participate When asked about the incoming its indoor season. With a considerable to Jackie McCarthy '14, Meg Van in the Big East championships last freshman class, Coach O'Neill could pool of talent and a highly respected Name '12, and Devyn Pryor '15. year. "That is our goal this year; not be more pleased, saying he has coaching staff, the Friars are primed The Friars open their season to match or exceed that number," "another talented group and we're to compete at all levels this year. in early December with back-to- said John O'Neill, who founded the very excited." He went on to say "our One of the most respected names in back meets —the Fordham Quad program in 1984 and is entering his numbers are back to being healthy. I'm the , Ray Treacy, returns for meet and the Brown Invitational 22nd year as the PC head coach. Since happy to have so many represent the his 26th season as director of Track on December 2 and 3, respectively. then, he has not only been awarded program." With so many committed and Cross Country Operations to They then have a month-and-a- several coaches awards, but he has freshmen, it is easy to see that PC lead a very talented Friar squad. half break before the season really also created a very solid program. swimming will continue to grow. On the men's side, the Friars are picks up with the Little Rhody As the 2011-2012 season approaches, The team will host conference rival led by a strong group of returning Invitational and the two-day Terrier the Friars look to keep building on Seton Hall on November 5. The season talent including All-Americans Julian Invitational in mid-January. The season last year's successful campaign with will continue at Bryant, and then the Matthews '12 and David McCarthy concludes in March with the ECAC a talented and anxious group. The women's team will go to Rhode Island '12, and four-minute miler Dominic and NCAA Indoor Championships. team is led by a core group of seniors, to participate in "Pink Out," which is Channon '12. Nik Andrews '14 and most of whom participated in the a meet to raise awareness for breast Big East Championships last year. cancer. After a trip to Connecticut Collin Casciano '12 has excelled in the to face off against the United States 100-yard fly, coming in first place at Coast Guard Academy, the team will multiple meets last year. Receiver of the compete in the Harold Anderson John O'Neill Award in the 2009-2010 Invitational for a second straight year. season, Casciano is currently seventh This will bring the team to winter all-time in points scored for the Friars. break, which the team will make a To add to that, he also holds the record trip to the Cayman Islands for winter for the 100y, 100m, and 200y flies. training, a typical benefit of being on Additionally on the male side is a college swim team. When the season Matt Green '12, a sprint freestyle resumes it will face Maine, Villanova, swimmer who is hoping to have a Holy Cross, and Boston College. breakout season. Green holds the There is no doubt it is a very Friars' season best times in the 50y competitive schedule for the Friars, but and 50m, all of which he set last year. Coach O'Neill and the team are ready to Green and Casciano combined to make a big splash this year. Most of the qualify for 10 events in the Big East cut-off times for the Big East have been Championship last year. Jordan Rivera reduced, and it will be a difficult task to '12 and Stephen Zapf '12 round out the top the 30 qualifiers that were given a COURTESY OF THE COWL seniors that will lead the team this year. spot in the championships last year, but All-American David McCarthy '12 (pictured), Julian Matthews *12, and Dominic Channon '12 will be On the women's side, look for Sarah the young Friars are looking forward expected to lead the PC Men’s Indoor Track Team this season. Riley '12, who qualified for the lOOy to the challenges that await them. fly, lOOy breast, and the lOOy freestyle,

by Bridget Stack '13 Each team has players we should keep our eyes on. SIX TO WATCH Asst. Sports Editor Here are six, one for each team.

Gerard Coleman Last season, Coleman proved to be a Genevieve Lacasse Lacasse not only brings three years of solid player, quietly demonstrating Friar goaltending to the net this season, Men's Basketball what a valuable asset he is to the PC Women's Hockey but also the experience of playing on Class: Men's Basketball Team. Coleman Class: the Canadian National Team. Lacasse Sophomore was named the Big East Rookie Senior holds the Providence College record for Heigh t/Weight: of the Week twice last year. This Height: career saves (2,582) and saves in a season 6'4'7180 year, I predict such honors will be 5'8" (948). Looking to improve those records, Position: bestowed on him again. He only Position: Lacasse proves to be a valuable asset for Guard averaged 10.3 points last season. Goaltender the Lady Friars and an immovable force Hometown: As he continues to mature as a Hometown: in goal. With Lacasse at the helm, the Boston, Mass. player, this 6'4" player will become Kingston, Ontario Providence College Women's Hockey a key part of the guard offense. team holds the promise of a successful season in the palm of their hands.

Symone Roberts Justin Tse Tse already is promising to be Roberts was the second leading a player to watch. Finishing Women's Basketball scorer in the 2010-2011 Women's Men's Swimming fourth in his first collegiate race Class: Friars Basketball season. Averaging Class: and pacing the Friars shows the Junior 9.3 points a game, 3.8 rebounds, 3.1 Freshman talent that he is bringing to the Height: assists, and 2.2 steals on the season, Event: Friars swim team. This two-year 5'7" Roberts proved herself to be a Freestyle varsity swimmer brings speed Position: player that was one to watch. This Hometown: to the Friars' swimming events. Guard season, Roberts will be key player Framingham, Hometown: for the Lady Friars, as I predict Mass. New Britain, she will build on her statistics. Conn.

