2018 ASUN Basketball Championship Edition

QQUARTERLYU A R T E R L Y Highlighting the Spirit of Building Winners for Life

MEN’S BASKETBALL 2018

22018018 AASUNSUN BasketballBasketball CChampionshiphampionship EEditiondition

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 2018

FEBRUARY - MARCH 2018 GRAB, GRIP & LIGHT IT UP

SUPERIOR GRIP from thousands of micro-pebble touchpoints

ENHANCED CONTROL through moisture-wicking channels EXCEPTIONAL FEEL by a Cushioned Core

THE OFFICIAL BASKETBALL OF

@wilsonbasketball

GARRISON MATHEWS BRITTNEY CHAMBERS A two-time First Team All-Conference nod, Mathews Stetson’s leading scorer & rebounder, Chambers has led the ASUN in scoring from the start of the ranks second in the ASUN in scoring, averaging season until the end as he opened with 39 points 16.8 PPG. Chambers has earned four ASUN Player in the Bisons’ opener, set a career-high with 43 of the Week awards this year, putting up double points at KSU and enters postseason play averaging figures in every game but one. The senior has 21.4 PPG. Mathews and the Bisons secured their played nearly every minute for Stetson, ranking second-straight 20-win season; the first occurence second in the league for minutes played and games for the program in its Division I history. started to help the Hatters to the No. 3 seed.

LOREN CAGLE ZACH JOHNSON The ASUN’s leading scorer, Cagle has been an A First Team All-Conference selection, Johnson integral part of Lipscomb reaching its highest win has been a menace to opposing offenses all total since the 2007-08 season. Cagle is the only season. The junior guard has totaled a league-best player in the league to average at least 17 PPG, 5 65 steals; averaging 2.1 per game. On top of his RPG and 4 APG. She leads the ASUN this season defensive prowess, Johnson rakes in 14.9 PPG in 20-point games with 11 and she poured in a and 2.9 APG helping FGCU to its second-straight career-high 31 points in a win vs. North Florida; the ASUN Regular Season title. In league play, he has most in a game this season in the ASUN. increased his averages to 16.9 PPG & 3.1 APG. STUDENTS FIRST | ASUN QUARTERLY | 3 WHO TO WATCH

TAYLOR GRADINJAN KEONNA FARMER A senior guard, Gradinjan Pouring in 15.9 PPG for has made 288 career UNF this season, Farmer three’s, which ranks third was tabbed the ASUN in ASUN history. This year, Newcomer of the Week six she has connected on a times. She adds 8.5 RPG league-best 77 three balls & 2.3 SPG in 32.4 minutes for the Eagles. of action.

NOAH HORCHLER ANTHONY TARKE The ASUN leader in Capable of scoring in a rebounding (8.7) and multitude of ways, Tarke double-doubles (12), guided the Highlanders Horchler has made an to the No. 4 seed in the instant impact as the ASUN Championship after sophomore forward helped averaging a team-best 17.5 UNF to the No. 5 seed in PPG in league play with the ASUN Championship. 6.8 RPG & 2.2 APG.

JAMES SCOTT DEVIN HARRIS With already three career Jacksonville’s workhorse, 30-point games under his Harris ranks among the top belt as a sophomore, Scott in ASUN action for assists is a constant offensive (6.1; 2nd), rebounding threat. He leads KSU in (8.2; 4th) and steals (1.6; scoring at 17.0 PPG and 5th), while adding 13.8 owns 10 20-point games PPG in 35.2 minutes this season. played for the Dolphins.

KAYLA GORDON TAMERA THORPE Averaging nearly a double- Upstate’s leading scorer double at 12.0 PPG & at 12.3 PPG, Thorpe is 9.7 RPG, Gordon helped shooting 45.3 percent the Dolphins to the from the floor and 72 from second seed in the ASUN the charity stripe. She Championship. The senior owns five 20-point games forward owns 10 double- this year with a high of 28 doubles this year. on Dec. 30th. 2018 ASUN Men’s Basketball Championship Hosted By Campus Sites February 26 - March 4

Quarterfinals Semifinals Final Monday Thursday Sunday february 26 March 1 March 4

#1 FGCU

7 PM ET

#8 USC Upstate

TBD

#4 NJIT

7:30 PM ET

#5 North Florida

3 PM ET ASUN Champion #3 Jacksonville

7 PM ET

#6 Kennesaw State

TBD

#2 Lipscomb

7 PM CT

#7 Stetson 5 | 2017 @ASUNMBB CHAMPIONSHIP | ASUN QUARTERLY 2017 ASUN Championship Quarterfinals - February 27th #1 FGCU 87, #8 Stetson 57 #2 Lipscomb 97, #7 NJIT 66

Zach Johnson scored 19 & Marc Eddy Norelia had a double-double to lead FGCU Garrison Mathews scored 18 of his 30 pts. in first half as Bisons raced by NJIT #3 North Florida 77, #6 Jacksonville 74 #5 Kennesaw State 80, #4 USC Upstate 78

Dallas Moore tallied 37 points to break the ASUN single-season points record Kendrick Ray scored 24 points to lead Owls to upset victory in Spartanburg Semifinals - March 2nd #1 FGCU 74, #5 Kennesaw State 62 #3 North Florida 91, #2 Lipscomb 85

Brandon Goodwin scored 28 to lead FGCU back to the #ASUNMadness Final North Florida used 16 made trifectas to defeat Bisons and advance to Final Final - March 5th #1 FGCU 77, #3 North Florida 61

FGCU earned back-to-back titles as the Eagles returned to March Madness for the third time in program history. Brandon Goodwin was Tournament MVP 6 | CONNECT | ASUN QUARTERLY

ASUN’S HOMETOWN HEROES CONNECT WITH THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITIES A home is built of four walls, a roof, a sense of peace with families filling those homes with love and joy. Those homes make a community, filled with a feeling of pride in the people that make each and every community unique. As we establish that impression of home from a young age on, we also establish our own versions of heroes.

