LSUS Men's Roster continues to grow

AUGUST 09, 2005

Shreveport, LA---Men’s basketball is returning for its junior year at LSUS with new expectations, new goals, and a roster full of new faces. The Pilots 2005 journey ended with a loss in the round of Sweet 16 at the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City, MO, and a final regular season ranking of #7 in the nation. The season’s last game also brought to an end the college careers of five outstanding young men and extremely talented athletes in the likes of Derrick Hill, Justin Collins, Abraham Saxon, David Walker, and Derrick Rogers. “Those 5 guys will be remembered forever here at LSUS.” Commented head coach Chad McDowell just days after returning from the NAIA national tournament. “They will always be family and will be given credit for helping build our program in such a short amount of time. Replacing these guys will be tough. They are more than just great players; they are great young men and fierce competitors.”

With such a dramatic roster renewal, most NAIA fans and supporters may be thinking “well, they better have enjoyed the ride while it lasted.” This may be the case for many programs that may have to suffer through the heartache and hard times of a rebuilding year after such a successful run at the ultimate goal of a national championship; this however is not the case for the LSUS Pilots. The Pilot fans are excited to see the returners and the players the have coming in.

The LSUS men’s basketball recruiting class earlier this summer announced the signings of former Southwood High School star Josh Porter who transferred from Stephen F. Austin, former Byrd standout Kyle Blankenship who transferred from the University of Tulsa, and Tech transfer Jeremy Johnston who finished his high school career at Airline High School.

In addition to what was already anticipated to be coach McDowell’s most promising recruiting year, the Pilots are excited to announce the signing of 6’8 small-forward, Anton Palmer, and 6’7 post player Shadrach Roome.

Palmer, a native of Chicago, IL, was projected as the 14th best small-forward and the 71st best high school senior in the country by .com after averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds at Julian High School in 2001.

Palmer attended Schoolcraft Junior College where he led the team to a #18 finish in the National Junior College Athletics Association Division I men’s basketball poll. He averaged 14 points and 8 rebounds and was named the Michigan Community College Athletics Association All-Star Game MVP. In 2004, Palmer was ranked the 9th best small-forward among junior colleges in the country by nbadraft.net. and 10th best by Lindy’s magazine.

God given ability and athleticism will give Palmer the opportunity to be a dominant force in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. His versatility of being able to shoot from the outside, pass, and handle the ball along with his strength in the low post will add a scoring threat down low the Pilots have been looking for. “He is an incredible player and has put in many hours of hard work this summer anticipating the season” stated McDowell. “He will draw a lot of defensive attention from our opponents has the ability to put up big numbers every single night.”

To compliment Johnston and Palmer down low, the signing of Shadrach Roome, a 6’7 transfer from Northeastern State University, home of the 2003 NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball national champion, will add depth to the Pilots presence in the post. Roome averaged 5.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in his junior year averaging 21 minutes per game. Roome is the cousin of former Pilot player Abraham Saxon who are natives of the West Indies. Roome and Saxon attended and played high school basketball at Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, LA..

Roome will be looked upon to fill the void of LSUS’ all-time leading shot blocker Derek Hill. His physical attributes along with incredible athleticism completes a trio of post players who will be looked upon to not only and shots, but also contribute to an already potent LSUS offense. “Shadrach is a man and we are excited about what he brings to our team.” commented McDowell. “He is an incredibly strong player who can run the floor with anyone. He knows one speed and that is wide-open. We look for great things from Shad and feel like he will be able to give us another scoring presence inside that we need.”

The Pilots are excited about the season and the team they will put on the floor this upcoming season. McDowell stated, “This recruiting class along with the players we have returning is very strong and have the potential to be a very good team. The challenge is usually the same for most every team and we will be no different. We must play together as a team or we will underachieve. We are confident that these guys are up for the challenge and we are eager to get started.”

The final additions to the LSUS roster will be released soon.

There is no place like home: LSUS loads 2005-2006 roster with local talent

AUGUST 11, 2005

Shreveport, LA: For many coaches, long road trips, fast food, and hours spent in a gym hunting for that special athlete that will help take a program to the next level is the formula for a successful recruiting class. For LSUS head coach Chad McDowell however, most of the talent he was looking for was in his own backyard.

The Pilots are returning four players from last year’s team and knew they would have some new faces on the floor with them this year. The four players are good ones and are striving to make it back to Kansas City for the NAIA national tournament. Returning from last year’s team are Freddy Hughes, Fredericko Payne, Carlon Simmons, and Derrick Sowell. Also returning off his red-shirt season last year is Brandon Malveaux.

Earlier this summer the Pilots announced the signing of several players that were high school standouts right here in Shreveport/Bossier. Those names include Josh Porter (Southwood), Kyle Blankenship (C.E. Byrd), and Jeremy Johnston (Airline). All three players are transferring in from NCAA Division I programs and are well-known names in this area.

After announcing the signing of Anton Palmer of Chicago, Illinois, and Shadrach Roome of the West Indies this past week, the LSUS Pilots have released their 2005-2006 roster in its entirety. The roster continued to be filled with strong local talent which includes several high school standouts. Jariel Norton (Homer High School), Chris Wafer (Captain Shreve High School), and Damien Goff (Northwood-Lena) will be competing in their first year of college basketball this season. Greg Tyer (Airline High School) decided to transfer from Northwestern State University and will play his last two years for the Pilots. The Pilots also picked up a transfer from Jacksonville Community College in Chad Hardy out of St. Fancisville, Louisiana.

Greg Tyer, a junior transfer from Northwestern State University and former Airline high School standout under Coach Myles Holladay announced he will join the LSUS Pilots for the next two seasons. Tyer is a 6’4 forward from Bossier City who has the unique ability to play inside if called upon and shoots the ball for a high percentage from the outside. Tyer saw limited action with NSU in 2004 and decided to transfer to LSUS where he plans on contributing to what hopes to be a championship season at LSUS. “Greg is a great addition to our team.” commented McDowell. “He was a very good high school player who played for a great coach in Myles Holladay. We are thrilled that he has decided to finish his education and eligibility here at LSUS. I’m excited about the opportunity to coach him and I am sure his friends and family are excited to see him play.”

The Pilots have also added a 6’5 post player from Captain Shreve High School in Chris Wafer. Wafer earned All-District honors his senior year while playing under Coach Todd Martinez. His physical strength, size, and ability to rebound will help fill the void of graduate Abraham Saxon. “Chris will make his presence felt early this season and will fight for the ball every second he plays,” commented McDowell. “He is a rebounding machine. His physical presence along with his knowledge of the game will make him a great addition to our team. Chris was well coached by Todd Martinez at Captain Shreve High School and it shows in his play with our guys. People will have a hard time believing he has four years left to play.”

After exhausting the immediate local resources (Shreveport/Bossier), McDowell stretched out just a few miles by signing Homer High School’s Jariel Norton. Norton earned 1st-Team All-State Academic Team honors after accumulating a 4.0 gpa and was the valedictorian of his graduating class. His basketball accomplishments include 1st-Team All-District and All-State honors as he averaged over 26 points and 6 assists a game. At 6’1, this freshman guard has the ability to hit the open shot and has potential to become a solid player for the Pilots. “Jariel is a coach’s dream as an incoming freshman.” stated McDowell. “This young man has it all together on and off the floor. He is going to add depth at our guard position, but more importantly, he will be a great ambassador for our University. ” .

One of the biggest surprises of the summer for the Pilots was when they discovered a 6’1 guard from Northwood-Lena High School was attending LSUS. Damien Goff was a non-qualifier out of high School where he earned 1st-Team All- State honors. Goff accumulated a 3.0gpa his freshman year and will now find himself in a Pilot uniform as a shooting guard. “This was a big surprise, but definitely a good one,” chuckled an astounded McDowell. “Here is a kid who did what it took in the classroom to become eligible to play not telling anyone he was even here in school. We knew he was a great player in high school, but didn’t know exactly where he had decided to attend college. Damien is a talented guard and is a great addition to our team. What a great surprise we got when Damien came into the office ready to play.”

And last but definitely not least, the Pilots are proud to announce the signing of Chad Hardy. Hardy is a transfer from Jacksonville Community College. Last year as a freshman, Hardy played in 20 games, averaging 2.7 points while shooting 47.1%. from the floor. Hardy finished second on the team in steals and third in assists with 29. Athleticism and quickness will allow Hardy to fit in with the Pilots up-tempo style of play. Hardy attended West Feliciana High School where he was a standout guard who averaged 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists his senior year and was selected to the 2003 All-District team. “Chad is a solid point guard and a good all-around basketball player,” commented McDowell. “He can handle the ball and loves to get his teammates involved. We are excited about having Chad for the next three years.”

If the Shreveport-Bossier area is looking for a program which showcases local talent at a highly competitive collegiate level, they need to look no further than the LSUS campus November 2. The Pilots will hit the floor with seven local high school standouts versus Southwestern Assemblies of God University as they begin their journey down the road they hope ends at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, MO; site of the 2006 NAIA National Tournament. “We are eager to get started. It’s exciting to think how good these guys can be if they work hard and come together as one. We have several Shreveport/Bossier All-City players returning to play which will lead to great crowds once again.”

Pilots schedule Arkansas and LSU for 2005 season

SEPTEMBER 20, 2005

Shreveport, LA—Mountain State University, Oklahoma City University, and Azusa Pacific University are all well known institutions among other NAIA Division I programs who compete each year for a chance at an NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship. While these perennial powerhouses of the NAIA are well known and respected for their past accomplishments, rarely are these names seen or talked about on a national level. Despite having an arsenal of NCAA Division I caliber players, most NAIA affiliated teams do not draw crowds that fill their respective facilities, no matter how big or how small the venue. This is due in part because of the lack of attention from the media on a national level and in some cases even the local level, which is imperative for the community to become familiar with the teams and conferences and the developed rivalries amongst them.

Because of such little notoriety for athletics in the NAIA, many basketball fans across the country will be asking, “Who is LSUS?” when they see their name going across the bottom line on the ESPN ticker. In what will be just their third year in existence, the LSUS Pilots Head Coach Chad McDowell, who has led the Pilots to a 48-21 overall record, a Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championship, and a Sweet 16 appearance at the 2005 NAIA Buffalo Funds National Tournament, has inked four dates with NCAA Division I opponents that will create even more excitement for Pilot fans.

On November 10, the Pilots will travel to Lake Charles, LA to take on McNeese State University of the . At the conclusion of the contest, the Pilots will load up and head to Fayetteville, AR for a contest versus University of Arkansas. The following Tuesday, the Pilots will be off to Baton Rouge, LA, where they will square off versus the LSU Tigers. LSUS will finish up their NCAA run with a visit to Natchitoches. LA when they will square off versus the 2005 Southland conference Champion Northwestern State University Demons.

“Having these four exhibition games on our schedule against opponents of this caliber can only help us in preparing for our tough conference schedule and making another run at a national tournament berth. We are so excited for our players, our program, and our university to have this great opportunity of playing against two SEC schools along with two teams that compete for the Southland Conference championship every year,” commented McDowell.

LSUS athletic director Doug Robinson believes that the newest additions to the Pilots 2005-2006 schedule has the potential to take the LSUS athletics program to a new level. “McDowell has taken a step forward that will bring a lot of attention to our university and our athletics program. Our student-athletes are getting a chance to play against some of the top schools in the country and that is an experience that they will never forget. These games also showcase just a few of the opportunities that student-athletes receive when they choose to attend LSUS," concluded a very excited Robinson.

The Pilots open their 2005-2006 schedule November 2 at home versus the Southwest Assemblies of God University, and will then start a grueling 13 game road stint before returning home January 3 when they will play host to Central Baptist College.

All LSUS News Releases are Online at: http://www.lsus.edu/athletics/

To receive LSUS Sports Releases by e-mail, contact Al Cantwell at: [email protected]

Pilots Men's Basketball Earns Preseason Ranking and Honors

OCTOBER 03, 2005

The 2005-2006 basketball season is right around the corner. For the LSUS men’s basketball team the hype has already started. The first preseason ranking came out last week and the Pilots saw their name on the list. The Pilots are ranked number ten in the 2005-2006 edition of Street and Smith’s College Basketball Preview. Senior Fredericko Payne was also selected to the First Team All-American list. “This is an honor for our players from the past as well as what we have here this year. We hope to keep building the program in a positive way and continue to win ball games,” stated head coach Chad McDowell about his team and the preseason ranking. The tradition was built last season as the Pilots won the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular season title and made it to the NAIA Sweet Sixteen. The Pilots finished the year with a 27-9 overall record and a 16-2 conference record. LSUS will face two of the other top ten teams when they face off with Union (TN) in December and conference foe University of Mobile in January. The top ten teams are Azusa Pacific, Mountain State, Union, John Brown, Georgetown, Carroll, Oklahoma Christian, Mobile, Faulkner, and LSU- Shreveport. The Pilots tip it off on November 2nd at 7:30 p.m. against Southwestern Assemblies of God University at “The Dock” on the campus of LSUS.

'LSUS Midnight Madness' to showcase basketball teams

OCTOBER 24, 2005

Midnight Madness will showcase the men’s and women’s basketball teams, with intra-squad scrimmages and a shoot-out contest between the men’s and women’s basketball teams in a “Battle of the Sexes.” LSUS cheerleaders and the danceline will perform and all LSUS athletes will be introduced. There will also be lots of games, prizes and fun for all in attendance. Admission is free for LSUS students, staff and faculty with valid ID and $1 for the public. All proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross for hurricane victims. Come and support the LSUS Lady Pilots and Pilots basketball teams!

Preseason Polls Rank Pilots 10th in NAIA

OCTOBER 26, 2005

Shreveport, LA---Eight months after their first Sweet 16 appearance and a loss at the hands of the future 2005 NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball John Brown University (AR), the LSUS Pilots have been ranked 10th in the NAIA pre-season polls which were released Wednesday afternoon.

The 2004-2005 NAIA Division I men’s basketball season was a year of firsts for the LSUS Pilots. Chad McDowell and his Pilots recorded a 27-9 overall record which included a 16-2 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference record which was good enough for a share of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular season championship with the University of Mobile Rams. By virtue of holding the upper hand in a tie-breaker versus the Rams, the Pilots received an automatic birth in the 2005 NAIA Buffalo Funds National Tournament in Kansas City, MO. In their first national tournament appearance, the Pilots won their first game versus Cumberland University in a double-overtime thriller, 79-75. In the second round however, the Pilots were held under 60 points for the first time in their existence and were eliminated from the Sweet 16 round by JBU.

Despite a year which captivated the entire LSUS campus and broke the LSUS win record with 27 (previously 21, 2004), the Pilots felt as if their journey ended a little too early. However, the 2005 Pilot team has made the step to #1 a little closer by starting the year ranked 10th in the country amongst NAIA teams. “With the players we have returning and the recruiting class we have assembled, we feel worthy of to be considered one of the top 10 teams in the country,” comments Pilot head coach Chad McDowell. “It speaks volumes for our young program and is a tribute to the quality of student-athletes we have had over the past two years. We still understand that it’s a pre-season poll and the work is yet to be done.”

The Pilots will be put to the test early with 14 games throughout the month of November which includes their home opener November 2 versus the Southwestern Assemblies of God University, and exhibition games versus NCAA Division I opponents McNeese State University, LSU, and the University of Arkansas. These games will serve as crucial preparation for the month of December which will see the Pilots take on the 6th ranked Union University on a neutral court in Houston, TX, and a showdown with the 15th ranked Texas Wesleyan University Rams in Fort Worth, TX

“It should be everyone’s goal as it is ours to be #1. We are proud to be recognized throughout the country, however, our focus will continue to remain on playing together night in and night out and letting the rest take care of itself,” concludes McDowell.

Welcome Back to the Dock: Pilots Open Season Wednesday Night vs SWAGU @ 7:30pm

OCTOBER 31, 2005

Match up --- #10 LSUS vs. Southwestern Assemblies of God University

Tip-off --- 7:30pm., Wednesday, November 2, 2005

Site (capacity) --- The Dock –Shreveport, LA (1,000)

Head to Head Record --- LSUS (2-0) SWAGU (0-2)

Next Home Game --- November 5, 2005 versus Paul Quinn College 7:30pm

Next Game --- November 5, 2005 versus Paul Quinn College 7:30pm

Shreveport, LA--- The 10th ranked Pilots will be put to the test early with 14 games throughout the month of November which includes their home opener Wednesday night versus Southwestern Assemblies of God University, and exhibition games versus NCAA Division I opponents McNeese State University, LSU, and the University of Arkansas. These games will serve as crucial preparation for the month of December which will see the Pilots take on 6th ranked Union University on a neutral court in Houston, Texas, and a showdown with the 15th ranked Texas Wesleyan University Rams in Fort Worth, Texas.

Wednesday night will be the first chance for Pilot fans to see returning NAIA All-American Fredericko Payne, Derrick Sowell, Freddy Hughes, and Carlon Simmons back in action, along with the 2005-2006 recruiting class which includes the signings of former Southwood High School star Josh Porter who transferred from Stephen F. Austin, former Byrd standout Kyle Blankenship who transferred from the University of Tulsa, and Louisiana Tech transfer Jeremy Johnston who finished his high school career at Airline High School. In addition to the local talent signed by Head Coach Chad McDowell, the Pilots are excited to see 6’8 small-forward, Anton Palmer, and 6’7 post player Shadrach Roome make their debut at the Dock Wednesday night.

Capacity crowd gets first look at 2005-2006 Pilots

NOVEMBER 02, 2005

Shreveport, LA—Louisiana State University in Shreveport finally had the chance to see the highly anticipated arrival of the 2005-2006 version of their men’s basketball team, and the LSUS Pilots did not disappoint. In typical LSUS fashion, the Pilots jumped out to an early 7-0 lead to start the first half and never looked back. Senior guard and 2005 All-American Fredericko Payne led the Pilot offense with yet another All-American performance at the Dock as he poured in a game high 33 points in a 118-89 win over the Southwestern Assemblies of God University Lions.

Pilot point guard Kyle Blankenship drained the first basket of the 2005-2006 season from three feet beyond the three point line which started a 7-0 run to begin the first half which was capped by a Payne and breakaway lay-up forcing a SAGU timeout at the 17:46 mark.

SAGU managed a 6-0 run out of their timeout to cut the lead to 7-6, however the Pilots responded with a full court pressure defense that forced 19 turnovers which included four steals by Payne leading to a 49-31 half-time lead.

Stephen F. Austin University transfer and former Southwood High School star Josh Porter entered the Pilots record book with 3:38 remaining in the half after a steal by Payne and a pass to a wide open Porter who delivered a slam-dunk that brought the largest crowd (950) in LSUS history to their feet with excitement.

LSUS had eight players tally the score sheet in the first half with Payne leading the way with 10 points and four steals while Anton Palmer, a junior forward from Chicago, IL pitched in with seven points and seven rebounds. The Pilots shot 42% from the field which included 6-17 from beyond the three point line while committing just five turnovers while forcing 19 by the Lions.

Julio Osorio carried the offensive load for the Lions in the first half pouring in 14 points and collecting 12 rebounds; each halftime highs. The Lions finished shooting 44% from the field and out-rebounded LSUS 24-20.

The LSUS offense hit another gear in the second half as they went on to pour in 69 points, 23 of which came from Payne who was 7-11 from the field which included an amazing 5-8 performance from behind the three point line. “This was a big team win. We wanted to make a statement here tonight and show the best fans in country what we can do,” commented Payne.

“Rico is coming off a great season. Everyone in the NAIA knows who he is and what he can do. I believe that he is starting to understand that he is surrounded by an entire team of athletes who are ready to back each other every night and that he does not have to do it all, which will in the end lead to a lot of great nights for Payne this season,” commented Head Coach Chad McDowell.

All five Pilot starters finished in double-digits which included Payne with 33 points, six steals, and five assists; Porter finished with 19 points on 7-21 shooting and five assists; Palmer collected a double-double in his Pilot debut with 17 points and rebounds; Blankenship added a double-double of his own with 10 points and a game high 12 assists; and Shadrach Roome added 14 points and seven rebounds. Pilot forward Jeremy Johnston, a senior transfer from Louisiana Tech University added 9 points and eight assists while Freddy Hughes pitched in with eight points, five assists, and four rebounds. Derrick Sowell had a rare off night connecting on just 1-9 shooting, but with his physical presence and athleticism he collected a game high five offensive rebounds and collected three steals. Greg Tyer finished 2-2 from the field and finished with five points and Chad Hardy connected on 1-2 free throws in the final minute for his first career point in a Pilot uniform.

“This is the most fun I have had on a in years,” commented Blankenship after his double-double performance. “It feels great to be part of a winning team and to play in front of such a great crowd.”

Osorio continued to lead the Lion charge in the second half as he torched the Pilot defense for 32 points on 15-24 shooting and a game high 18 rebounds while teammate Jeremy Bowman added 17 points on 7-13 shooting. The Lions connected on 23-38 (68%) attempts from the field which included 6-14 from the three point line and 6-12 from the charity stripe. SAGU committed 32 turnovers while dishing out 27 assists and out rebounded the Pilots by a 46-44 margin.

“This was a great team victory. We played with great intensity for 40 minutes and everyone made the most of their minutes tonight. If everyone continues to do so and we continue to grow and play together, we are going to have a lot success this season,” concluded McDowell.

The Pilots (1-0) will return to action again Saturday night when they will play host to the Paul Quinn College Tigers. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm.

All LSUS News Releases are Online at: http://www.lsus.edu/athletics/

To receive LSUS Sports Releases by e-mail, contact Al Cantwell at: [email protected]

SGA charter bus registration available for LSUS vs LSU game November 15th

NOVEMBER 03, 2005

The LSUS SGA has chartered a bus that will leave at 11:00 a.m. on the 15th to travel to the LSUS/LSU Basketball game. Game time is scheduled for 7:00pm. There is a $10 donation required to sign up - This donation will go to the SGA Student Relief Fund. Students can call 797-5342 or email [email protected] to get more information or to sign up. We hope to fill the bus and get as many people there to support our Pilots!

Pilots rewrite LSUS record book with 153-108 victory over Tigers

NOVEMBER 06, 2005

Shreveport, LA---It is a rare occasion that a team surrenders 108 points and still comes out on the winning end of a 45 point landslide victory. The LSUS Pilots (2-0) did just that Saturday night at the Dock as the crowd of 935 people witnessed a 153-108 victory over the Paul Quinn College Tigers (0-1) which set four new LSUS records; most points in a single game with 153 (previous record was 118 , 11/06/04); most field goals made in a single game with 57 (previous record was 43, 12/18/1995); three point field goals made in a single game with 22 (previous record was 17, 11/06/04); and assists in a single game with 43 (previous record was 31, 1/25/1994).

Jeremy Johnston sparked a 15-5 run with six points to start the half which was capped off by a Derrick Sowell that electrified the LSUS campus forcing the Tigers to call their first timeout at the 16:00.

A three point by Antwan Habersham at the 11:00 mark pulled the Tigers to within nine points, but that is as close as they would come on this night as the Pilots exploded for 75 first half points, including 22 points from leading scorer Fredericko Payne who connected on 7-12 shooting which included 6-10 from beyond the three point line.

The Pilots took a 75-54 lead into the half after shooting 56% (27-48) from the field. Four Pilots reached double digits in the first half which included Payne with 22, Josh Porter with 13, Anton Palmer 11, and Johnston with 10 points and 5 rebounds.

Damien Chishlom led the Tiger offense with 17 first half points while Habersham finished with 11 and teammate Alonzo Butler pitched in with 10. The Tigers shot 42% (18-43) from the field which included 4-14 from beyond the three point line.

The scoring barrage continued in the second half as the Pilots poured in 78 points after connecting on 30-46 field goal attempts including an astounding 13-23 from the three point line. LSUS went on to win by a final score of 153-108, to improve to 2-0 on the season and improved to 25-3 overall at the Dock since the 2003-2004 season.

“Everything we did on offense tonight seemed to work. When we created an open shot we knocked it down,” commented Pilot Head Coach Chad McDowell.

The LSUS offensive attack was highlighted with seven players scoring double-digits including Payne with his second 30 point performance of the season. Palmer finished with his second double-double of the season finishing with 30 points and 11 rebounds. Porter added 21 points; Johnston finished with 15; Sowell 13 points and five rebounds; Freddy Hughes finished a perfect 5-5 from the floor collecting 12 points and nine ; and Shadrach Roome finished with 11 points and five rebounds. Kyle Blankenship collected a game high 10 assists and added three points while freshman Damien Goff connected on three consecutive three point attempts late in the second half for 9 points.

“With the scoring threats we have on floor and on the bench, it is going to be very tough for a defense to focus on just one or two guys. Rico and Palmer had a very good night. Tomorrow it could be someone else,” concluded McDowell. The Tigers finished shooting 43% from the field and had six players reach double-digit scoring totals; Chishlom finished with a team high 28 points; Butler had 17 points and seven rebounds; Habershaw finished with 14 points; Channing Coffey added 11; and Amahad Jennings and Jonathan Alexander added 10 points each.

At 2-0 on the season the Pilots will now take to the road on a trip that will include three exhibition games versus NCAA Division I opponents, the first being Thursday night when they will square off against the McNeese State Cowboys in Lake Charles, LA. The Pilots will then travel to Fayetteville, AR to take on the University of Arkansas Razorbacks Saturday night, and then will make their was south to Baton Rouge, LA to take on the LSU Tigers Tuesday night.