Daniel New New brings a key element to the Hannah Davidson Davidson is coming off a second- Providence College Men's Hockey place finish in the 3,000 meters in Men's Hockey team; tenacious defense. New played Women's Track the Big East Championship last Class: in all 34 games last season and totaled Class: year. Davidson, entering her senior Senior six assists. This senior has already Senior season for the Lady Friars, brings Height/Weight: participated in the NHL prospect Event: skill and expertise to the team as 6'1'7195 camp this past summer, proving just Distance she competes in her last Indoor Position: how valuable an asset he is for the Hometown: Track season. This season promises Defense Providence College Men's Hockey Saratoga Springs, to be the best for Davidson. Hometown: team. New is going to dominate White Plains, his senior season and pave the way N.Y. for the Friars' continued success. October 27, 2011 WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW The Cowl 7 Cooley and the Friars Late Night Madness Put on Quite a Show by Danny McNamara '13 Sports Staff

Late Night Madness

"Our House"—those were the words that echoed from the mouths of hundreds of Providence College students and fans when Ed Cooley took control of the microphone at Late Night Madness on Friday, Oct. 15. Cooley led the Friars into Mullaney Gym to the voice of Skylar Grey singing "Coming Home." "If we have a crowd like this every time we play at home, we will win a national championship," said Cooley at the event. Bilal Dixon T2 got the night started with his robot-like moves during player introductions, and then the Friars, led by Coach Cooley, did the "Dougie" in front of a packed house that loved every minute of it. And after the dancing came to an end, the Friars lined up and on Cooley's whistle, moved left, then right, up, and down, and all this while running in place in a defensive stance. The Dunk Contest featured judges that included Providence Mayor Angel Tavares, and former Friar greats '77, Ernie DiGregorio '73, Ryan Gomes '05, and last year's star, Marshon Brooks '101 Bryce Cotton '14 showed off why he was the defending champ, as he and Kiwi Gardner '15, who are JESSICA HO ’14/THE COWL both under six feet tall, put on a clinic Head Coach Ed Cooley and the Friars do the "Dougie” during Late Night Madness in Mullaney Gym on October 15. A large number of students as they both opened the jaws of those attended the annual event. who stood courtside and watched. LaDontae Henton '15 and Chris Carter The 2011-2012 squad was not the guards in the 2012 recruiting class. Fortune Coach Phil Seymore and his staff were on '11 also threw down a dunk or two, only Friar basketball players on hand has Jesus Shuttlesworth-type range, and hand as the Lady Friars danced out onto but for the second straight year, for Madness; 2012 verbal commits Ricky will undoubtedly raise Dunn and Ledo's the hardwood of Alumni. They will be Cotton came away with the victory. Ledo, , and Josh Fortune assist numbers in the next few years. The lead by Teya Wright '12 and Lola Wells '12, The highlight of the dunk contest were all on their official visits as the trio waits until the November signing both returning starters from last season. was when Gerard Coleman '14 laid top five national recruiting class was on day until they officially become Friars. Coach Cooley and the Friars are one off the side of the backboard that hand for its first Late Night Madness. The men were not the only ones getting excited to begin the 2011-12 season—the Cotton threw down with authority. Ledo and Dunn are both considered top their seasons underway as Women's Head first year in the new era of PC basketball. EDITOR EXPECTATIONS Aiken and Slavin tell which men's hoops star they're keeping their eyes on this season LaDontae Henton Vincent Council

by Nick Aiken '12 by Chris Slavin '12 Sports Editor Editor-in-Chief

With the departure of All-American and leading scorer Council's been the man to watch in Friartown since his Marshon Brooks to the NBA, the Friars are in desperate first few games here. When he entered as a freshman in need of players who can score in double figures. But so the fall of 2009, he was shadowed behind fellow freshman far, Henton has shown that he is capable of doing just that. Johnnie Lacy, who was considered to be our top recruit that Henton was four-time all-star in the stated of year and the likely candidate for the most guard minutes Michigan and only one of 33 players born in the behind Sharaud Curry '10. Council flat-out beat Lacy (who state to ever score 2,000 points during his high turned out to be an enormous punk) for the job, fair and school career. During his senior year, he averaged square, and turned a lot of heads in the process. Since 25.2 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. winning the starting role, Council has produced, and this The six-foot-six, 215 pound forward will undoubtedly season we'll be looking to him to be our floor general. make an impact during his freshman year, and, in fact, he For those who were expecting the world of Council already has begun to do so, leading all scorers in the Mal last year, his season may have been a bit lackluster. Call Brown Scrimmage with 18 points and scoring 14 points it a sophomore slump, but let's take a closer look at the during the exhibition game against Assumption College. circumstances. He was coming off of a freshman year where Henton has the ability to create mismatches because he averaged double-digit points per game and was named he can score over anyone his size, especially in the to the Big East All-Rookie Team. More important, he was paint. He has the ability to draw bigger players outside playing next to the country's leading scorer in Marshon the paint and use his athleticism to score. He also has Brooks. Last season, VC lead the Big East in assists at 5.9 great range and is capable of knocking down three- per game, was PC's second leading scorer behind only pointers at a fairly good percentage, as demonstrated Brooks, and I don't remember seeing him miss a . by his four threes in the Mal Brown Scrimmage. On His sophomore year would have been seen as a shining one the defensive end, Henton has the ability to play for anyone else—anyone who wasn't coming off of a heroic strong defense and effectively the basketball. freshman season and wasn't playing primarily as a dish If Cooley is able to get the most out of Henton's ability, man for the best player in the country. and help him improve each year, by the time this guy is a So look for big things out of #32 this season. Coach senior, he could be one of the best players in the conference. Cooley knows VC's savvy (see his quote in the Men's Hoops Nevertheless, he will be a key factor in how successful the preview); I've known it since he beat out Lacy two years Friars are this year, but I think he is ready for the challenge. ago; Friartown will know it early on this season. Graphics by Billy Nawrocki ’12/The Cowl