For some people that hero is Superman, for some it’s Batman protecting the citizens of Gotham City, but heroes aren’t just reserved for comic book lore. Athletes, in particular student-athletes at some of our ASUN Conference schools, are shining examples of being heroes in their own way, in their own hometown.

Nick Masterson grew up in Woodstock, Ga. and played at River Ridge High School, just a few miles away from Kennesaw State University. “I actually heard about Kennesaw State when I was in middle school” Masterson said. “Our coach took the whole team to a game. After that experience, I attended some more games and during my senior year when I was considering KSU I went to a lot of home contests.”

North Florida’s senior Osborn Blount had a similar experience to Masterson when he was first introduced to the Birds of Trey. “My AAU coach took us all to a North Florida basketball game, I was in 9th or 10th grade.” Blount remembers. “Coach Riley Cortez played for North Florida during his college years, so he invited us all to go watch his former team.”

For USC Upstate’s Deion Holmes, who grew up in nearby Chesnee, S.C., playing for the Spartans was a family tradition he wanted to continue. “Both of my parents played for USC when it was still called USC Spartanburg.” Holmes said, “So when I was growing up, I would always hear stories about their experiences in college and as athletes. Since they met at USC Upstate, I heard about the school quite a bit while growing up.” Holmes has upheld that tradition as the junior is now an integral part of the Spartans’ Men’s Basketball program and continues the legacy his parents left before him.

NJIT’s Abdul Lewis took a slightly different route in his collegiate journey, but now is enjoying his time back home. Lewis, who went to high school just a couple miles away from NJIT’s campus in Newark, N.J. moved away from home his freshman year. He attended and played at South Alabama for one season, but quickly realized something wasn’t right. “Being away from my family, friends, my support system was the biggest ASUN QUARTERLY | CONNECT | 7 6 factorf t iin my ddeciding idi tto come bkhback home.” ”Li Lewis didiscussed d that h t specialil connectiontidhh and how he can further explained, “There is no better feeling than vividly relate to those kids. “It’s always fun when playing in front of your support system. While I was we visit kids at local schools. It really humbles you away, I always felt something was missing and the when they ask questions and let it know that they are game just wasn’t as fun for me.” watching your games and looking up to you.” Holmes continued. “For me, since I’m from Spartanburg, it’s For these four student-athletes, there was never a incredibly special to give back to local schools and go question that staying at home, or coming back home, back to gyms that I myself played and competed in was the right move. It brought them closer together when I was in grade school.” with their communities and has allowed them to flourish in familiar surroundings. They have never Growing up in Newark wasn’t easy for Lewis, who taken those communities for granted and have all appreciates all the opportunities he has been given worked very hard to give back, either by themselves since earning a scholarship to play Division I basketball. or with the help of their teammates. He reminisced about one of his favorite community service projects recently. “We visited West Side Masterson had a difficult time deciding when he was High School in Newark as a team and hung out for asked which of the many community service projects a couple hours. We played hoops, video games and throughout his four years at Kennesaw State was his just interacted with the kids.” Lewis added, “Because favorite. “I have had the opportunity to do some great I grew up here, I do feel a stronger connection to community service projects in my local community those kids. I grew up in the same streets and faced over the years. I’ve spent a day at an orphanage, read the same daily struggles. It was a special feeling to at an elementary school and spent a day visiting with see those kids almost admire me for being a student- kids at a local hospital.” Masterson added, “It would athlete. For me to motivate and inspire kids from my be difficult to pick one over the other. I definitely feel I hometown means the world to me.” have a special connection with this community since it is my hometown. I see people at the games who I An added bonus for these four student-athletes have known since grade school. It’s always a special who decided to play locally is that they are valuable feeling to connect with those people.” in helping new teammates adjust to a new city. They know their hometowns inside and out and can As a Division I student-athlete competing at the provide knowledge and advice to teammates who are highest level, the local community looks up to you as just moving to campus. For some of them, like North a role model. Especially the kids who dream of being Florida’s Blount, learning your hometown doesn’t just in those shoes, playing in those arenas, they often stop when you go to college. “You get to experience see the student-athletes as local heroes. Holmes more of the city when you’re a young adult in college ASUN HOMETOWN HEROES ASUN QUARTERLY | CONNECT | 8 compared to when I was in high school. So for me I was learning new things about my city that I’ve never encountered before.”

For some of his teammates, Lewis turns into a pseudo tour guide as well, “I do often become somewhat of a tour guide. I know the best places to eat in town, I also know good places to just relax and have fun.”

Being able to merge your college friends with your lifelong hometown friends is something that Upstate’s Holmes’ treasures. “Sometimes I drive my teammates around the city, or take them back to my hometown friends and family and they get to know them. It’s great to be able to make new connections and friends, but still see your hometown people as well.”

