Summer Roundup: Men's Basketball
AUGUST 06, 2007
As the summer begins to wind down and the new school year approaches, the LSUS men’s basketball team has yet to slow down. Since the conclusion of a disappointing loss to Azusa Pacific University in the NAIA National Tournament, the Pilot coaching staff and players have remained extremely busy both on and off the basketball court.
The following stories are a brief update of what the Pilots have been doing this summer:
Pilot Basketball Camps a Huge Success – For the fifth consecutive summer, attendance at the LSUS summer basketball camps continues to grow. Considered by many to be the best individual basketball camp in the area, over 250 kids from all over the country attended at least one of the three LSUS basketball camps that were offered in early June. Although most of the individual instruction these young boys and girls receive is from the Pilot coaching staff, it is the LSUS men’s basketball players that continue to make the camps special. The chance for a camper to play their favorite Pilot player in a game of one-on-one, H-O-R-S-E, or knockout is always the biggest thrill of many in attendance. With all of the repeat campers who continue to come back every summer, the LSUS coaches and players must be doing something right!
In addition to the individual camps, the LSUS Pilot Team Camp was also a success. With 14 teams in attendance once again this summer, the camp featured some of the best local and area talent. The fierce two-day competition gave several high school players the opportunity to play at “The Dock,” and it also allowed the Pilot coaching staff to evaluate some of the local talent in their own gym.
Players, Coaches Give Back to Community – The 2006 NAIA Buffalo Funds Five Star Award winners were back at it again this summer. Recognized for their efforts both on the basketball court and in the community, the Pilot basketball team continues to give back to local schools and churches.
For the second consecutive year, several men’s basketball players made a visit to Noel United Methodist Church for their Upward basketball camp. The Pilot players “wowed” those in attendance with their exceptional shooting and ball-handling skills, along with several high-flying dunks in the dunk contest. Seniors Josh Porter and Jamon Morris also served as motivational speakers for the many kids in attendance. At the conclusion of the event, the players signed basketballs, t- shirts, and posters for all of the campers.
On August 11, several players will assist with the set-up and breakdown at the Volunteers for Leadership Summit held at First Baptist Church right here in Shreveport.
In addition to all of the player’s community service efforts, men’s head basketball coach Chad McDowell visited a local church this summer as the feature instructor at the First Baptist Church of Shreveport’s basketball clinic. Kids between the ages of 5 and 13 were given individual basketball instruction by the four time LABC coach of the year. Not only did Coach McDowell spend the five days teaching these young kids the game of basketball, but he also taught them on how to be a winner in life. McDowell was also the guest speaker at the Doyline High School athletic banquet in early May. Doyline is the alma mater of two future Pilot players, Cody Walker and Ta’Kevin Huey.
Assistant coaches Ryan Edwards and Kyle Blankenship were also involved this summer in several community service events. Coach Edwards helped serve as a basketball clinician for Camp Shriver, a Special Olympics organization in Louisiana. Coach Blankenship was the basketball camp coordinator at Project 61, an annual inner-city sports camp at Comanche Park in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Both of these events allowed each coach to give back to those that might be considered less fortunate than others.
Pilots Participate in Firecracker 5k – The LSUS Pilots had an explosive start to our nation’s independence day. On July 4, several players and coaches of the men’s basketball team participated in the annual Firecracker 5k run that benefits the American Cancer Society. An estimated crowd of over 3,000 runners and walkers took part in this year’s race. Josh Porter was the first LSUS player to finish the race, crossing the finish line in just over 22 minutes. Coach Ryan Edwards took home the bragging rights amongst the coaching staff, finishing with a time of 23:40. In other notes, athletic trainer Lance Champagne and men’s basketball player Chris Wafer, who ran the entire race with a 25 lb. weight vest strapped on his back, both finished the race in less than 30 minutes.
Will Josh Porter Play in 2007??? – After suffering a season ending and life threatening injury in just the seventh game of the 2006-2007 season, All-American Josh Porter remains hopeful of stepping back onto the floor at “The Dock” wearing a Pilot uniform once again. Porter, who broke the C5 vertebrae in his neck, continues to rehab and make the necessary progress towards his goal of playing for the Pilots in 2007-2008. After only playing in five games prior to his injury, Porter was granted a medical hardship by the NAIA, allowing him an additional season of competition. Porter has already been released by his doctor for participation in non-contact drills; however, he is still waiting for a full release which is expected in September. According to head coach Chad McDowell, he and the entire basketball team expect to see Josh Porter back on the basketball court this fall!
Men’s basketball players will report for classes on August 27. The Pilots will open up the 2007-2008 campaign on November 2 on the road against Southwest Assemblies of God University. A complete 2007-2008 player roster and season schedule will be released once they are finalized.
Men's Basketball Releases 2007-2008 Schedule
AUGUST 27, 2007
Shreveport, La. – On Monday, LSUS men’s basketball head coach Chad McDowell released his team’s 2007-2008 schedule. The 2007-2008 schedule has the Pilots facing three non-conference opponents who advanced to the NAIA National Tournament last season and three NCAA Division 1 programs, including McNeese State, Centenary College and the Northwestern State Demons.
The Pilots return three starters and five lettermen overall from last year’s team which finished 25-7 overall, won their second consecutive conference tournament championship and made their 3rd straight appearance in the NAIA National Tournament. In addition, Coach McDowell and his staff have added a very talented recruiting class to the 2007-2008 roster.
“We are excited about the quality schedule we have put together,” said McDowell. “There is not one night that we can afford to not play our best game and expect to win. Our non-conference schedule will be a good test for us, and the GCAC is as tough as ever. The team we have assembled along with our schedule will make for another exciting year.”
LSUS will open up the pre-season with an exhibition contest versus NCAA Division 1 McNeese State on October 31. This will mark the second time in three years that the two programs have met in an exhibition game. McNeese State defeated the Pilots 91-81 in the 2005-2006 season.
LSUS will begin the 2007-2008 regular season slate on the road in Waxahachie, Texas, in the Pepsi Classic November 2- 3. The Pilots will play Paul Quinn College in the season opener on Friday night, and then will face another Red River Athletic Conference opponent and tournament host Southwest Assemblies of God University on Saturday.
The Pilots will return back home on November 6 for their first game in Shreveport; however, this game will not be played at “The Dock.” For the first time in school history, the Pilots will travel across town to face Centenary College. Two nights later, the Pilots will travel over to Tyler to face Texas College (11/8) in the first of two games between the two schools this season. Texas College will make a return trip to Shreveport (11/28) to face the Pilots at “The Dock.”
On November 12, LSUS will finally play its first home game on the season. The Pilots will play host to Jarvis Christian College, a 2007 NAIA National Tournament qualifier. LSUS and Jarvis Christian will also meet for the second time on the year December 6 in Tyler.
Other non-conference games on the schedule include road contests versus ETBU (11/20), Wiley College (12/4), Southwest Assemblies of God University (12/14) and the 2006 NAIA National Champion Texas Wesleyan University (12/15). A home contest versus the University of Texas-Tyler is scheduled for Saturday, November 24. In the final of three exhibition games versus NCAA Division 1 schools, LSUS will travel to Natchitoches to face the Northwestern State Demons (12/8). The Pilots and Demons have battled three times in the last four seasons with the Demons prevailing in all three contests.
Following a very tough and challenging non-conference schedule, things won’t get any easier as the Pilots enter the New Year and Gulf Coast Athletic Conference play. The Pilots will begin the conference season on the road in New Orleans for games against Loyola University-New Orleans (1/3) and Southern University-New Orleans (1/5).
Belhaven College and Dillard University will be the first two conference opponents to make an appearance at “The Dock” in 2008. LSUS will host Belhaven (1/10), and then will take on Dillard (1/12). The Pilots were a combined 4-0 versus the two teams last season.
After the brief stay at home, the Pilots will make one of the tougher road trips on the year to Mobile, Alabama. In Mobile, the Pilots will take on fierce rivals Spring Hill College (1/17) and the University of Mobile Rams (1/19). The Pilots will look to sweep the two schools on the road for the first time since 2005 after only managing a split the last two seasons.
On January 23, the Pilots will return home for a four game stretch at “The Dock” beginning with the 2007 GCAC Co- champion Xavier University Gold Rush. LSUS defeated the Gold Rush three times last season, including a victory over them in the conference tournament semi-finals giving Coach McDowell his 100th career victory as the head coach at LSUS. The Pilots will conclude the home stand with contests against William Carey College (1/26), Tougaloo College (1/31) and the University of Mobile (2/2).
LSUS will then travel to Jackson, Mississippi for another game with Belhaven (2/7) before returning home to face Loyola (2/9). The Pilots will also make their second trip to New Orleans February 14-16 to play Xavier (2/14) and Dillard (2/16).
After the New Orleans trip, the Pilots will come back home to “The Dock” for games against SUNO (2/21) and Spring Hill (2/23). The Spring Hill contest will be the last regular season home game for the Pilots. LSUS will finish out the regular season on the road with two games versus Tougaloo (2/28) and William Carey (3/1).
The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament will begin on March 6.
LSUS Basketball Signs Six Players to 2007 Recruiting Class
AUGUST 30, 2007
Shreveport, La.- LSUS head men’s basketball coach Chad McDowell announced Tuesday a six-member recruiting class for the 2007-08 season that includes three high school players and three transfers.
Justin Berry (San Antonio, Texas/Lytle HS), Chris Gatlin (Baton Rouge, La./Bossier Parish Community College), Ta’Kevin Huey (Minden, La./Doyline HS), J’Quincy Jones (Baton Rouge, La./Campbell University), Jared Stevenson (Quitman, La./Northwestern St.) and Cody Walker (Minden, La./Doyline HS) have all reported for class, and will join the Pilots for the 2007-08 season.
“I am extremely excited about this year’s recruiting class,” said McDowell. “They are a bunch of hard-working individuals who will have an opportunity to make an immediate impact on our team. With this class, we have added a lot of size, athleticism and depth which will allow us to play the style of basketball that our program is accustomed to. We are excited about seeing this group in action, and feel very strongly that we have assembled a team that will continue the winning tradition established by all of the past players here at LSUS.” Justin Berry, a 6’6 swingman, comes to LSUS after a stellar high school career in Texas. Berry was selected as a First Team Class 3A All-State performer, District MVP and Regional MVP following his senior season in which he averaged 19 points and 8 rebounds per game for the Lytle Pirates. Berry also participated in the 2007 TABC all-star game, and was named the game’s MVP for his outstanding performance.
Chris Gatlin didn’t have to look very far in order to find his next college destination. Gatlin, a 6’7 junior college transfer from BPCC, averaged 9 points, 5 rebounds and shot over 36% from the three-point line last season for the Cavaliers. Gatlin’s size, athleticism and seven-foot wingspan will provide the Pilots with a versatile player who is able to play both on the wing and in the post.
Ta’Kevin “Smooth” Huey joins the Pilots for the 2007-08 season after finishing his high school career at Doyline High School. Huey averaged 21 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists his senior year, along with being named to the Class B All- State, All-District 1-B and All-Webster Parish teams. Huey finished his career at Doyline as the school’s all-time leader in three-point field goals made.
Another transfer McDowell and his staff have added this season is J’Quincy Jones from Baton Rouge. Jones comes to LSUS from Campbell University in North Carolina. Prior to attending Campbell, Jones spent two seasons at San Jacinto Community College in Houston, Texas. Jones played his high school ball for Woodlawn in Baton Rouge, and was the point guard on back-to-back class 5A State Champion teams that won 54 games in-a-row.
Jared Stevenson, another NCAA Division 1 transfer, joins the Pilots after spending two years at Northwestern St. in Natchitoches. Stevenson was a member of the Northwestern St. team that appeared in the 2006 NCAA Tournament and advanced to the second round after upsetting Iowa in the first round. Stevenson graduated in 2005 from Quitman High School where he was an All-State and All-District selection for the Wolverines.
The final member of the 2007-08 recruiting class is Cody Walker. Walker, who is also a product of Doyline High School, will join high school teammate Ta’Kevin Huey on the LSUS roster. Walker’s high school resume is quite impressive. He was selected to the Class B All-State team, the All-Webster Parish team, the Shreveport Times All-Area team and as the District 1-B MVP in both his junior and senior seasons. Walker averaged over 20 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists during his senior season, and he finished his career at Doyline as the school’s all-time assists leader.
Also playing their first season in a Pilots uniform in 2007-08 are transfers Clarke Jackson and Gabe Hall. Jackson, a Centenary College transfer who was second in the Mid-Continent Conference in three-point field goal percentage as a sophomore (49%), red-shirted and sat out last season as a member of the LSUS team. Hall transferred from Wiley College at mid-semester last season, and will join the Pilots this year with three years of eligibility remaining.
The Pilots also picked up a huge addition for the ’07-08 season in 6’8 center Paul Marlow. Marlow joins the Pilot basketball team after playing one season for Coach Rocke Musgraves and the LSUS baseball team. Marlow, a native of Vancouver, British Columbia, has not played basketball since high school, but will have one season left to play college basketball for Coach Chad McDowell and the Pilots. The Pilots, coming off a 25-7 season and GCAC Tournament championship are scheduled to open the 2007-08 campaign with an Oct. 31 exhibition contest at McNeese State University in Lake Charles.
Porter Receives Full Medical Release
SEPTEMBER 07, 2007
Shreveport, La. - On Friday morning, Josh Porter, his family, friends, coaches and the entire LSUS basketball team received an answer to the most asked question of the summer. Yes, Josh Porter will play basketball this season!
The 2006 GCAC Newcomer of the Year and NAIA All-American was critically injured on November 28 during a home game versus Southwest Assemblies of God University. On a play where he collided with teammate Kyile Byrd while trying to intercept a pass, Porter fractured the C5 vertebrae in his neck. According to several medical experts, 99% of the people with the same exact injury as Josh’s are instantly paralyzed for life; however, after a successful surgery, Porter walked out of the hospital a few days later.
To say that Josh Porter is now a walking miracle would be an understatement. Less than one hour after hearing the exciting news that he was fully released to play basketball again, Josh Porter was back on the floor at “The Dock” with his LSUS teammates.
“It’s been a long 10 months, but I am extremely excited to be back on the court with my teammates,” Porter said. “Now, I can finally fly like an eagle again!”
In typical Josh Porter fashion, he entered the gym today with a huge smile on his face -- the same smile that he maintained throughout this life-changing experience.
Men Picked 2nd, Women 4th in GCAC Preseason Basketball Polls
OCTOBER 08, 2007
Shreveport, La. - The LSUS men's basketball team was picked to finish 2nd and the women's team was picked 4th in the GCAC preseason basketball polls as voted by the league's coaches.
Complete Poll Results Below:
Men's Basketball 2007-08 Preseason Poll Results:
Rank School Points 1. Xavier University 79 2. LSUS 67 3. University of Mobile 60 4. Tougaloo College 57 5. Spring Hill College 47 6. William Carey University 40 7. Dillard University 36 8. Belhaven College 27 9. SUNO 24 10. Loyola 13
Women's Basketball 2007-08 Preseason Poll Results:
Rank School Points 1. Loyola University 72 2. Xavier University 65 3. University of Mobile 55 4. LSUS 48 5. SUNO 44 6. William Carey University 36 7. Belhaven College 24 8. Spring Hill College 21 9. Dillard University 20 10. Tougaloo College 20
The Sporting News Selects LSUS 10th, Porter and Morris Preseason All- Americans in 2007-08 College Basketball Preview
OCTOBER 09, 2007
Shreveport, La. - The Sporting News 2007-08 College Basketball Preview has selected LSUS as the 10th ranked team in the NAIA and seniors Josh Porter and Jamon Morris as NAIA Preseason All-Americans.
This is the 3rd consecutive season that the LSUS Pilots have cracked the top 10 in the magazine's NAIA preseason basketball poll. The Pilots were ranked 3rd in 2005, 2nd in 2006, and 10th in this season's edition.
Josh Porter has now garnered back-to-back preseason All-America honors from the publication, being named a Preseason NAIA 1st Team All-American for the second consecutive year. Porter suffered a season-ending injury just seven games into last season, but has received a medical hardship from the NAIA allowing him an additional year of eligibility. Porter averaged over 19 points and 6 rebounds per game for the Pilots in 2005-06, while being named the GCAC Newcomer of the Year and a NAIA All-American following the season.
Senior Jamon Morris was also selected as a NAIA Honorable Mention All-American in the Sporting News' annual college basketball preview.
Morris, a native of Chicago, Illinois, averaged 15 points and 9 rebounds per game last season for the Pilots. Morris helped lead the Pilots to their second consecuitve GCAC Tournament title and a third straight appearance in the NAIA National Tournament. Morris was 3rd in the nation in double-doubles last season, and was a 1st-Team All-GCAC selection.
The Pilots open up the 2007-08 campaign with an exhibition contest versus McNeese State University on October 31st in Lake Charles.
Porter, Morris Highlight GCAC Preseason All-Conference Team
OCTOBER 21, 2007
Hattiesburg, Miss. - The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference announced today the men's basketball preseason all-conference team. The ten player team was chosen by a vote of the league's coaches. They are listed below in alphabetical order.
Shaun Dumas Xavier University Walter Fitzgerald University of Mobile Jeremy Holder William Carey University Kevin McCoy Tougaloo College Dax Miller Belhaven College Jamon Morris LSUS Josh Porter LSUS Jeremy Price Spring Hill College Mark Stewart Xavier University Luke Zumo Loyola University
Midnight Madness Set For Friday Night at "The Dock"
OCTOBER 22, 2007
The Student Activities Board at LSUS will host Midnight Madness 2007: “Hoop ‘n it Up” in the LSUS Health and Physical Education Gym at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, October 26, 2007. The event will showcase the return of LSUS Pilots basketball senior and NAIA Pre-Season All-American, Josh Porter, as well as reveal the new LSUS Mascot and its name. The event is open to the Shreveport-Bossier communities. Admission is one canned food at the door. Midnight Madness 2007 will feature scrimmage games by both the LSUS Pilots and Lady Pilots basketball teams, where they will play for the first time this season. There will be give-away prizes, games and fun for everyone. There will also be an opportunity to meet the newest member of the LSUS community, the LSUS Pilots mascot.
The Sporting News 2007-2008 College Basketball Preview has selected the LSUS Pilots Basketball team as the 10th ranked team in the NAIA and seniors Josh Porter and Jamon Morris as NAIA Preseason All-Americans. Porter has now garnered back-to-back preseason All-America honors from the publication, being named a Preseason NAIA 1st Team All- American for the second consecutive year. Porter suffered a season-ending injury last year, but has received a medical hardship from the NAIA allowing him an additional year of eligibility.