“This will be a huge test for our guys. We have proven that we can score, now we get to test what I believe is the best defense we have ever put on the floor,” concluded McDowell.

The Pilots will return home to the Dock November 17th when they will play host to Texas Wesleyan University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm.

John Ford scores 27 points in leading McNeese to 99-88 victory over LSU- Shreveport

NOVEMBER 11, 2005

Nov. 10, 2005

Final Stats (http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2005-2006/msushrev.html)

Sophomore guard John Ford (http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/ford_john00.html) pumped in 27 points in leading McNeese State to a 99-88 exhibition basketball victory over LSU-Shreveport Thursday night.

Ford, a native of Alexandria, made eight of 12 field goals including two of three from three point range and canned nine of 10 free throws in his standout night. The 5-10 point guard also had six rebounds and a game high six assists.

Also in double figures for the Cowboys were Troy Aaron (http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/aaron_troy00.html) with 17 points, J. T. Williams (http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/williams_jt00.html) with 16 and Ryan Price (http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/price_ryan00.html) with 15. McNeese's three starting guards - Ford, Aaron and Price - combined for 59 of the Pokes 99 points.

LSU-Shreveport had the game's leading scorer in Josh Porter who pitched in 32 points. Teammate Fredericko Payne, who entered the game averaging 31.5 points per game, was held to 14.

McNeese held a 47-40 haftime lead. In the second half when they scored 52 points, the Cowboys made 51.9 percent of their field goals, 40 percent of their three point shots and 88 percent of their free throws.

The Cowboys outrebounded LSU-S 50-41 with Williams getting nine and Aaron eight. Razorbacks pound Pilots 120-79 in exhibition contest

NOVEMBER 14, 2005

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas didn’t connect on many threes against LSU-Shreveport on Saturday, but the Razorbacks made sure the high-scoring Pilots didn’t shoot much better in rolling to a 120-79 exhibition game victory.

LSUS came in 2-0 on the year and was averaging 135.5 points per game with a lot of those points coming from behind the arc. The Pilots took 41 threes Saturday but connected on only 10 in a fast-paced game, including only two-of-19 in the second period.

LSUS made three threes in the first three minutes of the game and led 13-10 early. Arkansas scored 14 of the next 16 points to go up by nine on two Sean McCurdy free throws before another three pulled the Pilots within 24-21 at the 13- minute mark.

The Razorbacks, who topped Southwest (Mo.) Baptist, 86-49, in their other exhibition game on Nov. 4, scored the next 13 points and took control at 37-21.

UA pushed the lead to 58-33, but Josh Porter hit two threes and Anton Palmer another within 31 seconds to cut the margin to 60-42.

In the second half, Fredericko Payne, a preseason All-American, hit a three, made a steal and drained another trey to get the Pilots within 74-58 with 13:55 left.

Arkansas responded with a 6-0 run and the lead never dipped below 20 the rest of the way.

A Darian Townes dunk gave Arkansas a 100-70 lead with 7:01 to go and a Sammy Munsey made it 113-75 with 2:06 left.

Eric Ferguson (broken nose) and Steven Hill (ankle) were held out of the game, but the other 10 Hogs played at least six minutes.

Arkansas made just two-of-14 threes, but shot 59.2 percent overall from the floor (45-76). Jonathon Modica led the way, connecting on 10-of-16 shots and going seven-of-11 at the line for 28 points. Townes was 10-of-14 for 25 points. Modica, who also had five assists, and Townes tied for game-high rebounding honors with 11 each. Charles Thomas hit 10-of-12 shots, and had 24 points, eight rebounds and three assists.

Ronnie Brewer had 15 points, five rebounds and six assists, and Sean McCurdy had 13 points and five assists. Dontell Jefferson had seven assists and four steals.

Porter led the Pilots with 21 points on six-of-19 shots, including six-of-18 threes. Jeremy Johnson had 15 points and Payne was limited to 14 points on four-of-16 shooting, including two-of-12 on threes.

Arkansas opens its season Friday at 7:05 p.m. at home against defending Big Sky Conference champion Portland State. Tough road trip brings out best in Pilots

NOVEMBER 14, 2005

Shreveport, LA---The competitive nature in athletes and coaches makes the old saying of “winning isn’t everything” hard to appreciate at times. The LSUS Pilots and Head Coach Chad McDowell just dropped a 99-88 decision to McNeese State University Thursday night, and received a 120-79 beating at the hands of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks Saturday night, but feel as though the trip was a total success.

“Before we left, we said that if we get better as a team and have fun, it will be a successful trip. Despite losing by 40 points to Arkansas, I felt we played better against them then we did against McNeese, and I am very pleased with our effort. I think playing in front of 10, 500 fans is an experience that our guys will remember for the rest of their life, and therefore, I think we can look at ourselves and say mission accomplished,” commented McDowell.

Of the many highlights on the trip, McDowell was very pleased with the play of three new faces on the Pilots roster; Josh Porter being one them. The 6’3 guard from Shreveport, LA transferred to LSUS for his junior season from Stephen F. Austin University. Porter averaged 20 points in the Pilots first two games of the 2005-2006 season, but McDowell felt as though he still had not seen the best of Porter. A 33 point performance which included 7-13 from beyond the three point line versus McNeese State University showed the Pilots just what he can do. “I was happy to see that after struggling from the field his first two games, he knew it was just a matter of time before the shots started to fall. I think this will be a huge boost of confidence for this young man because he showed what he is capable of doing on the floor versus very high caliber opponents,” said McDowell of Porter.

In addition to the play of Porter, McDowell had some new found success from the post position in Shadrach Roome and Jeremy Johnston. Roome, a 6’7 senior from Northeastern State University, connected on 6-8 from the field for 15 points versus McNeese, and was 6-7 from the floor for 12 points and added five rebounds versus the Razorbacks. In addition to the play of Roome, 6’9 senior transfer from Louisiana Tech University Jeremy Johnston added seven points and four rebounds off the bench at McNeese, and 15 points and six rebounds versus the Razorbacks. “Jeremy brings something to our team that we didn’t have before; game experience at the Division I level. We expected him to be a scoring presence on the inside, and he proved he can be just that on this trip,” said McDowell of Johnston. “The addition of Shadrach and his physical presence down low has also been a blessing. He showed he can bang with the big boys and still find a way to score which will open some better looks for our guards from the perimeter.”

LSUS now has an even bigger challenge to face as they are jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire as they will travel to Baton Rouge tomorrow to take on the LSU Tigers. “We are going up against yet another Division I powerhouse in LSU. They have the SEC freshman of the year in Glenn “Big Baby” Davis who will be a very tough test for our defense. We have some specific things we want to improve on and playing against LSU will make us work hard to do so,” concluded McDowell.

When all is said and done, McDowell and his LSUS Pilots are very proud of the way they compete on the floor with class and a true champion’s character. Despite being overmatched at times, the Pilots continued to play with pride and were rewarded by the recognition of the Arkansas crowd. One of the 10, 500 fans in attendance took the time to write a few words in reference to the Pilots performance. “I was at the ballgame tonight where your basketball team played against the Razorbacks. I was most impressed with your team's sportsmanship. When one of our players was hurt, two of your players went over to pat him on the back as he was taken off the court. One of our players went up onto the scorer's table and three of your players and your coach went over to help keep him from being hurt. They were getting beat and yet their integrity was apparent which in my opinion is worth more than the score. Your school should be proud of the way they were represented tonight in a basketball game.”

Tigers fly past Pilots, 122-58 (Story courtesy of LSU Sports Information Department)

NOVEMBER 16, 2005

BATON ROUGE -- Darnell Lazare led six Tigers in double figures scoring with 19 points, as the LSU men's basketball team completed exhibition play with a 122-58 victory over LSU-Shreveport of the NAIA on Tuesday night in the Maravich .

LSU, which finished 2-0 in exhibition play, opens the 2005-06 regular season against Southern University on Friday night at home.

LSU-Shreveport, ranked No. 10 in the NAIA, fell to 0-3 in exhibition play but hold a 2-0 record in regular-season play this season. The Pilots set several school records in a 153-108 victory over Paul Quinn College earlier this season

The Tigers shot 60.3 percent from the field (44 of 73) and out-rebounded LSU-S, 62-27.

LSU guard scored 18 points -- all in the first half -- while forwards and each had 16. Forward added 15 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks in 16 minutes, and reserve forward Magnum Rolle scored 13 points in 17 minutes.

Tigers reserves Chris Johnson (eight points) and Alex Farrer (seven) each played well in a clean-up role. Reserve point guard Ben Voogd had five points, seven assists and a steal.

LSU-Shreveport, which shot only 28.6 percent (22 of 77) from the field, had four players in double figures scoring. Derrick Sowell led the Pilots with 15 points in 15 minutes of play. LSU-S launched 27 three-pointers, making only seven (25.9 percent).

LSU trailed by as many as six, 13-7, in the first four minutes. After coming back to tie the game at 17-17, LSU scored 12 straight points to take a 29-17 lead on a tip-in by Tasmin Mitchell with 11:14 to play in the first half.

The lead increased to 28 with two minutes to play in the half, 58-20, on a layup by Lazare. At halftime, LSU led 61-35 behind 18 points from Darrel Mitchell and 15 by Lazare. The Tigers out-rebounded the Pilots, 31-8, and who 55.6 percent from the field (20 of 36).

In trouble, the Pilots never threatened in the second half. The final score was the largest margin of the game.

The Tigers open the 2005-06 regular season against Southern on Friday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. in the Maravich Center. Members of the Geaux Zone can watch live streaming video of this and the Nicholls State contest on Monday, Nov. 21, on LSUsports.net.

Live streaming video and audio of the contest was streamed exclusively in LSUsports.net's Geaux Zone for free to the public. The archive of the audio and video are both available at no charge as a free preview of the subscription-based sevice of LSUsports.net.

LSU HEAD COACH

Opening Statement..."That team was averaging 113 a game, I believe, or 115 a game, and they scored 79 or 80 at Arkansas the other night. We made a goal to hold them to 65 or less. Even though we were up a number of points, we still wanted to try to guard and meet our defensive goal. We were able to do that. We played a lot of guys. We had some guys that didn't play in the first exhibition as much as they would have liked, but we got a chance really to kind of play some people. I wanted to put Chris Johnson in when the game was still kind of on the line early. His biggest problem right now is execution, but I think he's shown that he's got some talent and some real skill there for a guy that's 6-11. He's just in a learning curve right now, but he's going to be fine. Eventually what we'd like to do is back him up at the 3 with Tasmin (Mitchell), but right now we're swinging Garrett (Temple) at the 2 and the 3. Hopefully it will eventually work out for us where we'll almost have a sub for each guy. I thought that, in spite of the slow start, there's two ways you can look at it. You can say that we started slow or they made some nice baskets early on, and they did. I think defensively we picked it up a little bit."

On Kentrell Gransberry..."We're in the process of talking to him now. He was really disappointed about the other night. It bothers me a little bit that a guy would make a knee-jerk decision because he didn't play as much as he would have liked in an exhibition game. He's a fine young man, and we want him here. He's really concerned about if he can play here with the players we have. There are some avenues to where he could make a decision to maybe sit out this year and play two more after that. That would be something he would have to determine what he thinks is best for him. My opinion, he should work through whatever insecurities he has about where he fits and stick with it here because he can graduate from LSU and get a degree. It shouldn't be a knee-jerk decision about immediate playing time. It should be a decision about your future and the rest of your life. That's what I'm talking with him about now."

LSU-SHREVEPORT HEAD COACH CHAD MCDOWELL

Opening Statement…"We are disappointed as a team. They are great. They are at a different level than where we are at. That was proven, but we still should have given them a better run for an exhibition game. Hopefully, we can build off of an embarrassing loss." On LSU's athleticism ... "Their athleticism is unbelievable. It's incredible. If they play like that, they are in for a great season. They are long. What do you do to stop it?"

On LSU's defense ... "Obviously, we rely on that outside ball. When that doesn't go, it can get ugly. For the level we play at, we run those type of shots down. LSU really doesn't allow that. You have one chance. I don't think they missed much in the second half. Everyone really got in on the action. Defensively, that is what they do. They are long. You think you are quick enough to go by somebody, but with their wingspan, when you have a layup, they are blocking it with their elbow. They are incredible athletes and well coached. They are a great basketball team. We are just disappointed we didn't give them more of a run."

Pilots and Rams square off in Top-15 match-up

NOVEMBER 17, 2005

Since the 2003-2004 season, the LSUS Pilots have established a winning tradition on their home court. The Pilots have collected a 25-3 record at the Dock, with two of the losses coming at the hands of conference foes Xavier University and the University of Mobile, and the third from a 109-100 loss January 3rd, 2005 at the hands of the Texas Wesleyan Rams. “We are thrilled to get back to our regular season play, however, we are very aware of the tough match-up we have versus Texas Wesleyan. The combination of Ben Hunt and Kharyi McKinney is one of the best guard combinations in the NAIA. They play a similar style of game as we do which should provide a very exciting game for our fans tonight,” commented Pilots Head Coach McDowell. The Rams enter tonight’s match-up averaging 77.0 points per game with Hunt and McKinney averaging a combined 36 points per game.

The Pilots return home after a three game road trip versus NCAA Division I opponents McNeese State, University of Arkansas, and LSU. “We learned a lot about ourselves over this past week. We played some tough teams who exposed our weaknesses. Now we need to use those games as learning tools to get us to the top which is where we want to be,” concluded McDowell.

If the Rams have hopes of upsetting the Pilots at home for a second time, they will have to be prepared for a Pilot offense that has averaged 135 point in two games at home this season. Fredericko Payne has averaged 31.5 points at the Dock this year while teammate Anton Palmer has averaged a double-double with 23.5 points and 10.5 rebounds. Josh Porter averaged 20 points in the first two games of the season despite struggling from the field. Porter showed how much of a scoring threat he can be as he averaged 22 points on the Pilots NCAA DI road trip. “Josh really rose to the occasion over the past 3 games and proved he is a great player. Although different guys have shined on different nights thus far this season, it’s been our total TEAM effort that has gotten us to the point we are at and it will take another total team effort tonight playing against Texas Wesleyan” said McDowell.

Jeremy Johnston has been a big addition to the Pilot roster this far. Johnston has averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds along with being a strong defender under the Pilot basket. Shadrach Roome has pitched in with 12.5 points and 6 rebounds while starting point guard Kyle Blankenship has a team high 22 assists and 6.5 points per game. Freddy Hughes has been a huge boost off the bench for the Pilots thus far averaging 10 points (8-8 from the field) and collecting 14 assists to just 4 turnovers. Returning senior forward Derrick Sowell broke out this season with 15 points and 6 rebounds (both team highs) versus LSU and hopes to improve on his 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

Payne powers Pilots past Evangels at SAGU Pepsi Classic

NOVEMBER 18, 2005

Waxahachie, TX---The LSUS Pilots (4-0) connected on 11-19 three-point attempts in the first half and built a 63-44 lead at the half over the Mid-America Christian University Evangels (4-5) Friday night in the first round of the Southwestern Assemblies of God University Pepsi Classic. Fredericko Payne connected on 10-16 field goal attempts for a game high 28 points to lead all scorers in the 109-83 Pilot victory over the Evangels.

Payne connected on seven of his first eight three-point attempts and collected 23 first half points. Teammate Josh Porter followed with a 9-15 performance from the field which included 4-8 from the three-point line for 18 points to put the Pilots up 63-44 at the half.

Five Pilots reached double figures with Payne leading the way with 28 points and seven assists; Porter finished with 25 points and four assist; Freddy Hughes, Jeremy Johnston, and Carlon Simmons rounded off the Pilots scoring coming off the bench and adding 10 points a piece.

The Evangels Steven Thomas connected on 12-19 from the field for 25 points and collected 10 rebounds for the games only double-double. Teammate Donald Thorne added 24 points and 7 rebounds while Willie Johnson collected 18 points and eight rebounds.

The Pilots will be in action again tomorrow afternoon versus Dallas Christian College looking to match their 5-0 start from the 2004-2005 season. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00pm.

Pilots return to winning ways with 85-78 win over Rams (By Pesky Hill)

NOVEMBER 18, 2005

Shreveport, LA--- Two of the nation’s best NAIA basketball teams squared off at The Dock Thursday night—and this time it was LSUS’ turn to prevail.

The 10th-ranked Pilots, who lost a barn burner to Texas Wesleyan 109-100 here last year, got long range shooting from Frederico Payne and Josh Porter to hold off the No. 15 Rams 85-78. “That is a good basketball team,” LSUS Coach Chad McDowell said. “They (TWC) are well coached. But we came out on fire.”

In fact, LSUS raced to leads of 28-12 and 30-14 midway of the first half thanks to three-pointers by Payne and Porter. Shadrach Roome, a 6-8 forward, had a couple of offensive rebound putbacks to give the Pilots their biggest leads of the game.

But the Fort Worth based Rams fought back on the shooting of Ben Hunt, who finished with a game high 20, as TWC cut the deficit to 42-37 by intermission.

“We play one of the toughest NAIA schedules in the country and LSUS is by far the best team we have played,” TWC Coach Terry Waldrop admitted.

The loss dropped the Rams to 2-3 while LSUS improved to 3-0.

Payne, a 5-10 All-American for the Pilots last year, poured in 33 points. His biggest contribution may have come at the line as he was perfect on all eight attempts down the stretch. He scored the Pilots last nine points of the game, including a three-pointer to go with six charity tosses.

Porter, who transferred from Stephen F. Austin and prepped at Southwood, gave Payne plenty of scoring support with 20 points.

“This game was very important to us,” McDowell added, “because we were coming off the exhibition losses. We needed to get back in the groove tonight and we did.”

LSUS was coming off three exhibition losses to McNeese State, Arkansas and LSU. The Pilots outrebounded the Rams 51-43 thanks to the 10 boards by Derrick Sowell and nine by Roome. Roome also had 12 points while Anton Palmer added 14.

TWC got 16 points apiece from Kharyi McKinney and C. J. Higginbotham to support Hunt.

LSUS' Blankenship sinks ETBU 90 - 87 with a

NOVEMBER 23, 2005

Marshall, TX---The LSUS Pilots (6-0) and the East Texas Baptist University Tigers (0-2) have created a rivalry over the past three years that has brought out the best in each of these two teams. In 2003, the Tigers edged out the pilots with an 86-83 win at Ornelas Gymnasium. The Pilots evened the series at 1-1 with a 118-115 double-overtime home victory in 2004. Tuesday night’s rubber match went down to the wire and it was Pilot point guard Kyle Blankenship who connected on a three-point attempt as time expired to give the Pilots a 90-87 win over the Tigers. The Tigers led by as many 14 points in the first half but a late 13-6 run which was capped by a Jeremy Johnston slam- dunk brought the Pilots to with six and sent the two teams to the locker room with the Tigers ahead 47-41.

Tigers Chris Isom connected on 3-of-5 shooting from the floor and added 5-of-6 free throw attempts for 11 points and collected seven rebounds, both game highs at the half. Melvin Allen also held a hot hand for the Tigers as he connected on 4-7 shooting for eight first half points.

Johnston led the offensive charge for the Pilots picking up nine points while teammate Shadrach Roome collected seven points and a team high six rebounds in the first half. The Pilots managed to shoot 47% (17-36) from the field despite connecting on just 1-of-11 from the three-point line.

In the second half, Fredericko Payne connected to two three-point field goals to get the Pilots within two points at the at the 18:07 mark, but the Tigers continued to fight back and on consecutive trips, Allen and Isom connected on three-point attempts and rebuilt the Tiger lead to nine points (65-56) at the 14:29 mark.

Payne connected on a lay-up at the 12:36 mark which sparked a 20-5 LSUS run which led to the Pilots first lead of the game (69-68) with 8:54 remaining, and a 78-70 lead with 6:05 left on the clock.

Just when the Pilots looked as if they were in control, the Tigers went on an 11-3 run which was capped off by a four-point play by Isom to give the Tigers an 81-80 lead with 3:29 remaining.

Neither team managed to score on their ensuing possessions and the scoring drought was spoiled when Payne was awarded two free three attempts with 2:14 on the clock. Payne connected on both attempts and after Brandon Palmer missed a base line on the Tigers next possession, Payne drove the lane and connected on a contested lay-up to put the Pilots up 85-81 with just 1:36 remaining.

Payne connected on a baseline jumper for his 6th point in the final two minutes to put the Pilots ahead 87-83 with 0:57 remaining. Just 0:10 later, Palmer connected on a jump shot to pull the Tigers within two points, and Cedrick Isom managed to steal the ball from Payne near half court which led to an uncontested lay-up to tie the score at 87-87 with just 0:14 ticks remaining on the score clock.

With time running down the Pilots were looking for what they hoped would be the shot of the half. Frederick Hughes controlled the ball at the top of the circle and handed the ball off to Payne who drove the lane but was defended by two Tiger defenders. Payne passed to teammate Kyle Blankenship who managed to get a contested three-point attempt off as the game clock expired that found nothing but net to give the Pilots a 90-87 victory over the Tigers. The final shot was Blankenship’s lone field goal on the night, but it came as no surprise to Pilot Head Coach Chad McDowell.

“Kyle is a great shooter who has not shot the ball a whole lot this year. It was just last weekend that I told him he is going to hit a big one for us, and tonight was that night,” commented McDowell. The Tigers received a double-double from Chris Isom which included a game high 19 points and 12 rebounds while brother Cedrick Isom pitched in with 13 points, nine assists, six rebounds, and four steals. Allen finished with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting to round off the Tigers offense.

“What a great effort by both teams. That is a quality team and program who should win a lot of games this year,” commented McDowell of the 0-2 Tigers. Tuesday night’s loss was the second time the Tigers have lost by just three points as they were on the losing end of a 77-74 decision versus the defending NCAA Division I Southland Conference champion Northwester State Demons Friday night.

Payne poured in 18 points and added two assists while Johnston collected a season high 18 points and five assists to lead the Pilots scoring attack. Josh Porter finished with 15 points and teammate Anton Palmer collected his team leading third double double of the year with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Roome solidified the Pilots postposition and finished with a very strong 12 points and eight rebounds in his 27 minutes of work.

“These are the types of games we are going to be in all year. Tonight’s game was not as fast paced as it has been for us this year despite the 90-87 score, and I think it taught us the importance of each and every possession,” said McDowell.

“The shot that won it was just one piece of the puzzle tonight. This was an entire team victory and is one that each and every one of our guys can be proud of,” concluded McDowell.

The Pilots, now 6-0 on the year, are off to the best start in the school’s history and look to improve upon that mark Friday night when they will take on Central Baptist College in Conway, AR. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00pm

Pilots improve to 8-0 with 83-72 win over Scots

NOVEMBER 26, 2005

Conway, AR---The LSUS Pilots squared off against the 24th ranked Lyon College Scots in Day Two action of the Central Baptist College Classic Saturday afternoon. The Pilots used 29 points and 10 rebounds from Chicago native Anton Palmer who collected his 7th double-double in eight games to defeat the Scots by a final score of 83-72 to improve to 8-0 on the season.

Jonathan Donaldson connected on his fifth field goal of the first half at the 12:50 mark to give the Scots a 21-14 lead. The Scots lead would be short lived however as consecutive field goals by Pilot point guard Freddy Hughes capped a 13-4 run and gave the Pilots a 27-25 lead with 8:26 remaining.

Josh Porter connected on a three-point field goal at the 2:06 mark giving the Pilots their largest lead of the half, 40-32. LCS cut the Pilot lead in half after an 8-4 run to end the half sent the Scots to the locker room trailing 44-40.

Donaldson led all scorers at the break with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting and collected a team high five rebounds. Jason Donaldson pitched in with 11 points and three rebounds while Norris Weintz had nine points and five assists. The Scots finished the half 17-of-42 (41%) from the floor which included 4-of-12 from the three point line ad 6-of-8 from the charity stripe.

Leading the Pilot offense in the first half was Palmer who collected 14 points and five rebounds. Porter collected 13 points on 5-of-14 from floor and added four rebounds and two assists. The Pilots finished the half 17-of-42 (41%) from the floor which included just 4-of-12 from the three point line and 6-8 from the free throw line.

In the second half, Weintz connected on two free throw attempts at the 15:45 mark to put the Scots ahead 50-48. The Pilots offense however kicked it into high gear and rattled off a 13-2 run which was capped by a three point field goal by Palmer to take a 61-52 lead at the 11:06 mark.

The Pilots stretched their lead to as many as 16 points in the final minutes which proved to be too much for the Scotts as the Pilots went on to win by a final score of 83-72.

“We are a young squad who is still learning how to play the game. I thought we played tough but they were too quick and too strong in the second half,” commented Scotts Head Coach Kevin Jenkins.

“It seemed as though just when we were going to make a run after a big basket, they called a timeout and it killed our momentum,” said Jenkins.

The Scots were led by Donaldson who poured in a season high 37 points on 15-of-23 shooting which included 4-of-9 from the three point line and 8-9 from the charity stripe, while adding a team high nine assists.

“He is capable of putting up big numbers every night when he puts his mind to it,” commented Jenkins of Donaldson.

Weintz finished with 15 points, six assists, and five rebounds while J. Donaldson added 11 points and five rebounds to round off the Scots offense that shot a combined 47% (29-62) from the field and were out rebounded by a 42-37 margin by the Pilots.

“Coach McDowell has assembled a very athletic team who are very deserving of their Top 10 ranking this year,” concluded Jenkins.