One of the biggest advantages that these student-athletes have is that they play in and for their hometown communities. Each of them feels a special bond that you develop growing up in the same place and staying in the area for 20 plus years. All four student-athletes expressed how special it is to play in front of family and friends for every home game.

“Playing in front of my hometown community is so special to me, because it’s more than just playing. In my community not a great number of people make it as far as I have.” NJIT’s Lewis discussed. “There’s so many obstacles and hardships that we all face that it sometimes gets in the way of our success. So when I play in front of my hometown community, I’m more than just a basketball player. I’m a role model to little kids who grow up in the same circumstances as me. One of the best parts about each and every game that I play is when the PA announcer calls out my name followed by my hometown.”

Playing in front of the support system that helped guide you and turn you into a student-athlete from the start is a special feeling. Kennesaw State’s Masterson feels lucky to have experienced that feeling. “I love playing at home in Kennesaw. The crowd, the people behind our bench always have my back and I’m glad I got to have their support from grade school to college.” Masterson added, “My family, friends, former coaches, showed me so much love and support throughout the years, I consider myself lucky because not many people get to experience that.”

Blount had a similar sentiment when asked to describe what it means to play in front of his hometown community each and every home game. “I think it’s a really cool experience for the community to have seen me play since I was in middle school all the way up to Division I. They got to see and help me grow as a man and as a basketball player, and I’m forever grateful for that experience.”

Playing in front of his hometown community has an added bonus for Holmes, “It’s kind of hard to forget your morals and values when your parents, high school coaches and friends are all sitting in the stands for every home game. This community has supported me for so many years, through the highs and the lows. I can’t thank them enough and am truly grateful to them.”

For Blount and Masterson, their college journey will conclude when this basketball season comes to close as both are set to graduate with degrees in Educational Leadership and Mechanical Engineering, respectively. Lewis and Holmes have one more year of eligibility remaining, and they will use that final year to make a difference in the lives of their hometown communities. Because fforor all those kids they visited and spent even just a couple hours with in the past ffewew years, these guys are their hometown heroes. 9 | @ASUNMBB HISTORY | ASUN QUARTERLY ASUN Championship History 2017 ASUN All-Tournament Team Brandon Goodwin, FGCU - Tournament MVP Demetris Morant, FGCU Marc-Eddy Norelia, FGCU Dallas Moore, North Florida Aaron Bodager, North Florida Kendrick Ray, Kennesaw State Garrison Mathews, Lipscomb 2017 ASUN Championship Final FGCU 77, North Florida 61 2017: No. 1 FGCU 77, No. 3 North Florida 61 2008: No. 1 Belmont 79, No. 2 Jacksonville 61 ASUN Champions • FGCU made it back-to-back ASUN Championships • Belmont became the first team in A-Sun history Year ...... Team (Final Record) with a convincing victory in the final against UNF. to win three-straight conference championships. 2017 ...... FGCU (26-8) Brandon Goodwin earned MVP honors after scoring However, it marked the first for the Bruins as the 19 points. top seed. 2016 ...... FGCU (21-14) 2015 ...... North Florida (23-12) 2016: No. 4 FGCU 80, No. 7 Stetson 78 (OT) 2007: No. 2 Belmont 94, No. 1 ETSU 67 2014 ...... Mercer (27-9) • FGCU earned its return trip to March Madness as • Justin Hare became the third A-Sun player to win 2013 ...... FGCU (26-11) the Eagles defeated upset-minded Stetson. Marc- two Tournament MVP awards as he led the Bruins 2012 ...... Belmont (27-8) Eddy Norelia earned Tournament MVP honors, while to a 27-point win vs. the host, ETSU. 2011 ...... Belmont (30-12) Zach Johnson’s block at the end of OT sealed the win. 2010 ...... ETSU (20-15) 2006: No. 2 Belmont 74, No. 1 Lipscomb 69 (OT) 2009 ...... ETSU (23-11) 2015: No. 1 North Florida 63, No. 3 USC Upstate 57 • The “Battle of the Boulevard” came to the A-Sun 2008 ...... Belmont (25-9) • North Florida won its first-ever A-Sun Champion- Final as the Bruins defeated Lipscomb in the sec- 2007 ...... Belmont (23-10) ship in front of a tournament-record crowd of 6,155 ond-ever overtime game in a tournament final. 2006 ...... Belmont (20-11) fans at UNF Arena. Demarcus Daniels took home 2005 ...... UCF (24-9) MVP honors with 22 points in the Final. 2005: No. 2 UCF 63, No. 1 Gardner-Webb 54 2004 ...... UCF (25-6) • The Golden Knights set a conference record with 2003 ...... Troy (26-6) 2014: No. 2 Mercer 68, No. 1 FGCU 60 their fourth conference crown. UCF’s Gary John- 2002 ...... FAU (19-12) • The Bears and Eagles collided in the A-Sun Cham- son won the Tournament MVP honors. 2001 ...... Georgia State (29-5) pionship Final for the second-straight season, but it 2000 ...... Samford (21-11) was Mercer that landed the conference crown as 2004: No. 2 UCF 60, No. 1 Troy 55 1999 ...... Samford (24-6) Tournament MVP Langston Hall turned in 15 points, • UCF won its third conference title with a five-point 1998 .....Coll. of Charleston (24-6) seven rebounds and three assists. win vs. the top-seeded and defending champions, 1997 .....Coll. of Charleston (24-6) Trojans of Troy. It also marked the first victory for 2013: No. 2 FGCU 88, No. 1 Mercer 75 the two seed against the top seed in the champion- 1996 ...... UCF (25-4) • FGCU began its run through March with three ship final. 1995 ...... FIU (11-19) wins at Mercer’s Hawkins Arena ending the cham- 1994 ...... UCF (21-9) pionship with a 88-75 win vs. top-seeded Mercer. 2003: No. 3 Troy 80, No. 5 UCF 69 1993 ...... No Tournament Brett Comer claimed the Tournament MVP honors • The Trojans captured their first A-Sun title af- 1992 ...... Georgia Southern (25-6) as he scored 21 in the A-Sun Final with five assists. ter finishing as the runner-up in 2001. Troy’s Ben 1991 ...... Georgia State (16-15) Fletcher earned MVP honors. 1990 ...... UALR (20-10) 2012: No. 1 Belmont 83, No. 6 FGCU 69 1989 ...... UALR (23-8) • The Bruins set a league record with their fifth A- 2002: No. 3 FAU 76, No. 1 Ga. State 75 1988 ...... UTSA (22-9) Sun title. Belmont defeated No. 6 seed FGCU, who • Florida Atlantic won the first Atlantic Sun title as 1987 .....Georgia Southern (20-11) appeared in the championship final in its first sea- the conference underwent a name change from 1986 ...... UALR (23-11) son of eligibility. the TAAC. The Owls upset top-seeded Georgia 1985 ...... Mercer (22-9) State, but GSU’s Thomas Terrell still won the MVP 1984 ...... Houston Baptist (24-7) 2011: No. 1 Belmont 87, No. 6 North Florida 46 honors - his second-straight. 1983 .....Georgia Southern (18-12) • The Bruins tied the A-Sun record with their fourth 1982 ...... UL-Monroe (19-10) conference title as Belmont set the league record 2001: No. 1 Ga. State 79, No. 2 Troy 55 1981 ...... Mercer (18-11) with 30 wins. Belmont’s 41-point win in the final • Georgia State tied the conference record with 29 1980 ...... Centenary (15-14) set a conference record. wins en route to the program’s second TAAC title. 1979 ...... UL-Monroe (23-6) The Panthers would defeat Wisconsin as an 11- 2010: No. 5 ETSU 72, No. 6 Mercer 66 seed in the NCAA Tournament. • After the regular season ended with a four-way tie, ETSU survived an upset-centric tournament in 2000: No. 3 Samford 78, No. 5 UCF 69 which three of top-four seeds lost in the quarterfi- • The Bulldogs won back-to-back tournament titles nals at Mercer’s Hawkins Arena. becoming the third team to accomplish the feat. Marc Salyers earned his second-straight MVP hon- 2009: No. 2 ETSU 85, No. 1 Jacksonville 68 or and became the first TAAC student-athlete to • The Buccaneers won their first of two A-Sun win the award twice. Championships as Kevin Tiggs, the Tournament MVP, led the Bucs to a 17-point win vs. Jackson- ville in the final. 2018 @ASUNMBB HISTORY | ASUN QUARTERLY | 10 ASUN Championship History