The LSUS Pilots were picked to finish second and the Lady Pilots were picked fourth in the GCAC preseason basketball polls as voted by the league's coaches.
Pilots Basketball to Broadcast Games Over the Internet
OCTOBER 29, 2007
Shreveport, La. – The LSUS men’s basketball program has partnered with Teamline for the 2007-08 season to bring you live audio of Pilots basketball via the internet.
Teamline will broadcast 30 LSUS regular season contests, beginning with Saturday night’s game versus Southwest Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas.
"I am extremely excited about our games being broadcasted over the internet this season,” commented head coach Chad McDowell. “With our fan base growing each year, this is something that our program has needed to do for a couple of years now. There are a lot of friends, family, and fans of the program that do their best in following the Pilots, and these internet broadcasts will give them that opportunity."
In order to listen live, please visit the LSUS Athletics Website prior to the game’s contest. Links to the broadcast will be available on both the athletics home page and men’s basketball home page.
Men's Basketball Visits Midway Elementary
OCTOBER 29, 2007
On Friday afternoon, the LSUS men’s basketball team made their annual visit to Midway Elementary Professional Development School. And for the second consecutive year, the visit was a huge success.
Kids from ages 5 to 12 lined the halls and packed the gym in anticipation of the Pilots visit. Upon arrival, players were greeted with high-fives, smiles and piercing screams of excitement as they walked through the halls. As the players entered the gym, it was immediately established who the crowd favorite was. “Number 1, Number 1, Number 1,” was the chant that echoed throughout the gym. Remembering the high-flying dunks and half-court shots #1 Josh Porter performed the year before, the kids were screaming for him to put on a show once again. He did not disappoint!
At the conclusion of the day’s events, Coach McDowell spoke to the kids about the importance of education. He also gave them tips on how to become the best they can be and how to be successful in life.
As the students emptied out of the gym, the LSUS players lined up across the gym floor and each kid had to opportunity to meet the team. Some wanted autographs. Some wanted high-fives. Some just simply wanted a hug.
It was a special day for the kids of Midway Elementary. It was a special day for the Pilots.
One thing is for certain, they love their Pilots!
Pilots Set to Tip-off 2007-08 Season
OCTOBER 30, 2007
Shreveport, La. - The LSUS Pilots will open up the 2007-08 season with an exhibition contest versus McNeese State University on Wednesday night in Lake Charles.
Wednesday's match-up will be the first game for each team this season and the second meeting between the two schools in the last three years. McNeese defeated the Pilots 93-83 in 2005.
The Pilots enter the 2007-08 season looking to build upon the success they have had over the past four seasons. The program's four-year resume includes: 101 wins, two GCAC regular season championships, two conference tournament championships, three consecutive NAIA National Tournament appearances, a number one national ranking in 2006 and three NAIA All-Americans.
"The anticipation for the 2007-08 season has been greater this year than ever," said the four-time LABC Small College Coach of the Year Chad McDowell. "With the return of preseason all-americans Josh Porter and Jamon Morris, along with our senior leader Travis Cash and a few talented newcomers, we expect to build upon the winning tradition that has been created by all of our former players. We expect to win championships here at LSUS and that will be our goal once again this year."
The Pilots will face a McNeese team that returns four of the five starters, including thier leading scorer, rebounder and assists leader, off of last year's 15-17 squad that advanced to the semifinals of the Southland Conference Tournament.
Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM Wednesday in Burton Coliseum. LSUS opens its regular season Nov. 2 against Paul Quinn College in the Pepsi Classic at Southwest Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas and will play its first home game on Nov. 12 versus Jarvis Christian College.
Pilots Defeat McNeese State University in Exhibition Contest
NOVEMBER 01, 2007
Lake Charles, La. – The LSUS men’s basketball team picked up their first ever win against a NCAA Division 1 opponent on Wednesday night with a 86-80 victory over McNeese State University.
Senior Jamon Morris poured in 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, leading the way for the Pilots in both categories. Sophomore point guard Jared Stevenson, a transfer from Northwestern State University, added 17 points in his LSUS debut.
“Tonight’s win is not only special for this year’s team, but it’s really a tribute to the winning tradition that all of the players and coaches from the past four years have established for our program,” said head coach Chad McDowell. “Our guys truly believe that they can win every time they step on the floor, no matter the opponent. And that’s the way it should be.”
All five starters for the Pilots finished the game scoring in double figures. Seniors Josh Porter, Travis Cash and J’Quincy Jones each had 13 points apiece in the victory. Jones also pulled down eight rebounds on the evening, while Cash chased down seven rebounds of his own.
LSUS will be back in action for their first regular season game on Friday night versus Paul Quinn College in the Pepsi Classic at Southwest Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas.
Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM.
Pilots Squeeze Out Two-Point Victory in Season Opener
NOVEMBER 02, 2007
Waxahachie, Texas – The LSUS Pilots men’s basketball team pulled out a dramatic 88-86 victory over Paul Quinn College in their season opener on Friday night.
A three-point attempt by Paul Quinn’s Johnathan Alexander bounced off the back of the rim as time expired, and the Pilots narrowly escaped an upset with a two-point victory.
With just over five minutes left to play in the contest, NAIA Preseason All-American Josh Porter put the Pilots on his shoulders and exploded for 12 points over the next minute of action. Porter connected on four consecutive three-point baskets over a one minute span to give the Pilots a six point lead and one they would not relinquish for the rest of the game.
With 3.8 seconds left on the clock, LSUS had the opportunity to extend their lead to three points at the free throw line, but a miss on the back-end of a one-and-one allowed Paul Quinn one more chance to pull the upset.
Paul Quinn grabbed the rebound after the missed free throw and raced up the court and fired an uncontested three- pointer for the win just a bit long.
Porter led all scorers with 25 points, while fellow senior Travis Cash added 16 points and 9 rebounds.
Junior Chris Wafer logged some big minutes in the second half, finishing the game with 9 points and 9 rebounds.
The Pilots outrebounded the Tigers 58-38 in the contest.
The difference in tonight’s game was at the charity stripe. LSUS finished the game shooting 79% from the line, while Paul Quinn was just 12 for 26 (46%).
LSUS with have very little time to rest and enjoy tonight’s victory as they return to action tomorrow night to face tournament host Southwest Assemblies of God University.
Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM.
Pilots Move to 2-0 with 23-point Win Over SAGU
NOVEMBER 04, 2007
Waxahachie, Texas - The LSUS men's basketball team picked up its second win in as many nights, as they defeated the Pepsi Classic tournament host Southwest Assemblies of God University Lions 88-65 on Saturday night.
LSUS began the game with a starting lineup that featured three freshmen and it paid off early for the Pilots. Consecutive three-point baskets by junior Clarke Jackson and freshman Ta'Kevin Huey forced SAGU to take an early timeout after falling behind 6-0.
The Pilots would never look back as they raced out to a 43-25 halftime lead, dominating both ends of the floor in the first half.
In the second half, the Pilots continued to control the game and execute on the offensive end of the court. 13 Pilots logged minutes in the second half and all 13 players scored in the contest.
Freshman Ta'Kevin Huey led the way for the Pilots, scoring 17 points on 6 of 12 shooting, including 5 three's on the evening. Sophomore Jared Stevenson finished the game with 9 points and 5 assists, and senior J'Quincy Jones added 8 points and 5 rebounds in just 10 minutes of action.
With the win, LSUS moves to 2-0 on the season and will face crosstown rival Centenary College on Tuesday night in the Gold Dome.
Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM.
Pilots Defeat Centenary College 80-72 in Shreveport Showdown
NOVEMBER 06, 2007
Shreveport, La. - The LSUS Pilots men's basketball team knocked off a NCAA Division-1 program for the second time this season with an 80-72 victory over Centenary College in the "Shreveport Showdown" at the Gold Dome on Tuesday night.
The much anticipated contest between the two schools located just 5 miles apart did not disappoint those in attendance.
There were two questions most local college basketball fans sought an answer to entering tonight's game: 1) Is Josh Porter as good as he was before his neck injury, and 2) Can the LSUS Pilots really beat Centenary?
The answers: Yes, and Yes!
Senior Josh Porter led all scorers with 22 points, including three three's from 25, 27 and 30 feet away, while also adding a game-high seven rebounds to his stat line in the Pilots victory.
The Pilots struggled to find any rythym offensively in the first half, shooting a dismal 24% from the field. However, stellar defensive play and Centenary being saddled with early foul trouble helped the Pilots stay afloat.
Trailing 35-29 at the break, LSUS found themselves in an unfamiliar spot being down at halftime for the first time this season. The Pilots responded by becoming the aggressor on both ends of the floor, forcing Centenary to turn the ball over on the defensive end and by attacking the basket on the offensive end.
With 14 minutes left to play and trailing by seven points, LSUS went on a 17-2 run that completely swung the momentum of the contest in the Pilots favor. During that four minute run, LSUS forced five Centenary turnovers and allowed just one basket. An old-fashioned three-point play and a three-point basket by former Centenary Gent Clarke Jackson sparked LSUS during that four minute span.
The Gents managed to cut the Pilots lead down to two on several occasions late in the contest, however, a late 7-0 run capped off by a J'Quincy Jones steal and dunk sealed the game for the Pilots.
Defensively, LSUS' aggressiveness forced 26 Gents turnovers for the game, while offensively it resulted in the Pilots attempting 36 free throws and caused Centenary star guard Tyrone Hamilton to foul out with just over 2 minutes left to play in the game.
The Pilots shot only 38% from the field compared to 44% for Centenary, but the Pilots outrebounded the home team 41- 39 for the game and turned 26 Centenary turnovers into 26 points.
LSUS senior Jamon Morris added 16 points for the Pilots, while senior J’Quincy Jones and sophomore point guard Jared Stevenson each scored in double-figures with 13 and 10 points respectively.
Centenary guard Chase Adams posted 18 points for the Gents in the losing effort.
The LSUS Pilots (2-0) will head over to Tyler on Thursday night to face the Texas College Steers (3-0) at 7:00 PM. The game can be heard over the internet via Teamline
LSUS Men's and Women's Basketball Teams to Face Centenary College Tonight
NOVEMBER 06, 2007
The LSUS men’s and women’s basketball teams will travel across town for the “Shreveport Showdown” tonight versus Centenary College in the Gold Dome on the Centenary campus.
The women’s game begins at 5:00 PM with the men’s game tipping-off at approximately 7:30 PM.
Both games can be heard over the radio locally on KSCL 91.3 FM with Doug Greenwald calling the action. The men’s game can also be heard over the internet courtesy of Teamline (http://www.teamline.cc/teampage?teamcode=7111).
Tonight's contests can also be viewed via live video streaming through The Summit League website (http://www.thesummitleague.org/).
Porter's Buzzer-Beater Lifts LSUS to Victory Over Texas College
NOVEMBER 09, 2007
TYLER, Texas – Josh Porter’s 3-pointer as time expired lifted LSUS to a 100-97 win over Texas College on Thursday night.
With five seconds remaining, senior J’Quincy Jones’ shot from the baseline bounced off the back of the rim. A Texas College player tried to clear the ball away from the basket, hoping by swatting it toward midcourt time would expire.
However, the ball landed in Porter’s hands about five feet from the top of the key and he buried the game-winning shot as the buzzer sounded to send the Pilots into a wild celebration on Texas College’s home court.
Porter led LSUS with a 26 point, 13 rebound performance.
Senior Jamon Morris scored 17 points and added 9 rebounds for the Pilots, while starters Jared Stevenson (16), Travis Cash (16) and Jones (12) also finished in double-figures.
Texas College’s Czyz Bennett led all scorers with 35 points on 10 of 20 shooting and 12 of 13 from the charity stripe.
The Pilots outrebounded their opponent for the fifth consecutive game, holding a 46-35 advantage on the boards, including 16 offensive rebounds.
The Pilots (3-0) will be back in action on Monday, taking on Jarvis Christian College in the home opener at “The Dock” on the LSUS campus. The LSUS women’s team will open up the double-header with a 5:30 start time, and the men’s game will tip-off at 7:30.
Pilots Cruise to Victory in Home Opener
NOVEMBER 13, 2007
Shreveport, La. - The LSUS Pilots men's basketball team picked up their their fifth consecutive home-opening victory since the program was restored in 2003 with Monday night's victory 83-68 victory over Jarvis Christian College in front of a near capacity crowd.
The Pilots jumped out to a quick 10-4 lead just 3 minutes into the game and would never look back. The early 10-4 run to start the game was capped off by an emphatic, alley-oop dunk by NAIA All-American Josh Porter.
In his first game back at "The Dock" since suffering a life-threating neck injury almost one year ago, Porter returned to a standing ovation as he was introduced in tonight's starting line-ups.
After being saddled with three fouls and only two points at the break, Porter exploded in the second half for 17 points to help lead the Pilots to victory.
Leading 38-24 at the half, the Pilots quickly stretched their lead out to 23 points over the first five minutes of the second half. However, the Pilots lead would be cut down to 10 points after the Bulldogs went on a 19-6 run over the next 8 minutes.
The Pilots responded with a quick 8-0 run of their own over the next 2 minutes, including three consecutive baskets by Porter, to seal the victory.
Poter finished the contest with a team-high 19 points.
Senior Jamon Morris, third in the country last season in double-doubles, added 12 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to record his second double-double this season.
Starters J'Quincy Jones (13 points, 8 rebounds) and Clarke Jackson (10 points) each finished in double-figures for the Pilots.
LSUS (4-0) will have a week off to nurse some injuries which forced two players to miss tonight's game (Travis Cash and Cody Walker), before facing East Texas Baptist University in Marshall on Tuesday, November 20.
Pilots Top Century Mark in 114-94 Victory Over ETBU
NOVEMBER 20, 2007
Marshall, Texas – The LSUS Pilots won their fifth consecutive game to start the season as they beat East Texas Baptist University 114-94 on Tuesday night.
“ETBU has played us very tough over the past four seasons, and it has never been easy to get a victory on their court,” said Coach Chad McDowell. “Anytime you win on the road by 20 points, you can chalk it up as a good win.”
The Pilots came out of the gates strong scoring on 9 of their first 10 possessions, and they never looked back after establishing an early 18-8 lead.
LSUS led by as many as 16 points with four minutes left in the first half, but a late 11-2 ETBU run capped off by a Nick Garrett 3-pointer at the buzzer pulled the Tigers to within seven at the half.
The seven-point halftime deficit would be as close as the Tigers would get for the rest of the night, as Josh Porter pushed the LSUS lead back to 14 points with seven straight points to begin the second half and the Pilots cruised to a 20-point victory.
Porter finished with a game-high 29 points leading an LSUS team that had seven players in double figures, including Travis Cash (13), Justin Berry (12) and Clarke Jackson (10).
“I think it speaks volumes of our unselfishness as a team to finish the game with seven players in double-figures and a season-high 23 assists,” added McDowell. “Overall, this was probably our best team effort of the season.”
Three Pilots also registered double-doubles on the evening. Jamon Morris and Chris Gatlin each had 12 points and 10 rebounds, while point guard Jared Stevenson finished the game with 11 points and 10 assists.
LSUS (5-0) will be back at home on Saturday for an afternoon contest versus UT-Tyler. Tip-off is set for 3:00 PM.
Pilots Win Sixth in a Row
NOVEMBER 24, 2007
Shreveport, La.- The LSUS Pilots men's basketball team picked up another victory on Saturday afternoon, defeating NCAA Division 3 UT-Tyler 77-65.
The explosive LSUS offense (94.6 PPG) was held in check for the entire first half, scoring just 25 points in the first 20 minutes of the game. Senior Travis Cash was the lone bright spot in the first half for the Pilots with 8 points and 2 assists.
In the second half, the Pilots offense got back on track courtesy of seniors Jamon Morris, Josh Porter and J'Quincy Jones. Morris scored 17 of his 18 points in the second half on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, while Porter and Jones poured in 11 and 8 second-half points respectively.
The Pilots pumped in 52 second-half points en route to a 77-65 victory.
Porter led all scorers with 19 points, and Jamon Morris collected his fourth double-double on the season with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Cash (12) and Jones (10) both also finished in double-figure scoring.
LSUS moves to 6-0 with the win, and will now face a tough Texas College team on Wednesday night at "The Dock." The Pilots needed a 25-foot 3-point shot by Josh Porter to defeat Texas College 100-97 earlier this season.
Pilots Improve to 7-0
NOVEMBER 29, 2007
Shreveport, La. - The LSUS men's basketball team ran their record to 7-0 on Wednesday night with a 78-76 victory over Texas College.
The Texas College Steers entered "The Dock" tonight with revenge on their minds, as the Pilots earned a 100-97 victory at Texas College earlier this season thanks to a last-second three-pointer by senior Josh Porter.
The Steers were playing with their seven-foot center Jeral Davis for the first time since Nov. 8, and he proved to be a factor on the defensive end early in the contest. Davis picked up three quick blocks and altered several other shots, keeping the Steers in the game for most of the first half.
Seniors Travis Cash and Josh Porter got hot early in the game from the outside, giving the Pilots a seven-point lead midway through the first half.
The Steers, however, would stay close and eventually tie the game at 36 heading into halftime courtesy of Davis and the offensive play of guard CZYZ Bennett.
Bennett finished the first half with 13 points for the Steers, while Cash (14) and Porter (11) also finished in double-figures for the Pilots.
Coming out of the break, the Pilots wanted to establish a low-post presence with Jamon Morris. Morris responded with three easy baskets, and used his size and strength to pick up fouls on the Steers' Davis, who eventually fouled out with four minutes left in the contest. After the Pilots stretched the lead back to seven points (59-52), Bennett once again kept the Steers in the game with basket, after basket, after basket. Bennett torched the Pilots for a game-high 39 points tonight after scoring 35 in their previous contest earlier this season.
Despite Bennett's efforts, the Pilots proved to be the tougher and more experienced team down the stretch. Gutsy play from senior J'Quincy Jones, who battled a nagging injury all game, and a few big shots from Porter and Cash sealed the victory for the Pilots.
Cash finished the game with a team-high 20 points, and Morris picked up his fifth double-double on the season with 17 points and 13 rebounds.
Porter and Jones rounded out the Pilot scorers in double-figures with 16 and 13 points. Point guard Jared Stevenson also added a game-high 7 assists.
LSUS (7-0) will have the rest of the week off before facing Wiley College (7-1) in Marshall next Tuesday night.