The Pilots connected on 14-of-27 (52%) field goal attempts in the second half and finished a combined 31-of-69 (45%) from the field for the game. The 83-72 victory was due in large part of the play of Palmer who poured in 29 points and collected 10 rebounds for the games only double-double performance. Palmer finished 12-of-18 from the floor which included 4-of-4 from beyond the three point line.

“We continue to get solid performances from everyone, and each night it seems to be someone different who shines on the stat sheet. We are happy for Anton but more importantly, we are very happy that we continue to do the little things that win basketball games which take an entire team,” comments LSUS Head Coach Chad McDowell. Porter finished with 25 points and six rebounds while the Scotts held Pilots leading scorer Fredericko Payne to 13 points. Hughes pitched in with six points, four rebounds and four assists while Kyle Blankenship added nine assists and two steals in a game McDowell considers to be an outstanding all-around performance by his Pilots.

“Lyon is a Top 25 team who is well coached and likes to play the possession game. We showed tonight that even though that is not out typical style of play, we can adapt and still be successful. Our guys responded well after playing an overtime game just 18 hours prior to today’s game and worked very hard on both ends of the floor,” said McDowell.

The Pilots improved to 8-0 on the year with Saturday’s victory over LCS and now look forward to returning home to the Dock Monday night to play host to Wesley College before hitting the road again Tuesday when they will travel to Waxahachie, TX to take on the Southwestern Assemblies of God University who they beat 109-80 in their 2005 home opener.

LSUS will then have to prepare for a Top 10 showdown December 2 in Houston, TX as they will square off against the 7th ranked Union University.

Pilots survive OT thriller versus Mustangs

NOVEMBER 26, 2005

Conway, AR---Trailing 78-74 with just 1:12 remaining, the LSUS Pilots were in jeopardy of losing their first game of the 2005-2006 season versus the Central Baptist College Mustangs. Josh Porter however carried the Pilots to an 83-80 overtime victory with 22 second half points including the game tying jump shot with 0:30 remaining in regulation.

The Mustangs jumped out to a 12-6 lead to start the first half, but a steal at half court by Fredericko Payne led to a lay-up which sparked a 17-9 Pilot run, giving LSUS their first lead of the contest, 23-21 with 8:41 remaining in the half.

Orien Hatcher collected eight points in the final 5:00 and led all first half scorers with 12 points as the two teams battled their way to a 39-39 deadlock at the half. Lamar Eslinger pitched in with nine points and Shawn Stone added six points to round off the Mustang scoring.

Anton Palmer led the Pilots offense with eight points and Porter added seven first half points. The Mustang defense managed to hold Payne to just seven points at the half.

The Mustangs started the second half on an 18-9 run and led 58-49 with 12:00 remaining. The sputtering Pilot offense however received a spark from Porter who connected on three consecutive three point field goal attempts in the span of 0:58 which put the Pilots ahead 62-61 at the 9:02 mark.

Payne collected his first two points of the half with 4:44 remaining to give the Pilots a 70-67 lead. The Mustangs responded with an 11-4 run which was capped off by a Tim Edwards bucket with 1:12 remaining putting CBC up 78-74. The Pilots however pulled within two points when Jeremy Johnston connected on a fade away jump shot from the free throw line with 0:56 remaining, and managed to force a situation with the possession arrow in the Pilots direction on the ensuing Mustang possession. Josh Porter tied the game at 78-78 with 0:32 seconds remaining after connecting on a contested jump shot from just inside the three-point line which capped his 22 point second half performance.

CBC called a timeout with 0:09 remaining to set up their last possession. The Mustangs got the ball in the hands of leading scorer Eslinger who was matched-up versus Pilots Shadrach Roome just outside the three-point line. Roome denied penetration by Eslinger who was forced to shoot a fade away three-pointer that did not find the rim and the two teams were on their way to overtime tied at 78-78.

Eslinger opened the scoring in overtime at the 3:34 mark giving CBC an 80-78 lead. Palmer responded for the Pilots with an offensive rebound and a put back to tie the score at 80-80.

The Pilots took the lead with 1:21 remaining when Palmer connected on his first of two free throw attempts. Palmer missed his second attempt but Freddy Hughes came up with the offensive rebound keeping the ball in the hands of LSUS. The Pilots worked the ball into the post which led to a foul on Roome who was awarded two shots from the charity stripe. Roome connected on the first attempt to put the Pilots ahead 82-80, but missed on the second attempt which was rebounded by LSUS but the Pilots were called for a lane awarding the Mustangs the ball.

With a 0:06 differential between the and the game clock, the Mustangs called a timeout with 0:23 remaining to setup their offensive play. On the in bound play, Allen Cornett was called for an illegal which gave the Pilots possession.

Hughes collected the inbounds pass and was immediately fouled which stopped the clock with 0:21 remaining, and was sent to the free throw line with a chance to put the Pilots ahead 84-80. Hughes connected on his first attempt but missed the second making the score 83-80 with the Mustangs in possession.

CBC once again looked to get the ball in Eslingers hands to try and tie the game as the clock ran down but once again it was the defense of Roome who forced a deep contested three point attempt that fell short of the basket as time expired giving the Pilots an 83-80 victory.

Pilots extend win streak to nine games with 137-83 victory over Warriors

NOVEMBER 28, 2005

Shreveport, LA---The LSUS Pilots offense poured in 137 points Monday night versus the Wesley College Warriors to improve to 9-0 on the season with a 137-83 victory.

LSUS used double-figure scoring performances by five different players in what was their fifth 100+ point performance of the year. Fredericko Payne collected a game high 29-points and added four rebounds, four assists, and four steals; Shadrach Roome finished with a season high 27-points and 12-rebounds collecting his first double-double of the year; Josh Porter had 24-points and five rebounds; Jeremy Johnson added 17-points and 11-rebounds; Anton Palmer collected his seventh double-double in nine games as he finished with 10-points and a game high 14-rebounds; and Kyle Blankenship set a new LSUS single game assist record with 14, surpassing the old mark which was set by Pilots Head Coach Chad McDowell.

The Pilots will be in action again tomorrow night as they will travel to Waxahachie, TX to take on the Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm.

Pilots continue to roll with 106-86 win over Lions

NOVEMBER 30, 2005

Waxahachie, TX---With 2:35 remaining in the first half, the Southwestern Assemblies of God University Lions tied the score at 39-39 after Darius Howard drained his second three-pointer of the half. The LSUS Pilots responded with a 14-4 run to end the half to take a 53-43 lead to the locker room at the break. LSUS extended their lead to as many as 27-points in the second half and went on to defeat the Lions by a final score of 106-86 to improve to 10-0 on the season.

The Pilots jumped out to a 25-16 lead 9:00 into the half thanks in large part to a 4-of-4 shooting performance from beyond the three-point line by Josh Porter.

The Lions responded with an 11-2 run out of a time-out which was capped off by a Jeremy Bowman steal and fast-break lay-up for two of his five first half points to tie the score at 27-27 with 8:32 remaining.

Howard connected on a field goal from just inside the free-throw line to give the Lions their largest lead of the game, 37- 34, with 3:50 left in the half.

Pilots leading scorer Fredericko Payne collected seven points in the final minute of the half to cap off a 14-4 Pilot run giving LSUS a 53-43 at the break. Payne finished with 15 first half points while Porter added 18-points which included a 5- of-5 shooting performance from beyond the three-point line.

The Pilots uncharacteristically committed 17 first half turnovers but recovered from the early miscues with an 18-of-33 (55%) shooting performance from the field which included 7-of-10 from the three-point line.

The Lions offense was led by Howard who collected 11-points and Matt Daniels with 10-points. The Lions connected on 19-of-36 (53%) attempts from the field and were 4-of-9 from the three-point line.

The Pilots began the second half on a 13-1 run which was capped by Porter’s 6th consecutive three-pointer and led 66-44 at the 17:18 mark. The Pilots stretched their lead to as many as 27-points before allowing the Lions to cut into the lead with a 15-0 run, making the score 90-77 with 4:00 remaining. LSUS answered with a 7-0 run out of a timeout to put the game out of reach as they went on to defeat the Lions by a final score of 106-86. SAGU outrebounded the Pilots by a 42-41 margin but fell victim to 34 turnovers. The Lions finished shooting 50% (37-74) from the field which included 8-of-18 from the three-point line and just 4-of-9 from the charity stripe. Daniels finished with a team high 23-points and 7-assists while teammates Drew Cainan and Howard added 16-points a piece.

LSUS connected on 38-of-76 (50%) field goal attempts and were a season high 15-of-26 (58%) from beyond the three- point line. Payne collected a game high 29-points and a season high 7-steals leading the Pilots to their 10th consecutive victory. Porter connected on 8-of-15 field goals including 7of-10 from the three-point line for 26-points and added four rebounds. Jeremy Johnston pitched in with 19-points and five boards while Anton Palmer finished with 16-points and a game high seven rebounds.

“I think our guys have responded very well to the challenge of playing 11 games in last 18 days,” explains Pilot Head Coach Chad McDowell. In the span of 18 days, his Pilots have played three exhibition games versus NCAA Division I opponents and have collected eight regular season wins, two of which were against NAIA Top 25 teams.

“We have started well but our biggest test of the season comes this weekend versus No. 6 Union University. We will take advantage of these next couple days off to prepare for exams and mentally prepare for what we have to do this upcoming weekend,” concludes McDowell who has his Pilots off to the best start in LSUS history at 10-0.

Palmer receives GCAC Player of the Week honors

NOVEMBER 30, 2005

The first basketball players of the week were announced tonight by the GCAC ...

The Men's Player of the Week is Anton Palmer from LSUS. Palmer is a 6'8 Junior forward from Chicago, IL. He averaged 19.7 points and 10.3 rebounds per game in helping lead the Pilots to 3 victories.

Palmer has collected seven double-doubles this far in the 2005 season and leads the Pilots in rebounding averaging 10.0 per game. He is also averaging 18.3 points per game and leads the team in three-point shooting percentage at 47% (14- of-30).

Listen live to the No. 10 LSUS Pilots vs No. 6 Union University Bulldogs

DECEMBER 01, 2005

You can listen to the NAIA game of the week between the No. 10 LSUS Pilots and the No. 6 Union University Bulldogs Friday night by clicking on: http://www.gracebroadcasting.com/patriot/

LSUS extends win streak to 12 games with wins over No. 6 Union University and Vorhees College

DECEMBER 05, 2005

Houston, TX---The LSUS Pilots traveled to the campus of Houston Baptist University to be part of the HBU Space City Classic this past weekend. Sporting a perfect 10-0 record, the Pilots were put to their biggest test of the season Friday night versus No.6 Union University Bulldogs. The Pilots prevailed with a 92-86 victory over the Bulldogs to improve to 11- 0 and 3-0 on the season versus NAIA Top-25 teams.

The Top-10 showdown was everything it was expected to be as the two teams saw the score tied 12-times and exchanged the lead 15-times. Pilot guard Fredericko Payne collected a game high 30-points while teammate Shadrach Roome pitched in with 20-points and a game high 10-rebounds to lead the Pilot offense. Jeremy Johnston added 14- points and Josh Porter finished with 12-points and a game high three steals.

Ben Frederick collected 24-points and 9-rebounds for the Bulldogs who suffered their first loss of the season and fell to 9- 1. Kinley Sellers pitched in with 18-points while Courtney Jones finished with 12-points, and Dewayne Lee added 10- points and three assists.

The Pilots were scheduled for action again less than 24-hours later versus a very tough Vorhees College Tigers team. The Tigers entered Saturday’s contest with a 6-2 record and looked as if they were primed and ready to upset the undefeated the Pilots as they took a 49-47 lead to the locker room at the half after shooting 52% (20-of-39) from the field which included 6-of-10 from the three-point line.

LSUS responded with a 58-point second half scoring barrage and defeated the Tigers by a final score of 105-83. Payne led the way with 26-points and four rebounds while teammate Anton Palmer followed with 22-points and eight rebounds. Porter collected 17-points and seven rebounds, while Roome added 14-points and seven boards, and Johnston pitched in with 13-points off the bench.

The Pilots improved to 12-0 on the season and remained as the only undefeated team at the Space City Classic at 2-0, and posted two players on the eight man All-Tournament Team.

Roome, a 6’8 senior center from the West Indies averaged 17-points and 8.5-rebounds per game and collected his fourth double-double of the season earning All-Tournament Team honors. The second Pilot posted to the All-Tournament squad was the tournament leading scorer and Most Valuable Player, Fredericko Payne.

Payne averaged a tournament high 28-points which included a 13-of-27 shooting performance from beyond the three- point line.

Payne breaks LSUS scoring and steal records

DECEMBER 06, 2005

Shreveport, LA---After being eliminated from the Sweet-16 Round at the 2004-2005 NAIA Buffalo Funds National Tournament, Fredericko Payne exited the Kansas City Municipal Auditorium feeling as though he owed his teammates a better performance. The 2004-2005 NAIA leading scorer and All-American was held to a combined 25-points in the tournament after averaging 25.0 points per game throughout the entire regular season.

Payne has returned for his senior season at LSUS and has the Pilots off to the best start in school history at 12-0. Despite being a marked man by opposing defenses, Payne opened the 2005-2006 season with three straight 30+ point performances, including 33-points against the No. 15 Texas Wesleyan Rams.

The Pilots managed to escape a scare at the hands of Central Baptist College with an 83-80 overtime victory; a game which saw Payne score a season low nine points. Since then, Payne has averaged 24.3 points per game and has a combined scoring season average of 24.9 points per game.

LSUS improved to 3-0 against NAIA Top-25 teams with a win over No.6 Union University this past Friday, a game which Payne poured in 30-points which included an 8-of-17 shooting performance from beyond the three-point line. “Rico” added 26-points in a 105-83 victory 24 hours later versus Vorhees College which earned him Most Valuable Player honors of the Houston Baptist University Space City Classic.

While the Pilots are enjoying their undefeated season to date and everything they have accomplished as a team in the young 2005-2006 season, Payne has accomplished two very significant individual milestones that have quietly been placed under the Pilot radar.

At the 18:58 mark of the first half versus Union University, Payne connected on a jump shot from just inside the three- point line for the Pilots first score of the game, and etched his name in the LSUS record book as the All-Time leading scorer in LSUS history. Payne passed the previous mark of 1,832 points which was set by Marc McGary in 1994 after 82 games in a Pilot uniform; Payne has averaged 23.0 points per game and has accumulated a record breaking 1,887 points.

“I was fortunate enough to play with two great point guards in Justin Collins and Freddy Hughes as well as have a great shooter on the other side in Derrick Rogers our first two years. We started off with Derrick Sowell playing the post at 6’2 which helped us get the ball up and down the floor, and this year we have a little different look because of our size and presence in the post which is going to help open up the outside shot. I never could have done any of this without the help of all our guys and the opportunity to play here at LSUS,” comments Payne when asked about his scoring success as a Pilot.

While opposing defenses continue to struggle finding ways to stop Payne, Coach McDowell also believes it is the teammates that have surrounded Payne that have enabled Payne to have such great success at LSUS. “There is no doubt that Rico is a very special player and that we still have yet to see his best performance. When you combine his speed, creativity, and shooting ability with the teammates he has shared his three seasons here at LSUS with, it really is no surprise what he has accomplished in such a short time,” comments McDowell.

After a career high seven steal performance versus the Southwestern Assemblies of God University, Payne needed just one steal to break the All-Time record which was set in 1995 by Pilots Head Coach Chad McDowell with 215. With 5:03 remaining in the first half versus the Bulldogs, Payne collected his record breaking 216th steal and in transition delivered an alley-oop pass which was slammed home by teammate Shadrach Roome for his 179th career assist.

When McDowell was asked about what he thought of Payne breaking the steal record he replied, “I think it's great. It is an honor to coach players that are capable of breaking records. While it is not about records and individual performances, there have been a lot of great individual games that saw several records broken and two of them did belong to me (All-Time steals, 215; Individual game high assist, 13). I am so proud of the team this season and I am proud for these guys who have been able to break the two records I held. That must mean things are going well when these type of records are being broken. Besides, old records are meant to be broken, and if Rico continues to break records, that just increases the chances of my number being retired and hung at The Dock,” jokes McDowell of Payne who currently fills the jersey of #5 that was previously worn by McDowell. "That may have been one of the smartest coaching decisions I have made in these first three years. Make sure the #5 is worn by somebody who has a chance to do special things," adds McDowell. "All kidding aside, Rico has accomplished a lot of great things and he and his teammates have really come together this season and are doing some special things."

“When you press as a team the way we do you are going to create a lot of turnovers. I believe it is the style of play and the ability of our team to pressure teams for 40 minutes that has led to the fall of Coach McDowell’s steal record,” said Payne.

“I thank God for the ability to play the game I love and for all of the awards it has brought to my life. Of all the awards I have received however, I am most thankful for Coach McDowell for giving me a chance to be part of something special like this team. They are my family in every sense of the word. We fight together, we laugh together, we cry together, we play together, and we stick together and will be there for one another until the end.”

Fredericko Payne earns GCAC Player of the Week Honors

DECEMBER 07, 2005

Shreveport, LA---Not only did Payne lead the Pilots to a 3-0 week, he was selected as the MVP at the Houston Baptist Space City Classic after averaging 28-points which included a 13-of-27 three-point shooting performance. He also broke the LSUS All-Time steal record which was set by LSUS Head Coach Chad McDowell in 1995 with 215. Payne tied the record with a personal best seven steals against SAGU and collected two steals against Union University to become the All-Time leader with 217. And to wrap-up an already perfect week for the Pilots, Payne became the All-Time scoring leader at LSUS. After scoring 29-points versus SAGU, Payne was two points shy of breaking the All-Time scoring record. Payne poured in 30-points versus the No. 6 Union University Bulldogs to take over top spot on the LSUS scoring list and finished the weekend with 1887 total points, eclipsing the previous mark which was set by Marc McGary in 1994 with 1832 points.

Pilots jump to No.3 in latest NAIA poll

DECEMBER 07, 2005

Shreveport, LA---Less than one year ago, the LSUS Pilots entered the Kansas City Municipal Auditorium and were labeled the new kids on the block at the NAIA Buffalo Funds National Tournament. Now the Pilots are known as the No.3 ranked LSUS Pilots who are sporting a perfect 12-0 record and are one of five remaining undefeated teams among the Top-25.

“Wow! No.3 in the country. We are ecstatic about the latest rankings and thankful for the recognition. We felt like we would move up in the polls but remained uncertain of how much of a jump we would make,” commented a very pleased Head Coach Chad McDowell.

The Pilots began the 2005-2006 season ranked No.10 in the preseason polls, but have rattled off 12 straight victories which includes four wins against teams among the Top-30; the biggest of which came at the Houston Baptist University Space City Classic against the No.5 Union University Bulldogs currently hold a 10-1 overall record.

While the Pilots have become well known for their ability to shoot the ball from beyond the three-point line, they have added another dimension to their game with three post players averaging double-digits through the first 12 games of the season.

“We had a lot of success last season without a real scoring presence in the post. Derrick Hill did a great job of blocking shots, but we lacked the ability to work the ball down low and count on a basket when our shots were not falling from the outside. This year we have a trio of guys who can defend and score from the post which has made us a much better all- around team,” comments McDowell.

While the Pilots have continued receive an average of 25.0 points per game from their All-American senior guard Fredericko Payne, the Pilots also have four other players averaging double-digit scoring figures. Josh Porter has averaged 21.0 points and five rebounds through his first 12 games in a Pilot uniform after transferring from Stephan F. Austin University. Anton Palmer has averaged 17.8 points and averages a team high 9.3 rebounds per game. Shadrach Roome has come on very strong this season and averages 11.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game at the post position. And Louisiana Tech. transfer Jeremy Johnston has averaged 12.3 points and 5.0 rebounds thus far to round off the Pilot offense that has eclipsed the 100-point mark in 7-of-12 games this season. “Our success so far has not come at the hands of one player this season, but it is a different trio every night that seem to put up very impressive numbers,” explains McDowell who attributes much of the Pilots success to the team’s ability to play together.

With much of the immediate attention being focused on who has been able to put points on the board, the Pilots also showcase two point guards who are among the NAIA leaders in assists and assists/ ratio in Kyle Blankenship and Freddy Hughes.

Blankenship recently eclipsed the single game assist record with 14 versus Wesley College, with the previous record of 13 being held by Coach McDowell.

Hughes could arguably be the quickest guard in the NAIA and is often the quarterback of the Pilots fast break offense. Hughes has also connected on 51% of his attempts from the floor and is a career 86% free-throw shooter (155-of-180).

The Pilots depth continues with a 6’2 post player in Derrick Sowell who averages six points and six rebounds while averaging 16:00 per contest.

Carlon “Snoop” Simmons and Greg Tyer have also provided quality minutes off the bench which are as big as any other stat on the score sheet says McDowell.

“At the beginning of the season we questioned whether there were enough to go around with all of the talent we have in this group. In all of my years coaching at the High School level and even my two years here at LSUS, I have never had such a close group of guys who understand and make the best of every minute they have on the floor which I think that speaks highly of the character of this team,” concludes McDowell.

The Pilots will be off until December 13th when they will travel to Forth Worth, TX to take on the Texas Wesleyan University Rams. The Pilots defeated TWU at home 85-78 November 17th.

Pilots earn No.2 seed in latest NAIA rankings

DECEMBER 14, 2005

Shreveport, LA---After a perfect 12-0 start to the 2005 season, the LSUS Pilots jumped to No.2 in the latest NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball rankings that were released Wednesday afternoon. The Pilots jump to their highest seeding in LSUS history was due in large part to an Oklahoma Christian College (9-1) loss to NCAA Division II University of Central Oklahoma. OCC dropped from No.2 to No.5 after suffering their first loss of the season, allowing the Pilots who did not have a scheduled competition to take over the No.2 spot.

The Pilots earn their highest ranking in LSUS history just one day after suffering their first loss of the season against the current No.33 Texas Wesleyan Rams. “I think we are very deserving to be in the No.2 spot at this time in the season. While last night’s loss is still heavy on our mind and our hearts, a 12-1 start heading into the Christmas break and a No.2 ranking in the NAIA is something our guys have worked very hard to achieve, and something they should be very proud of,” comments Pilot Head Coach Chad McDowell.

With nine of their last ten games being played away from The Dock, the road weary Pilots look forward to regrouping and beginning to prepare for their upcoming 2006 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference season which begins January 7th against Loyola University. The Pilots will have one contest prior to their conference opener against a very tough Central Baptist College took the Pilots to overtime before dropping an 83-80 decision.

“If before this season started someone would have said we would be 12-1 and ranked No.2 in the country heading into the break, I would have been very excited. We are 4-1 versus ranked NAIA opponents and have won 8-of-9 games on the road which has been no easy task. Our non-conference schedule has been very tough and we have gone through just about every situation you can be in throughout a basketball game; come from behind wins; a winning shot at the buzzer; a couple of lop-sided victories; and a tough road loss against an NAIA national tournament contender,” explained McDowell.

“Now we will take what we have learned from our first 13-games and use that to help us in what we expect to be a very successful conference season, and hopefully a second trip to Kansas City and the 2006 NAIA national tournament.”

Rams upset Pilots, 93-72

DECEMBER 14, 2005

Fort Worth, TX---The Texas Wesleyan Rams entered Tuesday night’s game against the No.3 LSUS Pilots looking to spoil the Pilots undefeated season and avoid being swept by the Pilots who defeated the Rams 85-78 at home in early November. The Rams used 21 second half points by point guard Ben Hunt and connected on 14-25 (56%) attempts from beyond the three-point line en route to a 93-72 upset over the Pilots.

“LSUS is the best team we have played all year and we knew we were going to have a battle on our hands tonight. We prepared all week and were as prepared as we could possibly be and executed the game plan very well,” commented Rams Head Coach Terry Waldrop who saw his team reach the .500 mark at 4-4 on the season.

The Pilots led 20-16 with 12:00 remaining in the first which proved to be their biggest lead of the contest before the Rams answered with a 11-2 run to take a 27-22 lead at the 9:02 mark.

The Rams stretched their lead to 39-31 with 1:00 remaining in the half but allowed a late 4-0 run which cut the Pilot deficit to 39-35 at halftime.

Josh Porter connected on a three-point field goal to open the second half which pulled the Pilots within one, but the Rams responded with a 19-9 run which was capped by 1-of-5 second half three-pointers from Hunt and led 58-44 with 12:12 remaining in the half. Porter added three of his game high 24-points with 10:40 remaining to cut the Rams lead to 60-52, but that would be as close as the Pilots get on this night as the Rams connected on 18-of-27 (67%) field goal attempts to outscore the Pilots 54-37 in the second half to hand the Pilots their first loss of the season.

“They deserve all the credit in the world. We were out-shot, out-rebounded, and for the most part, out-worked tonight by a very good Texas Wesleyan team,” commented Pilots Head Coach Chad McDowell.

After a 0-of-3 shooting performance in the first half, Hunt connected on 8-of-10 field goal attempts and collected 21 second half points to lead the Rams offense.

“Ben did not play in the first half of our last game and has responded very well to the challenge. He stepped up big in the second half for the second straight game which is a good sign for us,” said Waldrop.

“I felt that the to our first game at LSUS was that we ran out of gas at the end of the second half because our guys played 37-38 minutes. Tonight we used our bench and they allowed us to keep up with the tempo LSUS likes to play at which I felt was the difference tonight,” concluded Waldrop.

The Rams Nino Etienne collected 14-points and a game high 15-rebounds while Brad Schilder added 17-points, and Scott Reasoner finished one rebound shy of a double-double with 15-points and 9-rebounds.