1999: No. 1 Samford 89, No. 2 UCF 67 1988: No. 3 UTSA 76, No. 1 Ga. Southern 69 (OT) Tournament MVPs • Following a 15-1 conference season, Samford be- • UTSA survived the first overtime championship fi- came the first program from the state of Alabama nal vs. top-seeded Georgia Southern to win its only 2017 .....Brandon Goodwin, FGCU to win the TAAC Championship. TAAC Championship. 2016 .....Marc-Eddy Norelia, FGCU 2015 ...... Demarcus Daniels, UNF 1998: No. 1 Coll. of Charleston 72, No. 2 FIU 63 1987: No. 4 Ga. Southern 49, No. 3 Stetson 46 • The Cougars became the second program to win • Georgia Southern edged Stetson in the lowest 2014 ...... Langston Hall, Mercer back-to-back TAAC titles as Sedric Webber landed scoring title game in conference history. The Ea- 2013 ...... Brett Comer, FGCU the MVP accolade. gles’ Jeff Sanders took home the MVP award. 2012 .....Kerron Johnson, Belmont 1997: No. 1E Coll. of Charleston 83, No. 2E FIU 73 1986: No. 1 UALR 85, No. 6 Centenary 63 2011 .....Mick Hedgepeth Belmont • College of Charleston became the first TAAC pro- • The Trojans won their first TAAC Tournament 2010 ...... Micah Williams, ETSU gram to post an undefeated conference season and crown after finishing as runner-up on two previous win the tournament crown. The Cougars advanced occasions. UALR would advance to the NCAA Tour- 2009 ...... Kevin Tiggs, ETSU to defeat Maryland in the NCAA Tournament. nament and defeat third-seeded Notre Dame for 2008 ...... Shane Dansby, Belmont the TAAC’s first NCAA win. 2007 ...... Justin Hare, Belmont 1996: No. 6 UCF 86, No. 5 Mercer 77 • UCF won its second title in three seasons as Mer- 1985: No. 2 Mercer 105, No. 4 UALR 96 2006 ...... Justin Hare, Belmont cer earned runner-up honors for the second-straight • The Bears took home their second TAAC title of 2005 ...... Gary Johnson, UCF season. Harry Kennedy landed MVP honors. the decade behind the play of future NBA player 2004 ...... Dexter Lyons, UCF and head coach, Sam Mitchell. 1995: No. 8 FIU 68, No. 3 Mercer 57 2003 ...... Ben Fletcher, Troy • FIU upset third-seeded Mercer to set the TAAC 1984: No. 1 Houston Baptist 81, No. 2 Samford 76 2002 ...... Thomas Terrell, GSU record for lowest seed to win the conference • Houston Baptist won its first TAAC title and set a 2001 ...... Thomas Terrell, GSU championship as a eight seed. league record with 24 wins. Samford’s Craig Beard collected Tournament MVP honors in the loss. 2000 ...... Marc Salyers, Samford 1994: No. 1 UCF 70, No. 2 Stetson 67 1999 ...... Marc Salyers, Samford • UCF became the first program from the state of 1983: No. 3 Ga. Southern 68, No. 1 UALR 67 Florida to win the conference title as the Golden • Georgia Southern captured its first of three TAAC 1998 ...... Sedric Webber, CofC Knights beat in-state rival Stetson by three points. titles by upsetting UALR, who entered the title 1997 ...... Anthony Johnson, CofC game with 23 wins, which at the time was tied for 1996 ...... Harry Kennedy, UCF 1993: No Tournament Held the conference record. 1995 ...... James Mazyck, FIU 1992: No. 1 Ga. Southern 95, No. 2 Ga. State 82 1982: No. 3 UL-Monroe 98, No. 4 Centenary 85 1994 ...... Victor Saxton, UCF • In a “Peach State” battle, Georgia Southern • UL-Monroe became the first TAAC team to win 1993 ...... No Tournament downed Georgia State for the Eagles’ third TAAC two tournament titles. The championship final was title. Three schools from Georgia made the semi- the first not to feature the top-seeded squad. 1992 ...... Charlton Young, Ga. So. finals. 1991 ...... Chris Collier, GSU 1981: No. 3 Mercer 72, No. 1 Houston Baptist 67 1991: No. 5 Ga. State 80, No. 6 UALR 60 • Mercer claimed its first of two TAAC Champion- 1990 ...... Derrick Owens, UALR • Georgia State became the lowest seeded team ships by defeating Houston Baptist in Shreveport, 1989 ...... Jeff Cummings, UALR to win the conference crown as a five seed. The La. The Bears became the first TAAC team to par- 1988 ...... Frank Hampton, UTSA Panthers broke UALR’s three-straight title runs. ticipate in the NCAA Tournament. 1987 ...Jeff Sanders, Ga. Southern 1990: No. 3 UALR 105, No. 1 Centenary 95 1980: No. 3 Centenary 79, No. 1 UL-Monroe 77 1986 ...... Michael Clarke, UALR • The Trojans became the first team to win back-to- • Led by Tournament MVP George Lett, Centenary 1985 ...... Sam Mitchell, Mercer back TAAC titles as well as three overall conference upset top-seeded UL-Monroe in the championship crowns. Derrick Owens was tabbed MVP. final. 1984 ...... Craig Beard, Samford 1983 ...... Jimmy Lampley, UALR 1989: No. 2 UALR 100, No. 5 Centenary 72 1979: No. 1 UL-Monroe 90, No. 2 Mercer 69 1982 ...... Donald Wilson, NLU • UALR broke its own TAAC record with a 28-point • Previously named Northeast Louisiana claimed win vs. Centenary in the championship final. Jeff the first Trans America Athletic Conference title as 1981 ...... Tony Gattis, Mercer Cummings earned MVP honors. NLU served as host of the first two championships. 1980 ...... George Lett, Centenary Calvin Natt claimed Tournament MVP honors. 1979 ...... Calvin Natt, NLU ASUN Postseason History