Pilots Remain Unbeaten With 81-79 Victory Over Wiley
DECEMBER 05, 2007
Marshall, Texas - The LSUS Pilots men's basketball team added another impressive non-conference victory to their resume, defeating Wiley College, the NAIA's #19 ranked team, 81-79 on the road Tuesday night.
The Pilots opened up the contest with a 12-2 run in the first 2 minutes, capped off by a pair of three-point baskets by Josh Porter and Jared Stevenson.
LSUS maintained a ten-point lead throughout much of the first half, and led by as many as 11 points (39-28) with just four minutes left in the half before Wiley responded with a 9-0 run of their own.
A steal by Travis Cash and layup by Josh Porter as time expired in the first half, pushed the LSUS lead to 41-37 entering the locker room at the break.
The Pilots once again pushed their lead up to eight points (54-46) early in the second half, but a scrappy Wiley defense forced several Pilot turnovers which resulted in a few easy baskets for the Wildcats.
The last ten minutes of the contest went back-and-forth, as both teams exchanged basket after basket. However, the Pilots managed to hang on to a six-point lead throughout much of that stretch.
Leading 77-72 with just under two minutes left to play, two unforced Pilot turnovers led to four points for the Wilcats, cutting the LSUS lead to just one point with one minute left. Senior J'Quincy Jones was then fouled and sent to the line for a one-and-one. After making the first free-throw, Jones missed his second attempt and as Wiley raced up the court for the game-tying basket, Wiley guard Darnell Adams was fouled on his 15-foot jumper, sending him to the line with two shots to tie the game.
Adams swished the first of two free-throws, but came up short on his second attempt, and the Pilots grabbed the rebound.
Holding on to a one-point lead, the Pilots advanced the ball up the court as the Wildcats were desperately trying to foul. With time running down, freshman Cody Walker found Jamon Morris open underneath the basket and Morris converted the layup while being fouled in the act of shooting. Morris completed the traditional three-point play, giving the Pilots an 81-77 lead with just 14 seconds remaining on the clock.
After a timeout, the Wildcats sprinted the ball up the floor and made a quick basket to cut the Pilots lead back to two points with six seconds left.
Senior Jared Stevenson was then quickly fouled, but missed the front end of his one-and-one. However, J'Quincy Jones tipped the missed free-throw over to Morris who pulled in the offensive rebound and was fouled with just one second remaining.
Morris missed the first free-throw and then intentionally missed the second free-throw, leaving Wiley with a 75-foot desperation heave that came up just short.
Morris finished the game with his sixth double-double on the season, scoring 21 points and pulling down 12 rebounds.
Seniors Josh Porter (18), Travis Cash (14) and J'Quincy Jones (11) all finished in double-figure scoring for the Pilots.
With the win, the Pilots moved to 8-0 on the season, and are off to their best start since beginning the 2005-06 season 12- 0.
LSUS will look to improve on their undefeated record, as they travel to face Jarvis Christian College on Thursday night. The Pilots defeated Jarvis Christian 83-68 on Nov. 12.
Pilots Ranked #5 in NAIA Coaches' Poll
DECEMBER 05, 2007
Shreveport, La. – Off to their best start since beginning the 2005-06 season 12-0, the LSUS Pilots men’s basketball team was rewarded with a #5 national ranking Wednesday in the first regular season NAIA Coaches’ Poll of the 2007-08 season.
LSUS began 2007-08 ranked #17 in the preseason coaches’ poll. The Pilots (8-0) have reeled off eight consecutive wins to begin this season, including an 81-79 victory Tuesday night over Wiley College who entered this week’s rankings as the #15 team in the nation.
LSUS has four victories this year against NAIA opponents who are either nationally ranked, or are receiving votes to be ranked. In addition, the Pilots defeated two NCAA Division 3 schools in action earlier this season, while also knocking off two NCAA Division 1 opponents in exhibition contests.
LSUS will be back in action on Thursday night versus Jarvis Christian in Hawkins, Texas. The Pilots defeated Jarvis 83-68 on Nov. 12.
#5 Pilots Win Again
DECEMBER 07, 2007
Hawkins, Texas – The LSUS Pilots continued their winning ways on Thursday night with a 78-66 victory over Jarvis Christian College.
The Pilots jumped out to a quick 10-2 lead in the first two minutes of the contest and never looked back, as they cruised to their ninth consecutive win of the season.
LSUS was led by senior J’Quincy Jones who came off of the bench to score a game-high 25 points, while pulling down 10 rebounds for his first double-double on the year.
They Pilots dominated the game on the boards, outrebounding the Bulldogs 51-31 for the contest.
Senior Jamon Morris led the Pilots with 15 rebounds, and added 14 points to his total for a double-double of his own. Morris currently leads the NAIA in double-doubles with seven.
LSUS (9-0) will take on NCAA Division 1 Northwestern State University on Saturday in Natchitoches. The Demons are the third NCAA Division 1 opponent the Pilots will face this season, as they have already defeated both McNeese State and Centenary College earlier this season.
Saturday’s game is set for 4:00 PM.
Pilots Stay Perfect With 79-73 Victory Over Northwestern State
DECEMBER 08, 2007
NATCHITOCHES, La. - Josh Porter had 20 points and Jared Stevenson 16 as LSU-Shreveport beat Northwestern St. 79- 73 on Saturday to remain undefeated.
LSUS (9-0), which led 43-36 at halftime, scored the last six points to win a contest with eight ties and five lead changes. Senior Jamon Morris, who finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds, hit a basket with 1:36 left to put the Pilots up 75-73. Clarke Jackson then stole the ball and hit a layup with 1:02 left to put them ahead of the Demons (4-6) by four points.
A 3-point shot by the Demons' Michael McConathy rattled in and out with 52 seconds left. Jackson got the rebound but Porter missed a 3-point shot with 20 seconds left.
Stevenson, a transfer from Northwestern St., sank two free throws after a traveling violation by the Demons with 12 seconds left for the final score.
The Pilots also got 11 points and 12 rebounds from Travis Cash.
Trey Gilder had 31 points and 17 rebounds for the Demons. Gerrell Thomas added 14 points and 13 rebounds, reserve Deividas Petravicius had 13 points, and Colby Bargeman had 10 rebounds as well as six points.
LSUS won their third game over a NCAA Division 1 opponent after two exhibition victories over McNeese State and Centenary earlier this season.
The Pilots will be back in action on Friday night as they travel to Fort Worth to take on Southwest Assemblies of God University at Texas Wesleyan University.
Morris Named LSWA Player of the Week
DECEMBER 12, 2007
BATON ROUGE – LSU-Shreveport’s Jamon Morris was named the Men’s Player of the Week by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association, it was announced today.
Morris, a senior forward for the Pilots, helped lead LSUS to road wins over No. 15 Wiley College and Jarvis Christian College, while posting his sixth and seventh double-double on the season. Morris currently leads the NAIA in double- doubles. On Saturday, Morris and the Pilots knocked off their third NCAA Division 1 opponent this season, defeating Northwestern State, 79-73. Morris collected his third double-double on the week with 14 points and 13 rebounds versus the Demons.
In other men’s basketball news, the Pilots (9-0) moved up to the #3 spot in the Victory Sports Network Top 25 Poll this week, while remaining at #5 in the NAIA Coaches’ Poll.
Pilots Crush SWAGU
DECEMBER 14, 2007
Forth Worth, Texas - The LSUS Pilots ran their win streak to 10 games with a 96-67 victory over Southwest Assemblies of God University Friday night.
LSUS dominated from start to finish, leading by as many as 20 points in the first half and by 12 points (45-33) at the break.
The Pilots starting lineup consisted of two freshmen, two juniors, and sophomore Jay Lincoln, the first start of his career.
Lincoln made the most of his opportunity by scoring eight points and pulling down 4 rebounds in just six minutes of action in the first half. Lincoln finished the game with career highs in both points (10) and rebounds (5).
LSUS picked up in the second half where they left off in the first, forcing several Lion turnovers and turning them into easy baskets. The Pilots scored 14 points off turnovers and had 24 fast break points in the contest.
The Pilots also owned the boards tonight, outrebounding the Lions 53-35 on the night, while pulling down 17 offensive rebounds.
Senior Jamon Morris finished with a game-high 20 points and 11 rebounds. Morris' double-double was his ninth in just ten games this season.
Josh Porter and J'Quincy Jones rounded out the Pilots double-figure scorers with 16 and 11 points respectively.
LSUS had 13 players log minutes in tonight's contest, and all 13 players made at least one field goal in the game.
The Pilots (10-0) will return to action on Saturday night, as they play tournament host Texas Wesleyan at 7:30 PM.
LSUS Finishes First Half of the Season on High Note
DECEMBER 15, 2007
Fort Worth, Texas - The LSUS Pilots finished the first half of the season undefeated with an 88-60 victory over Texas Wesleyan on Saturday night.
LSUS started off the game on fire, jumping out to a ten point lead just four minutes into the contest. The Pilots would then go on 26-4 run over the next ten minutes, capped off by back-to-back three-point baskets by Josh Porter.
LSUS led the Rams 55-26 at the break. Porter finished the first half with 24 points. The Pilots continued their domination throughout most of the second half, extending their lead to as large as 36 points at one point.
LSUS received stellar play off of the bench from junior Clarke Jackson. In just 9 minutes of action, Jackson poured in 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting.
Senior J'Quincy Jones finished with 11 points in the rout, while Travis Cash pulled down a season-high 14 rebounds for the Pilots.
Porter led all scorers with a game and season-high 33 points.
LSUS will head into the Christmas break with a perfect 11-0 record. The Pilots are off to their best start since beginning the 2005-06 season with 12 straight wins.
LSUS returns to action on January 3 against Loyola, their first conference game of the season
Porter Named GCAC Player of the Week
JANUARY 22, 2008
Shreveport, La. - The LSUS men’s basketball team continues to rack up honors during their historic season, as senior guard Josh Porter was selected as this week’s Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Week.
In two games, Porter averaged 31 points and 3.5 rebounds, including a career-high 40-point performance in last Thursday’s 90-52 win over Spring Hill College.
Porter also eclipsed the 1,000-point mark in his LSUS career versus the Badgers.
The GCAC Player of the Week award was Porter’s second on the season and the Pilots second in as many weeks, as Travis Cash picked up the honor last week.
Pilot players will look to make their case for a third consecutive GCAC Player of the Week award beginning Wednesday night versus #16 Xavier University-New Orleans at The Dock.
Pilots Open up GCAC Play With a 67-62 Victory
JANUARY 03, 2008
New Orleans, La.- Loyola’s upset bid against #5 LSU-Shreveport fell just short as the Pilots defeated the Wolfpack 67-62 in the GCAC opener for both teams Thursday night in The Den.
Josh Porter led all scorers with 25 points on 9 of 18 shooting from the field and 2 of 7 from behind the arc. Jamon Morris finished with 12 points to round out the leaders for the Pilots, who remained unbeaten at 12-0 overall and 1-0 in the GCAC.
For Loyola (7-4, 0-1 GCAC), Sean Bennett led with 20 points and shot 6 of 11 from the field and 3 of 6 from beyond the arc. The sophomore guard converted 5 of 6 from the free throw line.
Luke Zumo had 13 points on 6 of 13 from the field and Nick Tuszynski finished with 10 points to round out the leaders for the Wolfpack.
Loyola led by as many as five points in the contest when Bennett hit a jumper with 7:39 remaining in the first half to make the score 24-19 . The Pilots answered with a 14-1 run to close out the half as the teams went to the locker room with LSUS leading 33-25.
In the second half, LSU-Shreveport increased the advantage to as many as 13 points with 9:38 to play as Porter hit a lay- up with 9:38 remaining.
Loyola cut the lead to one point with 2:59 to play on steal and layup by Bennett. LSUS finished the game with an 8-4 run, converting 6 of 8 from the free throw line over the last two minutes, to pull away en route to the win.
LSUS (12-0, 1-0) will return to action on Saturday evening when they face Southern-New Orleans. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM at Delgado Community College.
Pilots Off to Best Start in School History
JANUARY 05, 2008
New Orleans, La.-The LSUS Pilots men's basketball team notched their 13th consecutive victory to begin the season, defeating Southern University-New Orleans 93-84 on Saturday night.
The 13th straight victory to begin the season was a milestone win for the Pilots, as they surpassed the 12-0 mark set by the 2005-06 team.
LSUS (13-0, 2-0) placed four starters in double figures with Jamon Morris leading the way with 25 points. Josh Porter finished with 18 points, while Travis Cash and J'Quincy Jones scored 14 and 10 points respectively.
The Pilots jumped out to a 51-40 lead at the half, and led by as many as 20 points late in the second half.
LSUS, the number one rebounding team in the nation, outrebounded the Knights 44-37 in the contest. Jones finished with a game-high 9 rebounds, while Morris finished with 8 boards. The Pilots with return to action on Thursday night with a home game versus Belhaven at "The Dock." Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
2007-08 Pilots Enter Uncharted Waters
JANUARY 08, 2008
Shreveport, La. - Three wins over NCAA programs, a #1 Massey rating and thirteen consecutive victories later, the 2007- 08 LSUS men’s basketball team has accomplished what no other team in school history has been able to.
On November 1, 2007, the LSUS Pilots defeated McNeese State University, 86-80, for the school’s first-ever victory over a NCAA Division-1 program.
Five days later, the Pilots pulled off the feat again, this time against crosstown rival Centenary College. LSUS defeated Centenary, 80-72, in the “Shreveport Showdown” in front of a near capacity crowd at the Gold Dome on Centenary’s campus for their second victory over a NCAA D-1 school in less than a week.
The Pilots completed the NCAA hat trick one month later, as they traveled to Natchitoches on December 8 and knocked off the Northwestern State Demons on their home floor. The win over NSU was the first victory in four tries for the Pilots versus the Demons.
In addition to the three early season wins over NCAA Division-1 teams, the Pilots also dismantled of every NAIA school they played in the 2007 portion of their 2007-08 schedule. For their efforts and incredible start to the season, the Pilots finished 2007 ranked #3 in the Victory Sports Network Poll, #5 in the NAIA Coaches’ Poll, and more notably #1 in the Massey ratings.
The Massey ratings are a computer rating by Kenneth Massey that uses several different variables to determine a teams rating, with the key variable being win-loss outcomes relative to schedule difficulty. The Massey ratings are considered to be one of “the most scientific and full-featured systems available for analyzing the performance of members of a competitive league.” The Pilots finished 2007 in the Massey ratings as the #1 team in the NAIA and the #152 team at any level. At #152, the Pilots are ranked higher than any other school in the entire state of Louisiana.
After already accomplishing so much in the early portion of the 2007-08 season, the Pilots had plenty to look forward to as they entered the new year and the first weekend of Gulf Coast Athletic Conference play.
Coming off three consecutive GCAC Championship seasons, the Pilots entered conference play undefeated and in search of their fourth conference title. LSUS got off to a great start by defeating Loyola University on Thursday night, picking up their 12th consecutive victory to begin the season which tied a school record.
On Saturday, January 5, 2008, the 2007-08 Pilots etched their names into the record books once again, as they defeated Southern University in New Orleans, 93-84. The 13th straight victory for the Pilots surpassed the previous record set by the 2005-06 team which began the season 12-0. The 13 wins for the Pilots are currently the most of any team in the NAIA this season.
In just five short years, the LSUS men’s basketball program has reached heights that no one could have ever envisioned. 114 wins later, the Pilots have gone from the ranks of the unknown to a NAIA national powerhouse.
Will 2008 be the year they finish on top? If the first 13 games of the season are any indication of what could be in store, you might want to jump on board the ship the 2007-08 Pilots are steering.
LSUS will open up their 2008 home schedule on Thursday night versus Belhaven College. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
Pilots Continue to Give Back
JANUARY 09, 2008
Shreveport, La. - Throughout the years, the LSUS men's basketball team has continually given back to the community. Summer camps, volunteer work at special events around the city, attending birthday parties and speaking at various schools around the city are just are just a few of the ways the team has given back in the past.
Not only are the 2007-08 Pilots continuing the success on the floor, they are also keeping up the tradition of LSUS Basketball by giving back to the community on a regular basis. As mentioned above, visiting local schools and spending quality time with some of the students is one of the most popular ways for the Pilots to give back. At every school visit, the players use their talents and knowledge of the game of basketball to teach the students on how they can become better basketball players, but more importantly they seize the opportunity to talk to these young students about the importance of teamwork, possessing a good attitude and doing their best in school.
The latest visit for the Pilots came on Monday afternoon when practice for seniors Josh Porter, Travis Cash, Jamon Morris, Paul Marlow, J'Quincy Jones and starting point guard Jared Stevenson was cut short by an hour in order to visit the Ridgewood Middle School basketball team. In addition to the six players, head coach Chad McDowell and assistant coach Ryan Edwards led the Ridgewood Basketball team through several drills, and taught the student-athletes the importance of the fundamentals of basketball.
Following the 45-minute workout, the Raider basketball team carefully listened to the players and Coach McDowell as the Pilots talked about the ingredients of being successful. As usual, Coach McDowell finished with a challenge to everyone in the room of striving daily to be the best they can be in everything they do.
The Pilots concluded the day by interacting with some of the Ridgewood students in the gym as they waited for school to end. Several Pilots showed off their leaping ability with a series of high-flying dunks, and then challenged a few of the Raider basketball players to a couple of shooting contests. The afternoon was full of teaching, learning and a lot of fun for everyone involved. It seems certain that Monday's visit from the Pilots was one that members of the Raider basketball team will not soon forget.
Reminder: LSUS hosts Belhaven College on Thursday night at The Dock. The double-header will begin with the women's game at 5:30. The men's game will follow at approximately 7:30. Please be sure to come out and show your support for our basketball teams.
Win Pushes LSUS to 14-0 Start
JANUARY 11, 2008
A funny thing happened to No. 4 LSUS on its way to a blowout of Belhaven College — a basketball game broke out.
The Pilots watched a 20-point second-half lead get whittled down to one point before regaining control of the game and finishing with a 91-74 win at The Dock on Thursday night.
LSUS improves to 14-0 overall and 3-0 in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference play. Belhaven drops to 9-6 overall and 1-2 in conference action.
"It is good to have one of them (like that)," LSUS coach Chad McDowell said. "Our problem is we've had a few of them.
"But I tell you as much as I'd like to speak to the character Belhaven showed, you also have to have something about you to hold on to win, too, and to end up winning by double digits after holding a one-point lead."
LSUS led by as many as 23 points at 43-20 late in the first half when Cody Walker's second free throw with 12 seconds left was good.
Belhaven was able to cut the margin to 20 on a 3-pointer from Iman Walcott.
The 43-23 Pilots' lead wasn't safe.