The Rams managed to hold Pilots leading scorer Fredericko Payne to just 11-points after being scorched for 33-points by Payne in the team’s first contest of the season. Jeremy Johnson finished with 19-points while the Pilots post tandem of Anton Palmer and Shadrach Roome combined for 16-points and 11-rebounds.

“There are going to be highs and lows throughout every season. We need to use this as motivation to prepare for our upcoming conference season and move on,” concluded McDowell.

The Pilots will return to action Wednesday night in Natchitoches when they will square off against the Northwestern State University in exhibition action. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:45pm.

Northwestern races to 30-10 lead, 51-33 halftime lead, but can't put away NAIA's No. 2 team

DECEMBER 15, 2005

NATCHITOCHES — Northwestern State raced to an early 20-point lead but couldn’t put away NAIA power LSU- Shreveport, getting 17 points from Byron Allen and 16 by Clifton Lee to pace a sluggish 92-82 victory over the visiting Pilots Wednesday night before 2,103 at Prather Coliseum. The Demons (6-2), winning for the third straight time in a streak that began nine days earlier with a 68-64 upset at Oklahoma State, bolted to a 30-10 lead and went up 51-33 at halftime. LSU-Shreveport, ranked third in NAIA Division I, shot 63 percent after halftime and outrebounded Northwestern 25-14 while getting as close as eight points.

Keenan Jones and Luke Rogers each added 13 points for the Demons, who picked up 9 points, 12 assists and 5 steals by point guard Tyronn Mitchell.

Josh Porter led LSU-S with 23 points, while Jeremy Johnson added 19, Shadrach Roome 14 and Anton Palmer 10.

The game was a regular season outing for the NCAA Division I Demons, who are defending Southland Conference co- champions, but was counted as an exhibition game for the Pilots, who are 12-1 in NAIA games.

LSU-S cut a 17-point deficit with 10:31 remaining under 10 points for the first time, 76-67 with 8:15 to go on a 3-pointer by Freddy Hughes. The Pilots moved within eight points at 78-70 on a 3-pointer by Porter with 7:15 left but the Demons rebuilt a 14-point advantage. The visitors got as close as nine points twice in the final 1:35 but were unable to tighten the score any further.

Northwestern won for the 16th time in 19 outings dating back to last season.

(Story courtesy of NSU sports information)

Pilots prepped and ready for second half action

JANUARY 02, 2006

Shreveport, LA---The LSUS Pilots are set to return to action as they will play host to the Central Baptist College Mustangs Tuesday night at The Dock at 7:30pm. The Mustangs are looking to avenge an 83-80 overtime loss suffered at the hands of the Pilots November 25, 2005.

The Pilots are seeking to avenge a loss of their own as they have been idle since suffering their first and only loss of the season on December 12th versus the Texas Wesleyan Rams. At 12-0 on the season, the Pilots traveled to Fort Worth, TX for their 9th game away from home in 13 contests where they were shocked by the Rams who defeated the Pilots 93-72.

The Pilots are currently ranked No. 2 in the NAIA at 12-1 and feel as though they are ready to start what hopes to be a very promising second half of their season.

“The loss to a very good Texas Wesleyan team hurt. We were very close to finishing off what still was a very good first half. I thought we responded very well however in our exhibition contest against Northwestern which has left us very excited to get back on the floor,” commented Pilots Head Coach Chad McDowell.

The Pilots will likely suffer a fall in this weeks Top 25 polls which will be released on Wednesday due to the loss against the Rams, but Coach McDowell feels as though this may be a positive experience for his Pilots. “We work hard every day to be the best we can be. We were close to No. 1 in the polls, now we have to prove that we deserve to be there again by playing our game every night we step on the floor. We did not do that against TWU and we will use that as a reminder of how important it is to prepare for every opponent like it is a championship game every night,” commented McDowell.

Tuesday night’s match-up versus the Mustangs will serve as the Pilots last chance to prepare for their upcoming Gulf Coast Athletic Conference season which will begin Saturday in when they will square off against the Loyola University Wolfpack.

“Tomorrow night is a big test for us. CBC is a physical team who plays very tough. I think our guys are looking forward to being back at The Dock and will be ready to go for what I am sure is going to be a very exciting and successful second half of the season,” concluded McDowell.

PILOTS OPEN NEW YEAR WITH 117-77 VICTORY OVER MUSTANGS

JANUARY 03, 2006

Shreveport, LA---Seventeen days after their first loss of the season against the Texas Wesleyan Rams, the LSUS Pilots had their first chance to respond on the court. It just so happened it was against a Central Baptist College Mustang team who was looking to avenge an 83-80 overtime loss at the hands of the Pilots in November. Anton Palmer however led the Pilots with 26 points and a career high 22 rebounds on route to a 119-77 victory over the Mustangs to improve to 13-1 on the year.

“It was a tough loss heading into the break. We had a long time to think about it and a good break before we got back in the gym through the holidays. Over the past eight days we worked very hard on getting the ball into the post, and emphasizing the importance of getting stops on defense, and tonight we executed very well on both ends of the court,” commented Pilots Head Coach Chad McDowell.

At the 11:19 mark of the first half the Mustangs took a 19-18 lead after Marcus White capitalized on a three-point play. That however would be as close as the Mustangs would come as the Pilots closed the first half on a 30-14 run and stretched their lead to 48-33 heading into the locker room at the half.

“I thought we set the tone on the boards early and didn’t allow them any second shot opportunities,” said McDowell whose Pilots outrebounded the Mustangs 29-19 in the first half and held their opponent to only 13-of-36 (36%) from the floor.

The Pilots continued to dominate the boards in the second half due in large part to a career high 22 rebound night by Palmer, seven of which came on the offensive end.

“Anton had a big night which is due in large part to our focus on the defensive end and limiting second chance opportunities over the past eight days. We held them to 34% shooting with good defense and pressure on the ball and contested shots, and cleaned up the boards when they were there,” concluded McDowell. The Mustangs were held to just 15-46 (32%) from the floor in the second half by the stingy Pilot defense and were outrebounded by a final margin of 60-43. Lamar Eslinger led all scorers with 29 points and 8 rebounds for the Mustangs while teammate Marcus White added 20 points and 8 rebounds. Robert Davis chipped in with 15 points and collected 5 steals to round out the Mustangs offense.

Palmer led the offensive charge for the Pilots by adding 26 points on 11-of-21 shooting to his 22 rebound night for his team high 8th double-double of the season. Pilot forward Jeremy Johnston added 22 points while Shadrach Roome pitched in with 11 points and 8 rebounds from the post position.

From the perimeter it was Josh porter who led the way for the Pilots with 25 points on 9–of-17 shooting including 6-of-12 from the three-point line. Fredericko Payne finished with 15 points, 5 steals, and 5 assists, while point guard Freddy Hughes added 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Carlon Simmons and Greg Tyer added a big spark off the Pilot bench combined for 10 points and 6 rebounds.

“All-in-all it was a good night and we are very excited about heading into conference play this weekend against what we expect to be a very talented Loyola Wolfpack team,” concluded McDowell whose Pilots will be off until Saturday afternoon when they will travel to New Orleans to take on the Loyola University Wolfpack in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference opener.

Saturday’s contest will mark the Wolfpack’s first regular season contest and will be the first game played on their home court since Hurricane Katrina. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00pm.

No. 6 Pilots down Wolfpack 94-70 in GCAC opener

JANUARY 09, 2006

New Orleans, La.- Josh Porter led all scorers with 22 points on eight of 13 shooting from the field and six of nine from behind the arc as #6 LSUS downed Loyola 94-70 Saturday night in The Den.

Loyola led briefly after the opening tip as Mario Faranda made a field goal 11 seconds into the game. On the Pilots first possession of the contest, Kyle Blankenship hit a three pointer to take the only Wolfpack lead away, 3-2.

The Wolfpack cut the LSUS lead to one point on several occasions in the first half. The latest came on a jumper from Torry Beaulieu with 10:18 to play in the period to cut the Pilot lead to 22-21. Over the next 8:38, the Pilots went on a 23-5 run to take command of the game 47-26.

“We knew tonight’s game was going to be difficult. LSUS executed flawlessly and they are very difficult to prepare for. Their perimeter and inside players played outstanding. We’re frustrated but not discouraged by tonight’s game. We appreciate the support from our fans tonight and I thought their energy was outstanding. We hope to get the same enthusiasm on Monday night,” said Loyola head coach Michael Giorlando. The Pilots (14-1, 1-0 GCAC) had four other players in double figures. Jeremy Johnston had 16 points. He shot five of 10 from the floor. Fredericko Payne and Carlon Simmons each scored 13 points. Shadrach Roome came off the bench for 12 points.

For Loyola, (0-2, 0-2 GCAC), Beaulieu led with 20 points. He was eight of 17 from the field. James Bunn had 19 points and Luke Zumo finished with 13. Faranda grabbed a game high 10 rebounds.

Story courtesy of Loyola University Sports Informantion Department

No.5 LSUS Pilots return to The Dock for GCAC action

JANUARY 11, 2006

Shreveport, LA---The LSUS Pilots picked up the second half of the season right where they left off from the first half; with two convincing wins against Central Baptist College and Loyola University which improved their overall record to 14-1 on the season, and are currently ranked No.5 in the latest NAIA polls.

At 1-0 in conference play, the Pilots trail the University of Mobile who is off to a 3-0 start in GCAC action. The Pilots however are looking forward to the opportunity to return home to The Dock for three games over the next six days, beginning with a Thursday night match-up against the Belhaven College Blazers at 7:30pm.

The Pilots have posted a 22-3 overall record in three seasons at The Dock which includes a current 11 game win streak..

“We are trying to stay cam and relaxed about this three game home stand. It feels like we have not played at home in a long time. We have played very well at home throughout the years and know that our great fan support will continue to be there to help encourage us through each contest,” comments Pilots Head Coach Chad McDowell.

The Pilots are currently 5-0 at home this season and have accumulated a very impressive 9-1 road record. This is due in large part to the Pilots defensive effort of late. LSUS is ranked #3 in the NAIA in total rebounding, and #2 in defensive rebounds. Also contributing to the Pilots early season success is their ability to take care of the basketball and avoid turnovers which has them #3 in the NAIA in assist/turnover ratio.

“We are doing the little things it takes to win basketball games. We are defending, rebounding, and getting everyone involved in the offense. We are getting better in each of these three categories each game and that is the main reason for our two convincing wins since the break,” said McDowell.

With the Pilots becoming so highly recognized among the NAIA’s top contenders, they realize that they are going to receive each team’s best effort as they want to knock off a Top 5 team in the country. With that in mind, Coach McDowell realizes the bull’s-eye on the back of the Pilots is continually growing larger, and he welcomes that challenge. “We know teams are going to be fired up and ready to knock us off. We wouldn’t like it any other way. We just want to be sure we do the things we need to do to keep the bulls-eye on us and not relinquish that honor to another team,” concluded McDowell.

McDowell and his Pilots will return to action Saturday night at 7:00pm when they will take on the visiting Southern University of New Orleans Knights, and again Monday night at 7:30pm against the Tougaloo College Bulldogs.

Follow LSUS Basketball Action Live

JANUARY 12, 2006

LSUS basketball fans will now have access to both home and away games by virtue of Dakstats Webcasting. Please visit www.lsus.edu/athletics and visit both the men’s www.lsus.edu/mensbasketball/ and women’s www.lsus.edu/womensbasketball/ basketball homepages which will provide the necessary links to access all LSUS basketball action. The webcast provides updated stats every 30 seconds, and will allow fans to enjoy the games from home, at the office, or anywhere that has internet capabilities.

LSUS Athletics would like to thank all of you for following and supporting our LSUS Pilots and Lady Pilots. Enjoy the games!

Blazers shock Pilots at The Dock

JANUARY 13, 2006

LSUS, ranked No. 5 nationally in the NAIA, got burned by Bobby Johnson’s 31 points as Belhaven upset the Pilots 88-83 Thursday night at The Dock. Johnson, a 6-5 junior guard, was solid gold down the stretch for the visitors from Jackson, MS. He was 14 of 18 from the free throw line as the Blazers (7-7) held off the Pilots (14-2).

Fredericko Payne and Josh Porter each missed three-pointers in the final 30 seconds in an effort to get the Pilots back in the game.

“They (Belhaven) got the ball in the right player’s hands (Johnson),” LSUS Coach Chad McDowell said afterwards. They got it to No. 30 (James Bryant) on the inside and No. 24 (Johnson) on the outside.”

The Pilots, trailing 46-38 at halftime, stormed back to actually the lead at 55-54 with 14:03 left in the game on a basket in the lane by Sharach Roome. LSU built its lead to six on another bucket by Roome before the Blazers got hot.

Belhaven finally got the lead for good on a basket inside by Bryant with 2:45 to play. The Blazers final 11 points came at the free throw line with Johnson accounting for eight. “That’s the first time we have stepped up and beat a team better than us,” Belhaven Coach Tom Kelsey said. “We got down and it showed a lot for us to come back the way we did.”

LSUS got 27 points from Payne, who was 11 of 13 from the charity stripe. Howver, Payne was just 6 of 16 from the field as the Pilots shot only 38 percent as a team compared to 48 for the visitors.

Porter, the former Southwood star, had 16 points while Bossier City’s Jeremy Johnston added 14 points and 8 rebounds. Roome also had 8 rebounds as LSUS had a slight edge in rebounds (42-41).

It appeared LSU might take control early in the second half when Demetrius Lewis of Belhaven was tagged with a . Payne converted the two free throws, but Belhaven managed to pull things together.

Pilots rebound with 112-80 win over SUNO

JANUARY 14, 2006

Shreveport, LA---The LSUS Pilots (15-2, 2-1) responded to Thursday’s night loss at the hands of the Belhaven College Blazers with a 112-80 win over the visiting Southern University-New Orleans (0-5, 0-5).

The LSUS Pilots stayed off a hot shoot performance by the Knights who connected on 15-of-27 attempts from the floor which included 5-of-9 from the three-point line. Willie Chaney led the way for the Knights with 16 points which included 3- of-3 from the free throw line with less than one second remaining in the half after being fouled by Kyle Blankenship on the last shot of the half.

Jeremy Johnston led the way for the Pilots who connected on 21-of-39 attempts from the floor. Johnston finished 6-of-10 from the floor collecting 14 points. Anton Palmer added nine points while Greg Tyer added seven points off the bench.

LSUS won the turnover battle with only four miscues while collecting 14 assists. SUNO had 10 turnovers to nine first half assists.

The Pilots proved to be too much for the Knights in the second half as they went on to shoot 60% (24-40) from the floor and outscored the Knights 63-38.

Eleven Pilots notched the score sheet which included five players in double-digits. Johnston finished with a game high 25 points and six rebounds while Palmer added 19 points and eight rebounds. Josh Porter pitched in with 19 points and four rebounds, Fredericko Payne added 16 points and three steals, and Tyer added a season high 11 points and three assists. Derrick Sowell added five rebounds, four points, three steals, and three assists.

Marcus Scott and Willie Chaney each poured in 24 points for the Knights who shot a combined 46% (31-68) from the floor. Lepodgy Battle added eight points and six rebounds for the Knights who dropped to 0-5 on the year. The Pilots will return home to action Monday night when they will play host to the Tougaloo College Bulldogs in GCAC action. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm.

Pilots improve to 16-2 with 82-66 win over Bulldogs

JANUARY 16, 2006

Shreveport, LA---The LSUS Pilots led by as many as 28 points in the second half and went on to collect their 16th win of the season by a final score of 82-66 over the Tougaloo College Bulldogs Monday night at The Dock.

The Pilots battled their way to a 33-21 lead at the half which marks a season low points allowed in a half by the Pilots.

While the Pilots defense was very effective and forced 17 first half turnovers, their scoring was also at a season low adding just 33 first half points.

Jeremy Johnston continued his hot touch of late for the Pilots connecting on 7-of-10 field goal attempts and adding 9-of- 14 from the free throw line for a game high 23 points and seven rebound as the Pilots went on to win the second straight game at home and improved to 3-1 in gulf Coast Athletic Conference action.

Josh Porter finished with 17 points and six assists while teammates Anton Palmer and Shadrach Roome combined for 22 points and 11 rebounds.

The Bulldogs finished shooting 41% (19-of-46 from the field and were led by Kevin McCoy who had a team high 21 points and four steals. Cordaryl Roland added 11 points while teammate Jermaine Hodges finished with 10 points and four assists.

The Pilots will return to action again this Saturday when they will travel to Mobile, Al to take on the first place University of Mobile Rams. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00pm.

LSUS remains among the Top 10 in latest NAIA polls

JANUARY 18, 2006

Shreveport, LA---After a 1-1 overall record last week which included a loss to Gulf Coast Athletic Conference opponent Belhaven College, the LSUS Pilots dropped three spots to No. 8 in the latest NAIA rankings. Despite the drop from No. 5 to No. 8, Head Coach Chad McDowell feels as though his team has responded very well from what could have been a very tough loss. “We dropped a tough game against a very tough Belhaven team who I believe are going to be very tough throughout the rest of this season. However, we have responded very strong at practice and it is going to make us a better team,” commented McDowell whose Pilots have rebounded with two home conference wins to improve to 16-2 on the season.

Wednesday’s polls saw the University of Mobile Rams (13-2) jump two spots to No. 13. The Pilots will travel to Mobile, AL this upcoming weekend to take on the Rams in a very pivotal game in regards to the GCAC standings.

Also moving up in the ranks from the GCAC were the Spring Hill College Badgers who received enough votes to place them at No. 33 in the NAIA. The Pilots finish there two game road swing against the Badgers in Mobile Monday night.

Division I Men's Basketball National Rating #5

January 18, 2006 Rank Last Week Institution (State) 1st Place Votes Record Total Points

1 2 Mountain State (W.Va.) 8 15-1 324

2 3 Azusa Pacific (Calif.) 1 16-1 315

3 1 Union (Tenn.) 1 14-2 306

4 5 Robert Morris (Ill.) 1 17-1 300

5 4 Oklahoma Baptist 16-1 282

6 13 Lambuth (Tenn.) 17-1 279

7 7 Carroll (Mont.) 16-2 253

8 5 LSU-Shreveport (La.) 15-2 252

9 9 Campbellsville (Ky.) 15-1 239

10 10 Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.) 14-2 228

11 11 Houston Baptist (Texas) 12-2 214

12 12 Missouri Baptist 16-4 202

13 15 Mobile (Ala.) 13-2 194

14 17 Wayland Baptist (Texas) 10-4 187

15 NR San Diego Christian (Calif.) 12-3 174

16 21 Cumberlands (Ky.) 13-3 157

17 8 Oklahoma Christian 13-3 149

18 25 Lee (Tenn.) 13-5 133

19 NR Oklahoma City 10-6 128

20 14 Biola (Calif.) 12-4 114

21 16 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 13-3 111

22 18 Columbia (Mo.) 15-4 91 23 NR Texas-Permian Basin 12-3 84

24 NR Montana State-Northern 14-6 76

25 NR Georgetown (Ky.) 17-2 73

Others Receiving Votes:Southern Polytechnic (Ga.), 65; Lewis-Clark State (Idaho), 37; St. Xavier (Ill.), 37; Westmont (Calif.), 34; Voorhees (S.C.), 17; Crichton

(Tenn.), 13; John Brown (Ark.), 11; Spring Hill (Ala.), 9; Westminster (Utah), 8; Texas Wesleyan, 7; Southern Wesleyan (S.C.), 6; Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.), 3; Southern

Nazarene (Okla.), 2; Auburn Montgomery (Ala.), 1.

Badgers down Pilots 111-97 in double-overtime thriller

JANUARY 24, 2006

Shreveport, LA---The Spring Hill College Badgers used a tremendous team shooting performance to outlast the LSUS Pilots and take a 111-94 double-overtime victory at the Arthur R. Outlaw Center Monday.

LSUS trailed by as many as seven points late in the second half but managed to tie the score at 76-76 in the final minute of regulation. Pilot guard Fredericko Payne missed a baseline jumper as the shot clock was running out and the ball was rebounded by the Badgers. As the Badgers pushed the ball up the floor on a fast break, they committed a turnover which awarded the Pilots the ball with just 10 seconds remaining.

Kyle Blankenship drove the lane in the dying seconds and dished off to Jeremy Johnston who was fouled and awarded two free-throw attempts with just 1.5 seconds left on the game clock.

Johnston missed both attempts which brought the 300+ rowdy Rams fans into a cheering frenzy as the two teams headed into overtime.

The Badgers continued to connect at a rapid pace from the field and built a six point lead which was squashed when Pilot shooting guard Josh Porter connected on a t the three point attempt with just six seconds remaining to tied the score at 89-89 and forced a second overtime session.

Cash Covington led the Badgers on a 22-5 run in the final session en route to a 111-94 victory to improve to 11-5 on the year, and more importantly to 4-1 in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference which is good enough for a share of first place with the University of Mobile Rams.

Freshman point guard Jeremy Price led all scorers with 30 points which included 4-of-8 from the three-point line and a 10- of-11 display from the charity stripe. Krisner Green followed with 24 points while Noah Woolridge added 18 points. Covington caught fire in the overtime session and finished with 16. Barkley Faulkner rounded off the Badgers offense with 14 points and a team high eight rebounds. Payne led the Pilots with 22 points while Porter finished with 19 points. Anton Palmer added 17 points and teammate Shadrach Roome added 13 points. Johnston rounded off the Pilots offense with 14 points and a team high six rebounds in a game which saw the Pilots outrebounded by an opponent for the first time the this season by a final margin of 45-36.

The Pilots are idle until next Saturday night when they will play host to the William Carey College Crusaders at The Dock. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00pm.

Random thoughts: By Dave Estes

JANUARY 25, 2006

Who’s the only team in the nation with two players ranked in the top ten in scoring, three pointers made, and assist to turnover ratio? LSU Shreveport. It’s really no surprise. The Pilots are perhaps the best offensive team in the nation. NAIA Player of the Year candidate Fredricko Payne, 5'11 Sr, is the nation’s third leading scorer throwing in over 21 points per game, teammate Josh Porter, 6'3 Jr, isn’t far behind at 20.8 points per game. The two are also among the NAIA’s best three point shooters. Payne is second nationally making over four treys a game while Porter is sixth at nearly three and half made threes a game. The perimeter duo of Kyle Blankenship, 6'2 Sr, and Freddy Hughs, 5'9 Jr, have done a good job getting Payne and Porter the ball without turning it over. Both Hughes and Blankenship are among the national leaders in assist to turnover. Add all the individual talents together and you get the NAIA’s top scoring team at 103 points per game, the second most deadly three point team with over ten makes a game and the number two team in assist to turnover ratio. With all that said, it was offensive rebounding that secured their win over Gulf Coast rival Mobile on Saturday. Anton Palmer, 6'8 Jr, tipped in a missed shot in the final second for an 81-79 LSUS win.

Story courtesy of Steve Estes and naiabasketball.net

Pilots hold strong at No. 8 in the NAIA

JANUARY 25, 2006

Shreveport, LA---The LSUS Pilots were 2-0 last which included an 82-66 win over the Tougaloo College Bulldogs, and a 81-79 win against the No.14 University of Mobile Rams on the road at the buzzer which improved their overall record to 17-2, and 4-1 in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference.

Despite the 2-0 record last week, the Pilots remained at the No. 8 spot in the latest NAIA national polls that were released Wednesday afternoon.

The Pilots however could not complete the two game sweep of Mobile based teams as the Pilots dropped a double- overtime thriller against the Spring Hill College Badgers Monday night to fall to 17-3 overall, and 4-2 in the GCAC. The Pilots will return home to The Dock Saturday night when they will take on the William Carey College Crusaders. Tip- off is scheduled for 7:00pm.

DI Men's National Rating #6

January 25, 2006

Rank Last Week Institution (State) 1st Place Votes Record Total Points

1 1 Mountain State (W.Va.) 10 16-1 329

2 4 Robert Morris (Ill.) 1 18-1 315

3 5 Oklahoma Baptist 18-1 310

4 6 Lambuth (Tenn.) 18-1 289

5 2 Azusa Pacific (Calif.) 17-2 281

6 7 Carroll (Mont.) 18-2 273

7 10 Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.) 16-2 268

8 8 LSU-Shreveport (La.) 17-2 256

9 3 Union (Tenn.) 15-3 242

10 9 Campbellsville (Ky.) 17-1 241

11 14 Wayland Baptist (Texas) 12-4 214

12 15 San Diego Christian (Calif.) 14-3 200

13 11 Houston Baptist (Texas) 13-3 183

14 13 Mobile (Ala.) 14-3 182

15 16 Cumberlands (Ky.) 15-3 179

16 18 Lee (Tenn.) 15-5 172

17 19 Oklahoma City 12-6 151

18 NR Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) 15-4 118

19 17 Oklahoma Christian 14-4 113

20 NR Westmont (Calif.) 14-6 102

21 NR Illinois-Springfield 11-8 97

22 NR Westminster (Utah) 13-5 74

23 12 Missouri Baptist 17-5 72

24 NR St. Xavier (Ill.) 13-8 68

25 NR Voorhees (S.C.) 12-3 66 Others Receiving Votes:

Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), 63; Southern Polytechnic (Ga.), 58; Columbia (Mo.), 41; Texas Wesleyan, 34; Georgetown (Ky.), 33;

Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.), 22; Spring Hill (Ala.), 21; Auburn Montgomery (Ala.), 15; Crichton (Tenn.), 11; John Brown (Ark.), 7;

Biola (Calif.), 6; Texas-Permian Basin, 6; Montana State-Northern, 1; Southern Wesleyan (S.C.), 1; Vanguard (Calif.), 1.