ASUN in the NCAA ASUN in the NIT ASUN in the CIT 2017 - Orlando, Fla. 2000 - Cleveland, Ohio #3 Florida State 86, #14 FGCU 80 #4 Syracuse 79, #13 Samford 65 2016 2017 First Round - Jacksonville, Fla. • First Round - Jacksonville, Fla. #1 Florida 97, #8 North Florida 68 St. Francis (Pa.) 78, Jacksonville 76 2016 - Dayton, Ohio 1999 - Orlando, Fla. #3 St. John’s 69, #14 Samford 43 • First Round - Spartanburg, S.C. #16 FGCU 96, #16 Fairleigh Dickinson 65 2014 Furman 79, USC Upstate 57 First Round - Tallahassee, Fla. #1 Florida State 58, #8 FGCU 53 First Round - Raleigh, N.C. 1998 - Chicago, Ill. 2016 #3 Stanford 67, #14 Coll. of Charleston 57 #1 North Carolina 83, #16 FGCU 67 2013 • First Round - Newark, N.J. • First Round - Knoxville, Tenn. NJIT 79, Army 65 2015 - Dayton, Ohio 1997 - Memphis, Tenn. #7 Mercer 75, #2 Tennessee 67 • Second Round - Newark, N.J. #16 Robert Morris 81, #16 North Florida 77 #12 Coll. of Charleston 75, #5 Maryland 66 • Second Round - Provo, Utah NJIT 83, Boston 72 #4 Arizona 73, #12 Coll. of Charleston 69 #3 BYU 90, #7 Mercer 71 • Quarterfinals - Newark, N.J. NJIT 63, UT Arlington 60 2014 - Raleigh, N.C. 2010 1996 - Providence, R.I. • Semifinals - New York, N.Y. #14 Mercer 78, #3 Duke 71 • First Round - Tempe, Ariz. Columbia 80, NJIT 65 #11 Tennessee 83, #14 Mercer 63 #1 UMass 92, #16 UCF 70 #8 Jacksonville 64, #1 Arizona St. 63 • Second Round - Lubbock, Texas 2015 #8 Texas Tech 69, #5 Jacksonville 64 2013 - Philadelphia, Pa. 1995 - Boise, Idaho • First Round - Spartanburg, S.C. #1 UCLA 92, #16 FIU 56 #15 FGCU 78, #2 Georgetown 68 2009 - First Round - Gainesville, Fla. USC Upstate 73, James Madison 72 #15 FGCU 81, #7 San Diego St. 71 #1 Florida 84, #8 Jacksonville 62 • First Round - Fort Myers, Fla. Sweet 16 - Arlington, Texas 1994 - Lexington, Ky. Texas A&M Corpus Christi 75, FGCU 69 #3 Florida 62, #15 FGCU 50 #5 Wake Forest 68, #12 Coll. of Charleston 58 2007 - First Round - Clemson, S.C. • Second Round - Macon, Ga. #1 Purdue 98, #16 UCF 67 #1 Clemson 64, #8 ETSU 57 UT Martin 60, USC Upstate 49