After the opening three minutes when LSUS pushed the lead to 51-30, Belhaven made its run. The Blazers out-scored the Pilots 27-7 to come within 58-57 on Walcott's basket.
"I think they got back in the game by making some shots. They made six of their first eight 3s," McDowell said. "They finished 10 for 28. They were making shots and we were turning it over.
"I felt like we extended the lead back up by not losing all our composure."
After Belhaven closed within one at 61-60, the Pilots scored seven unanswered points. LSUS never led by fewer than five points the rest of the way.
"It was their ability not to panic," McDowell said. "Because I had some panic."
This was one time the Pilots weren't a reflection of their coach.
"We know that we built the lead up and we let it fall," said LSUS' Josh Porter who, along with teammate Travis Cash, led all scorers with 23 points on his birthday. "It was up to us build it up again and get the win. We don't panic."
LSUS got 19 points and 10 rebounds from J'Quincy Jones and 10 points and 11 rebounds from Jamon Morris.
The Pilots' second-half adventure was also partly the result of some offensive shooting woes. The Pilots made 39 percent of their second-half field goal attempts after making 47 percent in the first half.
Andre Taylor led Belhaven with 21 points. The Blazers also got 17 points from Walcott and 13 each from Korey Whiting and Larell Bailey.
(Story courtesy of the Shreveport Times).
Pilots Hit Century Mark, Remain Undefeated
JANUARY 12, 2008
Shreveport, La. - The LSUS men’s basketball team continued their winning ways and added on to their school-record 15- game winning streak on Saturday, defeating the Dillard men’s team 100-90.
The Pilots jumped out to a quick 20-8 lead in the first seven minutes of the game, and extended their lead out to as many as 18 points after back-to-back three-point baskets by point guard Jared Stevenson.
The Pilots led by a score of 50-40 at the break and Dillard would never get any closer. An old-fashioned three-point play by senior Travis Cash with just 13 seconds remaining helped the Pilots hit the century mark for the third time this season.
LSUS had four starters record double-digits in the scoring column, with Josh Porter finishing with a team-high 23 points. Point guard Jared Stevenson and Travis Cash each tallied 19 points in the contest, while Jamon Morris ended with 14 points and a game-high 11 rebounds.
Junior Chris Gatlin provided the Pilots with a much needed spark from off the bench on Saturday with 9 points and 9 rebounds. LSUS shot 53% for the game, however, they struggled from the free-throw line going 25-for-43 for the contest. The Pilots overcame their free-throw woes by shooting over 40% from the three-point line, connecting on 9-of-21 attempts.
LSUS (15-0, 4-0) will be back in action next week with two games versus Spring Hill and Mobile in Mobile, Alabama
Cash Named GCAC Player of the Week
FEBRUARY 06, 2008
Hattiesburg, Miss. - The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference announced today the men's basketball player of the week for the week ending February 3, 2008.
Cash helped lead the Pilots to two huge conference victories over Tougaloo College and the University of Mobile last week, as the Pilots moved into sole possession of first place in the GCAC standings with their win over Mobile.
Cash recorded double-doubles in both of the victories, while shooting over 60% from the field. Cash also played a huge part on the defensive end, limiting Mobile's Robert Jones (21.3 PPG) to just seven points in Saturday's win over Mobile.
The award was Cash's second on the season. Cash and teammate Josh Porter are the only two players in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference to be honored twice this season.
Pilots Remain #4 in Coaches' Poll, Move up to #2 in VSN Poll
JANUARY 16, 2008
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - For the fourth straight poll, Mountain State University (W.V.) is ranked No. 1 in the fourth regular season National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Men's Basketball Division I Top 25 Coaches' Poll, announced today (Jan. 16). The Cougars, who received 328 total votes and nine of the possible 11 first-place votes, started the season No. 5 in the preseason poll (Oct 31).
Four teams in Division I still remain undefeated, with Mountain State and No. 2 Georgetown (Ky.) leading the way with identical 16-0 records. Concordia (Calif.) holds the No. 3 position, winners of nine straight. The other two perfect teams are No. 4 LSUS at 15-0 and No. 5 Lee (Tenn.) at 14-0.
LSUS, who received the other two first-place votes, will face a tough challenge in trying to keep a perfect record as the Pilots take on Spring Hill College and The University of Mobile on the road this week, before returning home to face No. 16 Xavier University on Wednesday, Jan. 23.
Although the Pilots remained at the No. 4 slot in this week's NAIA Coaches' Poll, they moved up two spots in the Victory Sports Network Poll. The Pilots came in at the No. 2 spot in this week's VSN Poll.
Porter Scores 40, Eclipses 1,000 Point Barrier in Pilots Victory
JANUARY 17, 2008
Shreveport, La. - LSUS senior Josh Porter poured in a career-high 40 points, surpassing the 1,000-point mark for his career, to lead the Pilots to a 90-52 win over the Spring Hill Badgers. Porter needed just 6 points entering tonight's contest to hit the 1,000-point milestone and become the fifth Pilot player to do so since the program was restored in 2003. Rico Payne (2,244), Derrick Rogers (1,117), Freddy Hughes (1,024) and Derrick Sowell (1,013) each eclipsed the 1,000-point mark in their LSUS careers.
With 16:12 remaining in the first half, Porter nailed a 17-foot jumper, giving him 1,000 for his career in just 54 games played in a Pilots uniform. Porter finished the game shooting 14-of-21 from the field, including 7-of-13 from behind the arc.
The Pilots (16-0, 5-0) won for just the second time in five tries at the Arthur Outlaw Rec Center, while remaining undefeated and atop the GCAC standings.
Porter wasn't the only Pilot to have an outstanding game on Thursday night, Senior Jamon Morris recorded his NAIA leading 13th double-double of the season, finishing with 21 points and 16 rebounds.
Clarke Jackson also added 8 points off of the bench for the Pilots, connecting on 2-for-2 from behind the 3-point line.
LSUS shot a season-high 58% from the field, including 10-of-23 (43%) from behind the arc in Thursday night's rout of the Badgers. The 38-point triumph was the largest margin of victory for the Pilots this season.
The Pilots will now face the Mobile Rams (10-5, 5-0) for battle of sole possession of first place in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference standings on Saturday afternoon. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM
#4 LSUS Faces Mobile in GCAC Showdown
JANUARY 19, 2008
MOBILE, Ala—The University of Mobile men’s basketball team will host #4 LSU-Shreveport Saturday, January 19th at 4:00 pm in a battle of Gulf Coast Athletic Conference unbeatens. The Rams, who went 5-5 in non-conference action, but have since reeled off 5-straight wins in conference, including a win over #16 Xavier Thursday, will look to take sole possession of first place against the 16-0 LSU-Shreveport Pilots.
If a quick glance at the statistics is any indication, the game should be a close match up between two teams that get it done on both ends of the court. The Pilots grab an impressive 46 rebounds per contest and rank #8 in the NAIA with a scoring average of 88. Mobile on the other hand, holds opponents to a lowly 41% shooting from the field and rank top-10 on offense, shooting 51% from the field.
Robert Jones leads Mobile with 20 points and 8 rebounds per contest, while Josh Porter paces the Pilots’ offense with 20 points, and Jamon Morris grabs 10 rebounds per game.
The Pilots hold a 7-2 lead in the all-time series with Mobile and have won 6 in a row, including beating Mobile all three meetings last season and knocking the Rams out of the GCAC Tournament. LSU-S has won their 5 conference games this year by an average of 16 points, while the Rams have beaten their GCAC opponents by an average of 10 points.
Watch Today's Basketball Games Live on the Internet
JANUARY 19, 2008
MOBILE, Ala— LSUS fans that are unable to make the 6.5-hour trip to Mobile this weekend can watch both of Saturday's games versus The University of Mobile live over the Internet.
The University of Mobile has teamed up with B2 Networks to broadcast all University of Mobile home games online, where fans can watch and listen to the action for only $6. The Lady Pilots will battle the Lady Rams at 2:00 pm Saturday, January 19th, followed by men’s action at 4:00 pm.
Fans wanting to watch both events via B2 Networks will need a high-speed Internet connection and a current version of Windows Media Player.
For women’s games, fans can go to the following link: http://www.b2livetv.com/default.asp?v=WomensBasketball
For men’s games, fans can go to the following link: http://www.b2livetv.com/default.asp?v=Basketball
Fans can also get to the broadcast through the University of Mobile athletics web site: http://www.umobile.edu/athletic/umsportsweb.asp
A free audio only broadcast of the men’s game is also available via Teamline. Links to the broadcast can be found on the LSUS Athletics home page.
Cash Comes Up Clutch in Pilots 80-78 Victory Over Mobile
JANUARY 20, 2008
MOBILE, Ala. - #4 LSUS faced the University of Mobile on Saturday evening in a battle of Gulf Coast Athletic Conference unbeatens, and the Pilots handed the Rams an 80-78 loss thanks to a pair of free throws by senior Travis Cash with 4.6 seconds remaining in the contest.
The Rams jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead in the game and led through the first 9:30 of action, before Clarke Jackson sank two free throws to give the Pilots a 19-18 lead.
Josh Porter then picked up where he left off on Thursday night, pouring in 15 first-half points to stretch the Pilots lead to as many as 11 points late in the half.
LSUS led 45-37 at the break.
Mobile started the second half strong, outscoring the Pilots 23-14 in the first ten minutes of the half. A three-pointer by Marcus Yeager and a short jumper by Walter Fitzgerald gave Mobile its first lead of the half, 60-59 with 9:40 to play.
Both teams battled back and forth until a pair of Jamon Morris free throws gave the Pilots a 78-76 lead with 40 seconds remaining. The Rams tied the game at 78 on a lay-up by Fitgerald with 23 seconds left in the contest.
With the Pilots holding onto the ball for the last shot, Cash was fouled with 4.6 seconds left, as he made a driving attempt to the basket. Cash, just a 54% free-throw shooter on the season, calmly knocked down both free throws, giving the Pilots a two-point lead.
Left with one last attempt to upset the #4 Pilots, Fitzgerald rimmed out on a 25-foot three-point shot that looked to have ended the Pilots unbeaten season after going halfway through the basket and then bouncing out.
Porter led four Pilots in double-figures scoring with 22 points. Morris recorded his 14th double-double of the season, finishing with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Cash ended the night with 18 points and 9 rebounds, while point guard Jared Stevenson rounded out the Pilots double-figure scorers with 13.
LSUS will be back in action on Wednesday night when they face #16 Xavier University-New Orleans at The Dock. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM.
Porter Named GCAC Player of the Week
JANUARY 22, 2008
Shreveport, La. - The LSUS men’s basketball team continues to rack up honors during their historic season, as senior guard Josh Porter was selected as this week’s Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Week. In two games, Porter averaged 31 points and 3.5 rebounds, including a career-high 40-point performance in last Thursday’s 90-52 win over Spring Hill College.
Porter also eclipsed the 1,000-point mark in his LSUS career versus the Badgers.
The GCAC Player of the Week award was Porter’s second on the season and the Pilots second in as many weeks, as Travis Cash picked up the honor last week.
Pilot players will look to make their case for a third consecutive GCAC Player of the Week award beginning Wednesday night versus #16 Xavier University-New Orleans at The Dock
#4 LSUS and #16 Xavier University-New Orleans Set to Square Off
JANUARY 22, 2008
Shreveport, La. - The LSUS men’s basketball team will host #16 Xavier University-New Orleans in a primetime match-up of Gulf Coast Athletic Conference rivals on Wednesday night at The Dock. The Pilots are led by the reigning GCAC Player of the Week and NAIA All-American Josh Porter. Porter comes into Wednesday's night's contest averaging a team-high 21.7 points per game, which includes a career-high 40-point performance in last Thursday's 90-52 win over Spring Hill.
Senior Jamon Morris also provides the Pilots with a presence in the paint, as he is averaging over 14 points and 11 rebounds per game on the year. Morris is currently ranked #2 in the NAIA in rebounding, while leading the nation in double-doubles with 14.
Xavier is led by senior Mark Stewart, who averages just under 14 points per contest and is Xavier's all-time leader in three-point field goals made.
LSUS holds a 6-1 series advantage over Xavier, with the Gold Rush's only win coming in 2004 in the first-ever matchup between the two schools.
Coach Chad McDowell and the Pilots, who have reeled off 17 consecutive wins to begin the season, will look pick up their 18th win on the year and their seventh straight victory over the Gold Rush.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
Pilots Suffer First Loss
JANUARY 23, 2008
No. 3 LSUS has survived a series of close calls this season, emerging each time with its undefeated record intact and ascending the NAIA Top-25. Their latest challenge came on Wednesday in a meeting of Top-25 teams.
It took more than 40 minutes of basketball for the LSUS men's basketball team to lose their first game on the season, as No. 18 Xavier upset the Pilots, 75-72, in overtime to hand them their first loss of the season.
The Pilots (17-1, 6-1) had a shot at the win in regulation. Clarke Jackson drew a charging call with 5.9 seconds remaining when Kelechi Okoroha barreled into him on his way to the basket.
The change in possession set up the Pilots for a final shot, but Jared Stevenson's layup at the buzzer hit the side of the rim.
LSUS was in for a long night within the game's first two minutes when two of its best players, Josh Porter and Jamon Morris, each picked up two fouls. The pair didn't return until the second half.
With Porter and Morris on the bench, McDowell looked elsewhere for someone to answer the challenge. Travis Cash responded by scoring a game-high 27 points, 14 coming by halftime, and grabbing 10 rebounds.
It didn't help that the Pilots also shot miserably from the floor in the first half. They had just four field goals by the midway point of the first half.
Still, LSUS trailed 36-32 at halftime with Porter and Morris taking the floor in the second half. But, Porter struggled from the perimeter in the second half, never getting into a rhythm.
He finished with seven points on 3-of-13 shooting. Morris, the NAIA leader in double-doubles, added 13 points and seven rebounds.
Alfred Williams led Xavier with 23 points, Kelechi Okoroha added 20 points and 12 rebounds and Mark Stewart scored 18.
The Pilots will look to begin another winning streak on Saturday afternoon when they face William Carey University at The Dock. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM.
(Story Courtesy of Brian Vernellis and the Shreveport Times)
#3 Pilots, Lady Pilots Look to Get Back on Track
JANUARY 25, 2008
Shreveport, La. - The LSUS Pilots and Lady Pilots will look to bounce back Saturday afternoon, after losing a pair of games to Xavier University of New Orleans on Wednesday night.
The men's team dropped a 75-72 overtime decision to the Gold Rush; it was their first loss of the season, as the Pilots had won a school-record 17 consecutive games prior to Wednesday night's contest.
LSUS (17-1, 6-1) can still maintain sole possession of first place in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference standings with a win over the William Carey Crusaders on Saturday afternoon at the Dock.
The Lady Pilots will look to regain the momentum they had during their four-game conference winning streak, after losing back-to-back GCAC games for the first time this season.
The Lady Pilots (8-8, 4-3) will host the Lady 'Saders of William Carey beginning at 2:00 PM. The men's game is scheduled to tip-off at approximately 4:00 PM.
Pilots Regain Swagger With 95-76 Victory Over William Carey
JANUARY 26, 2008
Shreveport, La. - The LSUS Pilots one-game losing streak didn't last very long, as the Pilots defeated the William Carey Crusaders in convincing fashion on Saturday afternoon, 95-76.
After suffering their first loss of the season on Wednesday night, the Pilots came out of the gate very sluggish, scoring just eight points over the first 7:30 of the contest.
Trailing 9-8, LSUS opened up the flood gates, as they went on a 29-10 run over the next 9 minutes to take a 37-19 lead and essentially control of the game.
LSUS’ run was sparked by four three-point baskets from Josh Porter, who finished the first half with 20 points and 5 rebounds.
The Pilots led 48-29 at the break, and were determined to extend their lead as they headed onto the floor for the second half. An 11-2 run to begin the second half helped the Pilots build up a 28-point lead with 17:30 remaining in the contest.
LSUS led by as many as 31 points at one point in the second half, and the William Carey Crusaders never threatened after that.
Porter finished with a game-high 34 points, while also pulling down 9 rebounds, tying him with teammate Jamon Morris for game-high honors. Morris ended the night with 12 points.
Senior Travis Cash continued his stellar play, pouring in 22 points and pulling down 6 rebounds in the Pilots victory.
LSUS (18-1, 7-1) will be back in action at The Dock on Thursday night, when they take on the Tougaloo Bulldogs. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
Pilots Slide to 5th in Latest NAIA Coaches' Poll
JANUARY 30, 2008
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - For the first time this season, one team is the unanimous pick for No. 1 as Mountain State University (W.V.) maintains its hold as the best team in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Men's Basketball Division I Top 25 Coaches' Poll, announced today (Jan. 30). MSU has been No. 1 in all regular-season polls (six total), but this is the first time the Cougars earned all 11 first-place votes. The Cougars posted 10 first-place votes on two occasions this year.
Mountain State is closely followed by No. 2 Georgetown (Ky.) with a mere 15 points separating the two teams. No. 3 Concordia (Calif.), No. 4 Lee (Tenn.) and No. 5 Louisiana State University in Shreveport all stay within the Top 5 again but shuffle a bit from last week. LSUS fell two spots after it had its 17-game winning streak snapped in the 75-72 loss to then- No. 18 Xavier (La.) (Jan. 23).
Two teams made considerable leaps up seven spots, No. 10 Pikeville (Ky.) and No. 16 Cumberland (Tenn.). Pikeville has won 14 straight games while the Bulldogs of Cumberland have won six of their last seven (heading into this poll) including a win at No. 8 (tie) Lambuth (Tenn.) on Jan. 19.
Of the three teams still undefeated, Mountain State, Georgetown and Lee, Georgetown faces perhaps the stiffest of challenges. Georgetown hosts No. 10 Pikeville (Ky.) on Thursday before traveling to Cumberlands (Ky.), who is receiving votes, on Saturday.
Two teams enter the Top 25 for the first time all season, No. 22 Wayland Baptist (Texas) and No. 23 Shorter (Ga.).
The seventh regular season poll will be released on Wednesday, Feb. 6.