Catch LSUS vs William Carey Basketball Action Live Tonight

JANUARY 28, 2006

LSUS Basketball fans can catch tonight's action between the LSUS Pilots and Lady Pilots against the William Carey College Crusaders beginnning at 5:00pm. Please visit the men's and women's homepages for the link to tonight's webcast.

Pilots cruise to 111-87 victory over Crusaders

JANUARY 28, 2006

Shreveport, LA---The LSUS Pilots led by as many as 17 points in the first half but a late 18-10 run by the William Carey College Crusaders cut the Pilots halftime lead to single digits at 55-46. The Pilots however outscored the Crusaders 56-41 in the second half due in large part to Fredericko Payne and Jeremy Johnston who combined for 52 points as the Pilots went on to defeat the Crusaders by a final score of 111-87.

The potent Pilot offense which is currently ranked No. 1 in the NAIA in scoring finished with five players in double-digits on a night that saw the Pilots break the century mark for the 9th time this season.

Payne connected on 9-of-18 shooting from the floor which included 4-of-7 from the floor for a game high 29 points. Johnston finished 10-of-13 shooting for 23 points and collected four rebounds. Shadrach Roome added 14 points and six rebounds; Josh Porter added 12 assists and a game high six assists; while Anton Palmer added 10 points and seven rebounds. Derrick Sowell finished with 6 points and a game high 10 rebounds rounding off the Pilots offensive attack.

Braxton Robins finished with a team high 24 points and eight rebounds for the Crusaders who shot a combined 28-of-58 (48%) from the floor. Renaldo Dorsey and Scotty Fletcher added 16 points a piece and combined for 10 rebounds in the losing effort.

After Saturday night’s victory the Pilots improved to 18-3 on the season and are currently tied with the University of Mobile for second place at 5-2 in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference; one game behind the 6-1 Spring Hill College Badgers.

Pilots beat Bulldogs 84-51

JANUARY 31, 2006

Jackson, MS---The LSUS Pilots held the Tougaloo College Bulldogs to just 23 first half points Monday night with a tenacious defensive effort forcing 13 turnovers and collecting nine steals to take a 42-23 lead at the half. The Pilots domination continued in the second half on both ends of the floor and they went on to collect their 19th win of the season by a final score of 84-51.

Fredericko Payne scored 11 of the first 15 Pilots points in the first half as the Pilots jumped out to a 15-8 lead at the 11:24 mark.

Shadrach Roome collected offensive rebounds and two point baskets on consecutive trips to cap an 18-7 run which built the Pilots lead to 33-17 with 2:58 remaining in the first half.

Pilot forward Anton Palmer poured in five points in the final minute giving the Pilots their biggest lead of the half heading into the locker room ahead 42-23.

The 23 points allowed by the Pilots was the lowest point total allowed in a single half this season. A deep bench allowed Head Coach Chad McDowell to use 11 players in the first half, eight of which tallied the score sheet, and six different Pilots collected steals.

In the second half the Pilots put the game out of reach early opening with a 30-11 run and led 70-32 with 7:24 remaining.

Payne led all scorers with 22 points and collected a game high four steals for the Pilots. Roome collected a game high 13 rebounds and added 12 points while Palmer finished with 11 points off the bench. Derrick Sowell showed the Bulldog based crowd two rim shaking dunks as part of his 10 point performance, while six other Pilots tallied two or more points.

Kevin McCoy led the Bulldogs with 12 points and six rebounds while teammate William Jones added five points and a team high seven rebounds. The Bulldogs were held to just 20-of-54 shooting from the floor which included 2-of-12 from beyond the three-point line.

With the victory the Pilots improved to 19-3 overall and 6-2 in the GCAC, tied for second with the University of Mobile Rams. The Pilots will have a chance to break that tie this upcoming Saturday as they will square off against the Rams at The Dock at 7:00pm.

Can you contain Fredericko Payne?

JANUARY 31, 2006

Shreveport, LA---On a night that saw the LSUS Pilots lose a heartbreaking double-overtime decision to Gulf Coast Athletic Conference foe Spring Hill College, Pilots leading scorer Fredericko Payne became the first player in the schools history to eclipse the 2000 point barrier. Payne’s 22 point performance etched his name in the LSUS record books as the first Pilot to eclipse the 2000 point mark. In just 89 games wearing the Gold and Blue, Payne has collected a 22.6 points per game scoring average, and currently sits at 2035 total career points.

The NAIA’s 6th leading scorer is averaging a team high 21.4 points per contest for the No. 8 ranked Pilots who are currently the No. 1 ranked scoring offense in the nation. His ability to finish from any where on the floor has him ranked No. 2 in the NAIA in made three-point field goals at 3.8 per contest, and is currently ranked 5th in free-throw percentage at 88.1% (78-of-91).

Payne made an immediate impact after transferring from Northwestern State University. As a sophomore, Payne was awarded the 2002-2003 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year award and selected First-Team ALL- GCAC after leading the conference in scoring averaging 21.6ppg. He led the Pilots to a 21-12 record in the programs first year of competition since 1996. Payne led GCAC in three-point field goals made with 111 and finished second in free- throw percentage making 91-117 (77.8%) attempts.

In 2005, Payne picked up where he left off the 2004 season as he led the Pilots to a win over the #3 ranked Oklahoma Baptist Bison by pouring in a game high 21 points. Just four games later Payne had a career high 44 point night which led the Pilots to a double-overtime victory versus ETBU which put the Pilots at 5-0 to begin what was soon to be their best season in school history. On July 6th, 2005, Payne scorched the Belhaven College Blazers for 40 points in the Pilots 79- 67 victory which included an LSUS record 12 three-pointers in a single game. In the 2005 regular season finale, Payne poured in 29 points against the William Carey Crusaders which the Pilots won 83-57 to clinch the GCAC regular season championship, and an automatic birth to their first NAIA National Tournament.

At the 2005 NAIA Buffalo Funds National Tournament, the nations leading scorer was held to just 25 total points in two games on the NAIA’s biggest stage and found his Pilots falling to the eventual 2005 National Champion John Brown University, 61-55.

However, in 2006, Payne is surrounded by a strong supporting cast which has five starters averaging double-digit points which includes shooting guard Josh Porter who is currently 7th in the NAIA averaging 20.7 points per game.

“Playing on a team with such great guys makes you realize that you don’t have to do it all yourself. Our post presence has been a huge addition this year. Jeremy, Shadrach, and Anton give us another option when the shots just won’t go down,” comments Payne.

The 3rd year senior from Dubach, LA credits much of his success over the past three years to Coach McDowell who has let him become the player he is today.

“Coach lets you play the game. Since I have been here the green light has always been on. It helps to know that when you make a mistake or maybe force a tough shot that you do not need to look over your shoulder to see if you are going to be on the bench,” says Payne. “With that being said, his patience and communication has taught me a lot about how to become a smarter and better all- around player.”

Payne and the LSUS Pilots are off to an 18-3 start overall, and are currently in a tough race for the top spot in the GCAC, one game behind the 6-1 Spring Hill College Badgers at 5-2 in conference play.

“We are off to a good start. We lost a couple tough conference games which has some people talking, but our goal was not to go undefeated this season. Our goal is to win the GCAC and take home the NAIA National Tournament crown,” concluded Payne.

As excellent of a career it has been for Payne at LSUS, it is not the point totals that are so impressive to Coach McDowell; rather it is how he has gone about achieving such impressive credentials.

“Scoring 2000 points in two and half seasons is impressive, but I have been more impressed with how he has had to score them. His ability to score a bunch of points in a hurry has continually led our team to victory,” said McDowell.

“There are many players who are capable of scoring a lot of points, but he has done it against teams who continue to focus on how they will contain Rico Payne. He scores against opponent’s best defenders while playing well on the defensive end for us as well,” concluded McDowell on Payne who has also recently eclipsed the LSUS career steals record.

Payne is scheduled to graduate in the fall of 2006 with a business degree and has hopes of continuing his basketball career at the professional level upon graduation.

GCAC lands three teams in Top-25

FEBRUARY 02, 2006

Shreveport, LA---Winning a Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Regular Season Championship is no easy task in any sport; especially in men’s basketball. In the latest NAIA National Polls that were released Wednesday afternoon, the LSUS Pilots, the University of Mobile Rams, and Spring Hill College Badgers were selected as three of the Top 25 teams in the country, with LSUS leading the way at No. 8.

The Pilots are currently on top of the GCAC in winning percentage with a 19-3 (.864) overall record, but at 6-2 in conference play, they remain one game behind Spring Hill College Badgers who sit at 6-1 in the GCAC, and 13-5 overall.

The Rams, 15-5 overall, sit in a tie for third place in the GCAC with the Belhaven College Blazers at 5-2 and are currently ranked 15th in the NAIA. The Rams and Blazers will square off tonight in Mobile which will break that tie, and set up a showdown between the Pilots and Rams who went down to the wire less than one month ago which saw the Pilots pull off an 81-79 road victory at the buzzer. Last week, the Badgers defeated the Pilots in double-overtime and followed with a three point victory over the Rams in their home gym. At No. 24 in the country, the Badgers could arguably one of the hottest teams in the NAIA. However, Monday night marked the halfway point of the GCAC regular season which means each team has one game remaining against each other before the GCAC Championship crown, and an automatic birth to the NAIA National Tournament can be awarded.

Thursday night marks the beginning of what is promising to be an exciting second half of NAIA men’s basketball in the GCAC.

Pilots pummel Rams, 94-67

FEBRUARY 04, 2006

Shreveport, LA---The No. 8 LSUS Pilots and the No. 15 University of Mobile Rams entered Saturday night’s Gulf Coast Athletic Conference bout tied for second spot at 6-2, but the Pilots broke that tie with a convincing 94-67 win over the Rams infront of a near capacity crowd at The Dock.

The Pilots led by as many as 13 points in the first half but a Zarko Comagic field goal capped a 9-0 run to cut the Pilots lead to 38-34 at the 5:47 mark.

Fredericko Payne connected on a jumper from the free-throw line as time expired in the half to put the Pilots ahead 53-45 at the break.

The up-tempo play of the first half saw both teams shoot high percentages from the floor with the Rams connecting on 16- of32 attempts from the floor, including 5-of-8 (63%) from beyond the arc.

LSUS however connected on a season high 65% (22-of-34) from the field which included 7-of-13 from beyond the arc. Josh Porter led the Pilots with 16 first half points.

The Pilots poured it on in the second half and outscored the Rams 41-22 in the second half after connecting on 13-of-24 (54%) field goal attempts and 12-of-14 from the line. Payne finished with a game high 23 points and seven rebounds while Porter added 24 points and five boards. Shadrach Roome pitched in with 11 points and seven rebounds while seven other Pilots added three or more points.

With the win the Pilots improve to 20-3 on the year and are in soul possession of second place, one game behind the Spring Hill College Badgers at 7-2 in conference play. The Pilots will return to action Monday night looking to avenge an 87-82 loss at the hands of the Belhaven College Blazers in Jackson, MS. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30pm. Tonight's games vs Belhaven will not be available via Webcast

FEBRUARY 06, 2006

Shreveport, LA---LSUS Athletics would just like to take this time to let our Pilot and Lady Pilot fans know that due to unavailability of internet connections at Heidelberg Gymnasium (Belhaven's basketball complex), tonight's games will not be available via Dakstats Webcast.

Pilots beat Blazers 88-83

FEBRUARY 07, 2006

Shreveport, LA---The LSUS Pilots were looking to avenge an early season 88-83 loss at the hands of the Belhaven College Blazers Monday night at Rugg Arena, and they did just that with an 88-83 road win of their own to improve to 21-3 on the season, and moved into soul possession of second place in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference at 8-2.

The Pilots trailed by as many as six points in the first half but used a 10-3 run in the final three minutes to take a 35-33 lead into the locker room at the break.

In the second half, Josh Porter collected the first six Pilot points including a field goal at the 15:40 mark which put the Pilots ahead 42-39.

A Bobby Johnson bucket at the 14:14 mark tied the score at 43-43, but Pilot forward Greg Tyer answered with consecutive three-point baskets which started an 11-4 LSUS run. Derrick Sowell added a three-point basket of his own at the 11:50 mark giving the Pilots their largest lead of the contest at 58-47.

James Bryant single handedly got the Blazers back into the contest with 20 second half points which included a baseline jumper with 1:37 remaining cutting the Pilot lead to 81-75.

On the ensuing possession Pilot back-up point guard Chad Hardy was fouled and drained two clutch free-throws to increase the lead back to eight points.

The Blazers mounted a late threat after Bryant missed the back end of two free-throws which led to an offensive rebound a three-point basket by Larell Bailey making the score 87-81 with just 29 seconds left on the game clock.

Bryant added a field goal with nine seconds remaining making the score 88-83 to cap off his 33 point night which proved to be the final points of the contest. Johnson added 21 points and a game high nine rebounds for the Blazers who shot a combined 50% from the floor and outrebounded the Pilots 41-30.

The Pilots used a 17-of-24 shooting performance in the second half and 35 points off the bench to hold off the Blazers and stay in contention for their second straight GCAC regular season title. Porter led the Pilots scoring with 22 points while Jeremy Johnston added 15 and seven rebounds. Tyer finished with 12 points on 3-of-4 shooting while Sowell, Fredericko Payne, and Carlon Simmons each added eight points a piece.

LSUS will be in action again Thursday night when they will travel to Baton Rouge, LA to take on the Southern University- New Orleans Knights.

Payne earns GCAC Player of the Week honors

FEBRUARY 08, 2006

Shreveport, LA---As the 2006 basketball season begins to wind down with just four games remaining, rivalries among teams in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference heat up as they make their one last push towards a Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championship. Pilot shooting guard Fredericko Payne has been a large factor in the Pilots success this season that has the LSUS Pilots (8-2), currently one game behind the Spring Hill College Badgers (9-1).

Payne has delivered some very impressive numbers down the stretch in very big games, and the 2005 GCAC Player of the Year has earned Player of the Week Honors after averaging 22.5 points and five rebounds leading the Pilots to a perfect 2-0 record on the week with wins over Tougaloo College and No. 15 University of Mobile.

The 5’10 senior from Dubach, LA leads the Pilots in scoring averaging 20.8 per contest. While his current scoring average is down from his 2005 All-American campaign when he led the NAIA in scoring with 25.0 points per game, Payne’s shooting percentage has improved from 38.9% to 43.2%, which includes 41% shooting from beyond the three-point line which is up from 34.2% last season.

Payne and the Pilots will be in action again Thursday night when they will travel to Baton Rouge to take on the Southern University of New Orleans Knights in GCAC action. Tip-off has been rescheduled to 5:00pm.

DI MBB: Random Thoughts and Observations by David Paul Estes

FEBRUARY 09, 2006

It’s already started at the NCAA Division 1 level, scores of basketball pundits breaking down who’s in and who’s out of the big dance. So with all NAIA conferences at or past the midway point in their conference season, it’s time to take a look at bracketology, NAIA style.

Please note that I’m not forecasting who I think are the best thirty two teams in the nation. If I were doing that half the field would be composed of teams from the Sooner, Golden State and Mid South. I’m predicting what I think will happen.

American Midwest Conference - 1 Automatic Safely in: Nobody.

On the bubble: University of Illinois Springfield, Missouri Baptist and Columbia.

The AMC race: The AMC deserves only one berth this year, the automatic. I don’t see an AMC team worthy of a Top 25 ranking. The Prairie Stars of UIS have the upper hand currently, but their 17 point loss to McKendree shows the relative weakness of this conference in 2006. UIS still has tough games left vs Missouri Baptist and Columbia plus has to play Brescia and Olivet Nazarene in non conference games. And with eight losses already, the Prairie Stars margin for error is small. Columbia is on the bubble because of a good overall record that was accomplished against a poor schedule. And I just can’t erase the memory of last year’s KC appearance for Columbia. My bet is the raters won’t be able to either. Missouri Baptist has played the toughest schedule, but don’t have many quality wins to show for it. However, in the end Missouri Baptist will likely be in the final ranking. The only way I see the AMC getting two bids is if someone other than Missouri Baptist wins the conference tourney. I don’t think that will happen. Missouri Baptist gets in out of the AMC.

Kansas City bound: Missouri Baptist

Chicagoland Athletic Conference - 1 Automatic

Safely In: Robert Morris. They’ve benefitted from a soft schedule, but no doubt deserve a place in the final thirty two in KC.

On the Bubble: St Xavier and Olivet Nazarene University

The CAC race: Olivet Nazarene always seems to play their best basketball of the year down the stretch. If they could have started better this year, they’d have been a no brainier tournament selection. The Tigers played a brutal non conference schedule including Georgetown, Hawaii Pacific, BYU Hawaii, Huntington, and Grace. But at some point you have to beat those teams. The Tigers haven’t. Their lone quality win of the year is a conference victory against an untested Robert Morris team. They’ll have to split their remaining two games vs Robert Morris and St X to get in position for an at large bid. St Xavier appeared to be on the fast track to the national tournament in December after a big win over NCAA Division 1 Illinois Chicago. But since they’ve had some troubling losses. Still the Cougars are on track to make it to KC. As with ONU, they must split their two remaining games with Robert Morris and Olivet Nazarene.

Kansas City Bound: Robert Morris, Olivet Nazarene and St Xavier

Golden State Athletic Conference - 2 Automatics

Safely in: Azusa Pacific. The Cougars are well on their way to another Golden State regular season Championship.

On the Bubble: San Diego Christian, Westmont, Vanguard, Point Loma, and Biola.

The Golden State Race: Biola and Point Loma have little margin for error. Both would have to win multiple games that they will be underdogs in to get close to the top twenty five. Vanguard will likely finish high enough in the conference to get at large consideration, but their overall losses could catch up with them. Their game with Azusa on February 27th could be their make or break game. San Diego Christian and Westmont only have to avoid a total collapse to get to Kansas City. The race in the GSAC is a tough call. But this league definitely deserves four bids. The only way this league get’s a fifth bid is for Point Loma or Biola to get the league’s second automatic bid in the conference tourney.

Kansas City Bound: Azusa Pacific, San Diego Christian, Westmont, and Vanguard.

Gulf Coast Athletic Conference - 2 Automatics

Safely in: LSU Shreveport. The Pilots performance against a good non league schedule gets them to Kansas City.

On the Bubble: Spring Hill and Mobile.

The Gulf Coast Race: Spring Hill sits in the best position of any bubble team in the nation. With wins already against Mobile and LSUS, the Badgers should make it to the big tourney baring a complete collapse. The case for Mobile isn’t so clear. Recent large margin losses to both Auburn Montgomery and LSUS have harmed the Rams national standing. They also were handled easily earlier this year by another top twenty foe Lindsey Wilson. They do benefit, however, from the easiest remaining league schedule but still have a non conference date left with Auburn Montgomery. If they lose to both Spring Hill and Auburn Montgomery, they must sweep their remaining conference contests to feel comfortable.

Kansas City Bound: LSUS, Spring Hill, and Mobile

Frontier Conference - 1 Automatic

Safely in: Carroll. The Saints run to the Fab Four last season, coupled with a strong season thus far have Carroll safely in the final thirty two.

On the Bubble: Lewis and Clark, Westminster, and Montana State Northern.

The Frontier race: Westminster sits in the best shape of the three. They’ve already split with Carroll which will be the league champ. Lewis and Clark isn’t in bad shape either, but a victory and the season sweep against Westminster on February 11th would get them in for sure. The real question mark about LCSU comes from their cream puff non conference schedule, if they stumble in some late Frontier games, the raters could hold that against them. It also remains to be seen how the raters will deal with LCSU’s forfeit losses which have tarnished what was a good record. If in the end they vote based solely on current record, the Warriors will be in trouble. Montana State Northern only path to KC is to win out or win the league’s post season tournament.

Kansas City Bound: Carroll, Westminster, and Lewis and Clark

Independents - 1 Automatic

Safely in: Mountain State. In fact, I’d say they are safely in the Elite Eight as well.

On the Bubble: Voorhees and Brescia. The Indy race: These are two teams with totally different situations. Brescia has played a demanding schedule against good competition. They’ve beaten three current top twenty five teams and also own victories over Olivet Nazarene, IU Southeast, and McKendree. Their record is less than sterling, but if they can win out, they deserve consideration. Voorhees is at the other end of the spectrum. They’ve played the weakest national schedule of any team in the Coaches’ Top 25. They only have one win against an NAIA or NCAA team with a winning record and were blown out in losses to Mountain State and LSUS. They have struggled to win games this year against Allen, Pensacola Christian, Methodist, Southern Virginia, and Knoxville College. But with an 18-3 record they currently sit comfortably inside the coaches top twenty five poll, and their weak schedule the rest of the way will likely keep them there.

Kansas City Bound: Mountain State and Voorhees

Mid South Conference - 1 Automatic

Safely in: Georgetown. The Tigers have separated themselves from the rest of the Mid South pack with four straight wins.

On the Bubble: Campbellsville, Cumberlands, Lambuth, and Lindsey Wilson.

The MSC Race: If there is any league in the nation that deserves five teams this year, it’s the Mid South. Campbellsville has big wins over Trevecca, Lambuth and Georgetown. Cumberlands has beaten both Lindsey Wilson and Campbellsville and should have beaten Mountain State. Lindsey Wilson has quality wins over Mobile, Lambuth, and Campbellsville. Lambuth has big wins over Union University and Cumberlands. So how do you separate them? Right now you can’t. With five conference games left to play the Mid South still has much to decide. Lambuth has the most difficult road left including away games at both Georgetown and Cumberlands. While Georgetown clearly has the inside track on the MSC Title, the rest of the race won’t be sorted out until the final weekend of conference play.

Kansas City Bound: Georgetown, Campbellsville, Cumberlands, and Lindsey Wilson

Red River Conference - 2 Automatics

Safely in: Houston Baptist

On the Bubble: Texas Wesleyan and U.T. Permian Basin

The Red River Race: This conference gets two automatic bids, but could potentially get three teams to Kansas City. If the Regular Season champ makes it to the Red River Tournament Title game, than the other tournament finalist gets an automatic bid, even if they lose. That could happen. Houston Baptist has been a top 25 team all year long, but they don’t have a victory as impressive as Texas Wesleyans win over LSUS. Not to worry Texas Wesleyan fans, you should hit the Coaches Top 25 this week, and I don’t expect you to drop out the rest of the way. Currently on a 10 game win stream, Texas Wesleyan will play for the conference title at home against Houston Baptist on February 11th. For U.T. Permian Basin to get into the thirty two team field, they’ll have to get one of the Red River’s automatic bids, because I don’t see them finishing in the top two in the league and being ranked at year’s end.

Kansas City Bound: Houston Baptist and Texas Wesleyan Sooner Athletic Conference

Safely in: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Baptist and Wayland Baptist.

On the Bubble: Oklahoma Christian and John Brown

The Sooner Race: As always the Sooner Conference is tough. The question is can defending NAIA National Champion John Brown finish above Oklahoma Christian in the SAC race. If they can, they’ll be in a position to get an at large berth. Whoever finishes fifth is going to be either one of the last teams in or the last teams out of the at large picture. With four of their final seven games at home and one of the three away games at St Gregory, John Brown’s schedule is set up favorably for another Kansas City trip. Oklahoma Christian’s Kansas City chances don’t seem so bright. With only two home games remaining and one of those against Oklahoma City with road trips remaining to John Brown, USAO, and the Texas swing, the road will be difficult for Christian.

Kansas City Bound: Oklahoma City, Wayland Baptist, Oklahoma Baptist, John Brown and Oklahoma Christian.

Southern States Athletic Conference - 2 Automatics

Safely in: None

On the bubble: Lee University, Southern Wesleyan, and Auburn Montgomery

The SSAC Race: Believe it or not the SSAC, which is experiencing a down year, has a legitimate chance at three bids. The scenario would work much the same as in the Red River, with two teams being ranked in at large position and a third getting to the conference tournament championship game and getting the league’s second automatic. This race is still wide open with Lee, Southern Wesleyan, and Auburn Montgomery all within one game of the conference lead. Of the three Southern Wesleyan has the toughest schedule remaining with games against both Lee and Auburn Montgomery as well as a non conference game against Mountain State. Lee has the easiest of the schedules remaining and currently sits in first place. Auburn Montgomery’s recent loss to Reinhardt hurt the Senators’ SSAC title chances. The league winner has a distinct advantage because they’ll be in the opposite side of the SSAC tournament bracket than the other two.

Kansas City Bound: Lee University and Auburn Montgomery

Trans South Conference - 1 Automatic

Safely in: Union University

On the bubble: Trevecca University and Crichton College

The TSAC Race: Trevecca lost their foothold on an automatic bid with a 20 point loss to Crichton. If the Trojans are swept by Crichton, the conference rater will have no choice but to rank Trevecca third in the conference, which will put them squarely on the at large bubble, but that’s the Trans South’s best chance for three bids. For Crichton to get in at large position, they must do no worse than split their remaining games with Union University and Trevecca and win the rest. Double figure losses will make it difficult to get Crichton to Kansas City if they finish third in the Trans South. Kansas City Bound: Union University, Crichton and Trevecca Nazarene

** So that’s my thirty two team field. Here are a handful of bracket busting teams that you need to watch for in the post season conference tournaments that could make up for disappointing regular seasons and win their way to Kansas City. Science and Arts in the Sooner, Georgia Southwestern in the Southern States, and Lyon in the Trans South are all good enough to put together conference tournament runs to get them to the big dance.