2012 - Columbus, Ohio 2006 - First Round - El Paso, Texas 1992 - Atlanta, Ga. 2014 #3 Georgetown 74, #14 Belmont 59 UTEP 85, Lipscomb 66 • First Round - Spartanburg, S.C. #2 Oklahoma St. 100, #15 Ga. Southern 73 Towson 63, USC Upstate 60 2011 - Tucson, Ariz. 2004 • First Round - Johnson City, Tenn. #4 Wisconsin 72, #13 Belmont 58 1991 - Atlanta, Ga. • First Round - Clarksville, Tenn. ETSU 79, Chattanooga 66 #1 Arkansas 117, #16 Ga. State 76 Austin Peay 65, Belmont 59 • First Round - Niagara, N.Y. • Second Round - Johnson City, Tenn. 2010 - New Orleans, La. Niagara 87, Troy 83 Towson 83, ETSU 77 #1 Kentucky 100, #16 ETSU 71 1990 - Salt Lake City, Utah #1 UNLV 102, #16 UALR 72 2002 - First Round - Cookeville, Tenn. 2012 2009 - Dayton, Ohio Tennessee Tech 64, Georgia State 62 • First Round - Macon, Ga. 1989 - Indianapolis, Ind. Mercer 68, Tennessee State 60 #1 Pittsburgh 72, #16 ETSU 62 1996 #4 Louisville 76, #13 UALR 71 • First Round - Spartanburg, S.C. • First Round - Knoxville, Tenn. USC Upstate 73, Kent State 58 2008 - Washington, D.C. Coll. of Charleston 55, Tennessee 49 • Second Round - Macon, Ga. #2 Duke 71, #15 Belmont 70 1988 - Cincinnati, Ohio • Second Round - Kingston, R.I. Mercer 64, Georgia State 59 #3 Illinois 81, #14 UTSA 72 Rhode Isl. 62, Coll. of Charleston 58 (OT) • Second Round - Norfolk, Va. 2007 - Winston-Salem, N.C. 1995 - First Round - Providence, R.I. Old Dominion 65, USC Upstate 56 #2 Georgetown 80, #15 Belmont 55 1987 - Syracuse, N.Y. Providence 72, Coll. of Charleston 67 • Quarterfinal - Norfolk, Va. #2 Syracuse 79, #15 Ga. Southern 73 Mercer 79, Old Dominion 73 2006 - San Diego, Calif. 1989 - First Round - Birmingham, Ala. • Semifinal - Fairfield, Conn. Mercer 64, Fairfield 59 #2 UCLA 78, #15 Belmont 44 1986 - Minneapolis, Minn. UAB 83, Georgia Southern 74 #14 UALR 90, #3 Notre Dame 83 • Championship - Logan, Utah 1988 Mercer 70, Utah State 67 2005 - Worcester, Mass. #2 NC State 80, #14 UALR 66 (2OT) • First Round - Little Rock, Ark. #2 Connecticut 77, #15 UCF 71 Louisiana Tech 66, UALR 56 2011 1985 - Atlanta, Ga. • First Round - Athens, Ga. • First Round - Johnson City, Tenn. 2004 - Milwaukee, Wis. #2 Georgia Tech 65, #15 Mercer 58 Georgia 53, Georgia Southern 48 ETSU 76, Furman 63 #3 Pittsburgh 53, #14 UCF 44 1987 • First Round - Greenville, N.C. 1984 - Dayton, Ohio • First Round - Little Rock, Ark. Jacksonville 71, East Carolina 66 (OT) 2003 - Nashville, Tenn. Alcorn State 79, Houston Baptist 60 UALR 42, Baylor 41 • Second Round - Dallas, Texas #3 Xavier 71, #14 Troy 59 • Second Round - Little Rock, Ark. SMU 63, Jacksonville 62 1983 - Dayton, Ohio UALR 54, Stephen F. Austin 48 • Quarterfinals - Johnson City, Tenn. Robert Morris 64, Ga. Southern 54 • Third Round - Pine Bluff, Ark. ETSU 82, Ohio 73 2002 - Greenville, S.C. UALR 80, California 73 • Semifinals - Johnson City, Tenn. #2 Alabama 86, #15 FAU 78 • Semifinals - New York, N.Y. Iona 83, ETSU 80 1982 - Pullman, Wash. LaSalle 92, UALR 73 2001 - Boise, Idaho #6 Iowa 70, #11 NLU 63 • Consolation - New York, N.Y. 2009 #11 Ga. State 50, #6 Wisconsin 49 Nebraska 76, UALR 67 • First Round - Evansville, Ind. 1981 - Austin, Texas Belmont 92, Evansville 76 #3 Maryland 79, #11 Ga. State 60 1979 - First Round - Charlottesville, Va. #5 Arkansas 73, #12 Mercer 67 Virginia 79, NLU 78 • Second Round - Norfolk, Va. Old Dominion 70, Belmont 62 Made up of some of the strongest private schools and fastest growing state schools in the country, the ASUN boasts a mixture of old and new tradition, and change that cannot be matched.