2007-08 NAIA Men's Basketball Division I Top 25 Coaches' Poll - Jan. 30 (Rating #6)
RANK LAST WEEK SCHOOL 1st PLACE VOTES 2007-08 RECORD* TOTAL POINTS
1 1 Mountain State University (W.Va.) 11 20-0 330
2 2 Georgetown College (Ky.) 21-0 315
3 T3 Concordia University (Calif.) 17-1 304
4 5 Lee University (Tenn.) 18-0 302
5 T3 Louisiana State University-Shreveport 18-1 285
6 7 Robert Morris College (Ill.) 17-2 270
7 13 Oklahoma City University 13-5 256
8 11 Westminster College (Utah) 16-3 245
9 8 Lambuth University (Tenn.) 15-3 242
10 17 Pikeville College (Ky.) 17-2 215
11 15 McKendree University (Ill.) 16-5 209
12 16 Southern Nazarene University (Okla.) 14-5 199
13 10 Point Loma Nazarene University (Calif.) 15-4 197
14 18 Xavier University (La.) 16-4 185
15 9 Campbellsville University (Ky.) 17-4 184
16 T23 Cumberland University (Tenn.) 13-4 176
17 6 Oklahoma Baptist University 15-4 145
18 14 California Baptist University 15-2 142
19 12 Trevecca Nazarene University (Tenn.) 14-4 135 20 19 Lewis-Clark State College (Idaho) 15-6 98
21 T23 Texas Wesleyan University 13-7 92
22 RV Wayland Baptist University (Texas) 12-6 90
23 RV Shorter College (Ga.) 14-5 77
24 22 Saint Xavier University (Ill.) 17-5 73
25 25 Martin Methodist College (Tenn.) 15-4 65
Others receiving votes:
University of Mobile (Ala.) 53; Columbia College (Mo.) 40; Wiley College (Texas) 37; Rocky Mountain College (Mont.) 23; Auburn University Montgomery (Ala.) 20; Crichton College (Tenn.) 19; Vanguard University (Calif.) 16; University of Illinois at Springfield 15; Montana State University-Northern 10; Park University (Mo.) 7; Union University (Tenn.) 7; Jarvis Christian College (Texas) 6; University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) 6; Faulkner University (Ala.) 6; Fresno Pacific University (Calif.) 5; Berry College (Ga.) 4; Azusa Pacific University (Calif.) 4; Northwestern Oklahoma State University 3; Texas College 2; Lindsey Wilson College (Ky.) 1
#5 Pilots Run Past Tougaloo
JANUARY 31, 2008
Shreveport, La. - The LSUS men's basketball team picked up their 19th victory of the season with a 90-77 victory over Tougaloo College on Thursday night at The Dock.
The Pilots came out of the gates on fire, as they jumped out to a 19-2 lead just four minutes into the contest. Senior Jamon Morris had seven points in the early run, while Josh Porter and Jared Stevenson each connected on two field goals, including one three-point basket apiece.
Tougaloo's Jeremy Cable single-handedly kept the Bulldogs in the game in the first half, as he exploded for 19 points in the first 20 minutes of action. Cable connected on 4-of-6 three pointers in the first half.
The Pilots led by ten points at the half, but back to back three-point baskets to begin the second half by Cable and Keithdrick Harris cut the Pilots lead down to just four points.
However, LSUS responded with a quick 9-0 run of their own to seize back control of the contest, and push their lead back to 13 points.
Tougaloo wouldn't go away easy, as they cut the lead back down to five points after three consecutive made baskets by Harris.
That would be as close as the Bulldogs would get, as the Pilots went on a 17-6 run over the next five minutes to seal the victory. LSUS was led by Travis Cash's 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Morris added another double-double with 16 points and 14 boards.
Porter and J'Quincy Jones rounded out the Pilots in double-figures with 21 and 15 points respectively.
Cable and Harris each finished with a game-high 33 points for the visiting Bulldogs.
With the win, LSUS (19-1, 8-1) moves into a first-place tie at the halfway mark of Gulf Coast Athletic Conference play. The Pilots will host the University of Mobile on Saturday afternoon in a battle for sole possession of first place in the GCAC. Tip off is scheduled for 4:00 PM.
Pilots Take Hold of First Place in the GCAC
FEBRUARY 02, 2008
Shreveport, La. - The Pilots (20-1, 9-1) moved into sole possession of first place in the GCAC with an 81-61 win over the Rams.
LSUS scored the first basket of the game at the 18:36 mark on a lay-up by J’Quincy Jones, and the Pilots would never trail as they handed the Rams a 20-point loss.
The Pilots used a 10-2 run midway through the first half to take a 10 point lead, but Mobile responded with five unanswered point to cut the Pilot lead down to five. However, the Rams would never get any closer as Chris Gatlin came off the bench and pumped in back-to-back three pointers, and Josh Porter nailed two consecutive jumpers to increase the Pilots lead up to 14 points with just over one minute remaining in the first half.
After a made basket by Mobile’s Walter Fitzgerald to begin the second half, the Pilots essentially put the game away with a 10-0 run over the next five minutes of action.
The Pilots shot 48% from the field and outrebounded the Rams 47-30 on the glass.
Jones led all scorers with 19 points, while three other Pilots recorded double-doubles on the night. Josh Porter finished with 18 points and a career-high 11 rebounds, Travis Cash added 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Jamon Morris collected another double-double with 12 points and 10 boards.
Gatlin concluded the contest with a season-high 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc.
The Pilots defense held Mobile’s two leading scorers to just 16 points combined on 7-of-19 shooting. Robert Jones, who came into today’s contest averaging just over 21 PPG, finished with just 7 points, while Fitzgerald was held to 9 points.
LSUS will travel to Belhaven on Thursday for another contest with the Blazers. LSUS defeated Belhaven 91-74 earlier this season at The Dock. Cash Named GCAC Player of the Week
FEBRUARY 06, 2008
Hattiesburg, Miss. - The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference announced today the men's basketball player of the week for the week ending February 3, 2008.
Cash helped lead the Pilots to two huge conference victories over Tougaloo College and the University of Mobile last week, as the Pilots moved into sole possession of first place in the GCAC standings with their win over Mobile.
Cash recorded double-doubles in both of the victories, while shooting over 60% from the field. Cash also played a huge part on the defensive end, limiting Mobile's Robert Jones (21.3 PPG) to just seven points in Saturday's win over Mobile.
The award was Cash's second on the season. Cash and teammate Josh Porter are the only two players in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference to be honored twice this season.
Pilots Ranked #4 in Latest Coaches' Poll
FEBRUARY 06, 2008
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Despite getting a scare last week, Mountain State (W.V.) holds on to No. 1 in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division I Men's Basketball Top 25 Coaches' Poll, announced today (Feb. 6). The Cougars, who have been No. 1 in all seven regular-season polls, were a unanimous choice for the second straight week with 11 first-place nods. MSU survived a 92-85 game against Voorhees (S.C.) last Saturday - the margin of victory tied for the lowest amount all year. Standing at 22-0, the Cougars have won by 10 or more points in 18 of their 22 games.
Nipping at MSU's heels again is No. 2 Georgetown (Ky.) with just 13 points separating the two teams. Since the second poll (six straight), GC has held the No. 2 spot. The Tigers hold the most victories (23) of any Division I team and are one of three undefeated's. No. 3 Lee (Tenn.) is the other undefeated at 20-0 as it moved up one spot from last week. No. 4 Louisiana State University in Shreveport slid up one spot as well because of an 85-81 loss by No. 5 Concordia (Calif.) last week at the hands of then-No. 18 California Baptist.
In one of the more impressive poll jumps this week is No. 14 Wayland Baptist (Texas). A road win at then-No. 12 Southern Nazarene (Okla.) propelled the Pioneers eight spots. No. 18 Martin Methodist (Tenn.) is another squad moving up quickly. The RedHawks have won four of their last five games including two over Top 25 opponents.
No. 23 Auburn University Montgomery (Ala.) and No. 25 Columbia (Mo.) are newcomers in the Top 25. Both were in polls No. 4 and 5 but dropped out last week.
The Pilots defeated Tougaloo (90-77) and #26 Mobile last week. With the two victories, the Pilots now sit atop the GCAC standings with eight conference games remaining.
2007-08 NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Top 25 Coaches' Poll - Feb. 6 (Rating #7)
RANK WEEK SCHOOL 1st PLACE VOTES 2007-08 RECORD* TOTAL POINTS
1 1 Mountain State University (W.Va.) 11 22-0 330
2 2 Georgetown College (Ky.) 23-0 317 3 4 Lee University (Tenn.) 20-0 307
4 5 Louisiana State University-Shreveport 20-1 292
5 3 Concordia University (Calif.) 18-2 289
6 6 Robert Morris College (Ill.) 19-2 269
7 7 Oklahoma City University 15-5 262
8 9 Lambuth University (Tenn.) 17-3 248
9 8 Westminster College (Utah) 16-3 245
10 13 Point Loma Nazarene University (Calif.) 17-4 217
11 10 Pikeville College (Ky.) 18-3 211
12 11 McKendree University (Ill.) 18-5 209
13 14 Xavier University (La.) 18-4 205
14 22 Wayland Baptist University (Texas) 14-7 177
15 19 Trevecca Nazarene University (Tenn.) 17-4 176
16 18 California Baptist University 16-3 159
17 12 Southern Nazarene University (Okla.) 15-6 147
18 25 Martin Methodist College (Tenn.) 17-4 140
19 20 Lewis-Clark State College (Idaho) 15-6 118
20 17 Oklahoma Baptist University 15-5 108
21 24 Saint Xavier University (Ill.) 19-5 103
22 21 Texas Wesleyan University 14-8 84
23 RV Auburn University Montgomery (Ala.) 12-6 78
24 16 Cumberland University (Tenn.) 14-6 55
25 RV Columbia College (Mo.) 18-6 53
Others receiving votes:University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) 52; Vanguard University (Calif.) 49; University of Mobile (Ala.) 45; Texas College 23; Lindsey Wilson College (Ky.) 23; Shorter College (Ga.) 17; Rocky Mountain College (Mont.) 16; Union University (Tenn.) 16; Fresno Pacific University (Calif.) 11; Montana State University Northern 11; Campbellsville University (Ky.) 9; Faulkner University (Ala.) 8; Jarvis Christian College (Texas) 6; Azusa Pacific University (Calif.) 6; University of Illinois at Springfield 6; Rogers State University (Okla.) 5; Freed-Hardeman University (Tenn.) 4; Voorhees College (S.C.) 3; Wiley College (Texas) 2; Park University (Mo.) 2; Tougaloo College (Miss.) 1; Olivet Nazarene University (Ill.) 1
Pilots Hold On for Two-Point Victory
FEBRUARY 08, 2008
Jackson, Miss. - The LSUS men's basketball team picked up their 21st win of the season, as they held on to defeat the Belhaven Blazers 89-87 on Thursday night.
A last-second three-point attempt by Belhaven's Julien Marion bounced off the back of the rim, and Jared Stevenson pulled down the rebound to seal the Pilots victory.
LSUS led by seven points with just under one minute remaining, but three consecutive turnovers and two missed free throws gave the Blazers one last shot to upset the No. 4 Pilots.
Josh Porter finished with a game-high 23 points, while Jamon Morris ended the night with 21 on 10-of-12 shooting. J'Quincy Jones rounded out the Pilots in double figures with 16 points and 8 rebounds.
With Morris saddled with four fouls for most of the second half, senior Paul Marlow stepped in and provided the Pilots with a much needed spark from off the bench.
Marlow helped turn a six-point Pilots deficit into a seven-point Pilots lead with several hustle plays. During his nine minutes of action, Marlow pulled down six rebounds, blocked 2 shots and altered several other Blazer shot attempts, while finishing 1-for-1 from the field.
With the win, LSUS maintains sole possession of first place in the GCAC standings. The Pilots will host the Loyola Wolfpack on Saturday afternoon at The Dock, as they look for their 22nd win of the season. Game time is scheduled for 4:00 PM.
#4 Pilots Win Going Away
FEBRUARY 09, 2008
Shreveport, La. - The LSUS Pilots men's basketball team won for the 22nd time this season, as they defeated the visiting Loyola Wolfpack, 97-62, on Saturday afternoon at The Dock.
LSUS jumped out on the Wolfpack early and never looked back. Senior Jamon Morris scored the first seven points of the game for the Pilots, while Porter chipped in with 20 first-half points en route to a season-high 58 points in the first half.
The Pilots led 58-41 at the break, and extended their lead to as many as 33 points late in the second half.
Porter poured in a game-high 32 points to lead the Pilots, while the Pilots place three other starters in double figures. J'Quincy Jones finished the game with 18 points, and Morris (17 points and 12 rebounds) and Travis Cash (10 points and 10 rebounds) each had a double-double for the Pilots. Sophomore point guard Jared Stevenson dished out a game-high 11 assists with zero turnovers.
LSUS (22-1, 11-1) will now head down to New Orleans to face the Xavier University Gold Rush on Thursday night at The Barn. Xavier is the only blemish on the Pilots record this season, as they defeated LSUS 77-72 in overtime on January 23.
Pilots Ranked #3 in NAIA Coaches' Poll
FEBRUARY 14, 2008
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - For the eighth straight week, Mountain State (W.V.) is the No. 1 team in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division I Men's Basketball Top 25 Coaches' Poll, announced today (Feb. 13). The Cougars, who received all 11 first-place votes and 330 total points, are one of two teams in Division I (as of Feb. 10) with an undefeated record. At 25-0, No. 2 Georgetown is the other undefeated and trails MSU by just 11 points in the poll.
LSUS moves up one spot to No. 3 after No. 4 Lee (Tenn.) had its 20-0 record halted last week at then-No. 23 Auburn- Montgomery (Ala.). Concordia (Calif.) holds at No. 5 from the last poll.
A team making a strong push is No. 9 California Baptist, moving up seven spots. The Lancers have won three of their last four including triumphs over Concordia (Calif.) and Fresno Pacific (Calif.), who is receiving votes this week. No. 22 Cumberlands (Ky.) and No. 25 Mobile (Ala.) enter the Top 25 after receiving votes last time.
For in-depth coverage of NAIA Men's Basketball, click here (http://naia.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl-div2/naia-m-baskbl-div2- body.html)
The ninth regular season poll will be released on Wednesday, Feb. 20.
2007-08 NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Top 25 Coaches' Poll - Feb. 13 (Rating #8)
RANK LAST WEEK SCHOOL 1st PLACE VOTES 2007-08 RECORD* TOTAL POINTS
1 1 Mountain State University (W.Va.) 11 24-0 330
2 2 Georgetown College (Ky.) 25-0 319
3 4 Louisiana State University-Shreveport 22-1 306
4 3 Lee University (Tenn.) 21-1 288
5 5 Concordia University (Calif.) 19-3 281
6 6 Robert Morris College (Ill.) 20-2 271
7 8 Lambuth University (Tenn.) 20-3 270
8 13 Xavier University (La.) 20-4 245 9 16 California Baptist University 18-3 238
10 7 Oklahoma City University 16-7 230
11 17 Southern Nazarene University (Okla.) 17-6 215
12 18 Martin Methodist College (Tenn.) 20-4 199
13 19 Lewis-Clark State College (Idaho) 16-6 196
14 12 McKendree University (Ill.) 19-6 181
15 9 Westminster College (Utah) 16-4 168
16 10 Point Loma Nazarene University (Calif.) 18-5 164
17 15 Trevecca Nazarene University (Tenn.) 18-5 134
18 14 Wayland Baptist University (Texas) 15-8 128
19 22 Texas Wesleyan University 16-8 125
20 23 Auburn University Montgomery (Ala.) 15-6 123
21 21 Saint Xavier University (Ill.) 20-5 99
22 RV University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) 14-10 96
23 25 Columbia College (Mo.) 20-6 75
24 20 Oklahoma Baptist University 17-6 71
25 RV University of Mobile (Ala.) 15-7 58
Others receiving votes:
Azusa Pacific University (Calif.) 49; Lindsey Wilson College (Ky.) 48; Rocky Mountain College (Mont.) 26; Pikeville College (Ky.) 23; Cumberland University (Tenn.) 20; Texas
College 20; University of Illinois at Springfield 18; Shorter College (Ga.) 16; Vanguard University (Calif.) 15; Campbellsville University (Ky.) 9; Jarvis Christian College (Texas)
9; Voorhees College (S.C.) 9; Union University (Tenn.) 8; Freed Hardeman University (Tenn.) 7; Rogers State University (Okla.) 7; Fresno Pacific University (Calif.) 6;
Faulkner University (Ala.) 6; Wiley College (Texas) 4; Carroll College (Mont.) 3; Berry College (Ga.) 2
* Record through games played Feb. 10
No. 3 Pilots Defeat No. 8 Xavier
FEBRUARY 14, 2008
NEW ORLEANS, La. - Josh Porter scored 19 of his 25 points in the second half Thursday to lead NAIA No. 3 LSUS to a 71-55 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men's basketball victory over No. 8 Xavier University of Louisiana at The Barn. The Pilots (23-1 overall, 12-1 GCAC) earned their sixth consecutive victory and avenged their only loss of the season. Xavier beat LSUS 75-72 in overtime in Shreveport on Jan. 23.
Clarke Jackson added 17 points and seven rebounds in 18 minutes for LSUS, and Jamon Morris had 14 points and 13 rebounds for his 10th double-double in 13 conference games.
Alfred Williams, with 14 points, was the only double-figure scorer for Xavier (20-5, 10-3), whose season-best seven-game win streak ended. Mark Stewart, who entered the game with a team-leading 14.3 scoring average, was limited to six points on 2-of-10 shooting.
Porter, who scored seven points in the Pilots' loss to Xavier, had two baskets and assisted on another during a 14-2 run which opened the second half and put LSUS ahead to stay at 43-33. The Pilots extended the lead to 18 in the final minute.
Williams scored 11 in the first half for Xavier, which led 31-29 at the break but was outshot 55 to 31 percent from the floor in the second half.
For the game LSUS outshot Xavier 48 to 39 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Gold Rush 41-26.
Porter, the GCAC scoring leader and No. 4 in NAIA Division I, has averaged 25.5 points during the Pilots' winning streak.
LSUS is now 5-0 in The Barn, Xavier's 70-year-old gymnasium.
LSUS extended its GCAC lead to two games over Xavier and Mobile, which lost 67-59 Thursday at Loyola.
The Pilots will remain in New Orleans and play Dillard at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Pilots Improve to 24-1 in Victory Over Dillard
FEBRUARY 16, 2008
NEW ORLEANS, La. - Josh Porter scored 28 points to help lead the LSUS Pilots to a 98-86 win over Dillard here today.
The Pilots (24-1, 13-1) currently hold a two-game lead over Mobile in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference standings.
LSUS' Clarke Jackson came off the bench to score a season-high 19 points. He was 5-of-7 shooting from the field.
Jamon Morris had 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Pilots. J'Quincy Jones also had 10 points for the Pilots, who made 50 percent of their shots from the field.