** Below is the Top Twenty Five rating for this week. Please note, it includes all games played through Monday night. For the first time this year, there are no new teams entering the poll from last week. But the bottom five are getting much harder to rate. As teams like St Xavier, John Brown, and Olivet Nazarene continue to win they push toward a top twenty five ranking.

1. Mountain State 20-1

2. Union University 19-3

3. Robert Morris 21-2

4. Azusa Pacific 20-3

5. Oklahoma City 16-6

6. Georgetown College 21-4

7. LSU Shreveport 21-3

8. Carroll 20-3

9. Oklahoma Baptist 20-3

10. Spring Hill 16-5

11. Cumberlands 17-5

12. Wayland Baptist 15-6

13. Texas Wesleyan 14-6

14. Campbellsville 19-3

15. Westminster 17-5

16. Trevecca Nazarene 18-4

17. San Diego Christian 14-5 18. Auburn Montgomery 12-6

19. Oklahoma Christian 17-6

20. Houston Baptist 18-4

21. Lindsey Wilson 18-6

22. Lambuth 19-4

23. Westmont 16-7

24. Vanguard 15-8

25. Lee University 18-6

Pilots climb back into NAIA Top 5

FEBRUARY 09, 2006

Shreveport, LA---The LSUS Pilots have accumulated a resume that boasts a 21-3 overall record and they have climbed back into the NAIA Top 5 teams this week. The Pilots are currently No. 4 in the latest NAIA polls, just seven points behind the No. 3 Azusa Pacific University.

With just four regular season games remaining, the Pilots have put themselves in great shape to qualify for their second straight NAIA national tournament appearance. First and foremost however, the Pilots are looking to capture their second Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championship, but are currently one game behind the Spring Hill College Badgers.

The Pilots are in action tonight on the road against the Southern University of New Orleans, and then will have eight days to prepare for the Badgers who will be coming to Shreveport February 18th. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00pm.

DI Men's Basketball DI Men's Basketball Rating #8 -February 8, 2006

National Ratings

Rank Last Week Institution (State) 1st Place Votes Record Total Points

1 1 Mountain State (W.Va.) 11 20-1 330

2 2 Robert Morris (Ill.) 21-2 318

3 6 Azusa Pacific (Calif.) 20-3 300 4 8 LSU-Shreveport (La.) 20-3 293

5 9 Union (Tenn.) 19-3 288

6 10 Oklahoma City 16-6 276

7 3 Carroll (Mont.) 21-3 265

8 16 Georgetown (Ky.) 21-4 254

9 4 Oklahoma Baptist 20-3 246

10 11 Cumberlands (Ky.) 17-5 216

11 14 Houston Baptist (Texas) 17-4 213

12 7 Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.) 18-4 199

13 17 Lee (Tenn.) 18-6 193

14 18 Westminster (Utah) 17-5 179

15 13 Wayland Baptist (Texas) 15-6 171

16 24 Spring Hill (Ala.) 15-5 153

16 NR Vanguard (Calif.) 15-8 153

18 21 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 18-6 119

19 20 Oklahoma Christian 17-6 107

20 23 Voorhees (S.C.) 18-3 105

21 NR Campbellsville (Ky.) 19-3 87

22 19 Illinois-Springfield 14-9 86

23 22 San Diego Christian (Calif.) 15-6 81

24 NR Texas Wesleyan 14-6 79

25 24 St. Xavier (Ill.) 17-8 78

Others Receiving Votes:Auburn Montgomery (Ala.), 63; Mobile (Ala.), 51; Westmont (Calif.), 42; Missouri Baptist, 41; Lambuth (Tenn.), 27; Crichton (Tenn.), 25; John Brown

(Ark.), 19; Southern Wesleyan (S.C.), 15; Olivet Nazarene (Ill.), 13; Lewis-Clark State (Idaho), 9; Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.), 9; Columbia (Mo.), 7; Texas-Permian Basin, 4;

Biola (Calif.), 1.

Pilots featured in City Lights magazine by LSUS graduate, Darrell Reboucher

FEBRUARY 16, 2006

Most local sports fans have not heard of “The Dock.” Trust me; it’s the place to be in Shreveport this basketball season. The basketball program at LSU-Shreveport is enjoying quite a revival, and The Dock is where they’re invigorating the ever-expanding Pilot fan base. The gym, officially named the LSUS Health & Physical education building, seats about 1100 for basketball, and the place is almost always packed. Having a clever nickname for home port certainly doesn’t hurt.

The second incarnation of Pilot basketball is now in its third season. The men’s program is led by dynamic coach Chad McDowell, whose infectious enthusiasm for life and basketball pervades his team. “Being up tempo, definitely exciting is our best opportunity to win night in and night out,” said McDowell, who played at LSUS the first time the school gave basketball a try. Up tempo may be an understatement. Through the first 12 games of the season, McDowell’s Pilots were averaging 108 points per game. That figure includes a gaudy 153 point total against Paul Quinn on November 6th. More often than not, five players will score in double figures. It’s part of the McDowell plan. “Our success so far has not come at the hands of one player this season, but it is a different trio every night that seem to put up very impressive numbers,” the coach is quick to point out.

The Pilots compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), not in the NCAA. This has created a bit of a recruiting advantage. Players can transfer from NCAA schools and be immediately eligible to play. Jeremy Johnston from Louisiana Tech, Kyle Blankenship from Tulsa, Josh Porter from Stephen F. Austin, Greg Tyer and Rico Payne from Northwestern State have coalesced to create, along with their teammates, an emerging small college power.

“At the beginning of the season we questioned whether there were enough basketballs to go around with all of the talent we have in this group,” McDowell said. In all of my years coaching at the High School level and even my two years here at LSUS, I have never had such a close group of guys who understand and make the best of every minute they have on the floor which I think that speaks highly of the character of this team.” Keep in mind that no player is on full athletic scholarship. It’s the NAIA way.

Clearly, the Pilots have found clear sailing. Last season, they were ranked #7 in the nation among NAIA schools when the regular season ended. They advanced to the “Sweet 16” round of the national tournament. This year, they have been ranked in the top three. They’ve tested themselves in exhibition games against McNeese State, Northwestern State, Arkansas and LSU. All of this is motivated by a goal which may actually be attainable: an NAIA national championship. McDowell has been around long enough to become an expert on coach-speak, but this has some truth to it: “It should be everyone’s goal as it is ours to be #1,” he said. “We are proud to be recognized throughout the country. However, our focus will continue to remain on playing together night in and night out and letting the rest take care of itself.”

National recognition has come, but a lot of local folks have missed the boat. The Dock is rocking. It’s not too late to jump on board.

LSUS and SHC set to collide Saturday night at The Dock

FEBRUARY 17, 2006

Shreveport, LA---The LSUS Pilots and Lady Pilots basketball teams will play host to the Spring Hill College Blazers Saturday night at The Dock in a crucial Gulf Coast Athletic Conference match-up. The Lady Pilots currently sit in 6th place at 3-6 in GCAC play. However, with two of their three remaining games at The Dock where the Lady Pilots have accumulated a 7-2 record this season, they still remain in the hunt to finish as high as fourth, which would allow LSUS to host their first round game of the GCAC Tournament. The Lady Pilots will look to gain some much needed momentum heading into post season play by taking down the Badgers this Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00pm.

On the men’s side, the No.4 Pilots are looking to jump into a tie for first place in the GCAC by avenging a double-overtime road loss at the hands of the 10-1 Badgers. The Pilots must win Saturday night in order to have a chance to repeat as GCAC regular season champions. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00pm.

LSUS pulls into first-place GCAC tie

FEBRUARY 19, 2006

February 19, 2006By Pesky Hill Special to The Times

LSUS, the No. 4-ranked team nationally in the NAIA, made a loud statement for No. 1 Saturday night at The Dock.

The Pilots manhandled Gulf Coast Athletic Conference leader Spring Hill College as LSUS pulled away in the second half for an easy 97-77 victory.

LSUS is now tied with the Badgers from Mobile atop the conference with a 10-2 record.

The other three nationally ranked teams above LSUS have all lost in the last three days.

"The national rankings and the national tournament will take care of itself if we just take care of our business," LSUS coach Chad McDowell said. "We contested all their shots and it showed in their shooting percentages."

Spring Hill entered the game as one of the best outside shooting teams in the conference, but the Pilots held them to 40 percent from the field and only 23 percent from the 3-point line.

"We haven't played since last Thursday," Spring Hill coach Robert Thompson complained.

"Maybe that's part of the reason we didn't shoot well, but give LSUS credit. They played hard and deserved to win."

Jeremy Johnston, the 6-foot-9 post player out of Airline , had one of his most productive games for the Pilots with 26 points and 11 rebounds. He was 10 of 14 from the floor and made 6 of 8 from the free throw line.

"They (Spring Hill) were trying to front us in the first half," Johnston said. "But Coach (McDowell) told the guys to get us the ball if we were open at halftime and it worked."

Johnston got plenty of help inside from 6-8 Shadrach Roome, the former Evangel star who hails from the West Indies. Roome contributed 12 tough points and added six rebounds as LSUS whipped the Badgers 46-33 on the glass.

LSUS, which got 12 and 11 points respectively from ex-Southwood stars Freddy Hughes and Josh Porter, won its sixth straight game and improved its overall record to 23-3.

"It would be a nice honor for the program if we get the No. 1 ranking," McDowell admitted. "Especially since we have so many local players."

Spring Hill (18-6) got 22 points from Cash Covington and 20 from Chris Baldwin. Barkley Faulkner added 12 points before fouling out with 11:44 left in the game.

LSUS, which led 37-24 at intermission, opened up a couple of 18 point leads early in the second half on a dunk by Porter and a bank shot by Johnston.

But the Badgers actually closed the gap to 56-50 on a pair of free throws by Covington with just over 10 minutes to play.

From that point Johnston got things going in the paint and the Pilots were able to knock down their free throws at the charity stripe to put the game away.

©The Times February 19, 2006

Pilots in the hunt for Back-to-Back GCAC Championships

FEBRUARY 21, 2006

Shreveport, LA---Once again, the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championship has come down to the wire and will not be decided until the last game has been played Saturday night. LSUS and Spring Hill College are deadlocked for first at 10-2 overall, while the University of Mobile still remains in the hunt at 9-3.

LSUS has two remaining games against teams they have previously beat this season. Thursday night they play host to the Loyola University Wolfpack (3-9) at 7:30pm. Thursday will also be a night on which the Pilots will recognize their six graduating seniors; Fredericko Payne, Derrick Sowell, Jeremy Johnston, Kyle Blankenship, and Shadrach Roome and Carlon "Snoop" Simmons. Snoop is expected to play his last year of eligibility as a graduate student next season but will be recognized this year's senior class.

The Pilots will then hit the road Saturday in their regular season finale to take on the (5-7) William Carey College Crusaders at 7:00pm.

The game of the week for the Pilots however may take place without them present. Assuming the Pilots and the SHC Badgers remain tied for top spot in the GCAC at 11-2 come Saturday night, both teams would have to win on the road Saturday to claim their share of the GCAC Championship. The Badgers will have to defeat the 3rd place UM Rams, which they did earlier this season by a 74-71 margin at home.

At stake is not only a GCAC regular season championship, but also the right to be the top ranked team in the GCAC which has become a very important factor in this year’s GCAC Conference Tournament. Because of Hurricane Katrina, this year’s tournament will not be played at one site with all teams present. This year’s post-season Gulf Coast Athletic Conference competitions will be held on designated dates on the home court of the higher seed, provided that the home team agrees to comply with playoff regulations and requirements. All-eight men’s teams are eligible to play for post- season play.

Men’s First Round-Thursday, March 2

5 vs 4, 6 vs 3, 7 vs 2, 8 vs 1

Men’s Semi-Finals- Saturday, March 4

Winner of 5-4 vs winner of 8-1, winner of 6-3 vs winner of 7-2

Men’s Championship-Tuesday, March 7

Held at the court of the highest seeded remaining teams

If the tournament were to start today, the Pilots would be eligible to host their first two conference tournament games at The Dock. If they made it to the finals, they would have to travel to SHC for the championship game assuming that they also won their first two games of the tournament. top two teams prevail throughout the tournament, because the Badgers hold the upper hand in the conference tie-breaker.

While Thursday night will represent senior night for the Pilots, it will not be the last night Pilot fans will get to see them in action at "The Dock" as play-offs are just around the corner.

LSUS Pilots claim first-ever No. 1 NAIA national ranking

FEBRUARY 22, 2006

Shreveport, LA---On January 9, 2003, LSUS issued the following statement: “LSUS has named former school standout Chad McDowell as its head men’s basketball coach. The university’s chancellor, Dr. Vince Marsala, and its new athletic director, Doug Robinson, made the announcement.” Three years and 95 games later, Coach McDowell and the LSUS Pilots have accumulated a 71-24 overall record; captured a 2005 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championship; participated in the 2005 NAIA National Championship Tournament; and have now captured the schools first-ever No. 1 NAIA national ranking.

“This is a tribute to a lot of people, but most importantly our university. Our chancellor, Dr. Marsala, has given us the chance to succeed and we have made the best of it. Doug Robinson, our athletic director, has helped us every step of the way and he deserves a lot of credit for what he has done for our athletics program. Our entire campus continually shows their support by filling up the stands at The Dock. And our players, both past and present, along with the best assistant coaches anyone could ever ask for, have worked long and hard to get to this spot and are very excited and proud of our No. 1 ranking we received today. Simply put, we have been very blessed,” explained a very excited Coach McDowell. With two games remaining on the regular season, the Pilots are currently in a tie for top spot with the Spring Hill College Badgers at 10-2. LSUS will be at home Thursday night and will play host to the Loyola University Wolfpack on a night that will pay tribute to the Pilots six seniors. LSUS defeated the Wolfpack 94-70 in early January. However, the Pilots lead the series by just a 3-2 margin over the past three years.

“Before we ever got started three years ago, I remember stating in our gym that we are not just going to be another basketball team; we are going to compete for a national championship. Being the number one team in the country was just one of our goals along the way. We still have two very tough regular season match-ups that we need to focus on so that we complete our goal of winning a GCAC Championship which is the most important thing on our minds right now,” stated McDowell.

The Pilots regular season finale will take place Saturday night in Hattiesburg, MS where they will take on the William Carey College Crusaders. The Pilots and their fans will be scoreboard watching throughout the night as the No. 23 University of Mobile Rams will play host to the No. 14 Badgers. If the Rams were to knock off the Badgers and the Pilots were to win their two remaining games, the Pilots would claim the GCAC Championship outright.

“I don’t even know what to think,” commented third year senior Derrick Sowell. “It is a great feeling. But, we have to get past that and take care of business from here on out. Our goal all year has been to win a conference championship, and right now we are in a good spot to do so,” concluded Sowell.

While the Pilots success has been marked by a successful GCAC season, they also have posted a 6-2 overall record against teams in the latest NAIA rankings which is highlighted by a 92-86 win over the No. 9 Union University Bulldogs, and a recent 97-77 victory over the Badgers.

“Our guys have really stepped it up a notch over our last six games. Our depth off the bench has become a huge asset and everyone has contributed night in and night out which makes us a tough team to beat,” said McDowell.

Much of the LSUS depth this season comes at the hand of five junior and senior NCAA Division I and II transfers who returned to the city where they played high school basketball.

Pilots senior point guard Kyle Blankenship transferred from Tulsa University for his senior season and is currently leading the NAIA with a 3.52 assist/turnover ratio.

“This is one of the reasons a lot of us transferred to LSUS. We all knew or played for coach in the past and knew that he would have us competing for a national championship. This has been the most fun I have ever had playing basketball, but we still have a long way to go,” commented Blankenship.

The return of the 2005 NAIA scoring leader and All-American Fredericko Payne combined with the presence of Stephen F. Austin junior transfer Josh Porter, who is also a Shreveport native, has provided the most powerful scoring tandem in the NAIA. Both Payne and Porter currently rank in the top 11 in scoring and average a combined 39.5 points per game. “There is no question that we have a lot of talent. Our goal now is to continue to play together and ride this thing out as far and as long as we can, which hopefully will end with a national championship,” concludes McDowell.

HATTIESBURG, Miss - The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference today announced the players of the week for the week of February 13 - 19, 2006.

FEBRUARY 22, 2006

Jeremy Johnston of LSUS was selected as the men's player of the week. Johnston, a 6'8 senior transfer from Louisiana Tech led the Pilots to a 2-0 record on the week after averaging 26 points and eight rebounds, including a double-double (26pts, 11rbds) against the Spring Hill College Badgers Saturday night that put the Pilots in a tie for first in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. Johnston has collected 15 points or more in each of the Pilots last four games and has increased his season scoring average to 15.4 points per game while collecting 5.2 rebounds. Jeremy is from Bossier City, LA.

Pilots down Wolfpack 83-69 in front of capacity crowd at The Dock

FEBRUARY 23, 2006

Shreveport, LA---The upset minded Loyola University Wolfpack looked as though they were ready to dethrone the newest NAIA No. 1 ranked LSUS Pilots Thursday night as they bolted out to a 46-39 halftime lead after connecting on 16-of-26 (62%) field goal attempts which included 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. The depth of the Pilots however proved to be too much in the second half as they went on to outscore the Wolfpack 44-23 the second half en route to an 83-69 victory.

The Wolfpack led by as many as 13 points in the first half and silenced a capacity crowd at The Dock. An 18-8 run to begin the second half by the Pilots however had the Pilots ahead 58-54 with 12:00 remaining and they never looked back.

Josh Porter finished with a team high 16 points while Jeremy Johnston added 15 points and six rebounds. Fredericko Payne added 14 points while the Pilots junior point guard Freddy Hughes added 11. Derrick Sowell collected a game high 12 rebounds and added five points; Kyle Blankenship improved his NAIA No. 1 assist/turnover ratio of 3.25 by collecting six assists with no turnovers and added five points; and Shadrach Roome rounded off the Pilots offense with seven points on 3-of-4 shooting and pulled down five rebounds.

James Bunn collected a team high 18 points for the Wolfpack while teammate Mario Faranda fell one rebound shy of a double-double as he finished with 16 points and nine rebounds.

With the win the Pilots improve to 24-3 overall on the year and are currently tied for top spot in the GCAC at 11-2 with the Spring Hill College Badgers who defeated the William Carey College Crusaders 81-70 Thursday night. The Pilots will travel to Hattiesburg, MS Saturday night to take on the Crusaders in their GCAC regular season finale. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00pm. Pilots claim Back-to-Back GCAC Championships

FEBRUARY 27, 2006

Shreveport, LA---After being ranked No. 1 in the latest NAIA national polls, the LSUS Pilots were pretty much a lock to qualify for an at large birth to the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City, MO. The Pilots however punched their tickets to KC this past weekend by becoming the 2006 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Champions, which earns them an automatic birth in the field of 32 teams.

The combination of a convincing 101-81 win over the William Carey College Crusaders Saturday night, and an 82-75 victory by the University of Mobile Rams over the Spring Hill College Badgers concluded the 2006 GCAC regular season schedule. At 25-3 overall and 12-2 in the GCAC, the Pilots finished one game ahead of the Badgers and Rams who tied for second place with a 9-3 overall conference record.

“It is a great feeling. We fought through some tough times early in the conference season and responded with some key performances down the stretch,” commented Pilots Head Coach Chad McDowell.

As excited as the Pilots are about becoming the first team at LSUS to ever win back-to-back GCAC Championships, they are just as excited at the opportunity to be the top seed in the GCAC Conference Tournament which will begin Thursday night at The Dock.

“Winning a conference championship is never an easy task, especially in a conference as strong as the GCAC. As rewarding as it is to have done so, the biggest reward may be the fact that we have the opportunity as the top seed in the GCAC to host our tournament games,” comments McDowell.

The GCAC was forced to restructure the GCAC Tournament this season due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina, and has opted to play each game at the site of the highest seed based on the regular season standings.

“This is the greatest reward our player’s could have received. We have some of the best fans in the country attend our games and their support continues to show in our attendance numbers. Our guys love playing at home in front of their families and friends, and if we continue to play the way have been over the past couple of weeks, they may get to play at The Dock three more times this season,” concludes McDowell.

The first round of the GCAC Tournament begins Thursday, March 2 and will see the Pilots play host to the Southern University of New Orleans Knights at 7:00pm. The Pilots swept the regular season series 2-0 with a 112-80 win at home and a 112-86 win on the road.

The winner of Thursday’s contest will advance to the semi-finals Saturday night and will face the winner between the #4 Belhaven College VS #5 William Carey College. Tip-off is also scheduled for 7:00pm.

The GCAC Championship game is scheduled for March the 7th and will be played at the highest remaining seeds home floor. Tickets for each game are $5 for general admission, LSUS students with a valid ID $2, and children under 12 are $2.

GCAC Tournament Schedule

FEBRUARY 27, 2006

Women’s First Round March 1 at 7:00 pm at court of higher seed: LSUS (6) at Loyola (3) Tougaloo (5) at Spring Hill (4)

Men’s First Round March 2 at 7:00 pm at court of higher seed:

SUNO (8) at LSUS (1) Tougaloo (7) at Spring Hill (2) Loyola (6) at

Mobile (3) William Carey (5) at Belhaven (4) Women’s Semi-final

March 3 at 7:00 6-3 vs 2, 5-4 vs 1.

Men’s Semi-final March 4 at 7:00 at court of higher seed 8-1 vs 5-4, 7-2 vs 6-3.

Women’s Finals March 6 at 7:00 at court of higher seed.

Men’s Finals March 7 at 7:00 at court of higher seed.

Catch the NAIA National Tournament Online

FEBRUARY 28, 2006

THE NAIA AND XOS TECHNOLOGIES PARTNER TO BRING NAIA BASKETBALL TO THE WEB AND THE WORLD

First Time Ever, Video of 90 NAIA Basketball Tournament Games Streamed LIVE

Olathe, Kan. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics announced today a partnership with XOS Technologies, a leading provider of sports technology solutions to professional and collegiate teams, leagues and conferences. XOS Technologies will exclusively stream live video and audio on the Internet of the NAIA Division I Men’s and Women’s and Division II Women’s Basketball National Championships. The games will be available through College Sports Direct (CSD), the college sports programming resource developed by XOS Technologies.

XOS will offer exclusive live and on-demand coverage of the NAIA Division I Men’s and Women’s and Division II Women’s Tournaments on CSD. The NAIA Tournaments begin March 8-14 with coverage of the Division II Women’s Tournament, and continues March 15-21 with the Division I Men’s and Women’s Tournaments. Each game will be streamed live in its entirety and will also be available for on-demand viewing. “We wanted to make our tournaments available to all of our avid fans, most of whom would have no other means of watching these games,” said Jim Carr, interim President and CEO of the NAIA. “We wanted to make sure that these fans had the best experience possible, which is why we chose to partner with XOS. Their reputation for quality video streaming made them our ideal choice.”

Three different subscription plans will be available for tournament coverage. Users can purchase the All-NAIA pass, which includes every game offered on CSD from all three tournaments for $49.95. Each of the three tournaments can be purchased separately for $29.95. Any single game can be purchased for $9.95. Fans can find more information, as well as NAIA tournament brackets and schedules at http://www.collegesportsdirect.com/.

“Bringing the NAIA tournaments to the Internet for the first time ever is an exciting opportunity,” said Nada Usina, President, Networks, XOS Technologies. “XOS makes it possible for our partners to broaden their fan base for every facet of college sports and we are particularly pleased to connect fans of NAIA tournament teams to live and on-demand basketball video programming.”

College Sports Direct, a XOS Technologies brand, is a college sports guide that delivers content and programming across multiple platforms, including Internet, Video-on-Demand (VOD), digital cable, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and wireless. This guide also provides fans of college sports with live streaming broadcasts of basketball, football and a broad range of other sporting events. A complete list of games and events can be found at http://www.naia.org/ or http://www.collegesportsdirect.com/.

XOS Technologies Inc. live video stream is available for the following three NAIA national championships:

March 8-14, 2006

15th Annual Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship – Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena, Sioux City, Iowa

March 15-21, 2006

26th Annual Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship – Oman Arena, Jackson, Tennessee

69th Annual Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship – Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, Missouri

About the NAIA

A leader in the development of student-athletes, the NAIA is committed to changing the culture of sport through Champions of Character. Founded in 1937, the NAIA continues to be a pioneer in implementing exceptional standards for academics, diversity, and character. Today, the NAIA sponsors 23 collegiate championships in 13 sports for its nearly 300 member institutions throughout the and Canada. For additional information visit http://www.naia.org/.

About XOS Technologies, Inc. In its mission to offer one-stop technology solutions geared to help sports teams and leagues win on and off the field, XOS Technologies has developed four product lines – Digital Video Editing Coaching Tools, Facilities Design & Integration, XOS On-Line Fan Management Platform and XOS Total Ticketing & Donor Management Solution – which help teams and leagues integrate video, data, teaching and fan management technologies to assure maximum return on each technology investment. XOS Technologies’ audio, video, computer, software and Internet products can be found at practice facilities, arenas and on the road across the country. XOS’ more than 700 clients include teams in the NFL, AFL, CFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, NCAA and NAIA. For additional information visit http://www.xostech.com/.

Pilots set for GCAC tournament;

MARCH 02, 2006

March 2, 2006

By Brian Vernellis

By winning the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular season, the LSUS Pilots are bound for Kansas City and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national tournament.