A SUN 2017-18 membership includes eight (8) member institutions with the University of North Alabama to join in 2018-19. The conference enters 2017-18 with more outstanding student- athletes, excelling in both classroom and playing field, than ever before. @ASUNMBB AWARDS | ASUN QUARTERLY | 14 ASUN Annual Award Winners

Player of the Year Coach of the Year Tournament MVP Freshman of the Year Defensive Player Newcomer of the Year Scholar-Athlete 2017-18 Brandon Goodwin FGCU Joe Dooley FGCU JD Notae JU Devin Harris JU Noah Horchler UNF Nick Masterson KSU 2016-17 Dallas Moore UNF Joe Dooley FGCU Brandon Goodwin FGCU Wajid Aminu UNF Demetris Morant FGCU Brandon Goodwin FGCU Brian Pegg Stet 2015-16 Dallas Moore UNF Matthew Driscoll UNF Marc-Eddy Norelia FGCU Derick Newton Stet Demarcus Daniels UNF Kendrick Ray KSU Trent Mackey UNF 2014-15 Ty Greene Upst Matthew Driscoll UNF Demarcus Daniels UNF Tayler Persons NKU Demarcus Daniels UNF Kori Babineaux JU Mario Blessing Upst 2013-14 Langston Hall Mer Bob Hoff man Mer Langston Hall Mer Dallas Moore UNF Daniel Coursey Mer Jalen Riley ETSU Jakob Gollon Mer 2012-13 Sherwood Brown FGCU Bob Hoff man Mer Brett Comer FGCU Stephen Hurt Lip Bernard Thompson FGCU ------Adam Pegg Stet 2011-12 Torrey Craig Upst Eddie Payne Upst Kerron Johnson Bel Ty Greene Upst Ian Clark Bel Continued in 2013-14 Adam Sollazzo ETSU 2010-11 Mike Smith ETSU Rick Byrd Bel Mick Hedgepeth Bel Torrey Craig Upst Ayron Hardy JU ------2009-10 Adnan Hodzic Lip Robbie Laing Cam Micah Williams ETSU Ian Clark Bel Junard Hartley Cam 2008-09 Alex Renfroe Bel Cliff Warren JU Kevin Tiggs ETSU Lorne Merthie Cam Ayron Hardy JU 2007-08 Thomas Sanders GWU Rick Byrd Bel Shane Dansby Bel Nate Blank GWU Calvin Henry Mer 2006-07 Courtney Pigram ETSU Murry Bartow ETSU Justin Hare Bel James Florence Mer Brian Fisk Lip 2005-06 Tim Smith ETSU Scott Sanderson Lip Justin Hare Bel Andre Morgan KSU Tim Jennings GWU 2004-05 Mike Bell FAU Rick Scruggs GWU Gary Johnson UCF Justin Hare Bel Tim Jennings GWU 2003-04 Greg Davis Troy Don Maestri Troy Dexter Lyons UCF Haminn Quaintance JU Dexter Lyons UCF 2002-03 Adam Sonn Bel Mark Slonaker Mer Ben Fletcher Troy E.J. Gordon Stet 2001-02 Thomas Terrell GSU Sidney Green FAU Thomas Terrell GSU Jon Mills Sam 2000-01 Shernard Long GSU Lefty Driesell GSU Thomas Terrell GSU Jeff Cowans FAU 1999-00 Detric Golden Troy Don Maestri Troy Marc Salyers Sam Detric Golden Troy 1998-99 Reed Rawlings Sam Jimmy Tillette Sam Marc Salyers Sam Kevin Morris GSU 1997-98 Mark Jones UCF John Kresse CoC Sedric Webber CoC Mark Jones UCF Sedric Webber CoC 1996-97 Anthony Johnson CoC John Kresse CoC Anthony Johnson CoC Quincey Gamble FIU 1995-96 Thadd. Delaney CoC Billy Lee Cam Harry Kennedy UCF Troy Green SLU 1994-95 Kerry Blackshear Stet Dan Hipsher Stet James Mazyck FIU Jason Alexander Stet 1993-94 Marion Busby CoC John Kresse CoC Victor Saxton UCF Ochiel Swaby UCF 1992-93 Kenny Brown Mer Bob Weltlich FIU No Tournament Kerry Blackshear Stet 1991-92 Tony Windless GaSo Frank Kerns GaSo Charlton Young GaSo Shaun Thompson Mer 1990-91 Patrick Greer Cent Tommy Vardeman Cent Chris Collier GSU Mark Brisker Stet 1989-90 Larry Robinson Cent Tommy Vardeman Cent Derrick Owens UALR Tommy French H-SU 1988-89 Jeff Sanders GaSo Mike Newell UALR Jeff Cummings UALR Larry Robinson Cent 1987-88 Jeff Sanders GaSo Frank Kerns GaSo Frank Hampton UTSA James Scott UALR 1986-87 Brian Newton GaSo Frank Kerns GaSo Jeff Sanders GaSo Frank Hampton UTSA 1985-86 Myron Jackson UALR Mike Newell UALR Michael Clarke UALR G. Vandenlangenberg Cent 1984-85 Sam Mitchell Mer Bill Bibb Mer Sam Mitchell Mer Michael England HBU 1983-84 Willie Jackson Cent Mike Hanks Sam Craig Beard Sam Matt England HBU 1982-83 Willie Jackson Cent Frank Kerns GaSo Jimmy Lampley UALR Craig Beard Sam 1981-82 Willie Jackson Cent Ron Kestenbaum UALR Donald Wilson NLU Jimmy Lampley UALR 1980-81 Benton Wade Mer Gene Iba HBU Tony Gattis Mer Willie Jackson Cent 1979-80 George Lett Cent Bill Bibb Mer George Lett Cent Cherokee Rhone Cent 1978-79 Calvin Natt NLU Lenny Fant NLU Calvin Natt NLU Steve Barker Sam BUSINESS FRIENDS WORKING FOR THE FUTURE OF FLORIDA GULF COAST