LSUS will host Southern University of New Orleans on Thursday night at The Dock. The men's game will begin at 7:30 PM. Pilots Ranked No. 2 in NAIA Coaches' Poll
FEBRUARY 20, 2008
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - For the first time in nine polls there is a new No. 1. Georgetown (Ky.), who held the No. 2 slot the last seven weeks, sits on top of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division I Men's Basketball Top 25 Coaches' Poll, announced today (Feb. 20).
After a loss by then-No. 1 Mountain State (W.V.) back on Feb. 12 to Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), Georgetown stands as the lone undefeated team in the basketball world at 26-0. The Tigers earned 330 total points and all 11-first place votes.
LSUS moves up one spot to No. 2 while Mountain State falls down to No. 3. No. 4 Lee (Tenn.) stays while Lambuth (Tenn.) vaults up to No. 5, its highest spot this season.
Two teams hop into the Top 25 after receiving votes last week, No. 16 Rocky Mountain (Mont.) and No. 22 Azusa Pacific (Calif.). RMC has won nine of its last 10 and currently holds a 1.5 game lead in the Frontier Conference standings. After a 10-7 start to the year, the Cougars of APU have come back strong winning eight of their last nine. Wins included during that streak are against national contenders Concordia (Calif.) and California Baptist.
For in-depth coverage of NAIA Men's Basketball, click here (http://naia.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl-div2/naia-m-baskbl-div2- body.html).
LSUS will host Southern University of New Orleans on Thursday night at The Dock. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
Pilots Run Past Knights
FEBRUARY 21, 2008
Shreveport, La. – The No. 2 LSUS Pilots picked up their 25th win of the season, scoring a season-high 115 points and cruising to an easy 115-97 victory over Southern University of New Orleans on Thursday night at The Dock.
Travis Cash pumped in a career-high 34 points to pace the Pilots offense, while also grabbing 10 rebounds on his way to a double-double.
Josh Porter poured in 24 points of his own, as starters J’Quincy Jones and Jamon Morris also finished in double-figures with 18 and 11 points respectively. Morris also pulled down a career-high 18 rebounds in the contest, collecting his NAIA leading 17th double-double of the season.
LSUS led SUNO 51-37 at the half, and the game never got closer than 11 points from that point on. The offense picked up for both teams in the second half, as the Pilots outscored the Knights 64-60 over the last 20 minutes of action. Both teams combined to put up 170 shot attempts in a game that was played at a very quick pace throughout the entire 40 minutes.
LSUS shot 54% (43-for-79) from the field, and connected on 8-of-14 (57%) from behind the three-point line in the win. The Knights were limited to just 37% shooting from the field on 34-of-91 attempts.
With the win, LSUS (25-1, 14-1) moves within one game of clinching at least a tie for the regular season Gulf Coast Athletic Conference championship. The Pilots will look to clinch at least a share of the title on Saturday afternoon when they host the Spring Hill College Badgers at 4:00 PM.
Pilots Fall to Spring Hill for Second Loss of the Season
FEBRUARY 23, 2008
Shreveport, La. The Spring Hill Badgers knocked off the No. 2 LSUS Pilots at The Dock on Saturday afternoon, upsetting the Pilots 100-80.
Spring Hill used a balanced offensive attack, including an outstanding individual performance by point guard Jeremy Price to hand the Pilots just their second loss in 27 games.
Price pumped in a game-high 34 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field, while also going a perfect 14-for-14 from the free-throw line. The Badgers connected on 31-of-33 attempts from the charity stripe in the contest.
Noah Woolridge finished the game with 26 points, and Marcus Coleman added 17 points for the Badgers in the victory. Woolridge and Coleman each made four three-point baskets in the game.
After shooting 55% from the field in the first half, the Pilots were limited to just 12 made field goals in the second half on 14-of-42 (29%) shooting, including shooting a miserable 2-for-14 from behind the three-point line in the final 20 minutes.
Josh Porter led the Pilots with 25 points. Starters Jamon Morris (16 points), Travis Cash (11 points) and J’Quincy Jones (11 points) also finished in double figures for the Pilots.
LSUS (25-2, 14-2) holds a one-game lead over Mobile in the GCAC standings with two games left to play. The Pilots will travel to Jackson, Miss., to face the Tougaloo Bulldogs on Thursday night.
Pilots Take Game One Versus Carey
FEBRUARY 29, 2008
Hattiesburg, Miss. - The LSUS Pilots took a 7-3 victory over the William Carey Crusaders in the first game of the three- game GCAC weekend series in Hattiesburg. The Pilots put three runs on the board in the top of the fourth to tie the game at 3-3 and knock Carey starter Sam Gates out of the ballgame.
LSUS scored the go-ahead and eventual game-winning run in the top of the sixth innning of Friday night's victory.
The Pilots added three insurance runs in the ninth, as Gino Spratley finished the game out on the mound after an outstanding peformance by starter Victor Hernandez.
Hernandez (6-1) picked up his team-leading sixth win of the season, helping the Pilots with their ninth consecutive game of the season.
Bryan Stebbings led the Pilots at the plate with a 2-for-3 performance, including a double and two RBIs.
LSUS and Carey will be back in action tomorrow with a doubleheader beginning at 12:00 PM.
Pilots Clinch Share of GCAC Title With Victory Over Tougaloo
FEBRUARY 29, 2008
Shreveport, La. – The LSUS Pilots clinched a share of the GCAC regular season championship with their 79-70 win over Tougaloo College on Thursday night.
Josh Porter poured in a game-high 29 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including making six three-point baskets.
The Pilots jumped out to an early 15-5 lead and would never trail again in the contest.
After trailing 37-23 at the half, the Bulldogs would cut the Pilots lead down to just six with four minutes remaining in the contest. However, a determined effort by the Pilot players helped them hang on for a nine-point win.
Seniors Jamon Morris and Travis Cash each finished with double-doubles, while dominating the boards all night long. Morris scored 21 points and pulled down 13 rebounds, and Cash added 15 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.
LSUS shot 42% from the field in the contest, while limiting the Bulldogs to just 33% for the game. A tough Pilots defense forced the Bulldogs to settle for jump shots, as the Bulldogs ended the night with 36 three-point attempts, making just 10.
The Pilots can claim the GCAC title outright on Saturday night with a win over the William Carey Crusaders or a University of Mobile loss. LSUS will face the Crusaders at 6:00 PM on Saturday, and the game can be heard live over the internet via teamline.
Pilots Win GCAC Championship
MARCH 01, 2008
Hattiesburg, Miss. - The LSUS Pilots men's basketball team won their third GCAC regular season championship in five seasons with a thrilling 79-76 victory over the William Carey Crusaders.
Josh Porter was the lone Pilot to register double-figures, finishing with a game-high 27 points. Senior Travis Cash chipped in eight points, while pulling down a game-high 11 rebounds.
Junior Chris Gatlin provided the Pilots with a much needed spark from off the bench, scoring nine points on 3-of-4 shooting from the three-point line.
The Pilots shot a season-low 36% from the field and were just 19-for-32 from the free-throw line. However, the Pilots defense kept them in the game with tenacious pressure, resulting in 25 William Carey turnovers which the Pilots converted into 27 points.
William Carey led 73-72 with 5:18 left to play after a made field goal by Derek Jarvis, but that would be the last field goal of the game for the Crusaders as the Pilots held them to just three points over the final five minutes.
With the Pilots leading by one and 16 seconds on the clock, Senior Jamon Morris stepped up and nailed two free throws to give the Pilots a 79-76 win.
LSUS (27-2, 16-2) will host a second round GCAC tournament game at the Dock on Wednesday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM with the opponent to be determined.
Three Pilots Named to All-GCAC Team, McDowell Selected as Coach of the Year
MARCH 04, 2008
Hattiesburg, Miss. - The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference announced today the 2007-2008 Men's Basketball All-Conference Team, Coach, and Players of the Year.
LSUS seniors Travis Cash, Jamon Morris and Josh Porter represent the 2007-08 GCAC regular season champions on the All-GCAC team, while head coach Chad McDowell was named the GCAC Coach of the Year.
In addition to being named to the All-Conference team, Porter was also named as the GCAC Player of the Year. The 6’2 senior from Shreveport averaged a career-high 22.8 PPG this year, helping lead the Pilots to a 27-2 regular season record. Porter was twice-named the GCAC Player of the Week this season, while also eclipsing the 1,000-point milestone for his career with a 40-point performance versus Spring Hill College on January 17. Porter has averaged over 20 PPG in his career at LSUS, leading the Pilots to a 59-7 during that span.
Cash was selected to the All-Conference team for the first time in his LSUS career, and Morris was honored in his second consecutive season with the Pilots. Cash, also a two-time GCAC Player of the Week, finished the regular season averaging 14.2 PPG and 7.2 RPG, while Morris added 14.6 PPG and 10.8 RPG for the Pilots. Morris also ended the regular season with a NAIA-leading 21 double-doubles. LSUS’ Coach McDowell was rewarded for his team’s record-breaking success this season by being named the GCAC Coach of the Year for the third time in five years at LSUS. McDowell helped guide his 2007-08 squad to a school-record 17 consecutive wins to begin the season, including a No. 2 national ranking. The Pilots also defeated three NCAA Division 1 opponents (McNeese St., Centenary and Northwestern St.) this year for the first time in school history. McDowell has posted a 128-34 (.790) record through his first five seasons at the helm of the LSUS men’s basketball program.
2007-08 All-GCAC Team
Jeremy Cable Tougaloo College Travis Cash LSUS Marcus Coleman Spring Hill College Shaun Dumas Xavier University Walter Fitzgerald University of Mobile Keithdrick Harris Tougaloo College Robert Jones University of Mobile Kyle LaMonte William Carey University Jamon Morris LSUS Josh Porter LSUS Mark Stewart Xavier University Korey Whiting Belhaven College Alfred Williams Xavier University Noah Woolridge Spring Hill College Luke Zumo Loyola University
Coach of the Year: Chad McDowell LSUS Player of the Year: Josh Porter LSUS Freshman of the Year: Donte Walker University of Mobile Newcomer of the Year: Jeremy Cable Tougaloo College
* Players are listed in alphabetical order.
Pilots Advance to GCAC Semifinals
MARCH 05, 2008
Shreveport, La. - The LSUS Pilots men's basketball team tied a school record with their 28th win of the season on Wednesday night, as they advanced to the GCAC Tournament Semifinals with an 86-82 victory over the Belhaven Blazers.
LSUS jumped out to an early 14-2 lead, but the Blazers would fight back to cut the Pilots lead to just two at the halftime break.
The Blazers opened up the second half on a 7-0 run, taking a 43-38 lead over the Pilots with 18 minutes remaining in the contest.
However, the Pilots responded with a 16-3 run of their own over the next six minutes of play to grab an eight point lead and take back control of the contest.
The Blazers would threaten to take back the lead on several different occassions late in the game, but the Pilots would never surrender the lead as they hung on for a four-point victory. Josh Porter led the Pilots with a game-high 22 points, while J'Quincy Jones pumped in 18 points in just 21 minutes.
Travis Cash also became the sixth member of the Pilots 1,000-point club with nine points in the win. Cash currently sits at exactly 1,000 career points and is the only Pilot in history to record over 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 250 assists.
The Pilots will now host Spring Hill College at The Dock on Friday night in a GCAC Tournament Semifinal match-up. LSUS and Spring Hill split their season series with each team winning on the other's home court. Friday's tip is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
Tonight's GCAC Semifinal Game Will Be Played
MARCH 07, 2008
Shreveport, La. - Tonight's GCAC semifinal match-up between LSUS and Spring Hill is still scheduled to tip-off at 7:00 PM at The Dock.
Please visit this website throughout the afternoon for any game changes that may be made due to the inclimate weather.
LSUS Wins School-Record 29th Game
MARCH 07, 2008
Shreveport, La. - The LSUS Pilots men's basketball team defeated Spring Hill College 90-68 on Friday night to win their school-record 29th game of the season and advance to the finals of the GCAC Tournament on Monday night.
The Pilots jumped out to an early 7-0 run the begin the game, and they would never trail throughout the entire contest, as they cruised to an easy 22-point win.
Josh Porter scored a game-high 19 points to lead the Pilots, while Jamon Morris (16 points and 15 rebounds) and Travis Cash (15 points and 10 rebounds) each recorded double-doubles in the victory.
The Pilots shot a season-high 48% (13-for-27) from the three-point line, while holding the Badgers to just 38% from the field and 35% from behind the arc, well below their season average.
The Pilots received a big boost off of the bench from their reserves, outscoring the Badgers bench 32-19.
LSUS (29-2, 18-2) will host the GCAC Tournament Championship game for the third consecutive season on Monday night. The Pilots will face Xavier University at 7:00 PM at The Dock.
Pilots Win Third Straight GCAC Tournament Championship
MARCH 10, 2008
Shreveport, La. - The LSUS Pilots men's basketball team improved on their school-record for wins in a season with an 80- 76 victory over the Xavier University of New Orleans Gold Rush in the GCAC Tournament Championship.
The Pilots have now won three straight GCAC Tournament titles and 30 games for the first time ever in school history.
Josh Porter led the Pilots with 22 points, which included 5-of-9 three-point baskets from beyond the arc.
With the Pilots trailing by two and just over six minutes remaining in regulation, Porter hit two back-to-back NBA three's to put the Pilots back ahead by four.
The game would go back-and-forth over the next five minutes before Jamon Morris converted an old fashioned three-point play to give the Pilots a three point lead with 47 seconds remaining.
The Pilots defense then forced the Gold Rush to take a contested three-pointer that was just short; however, the Gold Rush grabbed the offensive rebound with 21 seconds left and had one last shot to tie.
A Mark Stewart three with four seconds left missed the whole goal, as J'Quincy Jones pulled down the Pilot rebound and was immediately fouled.
Jones made the first of two free throws with 3.6 seconds remaining, as the Pilots sealed the victory.
Travis Cash pumped in 18 points on 6-for-8 shooting from the field, while Jamon Morris also finished in double figures with 14 points.
Following a career-high 33-point performance in the semifinals, the Pilots held Xavier leading scorer Mark Stewart to just 5 points on 1-of-9 shooting from the three-point line.
Shaun Dumas led the Gold Rush with a game-high 23 points and seven assists, while Kelechi Okoroha added 18.
The Pilots will now await their seeding and opponent to be announced on Wednesday afternoon for the 2008 Buffalo Funds NAIA National Tournament.
Pilots No. 4 Seed, Will Face USAO in First Round of the 2008 Buffalo Funds- NAIA Division 1 Men's Basketball National Championship
MARCH 12, 2008 KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has officially released the game times and pairings for the 71st Annual Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship. Coined college basketball’s toughest tournament, Municipal Auditorium hosts the March 19-25 event in downtown Kansas City, Mo. No. 4 LSUS (30-2) will face the University of Science and Arts (Okla.) (17-15) in the first round on Wednesday afternoon at 12:30 PM. The Pilots are making their fourth consecutive appearance in the NAIA National Tournament, while the Drovers are making thier fourth-ever appearance.
No. 1 seed Georgetown (Ky.) tops the field with a perfect 32-0 record. The Tigers are the only undefeated program this year in Division I and are no strangers to the Championships. GC makes its 27th appearance and 17th straight, the most overall trips among this year’s field. Georgetown faces Emmanuel (Ga.), who makes its first trip ever to Kansas City, on Wednesday, March 19 at 4:30 p.m. CST.
Defending national champion Oklahoma City is the No. 7 seed. Coming from the Sooner Athletic Conference, the Stars own a Championship record of 42-12 (.778) in 17 previous appearances. OCU boasts the most Championships (5) of any program in this year’s field and takes on Cumberland (Tenn.) on Thursday, March 20 at 8 p.m.
Action gets underway from historic Municipal Auditorium with No. 12 Martin Methodist (Tenn.) taking on Wayland Baptist (Texas) at 9 a.m. on Wednesday.
The first 28 games of the Championships will be video-streamed live on the Internet, while the Semifinal round (March 24) and National Championship Game (March 25) will air live nationwide on CBS College Sports Network (CSTV), with Jason Knapp calling the action and Steve Wolf providing color analysis.
In all, there are 31 games spanning seven days. The first three days pack in eight games each day starting at 9 a.m. Single session and all-tournament tickets are on sale through the Municipal Auditorium Box Office or Ticketmaster at http://www.ticketmaster.com/, by calling 816-931-3330 or in person at any Ticketmaster Outlet throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area.
The Championships are a single-elimination tournament featuring 15 automatic qualifiers from eleven Division I affiliated conferences, one independent and 16 at-large berths, which are determined using the final regular-season rating released March 5.
For more information on the Championships, click here.
For complete conference tournament breakdown, click here.
2008 NAIA National Tournament
Team (Overall Record^) Qualification Appearances* Record# Titles
Auburn-Montgomery (Ala.) (19-8) At-Large 4 10th 9-9 0
Azusa Pacific (Calif.) (22-10) At-Large 3 15th 23-14 0
California Baptist (23-8) Golden State Athletic Tournament Runners-Up 4th 2-3 0
Campbellsville (Ky.) (24-9) At-Large 15 6th 2-5 0
Carroll (Mont.) (23-8) At-Large 11 8th 6-7 0 Columbia (Mo.) (25-8) At-Large 5 13th 3-12 0
Concordia (Calif.) (28-4) Golden State Athletic Regular Season & Tournament Champion 6th 15-4 1
Cumberland (Tenn.) (21-11) At-Large 14 2nd 1-1 0
Cumberlands (Ky.) (19-13) At-Large 9 18th 11-17 0
Emmanuel (Ga.) (16-17) Southern States Athletic Tournament Runners-Up 1st 0-0 0
Georgetown (Ky.) (32-0) Mid-South Tournament Champion 27th 46-25 1
Lambuth (Tenn.) (28-3) TranSouth Athletic Regular Season & Tournament Champion 4th 1-3 0
Langston (Okla.) (15-12) Red River Athletic Tournament Champion 3rd 0-2 0
Lee (Tenn.) (31-1) Southern States Athletic Regular Season Champion 5th 3-4 0
Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) (22-9) Frontier Tournament Champion 7th 2-6 0
Louisiana State-Shreveport (30-2) Gulf Coast Athletic Regular Season & Tournament Champion 4th 1-3 0
Martin Methodist (Tenn.) (25-7) At-Large 2 5th 2-4 0
McKendree (Ill.) (26-6) American Midwest Tournament Champion 12th 9-11 0
Mobile (Ala.) (22-9) At-Large 6 9th 7-8 0
Mountain State (W.V.) (30-2) Independent Tournament Champion 7th 13-5 1
Oklahoma Baptist (22-9) At-Large 7 20th 43-18 1
Oklahoma City (26-7) Sooner Athletic Regular Season & Tournament Champion 18th 42-12 5
Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) (17-14) At-Large 12 14th 10-13 0
Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.) (23-9) At-Large 13 8th 4-7 0
Robert Morris (Ill.) (26-3) Chicagoland Collegiate Tournament Champion 5th 10-4 0
Science & Arts (Okla.) (17-15) Sooner Athletic Tournament Runners-Up 4th 10-2 1
St. Xavier (Ill.) (24-8) At-Large 16 9th 4-8 0
Southern Nazarene (Okla.) (23-8) At-Large 1 9th 10-7 1
Texas Wesleyan (19-10) At-Large 8 9th 11-7 1
Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.) (24-8) TranSouth Athletic Tournament Runners-Up 5th 4-4 0
Wayland Baptist (Texas) (19-12) At-Large 10 14th 7-13 0
Xavier (La.) (24-9) Gulf Coast Athletic Tournament Runners-Up 11th 4-10 0
^ Based on conference websites
* Includes 2008 Championship
# Based on available records
LSUS Vs. USAO: Know the Opponent
MARCH 18, 2008
Kansas City, Mo. - The No. 4 LSUS Pilots will face the No. 29 University of Science and Arts (Okla.) in the first round of the 2008 Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division 1 Men's Basketball National Championship on Wednesday afternoon.