But the national tournament doesn't begin until March 15. Head coach Chad McDowell has a more pressing issue -- the GCAC Tournament which begins today.

As the GCAC regular season champs, the Pilots earned the No. 1 seed which means they'll have the home-court advantage throughout the tournament.

The Pilots (25-3, 12-2) welcome Southern-New Orleans for their first-round game at 7 tonight.

"It's a good problem to have when the challenge is keeping the players and coaches focused and composed on what needs to be done instead of the flip side and getting them ready to play," McDowell said.

With the tournament comes an escalated scale of pressure. The Pilots are expected to add another championship after coasting through the regular season and reaching the No. 1 spot in the NAIA's poll.

"It would be a disappointment not to win the conference tournament with all three games here at LSUS," McDowell said.

"We're playing very good basketball and it's gotten better game to game and that's why we're excited about the tournament. We're playing our best basketball in all areas of the game right now."

Inexplicably, despite winning their final two games of the season, the Pilots fell from No. 1 to No. 2 in the NAIA's final poll.

Mountain State (W. Va.) University slipped past the Pilots into the No. 1 spot, yet the Pilots garnered seven first-place votes to the Cougars' four.

"It's disappointing, but you can't let that overshadow the accomplishments of the program of the last three seasons," McDowell said. "The guys would like to have finished the regular season ranked No. 1."

The Pilots enter the tournament the hottest team in the conference, winners of their last eight games.

They beat Southern-New Orleans twice during the season -- 112-80 at LSUS on Jan. 14 and 112-86 in Baton Rouge on Feb. 9.

©The Times March 2, 2006

Pilots win big at the Dock; 120-71 over the Knights

MARCH 02, 2006

Shreveport, LA---If the No. 2 LSUS Pilots were out to prove a point Thursday night to the NAIA and the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference after being dropped from the No. 1 spot this week, they did so with an exclamation point! The Pilots used six double-digit scorers to defeat the Southern University of New Orleans Knights 120-71 in Round One of the GCAC Tournament.

The Knights connected on their first seven field goals of the game to keep pace with the NAIA’s No. 1 ranked offense of the Pilots and tied the score at 21-21 with 10:21 remaining in the half. Sherrard Rogers single handedly led the Knights offensive charge early with 10 early points.

LSUS however continued to sub in and out, pushing the tempo and rattled off a 37-17 run to end the half and had built a comfortable 58-38 lead into the locker room.

Pilot shooting guard and GCAC Newcomer of the Year, Josh Porter, exploded for 19 first half points after shooting 8-of-10 from the floor, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc.

The Pilots began the second half on a 9-0 run and stretched their lead to 67-38, and let the flood gates open from there. The Pilots went on to outscore the Knights 62-33 in the second half with a balanced scoring attack. Ten LSUS players played 14 or more minutes, six of which finished with double-digit scoring figures. Porter finished with a game high 24 points and five steals while teammate and 2006 GCAC Player of the Year, Fredericko Payne, added 16 points and four steals. Pilots senior forward Derrick Sowell finished 6-of-7 from the floor and finished with a season high 18 points and six rebounds.

Shadrach Roome and Jeremy Johnston treated the capacity crowd at The Dock to a slam-dunk fest in the second half and combined for 29 points and 13 rebounds, and eight blocked shots. Freddy Hughes rounded off the Pilots scoring attack with 12 points while teammate Greg Tyer pitched in with eight points and five rebounds. Kyle Blankenship added a game high eight assists and collected four steals.

LSUS finished shooting 61% (44-of-72) from the floor and won the turnover battle by a 13-29 margin. The Pilots will now look forward to Saturday night as they will play host to the William Carey College Crusaders who upset the Belhaven College Blazers in overtime in their Round One game. The Pilots defeated the Crusaders 101-81 in their last game of the regular season. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00pm.

Pilots rack up GCAC honors

MARCH 03, 2006

Shreveport, LA--- In the 2006 season, the LSUS Pilots have reached several of the goals they set before them as a team when the season began. While their ultimate goal of capturing their first ever NAIA National Championship has yet to be determined, they have done everything they can to give themselves the best opportunity they can ask for. While individual accolades and performances should never overshadow the success of an entire team, as no one person is more important than the other, the Pilots are proud to announce this seasons Gulf Coast Athletic Conference award winners.

Three members of the LSUS Pilots were selected to the GCAC 1st Team All-Conference list; Jeremy Johnston; Josh Porter; and Fredericko Payne. In addition to All-Conference honors, Porter was selected as the GCAC Newcomer of the Year, and for the second consecutive season, Payne was selected as the GCAC Player of the year.

Johnston, a 6’9 center from Bossier City, LA, attended Louisiana Tech University after graduating from Airline High School in 2002. He averaged 2.8 points and 2.2 rebounds per game as a role player at Tech before deciding to transfer to LSUS for his senior season.

After 27 games in a Pilot uniform, Johnston has averaged 15.4 points and six rebounds per game. His .610 shooting percentage ranks him among the Top 10 in the NAIA in that category. Johnston also leads the Pilots with 22 blocked shots and is second on the team in made free-throws with 94.

“Jeremy made an immediate impact for us once he arrived here at LSUS. He continues to work hard in the weight room, at practice, and especially at tip-off. He is a leader on and off the floor and we are very happy that he made the decision to join the Pilot family and it has been a pleasure to see him have so much fun and play as well as he has this season,” commented Head Coach Chad McDowell.

Porter, a junior transfer NCAA Division I transfer from Stephen F. Austin has also made a big impact on the Pilots drive towards a 2006 National Championship. The 6’2 shooting guard graduated from Southwood High School in 2003, and has become one of the NAIA’s top offensive threats. Porter is currently the 9th leading scorer in the country averaging 19.6 points per game. His ability to score from any where on the floor makes him the target of opposing defenses every night. His athleticism and shooting ability however has him ranked 7th in the NAIA in three-point field goals made with a 3.2 per contest.

“Josh is a very talented basketball player who can shoot the ball as well as anyone at this level. His offensive numbers speak for themselves, but what often gets over shadowed is his ability to defend and rebound. Josh is up to the challenge of defending our opponents best player’s and does an outstanding job of doing so, and still manages to perform at the offensive end as well. We expect big things from him the rest of this season and feel like he is a candidate to be a 2005- 2006 NAIA All-American,” says McDowell of Porter.

This years GCAC Player of the Year award went to the Pilots 2004-2005 NAIA All-American, Fredericko Payne. For the third straight season, Payne has led the Pilots in scoring with 20.0 per game, which places him 7th in the NAIA after leading the country in scoring in 2005.

Payne has rewritten the record books at LSUS and is the All-Time leading scorer with 2168 points, and also holds the record for career steals with 251. He has averaged 3.75 three-point field goals per game this season which is 2nd best in the NAIA, and is currently 6th in free-throw percentage at 86%.

The two-time Louisiana Small College Player of the Year award winner has lifted the Pilots to a 73-24 overall record in three years and yet still feels as though there is a lot to accomplish before his senior season is complete.

“We have done well the past three years, but we still haven’t reached the top,” comments Payne. “While I am grateful for the opportunity to play the game I love everyday for a great coach and the best teammates you could ask for, we still have two goals we have yet to reach; a conference tournament championship, and an NAIA National Championship.”

While this three-time GCAC All-Conference guard has some high expectations, Coach McDowell believes this is why the Pilots have had such success in their first three seasons.

“Rico has accomplished so much in three years, and yet there is only one thing on his mind; a national championship. While it is everyone’s goal to win a national championship, not everyone believes that they can get there, and I think that is what makes our guys so special. They are not happy with being good; they want to be the best and they believe they can be. We have just as much talent as anyone in the country and we are a very good basketball team when we play together like we have all year long,” concluded McDowell.

GCAC Men's All-Conference Team

2005-2006

James Bryant Belhaven Cash Covington Spring Hill Renaldo Dorsey William Carey Barkley Falkner Spring Hill Krisner Green Spring Hill Bobby Johnson Belhaven Jeremy Johnston LSUS Fredericko Payne LSUS Josh Porter LSUS Braxton Robins William Carey Coach of the Year: Robert Thompson Spring Hill Player of the Year: Fredericko Payne LSUS Freshman of the Year: Jeremy Price Spring Hill Newcomer of the Year: Josh Porter LSUS

Pilots advance to GCAC Championship with 85-60 win over Crusaders

MARCH 04, 2006

Shreveport, LA---The LSUS Pilots played host to the William Carey College Crusaders Saturday night at The Dock in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament semi-finals. The Pilots jumped out to a 41-23 lead at the half, and went on to win by a final score of 85-60 to advance to their first GCAC Tournament Championship.

The No. 1 ranked LSUS offense used their defense in the first half to create a 41-23 lead at the break. The Pilots connected on just 15-of-42 shots in the half, but won the battle of the boards by a final margin of 24-13, which included 17 on the offensive end. LSUS forced 17 turnovers while committing just five.

Josh Porter struggled through a 3-of-12 shooting performance, but finished with 11 points and a team high seven rebounds. Despite being in foul trouble early, Jeremy Johnston collected 12 points, while teammate Greg Tyer added six points off the bench.

WCC’s All-Conference forward Renaldo Dorsey led the Crusader offense with seven points, while teammates Alex Eberle and Braxton Robins added five points a piece.

The second half proved to be much of the same as the Pilots went on to use 12 different scorers and won the rebounding battle 45-33 en route to an 85-60 victory.

Porter finished with a team high 19 points and a team high eight rebounds while Johnston ended with 16 points and five boards. Fredericko Payne added 12 second half points after being held scoreless in the first half.

For the Crusaders, Dorsey finished with a team high 19 points and five rebounds while Robins finished with 12 points and five boards.

Saturday’s victory lifted the Pilots to 27-3 overall on the year which ties the LSUS single season victory record, and put them in unchartered territory; the GCAC Championship.

The Pilots will play host to conference rival Spring Hill College Badgers Tuesday night at The Dock in the GCAC final. The two teams split the season series with LSUS dropping a double-overtime decision on the road, but responded with a 20 point victory when the Badgers came to The Dock. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00pm.

Follow tonight's GCAC Championship via Dakstats webcast

MARCH 07, 2006

Tonight's GCAC Championship game between the LSUS Pilots and the Spring Hill College Badgers will be available via Dakstats Webcast. Please select the following link to catch all the live action: http://www.lsus.edu/athletics/

2006 BUFFALO FUNDS-NAIA DIVISION I MEN'S BASKETBALL

MARCH 08, 2006

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has released the bracket for the 69th Annual Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship. The 32-team single-elimination tournament will be played March 15-21 at Municipal Auditorium. First round games through the semifinal games will be streamed live on the internet in conjunction with XO’S Technology. All times listed are Central Standard Time. The championship game will be televised live nationally on College Sports Television (CSTV).

Reading from the top of the bracket down:

First Round – Wednesday, March 15-Thursday, March 16

#1 Mountain State University (W.Va.) (28-2) vs. Southwestern Assemblies of God University (Texas) (16-17), 12:30 p.m.

Olivet Nazarene University (Ill.) (21-10) vs. #16 Wayland Baptist University (Texas) (19-10), 9 a.m.

#9 Georgetown College (Ky.) (25-7) vs. Vanguard University (Calif.) (20-12), 9:45 p.m. University of Illinois at Springfield (20-12) vs. #8 Oklahoma Baptist University (27-6), 8 p.m. #5 Union University (Tenn.) (28-5) vs. Texas Wesleyan University (20-9), 12:30 p.m.

Oklahoma Christian University (21-10) vs. #12 Lee University (Tenn.) (24-9), 2:15 p.m. #13 Campbellsville University (Ky.) (26-5) vs. University of Mobile (Ala.) (22-7), 4:30 p.m. Saint Xavier University (Ill.) (21-11) vs. #4 Carroll College ) (Mont.) (28-3), 6:15 p.m. #3 Robert Morris College (Ill.) (28-3) vs. Southern Wesleyan University (S.C.) (19-13), 10:45 a.m.

Spring Hill College (Ala.) (21-8) vs. #14 Voorhees College (S.C.) (26-4), 9 a.m. #11 Trevecca Nazarene University (Tenn.) (25-6) vs. Lambuth University (Tenn.) (23-7), 10:30 p.m.

John Brown University (Ark.) (16-14) vs. #6 Azusa Pacific University (Calif.) (28-5), 8:45 p.m.

#7 Oklahoma City University (25-7) vs. Columbia College (Mo.) (24-8), 6:15 p.m. Westminster College (Utah) (23-7) vs. #10 Houston Baptist University (Texas) (26-5), 4:30 p.m.

#15 San Diego Christian College (Calif.) (22-9) vs. Lindsey Wilson College (Ky.) (22-9), 10:45 a.m. Southern Polytechnic State University (Ga.) (21-10) vs. #2 Louisiana State University-Shreveport (28-3), Wednesday at 2:15 p.m.

Second Round – Friday, March 17

8 p.m. 9:45 p.m. 2:15 p.m. 9 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 4:30 p.m.

Quarterfinals – Saturday, March 18 8 p.m. 4 p.m. 2 p.m. 6 p.m.

Semifinals - Monday, March 20 8 p.m. 6 p.m.

Championship – Tuesday, March 21

8 p.m.

-NAIA-

A leader in the development of student-athletes, the NAIA is committed to changing the culture of sport through Champions of Character. Founded in 1937, the NAIA continues to be a pioneer in implementing exceptional standards for academics, diversity, and character. Today, the NAIA sponsors 23 collegiate championships in 13 sports for its nearly 300 member institutions throughout the United States and Canada.

Pilots grab their championship

MARCH 08, 2006

Rico Payne invested two years at LSUS and didn't have a conference championship to show for it. He made certain the Pilots snared one in his final year.

Payne was nearly unstoppable from 3-point range, leading the Pilots to a 114-99 win over Spring Hill College on Tuesday for their first Gulf Coast Athletic Conference tournament title since the program's resurrection.

The last time Spring Hill visited LSUS, Payne had only six free throws on the stat sheet. He finished Tuesday's contest as the game's top scorer with 40 points, shooting 8-for-13 from 3-point range.

"It was my very last time playing in front of my friends and family and I wanted to give them something to remember me," Payne said. "I've only felt like that in maybe three or four games."

Next up for the Pilots (28-3) is the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national tournament in Kansas City, which begins March 15.

Despite his long list of individual accomplishments, Payne didn't have a tournament title to his resume. He has his GCAC Player of the Year award and his NAIA All-America selection as well as being the most prolific scorer in the program's history.

LSUS added a conference regular season championship last week to earn their trip to Kansas City.

But, that conference title still eluded him and the Pilots. The last two seasons they were bumped from the conference tournament in the semifinals.

They were tournament champions on Tuesday in large part to Payne's remarkable shooting night.

"We've seen him shoot like that at practice," LSUS head coach Chad McDowell said. "That was the best performance in three years that I've seen him do. That was beyond the zone and it was fun to watch."

Spring Hill offered a tremendous challenge in an emotional and physical battle between the teams. Noah Woolridge kept the Badgers in the game through the early stages of the second half.

Woolridge nearly kept pace with Payne, shooting 7-of-11 from 3-point range and finishing as the Badgers' leading scorer with 28 points.

Thanks to Payne, the Pilots' lead grew to as large as 16 points midway through the first half.

Spring Hill didn't retreat. Instead, the Badgers made their move after halftime, making a 17-5 run to take the lead at 69-67.

"We knew they would come out strong in the second half, but we knew we'd have to make a stand and play tough defense," Payne said.

The Badgers held onto the lead momentarily before the Pilots gathered their composure.

"We said if they're going to get looks, let's get them contested," McDowell said. "As much as they were getting the open shots, they were hitting the contested ones too."

Ultimately, as has been the case all season, the Pilots' depth proved to be too much for another opponent.

"We felt like we had more legs and a deeper bench," McDowell said. "If the pace of the game continued some of their shots

"They wanted to use the shot clock and that actually is to our advantage. If they're going to use 20 seconds off the clock, it was going to be a hard 20 seconds working for a shot."

Jeremy Johnston scored 19 points for LSUS, Shadrach Roome added 16 points and Freddy Hughes had 10.

The Pilots await the NAIA tournament pairings which will be announced later today. Odds are the Pilots will at least be a No. 3 seed and will likely be the No. 2 seed since they finished No. 2 in the final NAIA poll.

©The Times March 8, 2006

Pilots earn No. 2 seed in NAIA National Tournament

MARCH 09, 2006

Shreveport, LA---The LSUS Pilots have done it all so far this season; hit last second shot to beat East Texas Baptist University; connected on buzzer beater to top the University of Mobile; lost in double overtime to Spring Hill College; were ranked No. 1 in the NAIA; won consecutive games by 20 points and dropped to No. 2 in the NAIA a week later; won the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular season championship; and they won the GCAC Tournament and cut down the nets in front of a capacity crowd at The Dock. Now the Pilots must put that season behind them as they are about to embark on a new season in Kansas City, MO; the NAIA National Tournament. Yesterday the tournament bracket was announced and the Pilots were handed a No.2 seed in the tournament; up eight spots from their 10 seed they received last season.

First test for the Pilots, the Southern Polytechnic State University Runnin’ Hornets (21-10). The Runnin’ Hornets are a member of the Southern States Athletic Conference where they finished in a tie for third place in the regular season with -Montgomery with a 13-7 record. SPSU was upset in the quarter-finals of the SSAC Conference Tournament by Georgia Southwestern who finished the season 11-9 in conference, and 19-12 overall.

How SPSU ranks among the NAIA’s best

Team Rankings

Ranks No.3 in Division I in Steals per Game (10.967)

Ranks No.8 in Division I in Turnover Margin (4.133)

Ranks No.16 in Division I in Blocks per Game (3.433)

Ranks No.18 in Division I in Scoring Margin (10.433)

Ranks No.21 in Division I in Scoring Offense per Game (79.267

While the Pilots regular season results speak for themselves, the Runnin’ Hornets will have to live up to their name to keep up with the NAIA’s most potent offense. The Pilots rank in the Top 10 of most offensive team categories, and have many individuals who are ranked among the top player’s in the country in many different categories. The Pilots and Runnin’ Hornets will square off Wednesday, March 15 at 2:15pm. The winner will advance to the Sweet 16 Round Friday and will play the winner between San Diego Christian (CA) (22-9) and Lindsey Wilson (KY) (22-9) at 4:30pm.

How LSUS ranks among the NAIA’s best

Team Rankings

Ranks No.1 in Division I in Assists per Game (22.533)

Ranks No.1 in Division I in Scoring Offense per Game (100.167)

Ranks No.1 in Division I in Assist/Turnover Ratio (1.489)

Ranks No.4 in Division I in Scoring Margin (19.133)

Ranks No.4 in Division I in Turnover Margin (5.600)

Ranks No.4 in Division I in Total Rebounds per Game (43.867)

Ranks No.5 in Division I in Defensive Rebounds per Game (28.233)

Ranks No.6 in Division I in Offensive Rebounds per Game (15.633)

Ranks No.6 in Division I in 3-Pt Fg Made per Game (9.667)

Ranks No.6 in Division I in Steals per Game (10.500) Ranks No.7 in Division I in Field Goal Pct (0.502)

Player Rankings

Kyle Blankenship Ranks No.1 in Division I in Assist/Turnover Ratio (3.935)

Fredericko Payne Ranks No.2 in Division I in 3-Pt Fg Made per Game (3.633)

Freddy Hughes Ranks No.4 in Division I in Assist/Turnover Ratio (2.809)

Fredericko Payne Ranks No.5 in Division I in Free Throw Pct (0.856)

Kyle Blankenship Ranks No.6 in Division I in Assists per Game (6.033)

Josh Porter Ranks No.6 in Division I in 3-Pt Fg Made per Game (3.300)

Jeremy Johnston Ranks No.7 in Division I in Field Goal Pct (0.611)

Fredericko Payne Ranks No.8 in Division I in Points per Game (19.733)

Josh Porter Ranks No.9 in Division I in Points per Game (19.433)

Pilots Prepare for National Tournament

MARCH 13, 2006

The LSUS men’s basketball team has made its way to Kansas City, Missouri, for the NAIA National Tournament. The Pilots are set to play Wednesday, March 15, at 2:15 p.m. at the Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City. The Pilots are the number two seed in the tournament and will square off with Southern Polytechnic State University of Georgia.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to be here and to have a chance to play for a national championship,” commented head coach Chad McDowell as his team headed for practice. “We can’t wait to get into the Auditorium and play against a new team. We feel like we are playing our best basketball of the season,” said junior point guard Freddy Hughes.

The team is practicing at Park University this week, as they prepare for Southern Poly. “I think we are ready to play. We are eager to get the tournament started and get going. We are ready to get after it,” said McDowell when asked about his team’s attitude. “Last year should really help us out in being relaxed and focus. We feel like we’ve been here before and know what to expect,” said senior Derrick Sowell as he was leaving the hotel.

The Pilots will prepare tomorrow at Park and open up tourney play Wednesday afternoon. Please stay tuned for more stories from Kansas City as the Pilots make their way to the championship.

Fans can check out the game stats online at www.naia.org (http://www.naia.org/). Fans can also purchase live video webcast of each game at the NAIA website. Story by athletic supporter and NAIA Trainer of the Year Lance Champagne

Pilots visit Cedar Creek Elementary

MARCH 14, 2006

Kansas City, MO---The LSUS Pilots were able to use an idle Monday afternoon to visit with Cedar Creek Elementary School. Lauren Kerr, the head of the after school program at Cedar Creek, anxiously awaited with 40 very excited kids for the arrival of the Pilots and their message about what it means to be a “Champion of Character”.

Head Coach Chad McDowell introduced the Pilots to the group to break the ice before allowing the player’s to split up with their own groups and talk about the game, the tournament, and how tall they are.

After the relay games and free-throw contests, the floor was open to the kids for a question and answer period for their favorite player’s and coaches. Questions ranged from who is the best player to did LSUS beat KU this year?

“This was just a great opportunity for our young men to get out and interact with kids from a different community who have never been to Louisiana or who have never seen a 6’8 basketball player up close before. I think our guys did an excellent job making sure the kids enjoyed themselves, and yet they explained what it means to them to be a part of a team and how important it is to conduct yourself with class on and off the court,” explained coach McDowell.

Once the autographs were signed and the t-shirts were handed out, the Pilots said their goodbyes to their newest 40 fans. LSUS will practice today at 2:30pm before the NAIA Buffalo Funds Champions of Character Banquet which begins at 6:30pm.

Follow LSUS vs SPSU live

MARCH 14, 2006

The LSUS Pilots will square off against the Southern Polytechnic State University Runnin' Hornets Wednesday at 2:15pm. Pilot fans can follow the action live at http://naia.collegesports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/06-div1-tourney.html

Ready to Rock and Roll

MARCH 15, 2006

The countdown is on. The LSUS Pilots are set to play today at 2:15 p.m. in Kansas City, Missouri, at the NAIA Division I National Championships. After two days of preparation the men’s basketball team feels like they have a good chance at winning the championship. “We feel like we are one of the best teams here and if we just play together and play hard we will put ourselves in a position to win the championship,” commented senior All-American Fredericko Payne last night at the NAIA Tip-off Banquet.

All 32 teams attended the banquet, which was highlighted with a performance by a world renowned hypnotist. Junior Greg Tyer was honored by the NAIA as one of four NAIA Champions of Character scholarship winners. “This is a great honor. I am so happy to be here at LSUS and I thank the NAIA for the scholarship,” said Tyer when asked about the award.

The Pilots hope to start of run of five games in seven days, eventually leading to next Tuesday’s national championship game. “I think that we are ready to play and ready to prove to everybody that LSUS is for real. We have what it takes to win a national championship and I firmly believe that we will be playing next Tuesday,” commented coach John Unger about the Pilots chances.

Fans can check out the game online at http://www.naia.org/ or go the University Auditorium in the University Center on the LSUS campus to watch the game live on the big screen. The tip-off is scheduled for 2:15 p.m.

Pilots season comes to an end with 104-90 loss to SPSU

MARCH 15, 2006

Kansas City, MO---The LSUS Pilots trailed by 12 points at the break, but a quick 7-0 run to start the second half cut the Southern Polytechnic State University Runnin' Hornets lead to just five points. SPSU responded and led by as many as 16 points midway through the period. The Pilots cut the lead to as little as six points late, but could not get over the hump and fell by a final score of 104-90 in the first round of the NAIA National Tournament.

Southern Poly (Ga.) Stuns No. 2 Louisiana State-Shreveport in First Round of NAIA Tournament, 104-90

MARCH 17, 2006

Runnin' Hornets Shoot 57 Percent from the Field

Marc Reece of SPSU drives the lane in the second half.

March 15, 2006

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Unseeded Southern Polytechnic (Ga.) pulled off the first major upset of the 69th Annual Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship with a 104-90 victory against No. 2 seed Louisiana State University-Shreveport Wednesday at Municipal Auditorium. Senior forward Dominique Holmes and senior guard A.J. Mastin each scored 21 points as the Runnin' Hornets rolled to a season high in points scored. Southern Poly improves to 22-10 overall and will meet Lindsey Wilson College (Ky.) in a second-round game Friday at 4:30 p.m. CST.

LSU-Shreveport led in the opening minutes before Southern Poly scored eight consecutive points to grab the lead for good at 10-5. The Runnin' Hornets pushed the margin to 14 points before taking a 47-35 at the intermission. The Pilots responded by scoring the seven points in the second half to pull within 47-42. LSU-Shreveport eventually sliced the deficit to 51-47 on a three-pointer by senior guard Fredericko Payne with 17:33 on the clock.