LSUS (30-2) enters the tournament as the No. 4 seed after winning a school record 30 games and claiming both the GCAC regular season and tournament championships. The Pilots are led by the GCAC Player of the Year and All- American candidate Josh Porter (22.7 PPG). Seniors Jamon Morris (14.6 PPG), Travis Cash (14.2 PPG) and J'Quincy Jones (10.8 PPG) round out four Pilot starters averaging double figures in scoring this season.
The Pilots are looking to win for the first time in the National Tournament since 2005. The Pilots defeated the University of Cumberlands (Ky.) 79-75 in double overtime in their first-ever tournament appearance. However, LSUS has lost three consecutive games following that win, and they will look to stop the streak at 12:30 PM on Wednesday afternoon.
Tomorrow's game can be viewed live over the internet for a small fee. Please visit www.watchnaia.com (http://www.watchnaia.com) for information on how to order tomorrow's game.
The NAIA also provides live stats for each game at no charge. To view live stats for each game, along with game recaps and box scores, please visit the tournament central page at http://naia.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/103106aab.html.
USAO 2007-08 Season Highlights:
University of Science and Arts enters as one of the tournament’s cinderella stories, finishing its conference season only 10-12 and seventh in the league, but the Drovers earned their way into the tournament by way of the Sooner Athletic Conference tournament, led by Second-Team All-SAC performer Tim Nelson.
DeAngelo Alexander, Thomas Woods and Dexter Williams each earned honorable mention honors in the SAC, while head coach Brisco McPherson is a mere three wins from No. 250 in his career at USAO.
University of Science and Arts Quick Facts Location: Chickasha, Okla. Enrollment: 1,250 Nickname (Colors): Drovers (Green & Gold) Conference: Sooner Athletic Conference Athletics Web site: www.usao.edu/usao-sports (http://www.usao.edu/usao-sports) Facility (capacity): USAO Fieldhouse (1,500) 2007-08 Record: 17-15 2007-08 Conference (Finish): 10-12 (Seventh) Qualification: SAC Automatic
Watch LSUS' First-Round Game Live
MARCH 19, 2008
Please visit the following links for live video and live stats of today's first-round game versus USAO: Watch Basketball LIVE Online | Click here **If you have a video streaming customer service question contact the JumpTV fan support team at [email protected] or call 1-877-967-3267.**
Live Stats
No. 4 LSU-Shreveport vs. Science & Gametracker Arts (Okla.) - 12:30 p.m. (http://www.dakstats.com/WebSync/Pages/Tournament/TournamentPage.aspx?association=10&sg=MBB&tour=111)
No. 4 LSUS Holds Off USAO, Advances to Sweet Sixteen
MARCH 19, 2008
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Louisiana State University at Shreveport fought its way into the second round of the 2008 Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship with a 71-69 victory against the University of Science and Arts (Okla.) Wednesday at Municipal Auditorium.
Jared Stevenson scored a game-high 20 points to lead the way for the No. 4-seeded Pilots, who won their sixth consecutive game. LSUS is now 31-2 overall and will play on Friday at 10:45 a.m. CST in a tournament second-round contest. The Pilots will face Azusa Pacific University (Calif.), a rematch of last year's first-round contest.
After trailing 38-34 at the half, LSUS was able to pull in front for good in the closing moments. Stevenson hit a shot with 3:11 to play that gave the Pilots a 69-67 lead. Following a Science and Arts turnover, J'Quincy Jones scored to push the LSUS lead to 71-67.
Thomas Woods answered on the Drovers' next possession with a basket to trim the deficit to 71-69 with 1:37 on the clock. Science and Arts had two possessions in the final minute of play, but could not connect on a pair of three-point attempts, including one at the final buzzer.
Jamon Morris added a double-double for LSUS with 17 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. Jones posted 11 points while Travis Cash collected 10 points for the Pilots. In addition to his 20 points, Stevenson had a game-high four steals.
Woods and DeAngelo Alexander paced a balanced attack for the Drovers with 14 points each. Alexander pulled down a team-leading 12 rebounds. Dexter Williams and Jorge Parra each had 10 points for Science and Arts, which closes its season with an overall record of 17-16. Azusa Pacific Upsets No. 4 LSUS, 83-69
MARCH 21, 2008
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Senior forward Davon Roberts scored a game-high 22 points to lead Azusa Pacific University (Calif.) to an 83-69 win Friday against No. 4 seed Louisiana State University in Shreveport in the second round of the 2008 Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship at Municipal Auditorium.
Roberts netted 15 of his points in the first half to lead the Cougars into their fourth consecutive national quarterfinal appearance and its eighth in the last 11 years. Azusa Pacific, the No. 13 seed in the 32-team field, goes to 24-10 overall and will square off with No. 5 Mountain State University (W.Va.) Saturday at 2 p.m. in the day's first quarterfinal contest.
Junior center David Burgess chipped in with 17 points and a team-high nine rebounds for Azusa Pacific. Senior guard Matt Oliver scored 11 of his 16 points from the free throw line in the victory. Oliver's points came in a reserve role for the Cougars, who held a 33-4 edge in bench scoring against LSUS.
LSUS led for most of the first half, taking their largest lead at 15-7 on a basket by senior guard Josh Porter with 14:27 remaining in the period. Azusa Pacific seized its first lead of the contest midway through the period before the Pilots regained its advantage. But the Cougars closed the half on a 15-3 run over the final 4:44 of play to take a 40-35 lead into the locker room. Roberts had seven points during the surge, including a three-pointer just before the first-half buzzer.
Azusa Pacific never trailed in the second half, although LSUS rallied midway through the period. The Pilots put together an 11-4 run to close the gap to 60-58 with just over eight minutes to play. But five consecutive points from Burgess stretched the Cougars' lead back to seven points and Azusa Pacific was able to pull away for the win.
All five starters scored in double figures for LSUS. Senior guard Travis Cash posted a double-double with a team-high 17 points along with 11 rebounds. Porter connected for 13 points, while senior guard J'Quincy Jones and senior center Jamon Morris each had 12 points. Morris matched Cash with 11 rebounds for the Pilots. Sophomore guard Jared Stevenson scored 11 as LSUS closed its year with a record of 31-3.
Friday's game marked the second consecutive year that Azusa Pacific and LSUS have faced each other at the NAIA Tournament. The Cougars registered a 61-52 win over the Pilots in opening-round play in 2007.
Watch LSUS vs. APU Live
MARCH 21, 2008
Please visit the following links for live video and live stats of today's second-round game versus Azusa Pacific: Watch Basketball LIVE Online | Click here **If you have a video streaming customer service question contact the JumpTV fan support team at [email protected] or call 1-877-967-3267.**
Live Stats:
Azusa Pacific (Calif.) vs. LSU- Gametracker Shreveport - 10:45 a.m. (http://www.dakstats.com/WebSync/Pages/Tournament/TournamentPage.aspx?association=10&sg=MBB&tour=111)
Porter, Morris Named NAIA All-Americans
MARCH 26, 2008
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is proud to announce the 2007-08 Division I Men’s Basketball All-America Teams. The selections are made by the NAIA Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Association All- America Committee and comprises a First, Second, Third and Honorable Mention Team.
Louisiana State University in Shreveport placed two players on the All-American Teams, as Josh Porter was named to the First Team and Jamon Morris picked up Third-Team honors. Porter, the 2007-08 GCAC Player of the Year, led the Pilots in scoring this season at 21.9 PPG. Morris led the NAIA in double-doubles with 25, while finishing the season averaging 14.5 PPG and 11 RPG.
LSUS was the only school in the NAIA with two representatives on the All-American Teams.
National Championship game participants Oklahoma City and Mountain State (W.Va.) claimed two First-Team selections: seniors Ollie Bailey of Oklahoma City and James Spencer of Mountain State.
Bailey was also selected as the Rawlings-NAIA Player of the Year.
2007-08 NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball All-America Team – March 25
FIRST TEAM NAME School Yr. Pos. Hometown Ollie Bailey Oklahoma City Sr. F Chicago, Ill. Gordon “Gus” Chase Georgetown (Ky.) Sr. F Baltimore, Md. Glen Dandridge Lambuth (Tenn.) Sr. F Goochland, Va. Mike Gordy* Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) Sr. F Denver, Colo. Brad Harris Lee (Tenn.) Sr. G Winston-Salem, N.C. Othyus Jeffers Robert Morris (Ill.) Sr. F Chicago, Ill. Eric Palm McKendree (Ill.) Jr. G Machesney Park, Ill. Josh Porter LSUS Sr. G Shreveport, La. Mark Roussin California Baptist Jr. F Yorba Linda, Calif. James Spencer Mountain State (W.Va.) Sr. G Los Angeles, Calif. * Repeat 2nd Team Selection SECOND TEAM NAME School Yr. Pos. Hometown Czyz Bennett Texas College Jr. G Galveston, Texas Nestor Colmenares Campbellsville (Ky.) Jr. F Caracas, Venezuela Phil French Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) Sr. C Richton Park, Ill. Kelvin Johnson Illinois-Springfield Jr. G Maywood, Ill. Jon Meriweather Park (Mo.) Jr. F Kansas City, Mo. Kendaris Pelton Martin Methodist (Tenn.) Sr. F Birmingham, Ala. Davon Roberts Azusa Pacific (Calif.) Sr. F West Covina, Calif. Danny Storey Wayland Baptist (Texas) Sr. F Canyon, Texas Terrence Worthy Concordia (Calif.) So. G San Jose, Calif. Ryan Zamroz The Master’s (Calif.) Jr. G Perkasie, Penn. THIRD TEAM NAME School Yr. Pos. Hometown Jeremy Cable Tougaloo (Miss.) Jr. F Jackson, Miss. Damien Chisholm Paul Quinn (Texas) Jr. G Huntsville, Ala. Brandon Durham Southern Nazarene (Okla.) Sr. G Oklahoma City, Okla. Luke Fitzgerald Cumberlands (Ky.) Jr. F Cleveland, Ohio Trae Hall Columbia (Mo.) Jr. G Tulsa, Okla. Robert Jones Mobile (Ala.) Sr. F Fort Pierce, Fla. Jamon Morris LSUS Sr. C Chicago, Ill. Thomas Pranciliauskas Shorter (Ga.) Sr. G Vilnius, Lithuania Danny Reeder Westminster (Utah) So. G Sandy, Utah Jason Taylor Oklahoma Christian Jr. F Edmond, Okla.
HONORABLE MENTION (Listed alphabetically by name): Antonio Bolton, Voorhees (S.C.); Brandon Brown, Northwestern Oklahoma State; Stanlee Brownlee, Crichton (Tenn.); Dane Dmitrovic, Texas Wesleyan; Thomas Douglas, Cumberland (Tenn.); Shaun Dumas, Xavier (La.); Darryl Edwards, Southern Wesleyan (S.C.); Daniel Ferguson, Berry (Ga.); Jeff Ferguson, Pikeville (Ky.); Zack Frey, Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.); Kameron Gray, Oklahoma City; Demetrius Guions, Georgetown (Ky.); Keithdrick Harris, Tougaloo (Miss.); Josh Helton, Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.); Eric Hobbie, McKendree (Ill.); Chris Hobson, St. Francis (Ind.); Andrew Howard, Brescia (Ky.); Willie Irick, Oklahoma City; Jarvis Jackson, Mountain State (W.Va.); Terrell Jacob, Wiley (Texas); Brent Jones, Oklahoma Baptist; Danny Jones, Biola (Calif.); Patrick Jones, St. Gregory’s (Okla.); Brian Lake, Union (Tenn.); Adron Marshall, Mountain State (W.Va.); Matt Neaville, Union (Tenn.); Tim Nelson, Science & Arts (Okla.); Ryan Read, Concordia (Calif.); Josh Sanderson, Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.); Greg Scott, Vanguard (Calif.); Julian Scott, St. Xavier (Ill.); Chase Sukut, Rocky Mountain (Mont.); Jon Uriarte, Faulkner (Ga.); George White, Lindsey-Wilson (Ky.); Noah Woolridge, Spring Hill (Ala.); Luke Zumo, Loyola (La.)
Louisiana State University in Shreveport keeps their man; Chad McDowell remains LSUS Pilots Head Men's Basketball Coach
MARCH 28, 2008
Shreveport, LA---The Chancellor of Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Dr. Vincent J. Marsala announced today that the LSUS Pilots Head Men’s Basketball Coach Chad McDowell will remain the leader of the Pilots Basketball program. Rumors and speculation of McDowell making the transition to NCAA Division I program and cross town rival Centenary College surfaced hours after the dismissal of Head Coach Rob Flaska on March 14th. Before McDowell and his Pilots returned home from their 4th-consecutive NAIA National Tournament appearance in Kansas City just six days ago, many locals had already envisioned McDowell as the new leader of the Centenary Gents.
In front of a modest crowd of 100 people at The Dock this afternoon on the campus of LSUS, McDowell put an end to all speculation by announcing that he was going to remain a Pilot; he is staying home.
“This has been a very long week for both me and my family. The opportunity for change was there, but after talking with family and friends, and saying many prayers over the past six days in hopes that we make the right decision, we are at peace in saying that LSUS is where the McDowell’s belong,” commented McDowell.
After just five short years at the realm of men’s basketball at LSUS, McDowell and his basketball family have collected an overall record of 132-35 (.790%), which includes a 70-18 overall record in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, and a 65-8 record at The Dock (.890%).
“The entire campus of LSUS, our player’s, and the Shreveport-Bossier community have made playing basketball at The Dock something we all look forward to. It has become something very special; it has become home. We consistently fill the bleachers to near capacity with great people and true basketball fans, and we have been blessed as a coaching staff and a university to have found some very high character, highly motivated, and very talented players over the past five years which has led to an outstanding experience,” said McDowell.
The Pilots are coming off a record breaking year which was ended after a an 83-69 loss in the Sweet-16 at the hands of Azusa Pacific University at the NAIA National Tournament last Friday afternoon. While the Pilots ultimate goal of winning an NAIA National Championship was cut short, the 2007-2008 list of accomplishments is one that will be tough to match by any program.
In 2007-2008, LSUS posted a school record 31-3 (.912%) overall record. In the midst of their 31-win season, the Pilots also set a new record with most consecutive games won (17). Not included in their record but definitely another great accomplishment beyond the Pilots 31 wins were victories over three NCAA Division 1 opponents: McNeese University (86-80); Centenary College (80-72); and Northwestern State University (79- 73). McDowell and his Pilots collected their 3rd-Regular Season GCAC Championship after posting an LSUS record 16-2 conference record before waltzing to their 3rd-Consecutive GCAC Tournament Championship. LSUS rounded off a banner year with a thrilling 71-69 victory over the University of Science and Arts (Oklahoma) in the 1st-Round of the 2008 NAIA National Tournament.
“We have been blessed over the past five years to have experienced some great times thanks to so many fantastic people and the game of basketball. And thanks to Chancellor Marsala and our Athletic Director Doug Robinson, we have the opportunity to build upon what has been a great start here at LSUS. My family and I aregrateful for this wonderful opportunity.”
A huge part of McDowell’s success as not just a coach, but as a father and a friend comes from a work ethic that is second to none, a passion for the game of life that motivates others to reach their highest potential, and the belief that family comes first. In the midst of record breaking seasons and astonishing team/family accomplishments, individual accolades are often short lived and “swept under the rug”.
McDowell has often been quoted in the past as saying “good players make good coaches”. Many of his past and present players believe the same to be true in regards to “good coaching makes good players and good people”. It has been apparent that both are true when talking about the LSUS Basketball Program.
Since accepting the position as Head Coach at LSUS in 2003, McDowell has been named the GCAC Coach of the Year three times (2004, 2005, 2008), and has been named the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches State Small College Coach of the Year in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. His Pilots have been a mainstay in the NAIA Top 25 national ratings which has been highlighted by a No. 1 ranking in 2005-2006, and finished the 2007-2008 season ranked No. 4.
And as for the Pilots who have played at LSUS since 2003, 14 have been selected to the GCAC-All Conference Teams with two being selected GCAC Newcomers of the Year (Frederico Payne 2003, and Josh Porter, 2006), and three GCAC Player of the Year Awards (Frederico Payne, 2004, 2005, and Josh Porter, 2008). At the state level, Payne was also selected as the LABC Small College Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005. LSUS Basketball has also posted the first five athletes in the schools history to NAIA All-American Teams: Payne, 2004, 2005; Josh Porter, 2007, 2008; Freddy Hughes 2007; and Jamon Morris, 2008.
Not only has McDowell led the Pilots to success on the court, he has instilled his first class attitude among his players which was rewarded by the NAIA when it was announced that McDowell was the 2006 Regional Winner of the Champions of Character Coaches Award in 2006, and the 2006 version of the Pilots were awarded the inaugural NAIA Champions of Character Team Award. Two LSUS Pilots, Greg Tyer (2006) and Josh Porter (2008) have also been recipients of the NAIA Individual Champions of Character Players Award.
While there have been many highlights, team and individual accomplishments throughout the continued success over the past five years on the floor, their have been many situations off the floor which the Pilots family have had to endure, none of which stands out more than the night of November 28 during a home game versus Southwest Assemblies of God University. A play near half court saw Josh Porter collide with then teammate Kyile Byrd while trying to intercept a pass. Porter fell to the ground and as a result fractured the C5 vertebrae in his neck. According to several medical experts, 99% of the people with the same exact injury as Josh’s are instantly paralyzed for life; however, after a successful surgery, Porter walked out of the hospital a few days later. To say that Josh Porter is now a walking miracle would be an understatement. But writing that on September 7, 2007 Porter was released to play basketball for the 2007-2008 season, is truly a gift from God.
Not only did Porter complete his story-book collegiate career as the 2008 GCAC Player of the Year and NAIA All-American, he has also been selected to compete in the College Basketball invitational, and most importantly, he has been awarded the 2008 United States Basketball Writers Association “Most Courageous Award” which will be presented to himself along with Coach McDowell at the NCAA Final Four Annual Banquet. Josh was also named yesterday as the Basketball Times Co-Player of the Year Award in the NAIA.
In conclusion, the tandem of LSUS Basketball and Chad McDowell has been a great fit for many student- athletes and the entire Shreveport-Bossier community. While today does not mark the beginning of a newly formed relationship between the two, it does remind us that when you surround yourself with good people, and when you put others thoughts and feelings in as high regards and of importance as your own while keeping God and your family first, there are no boundaries as to what one can accomplish.
Congratulations LSUS and the entire Chad McDowell family.
Porter Named NAIA Co-Player of the Year
MARCH 28, 2008
Shreveport, La. - LSUS senior guard Josh Porter continues to rack up postseason honors as he was selected as the 2007-08 Basketball Times NAIA Division 1 Men's Basketball Co-Player of the Year today.
Porter was named to the NAIA All-America First Team earlier this week as selected by the NAIA Men's Basketball Coaches' Association All-America Committee. In addition, Porter also picked up the same honor on the 2008 NABC/State Farm NAIA Men's Basketball All-America Team. Porter, the 2008 GCAC Player of the Year, led the Pilots in scoring average this season with 22 points per game. Porter also helped the Pilots win a school-record 31 games this season, including the GCAC regular season and tournament championships.
Porter finished his career at LSUS with 1,430 points (20.1 PPG), while compiling a 63-8 record in a Pilots uniform.
Porter to be Recognized at NCAA Final Four
APRIL 03, 2008
ST. LOUIS (USBWA) – Louisiana State University in Shreveport basketball player Josh Porter, considered a walking miracle after returning to play for the Pilots this season following a life-threatening neck injury he sustained in a game the previous season, has been selected winner of the U.S. Basketball Writers Association's Most Courageous Award.
Porter
Porter, a Shreveport, La., native, fractured the vertebrae in his neck in a collision with a teammate during a game in November 2006. Porter fell so hard that the plastic facemask he wore to protect a broken nose shot across the floor upon impact.
Porter lay motionless on the court for several minutes before being stabilized and then transported to an area hospital for treatment.
There, doctors performed a two-hour surgical a procedure to fuse his vertebrae back together.
Only later did Porter learn how terribly close he came to becoming a quadriplegic and possibly dying.
His doctor, neurosurgeon Dr. Anil Nanda, said less than one percent of those who sustain injuries similar to Josh's ever regain movement or even live.
"I've seen several spinal cord injuries at LSU," said Dr. Nanda, "and this is probably only the third time I've seen something like this."
Following 10 months of rehabilitation and recovery, Porter was back playing basketball again at LSUS this past fall. He returned to his old form from two years ago when he was an NAIA All-American and led the Pilots in scoring this season, averaging over 22 points a game and ranking among the top five scorers nationally in the NAIA.
"I think he is the most courageous young man in college basketball right now," said his coach, Chad McDowell. "To come back when everyone says you were supposed to be paralyzed, it takes what you're talking about – courage."
Porter will receive the Most Courageous Award at the USBWA College Basketball Awards breakfast held in conjunction with the NCAA Final Four in San Antonio beginning at 8 a.m. on Fri., April 4, at Sunset Depot. He'll also be honored at the USBWA's annual business meeting and breakfast at 9 a.m. on Mon., April 7, at the Marriott Riverwalk. The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. Today, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. For more information on the USBWA and its awards, contact executive director Joe Mitch at 314-421-0339.
Porter, McDowell Headline All-Louisiana Team
APRIL 09, 2008
Shreveport, La. - LSUS senior Josh Porter was named to the Louisiana Sports Writers Association All-Louisiana First Team and LSUS head coach Chad McDowell was selected as the Coach of the Year by the state's media. Porter, a guard from Shreveport, led the Pilots in scoring during the 2007-08 campaign after averaging 21.9 points per contest. Porter became the 5th player in program history to surpass the 1,000-point mark for his career, while finishing the season with the second highest scoring average in school history.
The Southwood HS product finished the season as the GCAC Player of the Year and the Basketball Times NAIA Co- Player of the Year. Porter was also selected to the NAIA Coaches' All-America First Team and the NABC/State Farm All- America First Team.
Bo McCalebb was named state player of the year after leading New Orleans and the league in scoring. Joining McCalebb and Porter on the first team are LSU’s Anthony Randolph and Marcus Thornton and Tulane’s David Gomez.
LSUS’s head coach Chad McDowell was awarded Coach of the Year after leading the Pilots to a 31-3 record during the 2007-08 season, including the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular season and tournament championships. McDowell has compiled a 132-35 record in five seasons at LSUS, the best winning percentage of any coach in the state of Louisiana during that span.
Jamon Morris was also named to the All-Louisiana Third Team, as he posted 14.5 points and 11 rebounds per game this season. Morris led the NAIA in double-doubles with 25.
First Team David Gomez, Tulane Bo McCalebb, UNO Josh Porter, LSUS Anthony Randolph, LSU Marcus Thornton, LSU
Second Team Kyle Gibson, Louisiana Tech Trey Gilder, Northwestern State Kevyn Green, Southeastern Tony Hooper, ULM Anthony Williams, Grambling State Luke Zumo, Loyola
Third Team Chris Davis, Southern Kyndall Dykes, UNO Josh Johnson, Louisiana College Chris Johnson, LSU Jamon Morris, LSUS
Player of the Year Bo McCalebb, UNO
Newcomer of the Year Marcus Thornton, LSU
Freshman of the Year Anthony Randolph, LSU
Coach of the Year Chad McDowell, LSUS
Tyrone Hamilton Announces Decision to Transfer to LSUS
APRIL 21, 2008
Shreveport, La. – Former Centenary guard and Booker T. Washington standout Tyrone Hamilton announced a decision on Monday that he is transferring to LSUS for his final season of eligibility.
Hamilton spent the last four years at Centenary, where he was a two-time All-Conference selection, including being named to the All-Newcomer team as a freshman in 2005.
Hamilton led the Gents in scoring in each of the past two seasons, while averaging 16 points per game and shooting over 39% from the three-point line last season.
“I am very happy about making the move to LSUS and can hardly wait for next season to start,” said Hamilton. “I had a great career at Centenary and I am very thankful for the opportunity they gave me. However, my decision to transfer to LSUS is the right thing for me at this time and I couldn’t be happier. I look forward to helping Coach McDowell and the team continue the success they have had throughout the past five years.”
After completing the most successful season in the program’s history, including a school record 31 wins and the GCAC regular season and tournament titles, many people have already begun to question how the Pilots will maintain the level of success that has been established over the past five seasons.
LSUS head coach Chad McDowell believes that adding a player of Tyrone’s caliber should immediately put the Pilots in position for another championship run in 2008-09.
“I am extremely excited about Tyrone’s decision to join our Men’s Basketball Team here at LSUS,” commented McDowell. “I have enjoyed watching Tyrone play for many years in high school and at Centenary and must admit that I am thrilled to have the opportunity to coach him next season. Tyrone has proven himself consistently at the NCAA Division 1 level, and he is a great addition to our program.”
Replacing four starters off of last year’s 31-3 team, including All-American’s Josh Porter and Jamon Morris, won’t be easy; however, Coach McDowell and his staff believe that they have taken a step in the right direction with Monday’s signing of Hamilton.
“As a coaching staff, we are excited about the returning players here at LSUS, but we’re very aware of the fact that we were losing a majority of our scoring from last year’s team and a great deal of experience and leadership,” added McDowell. “Tyrone Hamilton committing to play his senior year for us helps resolve a lot of our concerns with next year’s team. We truly believe that Tyrone is capable of being the best player in the NAIA next season.”
Porter to Participate in All-Star Event
APRIL 22, 2008
SHREVEPORT, La. – LSUS guard Josh Porter has been selected to participate in the 2008 Collegiate Basketball Invitational (CBI), an all-star event of out-going men’s basketball seniors from the NAIA Division I & II, NCAA Division II & III ranks. The event consists of 13 contests from April 24-26, culminating in the All-Star Game scheduled for Saturday, April 26 at 8 p.m. EST and aired lived on ESPNU.
In addition to being selected as a CBI participant, Porter was named to four All-America Teams and the All-Louisiana Team following the 2007-08 season. Porter was also honored this season as the Louisiana Small College Player of the Year, the Basketball Times NAIA Player of the Year and the 2008 GCAC Player of the Year after averaging 22 points per game and guiding the Pilots to a school-record 31 wins, including the GCAC regular season and tournament titles.
Overall, there are 22 NAIA players listed on eight rosters. Porter, Ollie Bailey of the National Champion Oklahoma City Stars and NAIA Division II Player of the Year, Ryan Fiegi of Oregon Tech, headline the list of NAIA players.
Eight teams, which are sponsored by area businesses, will compete in Wadsworth, Ohio at Wadsworth High School. This year’s event, which features 65 of the country’s top basketball players, is the second annual event. Last year, there were 60 players split up into six teams that played a total of nine games over three days.
John McCarthy, founder of McCarthy Sports, Inc. and organizer of the event, mentioned that this was created in 2007 to give non-NCAA Division I players just as good of a chance to play professionally.
“I sincerely congratulate the 65 players that have been selected to compete in this prestigious event,” said McCarthy, who also is the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Director. “We are proud and excited to have the top NAIA seniors from both Divisions I and II participating in the Collegiate Basketball Invitational. “Like many tremendous NAIA players that have gone before them, I think that these players will show the public, the media and the professional team representatives the high level of basketball that is available in the NAIA today. In the process of selecting players, there is a great deal of research about the character of the players. With this in mind, we are proud to have these young men represent the Collegiate Basketball Invitational."
There will be a tip-off banquet, sponsored by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), on Wednesday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m. EST. The banquet will feature Porter and the amazing story of his miraculous comeback from a life- threatening neck injury suffered in the 2006-07 season.
Porter, Pilots Recognized at NABC Tip-Off Banquet
APRIL 23, 2008
The LSUS men's basketball program and senior guard Josh Porter were recognized on Wednesday night at the annual National Association of Basketball Coaches tip-off banquet in Wadsworth, Ohio.
ESPN analyst and Hall of Famer Dick Vitale singled out LSUS and "Mr. Courageous" Josh Porter during the opening video feature of the banquet. Vitale acknowledged the Pilots and Porter on the incredible season they had in 2007-08, calling Porter "the most courageous young man in college basketball this season."
In addition to being recognized by Vitale, Porter was asked to share his story with the 250 people in attendance. The hundreds sat in silence and amazement as Josh told the story of his miraculous comeback from a life-threatening neck injury suffered in a game on Nov. 28, 2006. Following his speech, Porter walked off the stage to a standing ovation. Among those in attendance at the event were the Mayor of Wadsworth and the Director of Operations for the College Basketball Invitational, Don Landry, who is also the founder of the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches.
The College Basketball Invitational (CBI), an all-star event that features the top 65 players from NAIA Division 1&2 and NCAA Division 2&3, begins tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM, with Porter's team set to play at 2:00 PM. Stay tuned as we track Josh's progress throughout this prestigious event.
Live stats of Josh's first game can be viewed at http://athletics.wooster.edu/mb/2008cbi/xlive.htm
LSUS's Porter to be Featured on ESPNU
APRIL 26, 2008
LSUS senior All-American guard Josh Porter will be featured at halftime of Saturday night's Collegiate Basketball Invitational All-Star game on ESPNU. Porter is scheduled for a live interview, in which he will share the story of his miraculous comeback from a life-threatening neck injury suffered in a game on Nov. 28, 2008.
The CBI All-Star game will be aired live beginning at 7:00 PM, Saturday night on ESPNU.
ESPNU is a television channel that specializes in college sports, and is produced by, affiliated with and and owned by parent network ESPN.
Porter finished the CBI with 39 points in three games, including 19 points in his game on Friday night.
Porter, McDowell Receive LABC's Top Honors
APRIL 29, 2008
Shreveport, La. - LSUS senior guard Josh Porter was named as the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches (LABC) Small College Player of the Year, and LSUS head coach Chad McDowell was named the Small College Coach of the Year as selected by the men's college basketball coaches in the State of Louisiana. Porter led the Pilots in scoring during the 2007-08 campaign after averaging 21.9 points per contest. Porter became the 5th player in program history to surpass the 1,000-point mark for his career, while finishing the season with the second highest scoring average in school history.
The Southwood High School product finished the season as the GCAC Player of the Year and the Basketball Times NAIA Co-Player of the Year. Porter was also selected to the NAIA Coaches' All-America First Team and the NABC/State Farm All-America First Team.
Porter is the second LSUS men's basketball player to receive the award, as Fredericko Payne was the recepient in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
LSUS’s head coach Chad McDowell was awarded the Small College Coach of the Year for the fifth year in-a-row after leading the Pilots to a 31-3 record during the 2007-08 season, including the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular season and tournament championships. The Pilots' 31 victories set a new school record for wins in a season, surpassing the mark set by the 2005-06 squad (28-4).
McDowell has compiled a 132-35 record in five seasons at LSUS, the best winning percentage of any coach in the state of Louisiana during that span.
Porter and McDowell will receive their awards at the LABC's 34th Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, May 10 in Baton Rouge.
Men's Basketball Signs Transfer Guard
MAY 19, 2008
Shreveport, La. – LSUS Head Coach Chad McDowell announced today the addition of Aubin Young to the 2008-09 recruiting class. Young will be immediately eligible for the 2008-09 season after transferring from Northwestern State University.
Young played in two games as a true freshman at NSU, following a stellar high school career at Pineview High School where he averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds as a senior. Young earned All-District honors in all four years of high school, while being named to the All-State in each of his final three seasons.
“We are extremely excited about having Aubin join our program here at LSUS,” commented McDowell. “With the loss of just under 80% of our scoring in conference games last year, we expect Aubin to make an immediate impact putting points on the board. He is a versatile player who can and is willing to play inside or out, and because of his length and athleticism, he can guard bigger players. Not only are we adding to our program a quality basketball player, but we are also getting a quality young many who will be a great representative for our LSUS community."
The 6’4 guard will help continue to add NCAA Division I talent to a LSUS roster that already boasts three NCAA transfers, including Tyrone Hamilton who signed with the Pilots last month.
"Aubin comes from an outstanding program at Northwestern State and has played the last two seasons under a coach who I admire, respect and consider a very good friend," added McDowell. "Coach McConathy has sent us several players over the last five seasons, and every one of them has been a key component in the success of our program. We are confident that Aubin will be no different, and that he will be a huge asset in our program for the next three seasons.”
Young sat out the 2007-08 season as a red-shirt and will have three years of eligibility remaining at LSUS.
LSUS Signs Minden's Derrick Parker to Letter-of-Intent
JUNE 10, 2008
Shreveport, La. – Minden High School’s Derrick Parker signed a letter-of-intent to play basketball at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, it was announced today by Head Coach Chad McDowell.
Parker, a 6’6 forward, was a two-year starter at Minden High School. As a senior, Parker averaged 26 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks, while helping Minden High to their second consecutive District 1-4A title. He earned first-team All-State honors, and was also named the District 1-4A and Webster Parish MVP following his senior season. The Shreveport Times also selected Parker as a member of their All-Area team. “We are very excited about the addition of Derrick Parker to our basketball family here at LSUS,” said McDowell. “Derrick comes from a great high school program with a lot of tradition and a very good coach in Alan Shaw.”
In addition to his outstanding athletic achievements, Parker has maintained a 4.0 GPA in the classroom. As a result of his athletic and academic accomplishments, he was named to the 2008 Academic All-State team.
“Derrick is what we consider a total package,” added McDowell. “He is an extremely good student, and a very talented basketball player that will have the opportunity to contribute immediately as a true freshman.”
Parker chose LSUS over several NCAA Division 1 offers, including Centenary, Weber State and Cornell.
Porter Set to Play Next Season in Germany
JUNE 16, 2008
Shreveport, La. – LSUS All-American Josh Porter agreed to terms this weekend with the Cuxhaven BasCats of the Pro A – Division 2 league in Germany.
Following a stellar career at LSUS, Porter established himself as one of the best players in college basketball in 2007-08 while earning the GCAC Player of the Year award and several All-America honors.
Porter finished his senior season averaging 22 points, which places him second all-time on the LSUS single-season scoring list. Porter finished his career at LSUS with 1,430 points (20.1 PPG) while compiling a 63-8 record in a Pilots uniform.
The deal comes less than three months after Porter led the Pilots to a record-breaking season, which included 31 wins, a GCAC regular season championship and the Pilots’ third consecutive GCAC Tournament title.
Porter is the first LSUS men’s basketball player to sign a professional contract, and he is expected to report on August 11.
LSUS Signs La. Tech Transfer Brandon Mims
JUNE 17, 2008
Shreveport, La. – LSUS continues to stockpile their 2008-09 roster with NCAA Division 1 transfers as former Evangel and Louisiana Tech forward Brandon Mims signed a letter-of-intent with the Pilots on Tuesday.
“We are very happy that Brandon has made the decision to come back home to Shreveport and join our program here at LSUS next season,” said LSUS head coach Chad McDowell. “Brandon will provide us with much needed size and athleticism, and we are excited about his decision to transfer.” Mims appeared in 23 games with six starts as a true freshman last season at Louisiana Tech. He averaged 1.5 points and 2 rebounds, while leading the team in blocked shots.
Mims, a 2007 graduate of Evangel Christian Academy, is 6-8 and will have three years of eligibility remaining for the Pilots.
Mims is the fourth player to sign with the Pilots this offseason, joining Minden High’s Derrick Parker, Centenary’s Tyrone Hamilton and Northwestern State’s Aubin Young.
Also joining the Pilots roster next season will be John Anthony Anglin from Northwestern St. Anglin played his high school ball at Loyola College Prep, and will have two seasons of eligibility remaining at LSUS.