Southern Poly quickly built the lead back to double digits and withstood several rally attempts from the Pilots. The Runnin' Hornets made nine of their final 10 attempts from the free throw line to pull away for the victory.

Junior forward Anthony Bowman came off the bench to post 16 points for Southern Poly, while senior forward Mark Reece added 15 points. Mastin led the Runnin' Hornets with seven rebounds, while junior guard William Baker dished out a team-high five assists.

Payne capped his playing career at LSU-Shreveport with a game-high 24 points. Junior guard Josh Porter connected for 22 points, while senior center Jeremy Johnston chipped in with 18 points and six rebounds. LSU-Shreveport had its 11- game win streak snapped to close its season with an overall record of 28-4.

LSUS Basketball: Season Summary

MARCH 21, 2006

Another basketball season has come and gone for the LSUS Pilots, and the question on campus has been “what happened?” The way I see it, what happened was, a newly formed group of young men were assembled throughout the summer and were asked to become familiar with their new surroundings, new teammates, new classes, and new expectations. The 2005-2006 version of LSUS men’s basketball did just that; and then some.

The Pilots started the season with an LSUS record 12 game winning streak before dropping their first loss of the season to the Texas Wesleyan Rams in their last contest before the Christmas break (the Rams just won the 2006 NAIA National Championship Tuesday night).

After a long winter break with a losing taste in their mouth, the Pilots responded with a win against Central Baptist College, and a Gulf Coast Athletic Conference season opening win over Loyola University.

Unexpectedly however, the Pilots dropped their first and only home game of the season against the Belhaven College Blazers, 88-83, and were left searching for the answers that led to their early season success.

It looked as though the Pilots were about to roll as they won three consecutive games including an exciting one point road victory at the buzzer over the University of Mobile Rams. The Pilots then fell victim to a 111-94 double-overtime loss to the Spring Hill College Badgers, and sat in second place among the GCAC standings. In order to defend their 2005 GCAC Regular Season Championship, the Pilots were in a position of needing to win their remaining scheduled conference games to repeat as GCAC Champions.

Head Coach Chad McDowell decided the team needed to go in a different direction, and he used “the team” to do so. The next three games the Pilots had 10 different players average 10 minutes or more of playing time, and they outscored their opponent by an average of 27 points, and improved to 20-7 on the year, and 7-2 in conference play.

Up next was a rematch against the Blazers. This time the Pilots were up to the challenge and reversed the outcome in their favor, and won 88-83 on the road. With everyone firing on all cylinders, the Pilots were in the midst of a five game win streak with a must win game against the Badgers February 20th. Once again, the Pilots avenged their early season loss with a 97-77 stomping in front of a capacity crowd at The Dock.

LSUS finished the second half of the regular season undefeated, and claimed their second straight GCAC Regular Season Championship with a 12-2 record. By finishing as regular season champions, the Pilots were awarded the No. 1 seed in the GCAC Tournament, and the right to host their remaining games at The Dock.

Basketball at LSUS became the hottest ticket in Shreveport as friends, family, and fans from the Shreveport-Bossier area filled The Dock to capacity as they cheered the Pilots all the way to the GCAC Tournament Final against the SHC Badgers.

The much anticipated GCAC finale lived up the hype and then some. The Pilots jumped out to an early 16 point lead behind, but the relentless Badgers battled their way to their first lead of the contest midway through the second half.

The NAIA’s No. 1 ranked offense however proved to be too much as the Pilots went on to claim the school’ s first ever GCAC Tournament Championship with a 114-99 victory over SHC.

After the nets were cut and the championship plaques were accepted, the Pilots switched gears and prepared for their ultimate goal; winning an NAIA National Championship.

LSUS earned a No. 2 seed in their second appearance on the NAIA’s biggest stage, and drew the Southern Polytechnic State University Runnin’ Hornets of the Southern States Athletic Conference.

The team changed practice venues in an attempt to prepare for the stadium environment they would play in while in Kansas City, MO before embarking on their 12 hour bus trip with dreams of becoming No. 1.

As the No. 2 seed in the tournament, the Pilots were heavily favored heading into their first round match-up, however, play-off basketball does not care who is favored and who isn’t. The Runnin’ Hornets smothered the Pilots with a very tough and aggressive half court defense, and used a 57% shooting performance from beyond the three-point line to defeat the Pilots 104-90, and cut the Pilots run short, eliminating them from national championship contention. As for the Runnin’ Hornets, their offense went stone cold and they were eliminated in the Sweet 16 by Lindsay Wilson University. And for the Pilots, it meant one last road trip with the team who created memories for themselves, their family, their coaches, and their university that will last a lifetime.

Five seniors said goodbye as a player from the HPE parking lot late Thursday night for the last time. Fredericko Payne, Derrick Sowell, Kyle Blankenship, Shadrach Roome, and Jeremy Johnston will not ever wear a Pilot uniform again, but they will always be remembered by the banner that will hang in The Dock that reads 2006 GCAC Champions.

While many were disappointed with how the season ended, I personally am truly excited for what this team has started. In six years at LSUS, I have never seen the campus come together and be so excited about an event like the GCAC Championship game.

The LSUS Pilots showed themselves, the campus, and the community what collegiate athletics is all about and how exciting it can be. While the Pilots have set a standard of excellence that will be hard to match year in and year out, hopefully the atmosphere that was created with the success of this year’s season will be matched from tip-off to finish in the years to come.

Until then, thank you to everyone who was a part of a tremendous season, and I hope to see you out on the baseball field!

LSUS team also deserves accolades

APRIL 03, 2006

LSUS team also deserves accolades

Martin Albritton Shreveport

The Times' March 23 editorial, "Local teams make us proud," paid tribute to the success of Northwestern State's basketball team, as well as the Fair Park and Southwood high school championship teams. It also recognized the LSU men's and women's basketball teams, saying their success is "further good news for the state and reason to root for the home team."

But another successful home team was not mentioned in the editorial, LSUS.

The LSUS Pilot's basketball team also had a stellar season this year. Finishing with a 28-4 record, the team achieved a No. 1 ranking in the NAIA poll and ended the season ranked No. 2 in the nation. It was the highest scoring team in the nation. It won its conference championship and its conference tournament championship. That championship game was played right here in Shreveport. Do I hear economic impact? The team concluded its season with an invitation to the NAIA national tournament.

LSUS is coached by homegrown and LSUS alumnus Chad McDowell. The players mostly are from Shreveport and Bossier City high schools. And the team played its games before packed houses of local fans in the LSUS gym.

LSUS is another "home" team that deserves accolades.

LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY - SHREVEPORT MEN'S BASKETBALL

APRIL 04, 2006

Coaches and Players Recognized for Exhibiting Exceptional Character Values On and Off the Court

Olathe, Kan. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and Buffalo Funds will present Buffalo Funds Five Star Awards for each of the NAIA’s 23 championship sports. Louisiana State University-Shreveport (LSUS) was recently awarded the Buffalo Funds Five Star Award for their dedication and implementation of the five core character values on and off the court.

LSUS is one of 97 schools that sponsor NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball. The Pilots, led by Head Coach Chad McDowell, finished with a 28-4 record, achieved a No. 1 ranking in the NAIA poll, ended the season ranked No. 2 and was the highest scoring team in the nation. McDowell, in just his third year with the program, concluded the season with an invitation to the 2006 Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship in Kansas City, Mo. The Pilots had season success both on and off the court and throughout the highs and lows always remained a team of character.

The Pilots understand what it means to be a gracious loser or humble winner. McDowell and the players respect all opponents at home and on the road and their competitive demeanor with character built in is often noticed by opposing fans.

“I was at the ballgame where your basketball team played against the Razorbacks. I was most impressed with your team’s sportsmanship. When one of our players was hurt, two of your players went over to pat him on the back as he was taken off the court. One of our players went up onto the scorer’s table. Three of your players and your coach went over to him to keep him from being hurt,” said Robin Webber. “LSUS was getting beat and yet their integrity was apparent which in my opinion is worth more than the score. Your school should be proud of the way they were represented in a basketball game.”

The Pilots are held responsible for their actions on and off the court and make it a point to be an active part of the Shreveport community. LSUS basketball players are well represented at local summer camps on campus and in turn are great role models for local children with hopes of playing collegiate basketball. The team follows the motto, doing things right when no one is looking, reinforces their commitment to integrity and character. The basketball team is committed to servant leadership through character, attitude, leadership and always performing their best no matter what the situation. The players have a team attitude rather than a me attitude. Following Hurricane Katrina the campus housed hurricane evacuees and the team was right there to assist the Red Cross during the days after the disaster. This season the Pilots received no technical fouls and that stat alone speaks volumes for team’s sportsmanship.

The NAIA and LSUS use the Champions of Character program as a base to teach character through sport. Both organizations understand that building great and competitive teams require character values on and off the court. McDowell and the Pilot basketball program carry out the meaning of the Champions of Character program and in doing so had a fantastic year with a long list of accolades. To learn more about LSUS basketball visit http://www.lsus.edu/.

NAIA

A leader in the development of student-athletes, the NAIA is committed to changing the culture of sport through Champions of Character. Founded in 1937, the NAIA continues to be a pioneer in implementing exceptional standards for academics, diversity, and character. Today, the NAIA sponsors 23 collegiate championships in 13 sports for its nearly 300 member institutions throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more about the NAIA visit http://www.naia.org/.

Buffalo Funds

Buffalo Funds is the Sponsor of the Champions of Character program. Buffalo Funds assists in the Champions of Character program growth and is the title sponsor of the NAIA Men’s Division I Basketball National Championship. To learn more about Buffalo Funds visit http://www.buffalofunds.com/.

Pilots are excited to announce the signing of Kyile Byrd

APRIL 13, 2006

Shreveport, LA---While the memories of the 2006 season is still fresh on the minds of LSUS Basketball fans, Head Coach Chad McDowell and company has already begun rebuilding for the highly anticipated 2006-2007 season. While many nay-sayers believe that the loss of five senior players may be too big of a challenge to replace, Coach McDowell believes he has taken a huge first step and is pleased to announce the newest member of the LSUS Basketball family in Kyile Byrd.

At 6’6 and 235 pounds, most would think that the Pilots have found themselves a solid post player. According to Coach McDowell however, none of those words can describe Byrd. He is much better than a solid player, and his strength does not come from the post position. Byrd is a big and strong wing player that can shoot from any where on the floor as well as any one in the country. At the University of Texas-San Antonio, Byrd led the Road Runners in three-point field goal percentage connecting on 23-of-46 of attempts.

“Kyile’s numbers from the three-point line speak for themselves, and Pilot fans can rest assure that he will have many more than 46 attempts. With his size and overall ability to play the game, I am very confident that he will be a significant factor in next year’s team’s success,” commented McDowell. Kyile comes to LSUS with one year of eligibility remaining with the confidence that it will be his best and most memorable year of his college basketball career. When asked about the decision to transfer to play for the Pilots, Byrd stated “I am glad to finally come to my decision and now I am looking forward to next season. I am happy to be part of a winning program and excited about being a big part in the continued success of the LSUS Pilots.”

After having Byrd on campus this past weekend and getting to know him as both a player and more importantly a person, this young man was a “must have” according to Coach McDowell. Simply stated by McDowell, “he is an excellent basketball player and even a better person. Kyile is the type of young man that every coach is looking for, and we are excited that he has decided to join our family.”

Kyile Byrd F . 6-6 . 240 . Jr.-TR Grand Prairie, Texas

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS - SAN ANTONIO

Averaged 5.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per game as a junior at UTSA ~ Started 8 of 28 games and averaged 16.2 minutes per game

Last 9 games of 2005 - 2006 season: Averaged 7.5 points and 4 rebounds per game shooting 54% from 3-point line and playing 21 minutes a game ~ UTSA finished the season 11 - 17 overall and 6 - 10 in conference play

JUNIOR COLLEGE Averaged 8.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game as a sophomore at Lon Morris Junior College . The Bearcats advanced to the NJCAA National Tournament in 2003-04.

HIGH SCHOOL Three-year letterman at South Grand Prairie High School in Grand Prairie, Texas . As a senior he averaged 16.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game . South Grand Prairie was a playoff participant in each of his three seasons there . Named MVP of his district as a senior . First team all-district selection in both his junior and senior years.

PERSONAL Kyile L. Byrd Jr. was born on Nov. 10, 1984 in Lawton, Okla. . Son of Kyile Sr. and Ruthillia Byrd of Grand Prairie . Majoring in communication . Name is pronounced Kyle.

Pilots continue to bolster roster with NCAA Division I talent

APRIL 21, 2006

Shreveport, LA---Just one short week after announcing the signing of Kyile Byrd, the LSUS Pilots have inked another NCAA Division I transfer in Clarke Jackson, a 6’3 guard from Centenary College.

Clarke Jackson was a standout player at Southwood High School and under Pilots Head Coach Chad McDowell which included a state championship game in 2002, and a 37-3 overall record in 2003.

The two-time All-District (2003-2004) and 2004 All-State Honorable Mention attended Centenary College after his senior year. In 2005-2006, Jackson played in 27 games (started nine) in which he averaged 19.1 minutes per contest. His 47.3 (43-of-96) shooting percentage from beyond the three-point line was a team high and was good enough to be ranked 5th in the Mid-Continent Athletic Conference. He averaged 7.4 points a game for the Gents last season.

“Clarke has always been able to play the game at a high level and can shoot the ball extremely well. There may be some guys that can match Clarke's work ethic and desire to be the best he can possibly be, but I'm not sure anyone will ever completely out-work him. He is a great addition to our program and I am very excited to have the chance to coach him once again and welcome him to the Pilot family,” commented McDowell.

“I am very excited to play for Coach McDowell and the LSUS Pilots. They have accomplished some great things in a short period of time and I look forward to being part of a winning program and contributing to what hopefully will be two championship seasons at LSUS,” explained Jackson after signing with LSUS.

McDowell and Payne earn Louisiana Small College honors

MAY 10, 2006

32nd Annual Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches Awards Banquet BATON ROUGE --- Three former Louisiana college basketball stars were the major honorees tonight at the 32nd Annual Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches Awards Banquet held in Baton Rouge. Inducted into the Louisiana Basketball Hall of Fame were Jerald Honeycutt of Tulane, Gerard King of Nicholls St. and Larry Wright of Grambling St. The other major honoree was former UL-Monroe coach Mike Vining, who won the LABC’s prestigious Mr. Louisiana Basketball award. This award is given annually to someone who has made a significant, long-term contribution to the game of basketball at any level in the State of Louisiana. Also recognized at the banquet were Louisiana’s major college, small college, junior college and high school basketball players and coaches of the year, along with the top pro player from the state.

Honeycutt, a versatile 6-8 forward, earned All-American honors as a senior at Tulane in 1997 and was a two-time Louisiana Player of the Year. He finished his career as the leading scorer and fifth leading rebounder in Tulane history, with 2,209 points for a 17.7 average and 870 rebounds for a 7.0 average. He also had 193 three-pointers (first all-time at Tulane), 419 assists (first), 235 steals (second) and 163 blocked shots (third). Honeycutt led Tulane to one of the most successful four-year periods in school history, which included three straight 20-win seasons, four postseason tournament appearances and a third place finish in the 1996 NIT.

The 6-9 King was a first team All-Southland Conference and NABC All-District selection in 1995, while leading Nicholls St. to the SLC championship and a NCAA Tournament berth with a 17-1 conference record and 24-6 overall record. King finished his career as the fourth leading scorer and sixth leading rebounder in Nicholls St. history, with 1,834 points for a 16.7 average and 786 rebounds for a 7.1 average. He averaged 21.6 points and 7.8 rebounds as a senior, and 18.5 points and 8.9 rebounds as a junior. As a professional player, he was a member of the 1999 NBA championship team.

Wright was a two-time small college All-American and the Southwestern Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 1976. He finished his three-year career with 2,042 points for a 23.7 average, including season averages of 25.3 points, 26.7 points and 18.9 points. Wright led Grambling St. to the SWAC Tournament championship and a NCAA Division II Tournament berth in 1976. He was the 14th player selected in the first round of the 1976 NBA Draft and won the NBA title in 1978 as a member of the Washington Bullets.

Vining retired from UL-Monroe in 2005 as the winningest coach in UL-Monroe and Southland Conference history, with 401 wins (4th most in state history) and a 57.0% career winning percentage. Over 24 seasons, he led UL-Monroe to seven conference championships, seven NCAA Division I tournaments and one NIT appearance. He was a four-time SLC Coach of the Year and two-time Louisiana Coach of the Year. Prior to UL-Monroe, Vining coached Bastrop High for seven seasons, leading the school to a 175-47 record, six state playoff appearances and one state Class 4A championship. His 1975 championship team (led by future UL-Monroe and NBA star Calvin Natt) finished the season with a 35-1 record, earning Vining state Class 4A Coach of the Year honors.

The LABC also presented the Memorial Award, honoring Louisiana’s Major College Player of the Year, to LSU sophomore forward Glen Davis. This season he was a second All-American and the Player of the Year. He led the SEC in scoring (18.6) and rebounding (9.7), while leading LSU to the SEC championship and the NCAA Final Four with a 27-9 record.

Coach John Brady of LSU was presented the Tommy Joe Eagles Memorial Award as Louisiana’s Major College Coach of the Year. This year he led LSU to the third most wins in school history, a 27-9 overall record, the Southeastern Conference championship and the NCAA Final Four. He was also named the SEC Coach of the Year and the USBWA District Coach of the Year.

The Bob Pettit Award, which is given to Louisiana's Professional Player of the Year, was presented to eight-time winner Shaquille O'Neal. This year the former LSU All-American and 13-year NBA veteran averaged 20.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.76 blocked shots, and shot a league high 60.0% from the field in leading the Miami Heat to the Southeast Division title with a 52-30 record. He was also a starter in the 2006 NBA All-Star Game. Fredericko Payne, 5-11 senior guard from LSU-Shreveport, received his third straight Louisiana Small College Player of the Year award. He was a first team NAIA All-American and averaged 20.5 points, 3.75 three-point field goals made and 2.0 steals.

His coach, Chad McDowell, was also named the Louisiana Small College Coach of the Year for the third straight year, after directing the Pilots to the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference championship and a No. 2 ranking in the final regular season NAIA national poll with a 28-4 record (the most wins in school history).

LaFrance Cooper of Southern-Shreveport and Louis Bonner of Bossier Parish were honored as the Louisiana Junior College Player and Coach of the Year, respectively. Cooper, a 6-4 sophomore forward, averaged 19.8 points and 10.6 rebounds in leading Southern-Shreveport to a 24-6 record. Bonner led Bossier Parish to the Louisiana Athletic Association of Community Colleges championship and the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament with an 18-11 record. 2006 LABC Award Winners: Louisiana Basketball Hall of Fame

Inductees: Jerald Honeycutt, Tulane; Gerard King, Nicholls St.; Larry Wright, Grambling St. Mr. Louisiana Basketball: Mike Vining, UL-Monroe Bob Pettit Award for the Louisiana Professional Player of the Year: Shaquille O’Neal, Miami Heat Pete Maravich Memorial Award for the Louisiana Major College Player of the Year: Glen Davis, LSU Tommy Joe Eagles Memorial Award for the Louisiana Major College Coach of the Year: John Brady, LSU Louisiana Small College Player of the Year: Fredericko Payne, LSU-Shreveport Louisiana Small College Coach of the Year: Chad McDowell, LSU-Shreveport Louisiana Junior College Player of the Year: LaFrance Cooper, Southern-Shreveport Louisiana Junior College Coach of the Year: Louis Bonner, Bossier Parish Louisiana High School Players of the Year:

Class AAAAA: Brian Singleton, Hahnville Class AAAA: Rodney Jones, Peabody Class AAA: Damon Jones, Winnfield Class AA: Keith Williams, Madison Class A: Elijah Millsap, Grambling Class B: Larry Collier, Florien Class C: Demond Carter, Reserve Christian Louisiana High School

Coaches of the Year: Class AAAAA: Trenton Smith, Natchitoches Central Class AAAA: Casey Jones, Ouachita Class AAA: Louis Handy, Rayne Class AA: Errol Gauff, St. Thomas Aquinas Class A: Todd Foster, Christian Life Class B: Bradley McLaren, Zwolle Class C: Timmy Byrd, Reserve Christian

LSUS lands two on the NAIA All-American Team

MAY 10, 2006

Just 3 years into the program and LSUS has put themselves on the national map in men’s basketball. The Pilots have garnered several individual awards in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference including the Newcomer of the Year three times in a row and the two-time Player of the Year. The Pilots have won back-to-back GCAC Regular Season Championships and a GCAC Tournament Championship as well. The list goes on and on about the accomplishments of this young program in such a short period of time which includes a #1 ranking nationally this year. The Pilots were awarded the inaugural NAIA Champions of Character Team Award less than a month ago at the national meeting held at the NCAA Final Four each season. Again, one could easily miss reporting every individual and/or team award for the Pilots as it seems they have been steadily racking up on both of them since the program was brought back three years ago.

That’s exactly what happened this season upon the Pilots return from the NAIA National Tournament. Every year, the NAIA All-American team is selected at the National tournament and the announcement comes shortly after which was several weeks ago. In the recovery mode from such a great season, the NAIA All-American tea A lot of the reason for the many team accomplishments is the stellar play of several individuals and LSUS landed two of those guys on the NAIA All- American Team. Josh Porter, a junior NCAA DI transfer from Stephen F. Austin, averaged 19.1 points per game and 4.9 rebounds and was named the GCAC Newcomer of the Year as well as an All-Conference selection. For his great performance throughout the year, Josh Porter capped of his season with one last award and was named to the NAIA All- American third team. The next selection belongs to Fredericko Payne. Payne was the first Pilot last year to be selected to the NAIA All-American team and he is now the only Pilot to become a back-to-back All-American first team selection. Payne, a 5’10 transfer from Northwestern State University, has rewritten the LSUS record book averaging over 22 points a game for his career and garnering several awards. His latest award, although probably not his last, is the selection to the NAIA All-American 1st team for the second consecutive season. The play of these two individuals along with the rest of the team gave the University and the community something to remember for a long time this season and gives all the Pilot fans something to look forward to next season. Congratulations to Josh and Rico for their selection to the NAIA All-American team.

LSUS' Payne and McDowell honored one last time at LABC banquet

MAY 11, 2006

Fredericko Payne and Head Coach Chad McDowell were making their third trip in a row to receive these awards. The difference this time is that "Rico" is a senior and has completed his collegiate eligibility. The two of them really enjoyed being honored one last time together. Read to the audience of around 300 was the following: Fredericko Payne, 5-11 senior guard from LSU-Shreveport, is receiving his third straight Louisiana Small College Player of the Year award. He is a first team NAIA All-American for the second consecutive year and was the GCAC Player of the Year as well. Payne averaged 20.5 points, 3.75 three-point field goals made and 2.0 steals. His coach, Chad McDowell, was also named the Louisiana Small College Coach of the Year for the third straight year, after directing the Pilots to the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular season and tournament championship and a No. 2 ranking in the final regular season NAIA national poll with a 28 - 4 record (the most wins in school history). McDowell also was recently awarded the Region XIII NAIA Coach of Character Award.

Congratulations Fredericko Payne and Coach Chad McDowell on a great season and another well-deserved honor.

Men's Basketball signs JUCO transfer Jamon Morris

MAY 15, 2006

Shreveport, LA---The LSUS Men’s basketball team continues to grow with the recent signing of Jamon Morris. The Pilots are excited to announce that Morris, a 6’5” post/forward has become the newest member of the Pilot family.

The Fort Worth, TX native played last season at Cedar Valley College in Lancaster, TX under the guidance of Head Coach Kyle Leath. The Suns finished the season with a 19-11 record. Morris averaged 12.6 points and 7.5 rebounds a game for the Suns, while shooting 56% from the floor. He picked up eight double-doubles on the year and also scored 20 or more points nine times. Morris had a season high of 27 points against Seminole State College. His best overall game came against Eastfield College where Morris had 23 points, 20 rebounds, 7 blocks, and 2 steals, a game in which Pilot Head Coach Chad McDowell attended. Against Kingwood College, Morris had another big night, totaling 22 points and 19 rebounds. For his accomplishments on the floor this season, Morris was recognized as 1st-Team All-Conference in the Metro Athletic Conference.

“Jamon is a very good player that plays with a lot of passion. You realize quickly how much Jamon loves the game and how he has a desire to be the best player he can be. He understands the game of basketball and will do what it takes to win,” commented McDowell. “Pilots fans are going to like the way he plays between the lines. He plays extremely hard and loves to do the dirty work. We are excited about seeing him in the Pilot uniform for the next two seasons,” continued McDowell.

“I am very excited to become part of the Pilots family. After attending a game at LSUS, I saw that not only are we going to compete for a national championship, but we are going to have fun doing it. The atmosphere was amazing. I had a chance to meet a couple professors who seemed to be more excited than most of the students were. Rarely have I seen professors at sporting events period, but at LSUS, they really showed their support for their students,” commented Morris.

Morris comes to LSUS after playing a year as part of a “flex offense” at CVC. The Pilots up-tempo style of play is also a big attraction to the 6’5 forward.

“It is exciting to be part of a system that allows you to use all of you tools and athleticism. Some teams have 6’5 post players who never see a shot outside of the key. From what I have seen at LSUS, your strengths become team strengths, and Coach McDowell’s system allows your strengths to shine on the floor,” concluded Morris.