Paramount Asphalt Sealcoating 6HDOFRDWLQJ3DYLQJ3DWFKLQJ&UDFN)LOOLQJ $VSKDOW0LOOLQJ/LQH6WULSLQJ &DU6WRSV$QG0RUH O:0 518-542-6895 [email protected] Free Estimates $63+$/7ZZZ3DUDPRXQW6HDOFRDWLQJFRP

Dave Thirion - Senior Project Manager żGDYHW#VHUYLFHFRQWUDFWLQJFRP

Burt Whitenight - Executive Vice President żbEXUWZ#VHUYLFHFRQWUDFWLQJFRP

BROTHERS SOLUTIONS PAINTING Owners: Javier: (239) 537-0806 Gaston: (239) 285-8792

* All Types of Painting Jobs * Pressure Cleaning [email protected] 239.992.1484 Naples, FL Free Estimates

Sports Turf Maintenance & ConstrucƟon 6141 Hamilton Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33905 WŚŽŶĞʹ;ϮϯϵͿϴϱϬͲϴϬϮϱͻ&Ăǆʹ;ϮϯϵͿϲϵϯͲϵϭϵϵͻǁǁǁ͘ũƐŵƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐŝŶĐ͘ĐŽŵ

Barry Cerra Local: 239-530-0100 ext. 106 General Manager Fax: 239-434-6678 3963 Progress Ave. Cell: 239-825-3177 Naples, FL 34104 [email protected]

ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS & BUSINESS FRIENDS WORKING FOR THE FUTURE OF STETSON

605 West New York Avenue, DeLand, Florida 386-734-8444 www.bechtol.com “Preserving Today’s Equity for Tomorrow” PAINTING AND WATERPROOFING Celebrating over 25 years of quality service to Stetson University and Central Florida Ronald P. Weiss Ph: 386-740-8070 605 West New York Ave. President Fx: 386-740-8074 GO HATTERS! Deland, FL 32720 [email protected]

Dining Services Where hungry minds

Best Electrical Company In Volusia County • 386.457.9560 gather all season long! 16 | RISE | ASUN QUARTERLY FORMER STUDENT-ATHLETES CONTINUE TO RISE IN THEIR FIELDS OF CHOICE Since departing the playing court, these eight individuals have showcased success in their respective fields due to lessons and skills obtained from their time on campus. Alex Banks – Lipscomb (2012-2017) · 2017 ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year · 2013 ASUN All-Freshman Team member · Led team in scoring (12.2) & rebounding (5.2) as a senior What she’s doing now - Currently participating in the World Race, which is an 11-month Christian mission trip where they travel to 11 different countries, spreading the Gospel and doing ministry and service work.

Banks on her time at Lipscomb and in the ASUN “Having the opportunity to be a student-athlete in the ASUN conference was such a blessing in my life. In my 5 years playing women’s basketball at Lipscomb, I was challenged to use every ounce of ability God gave me to glorify Him through sports. My coach would always say things like, “Be where your feet are”, “Control what you can control”, and “Do the next right thing right.” Little did I know that the lessons I learned on the court would carry over into my everyday life. In August 2017, I embarked on an 11-month journey to 11 different countries with an organization called The World Race. In my time serving in third-world countries, I have been more uncomfortable than ever before. I have ministered to kids living in the slums of Nepal, built relationships with orphans, and danced with kids in a village in Africa. The lessons I learned playing college basketball have inspired and motivated me to move forward each and every day and I am forever thankful for it.” Ty Greene – USC Upstate (2011-2015) · 2015 ASUN Player of the Year · Four-year starter for the Spartans · 1,884 Career Points (13th most in ASUN History) What he’s doing now - After one season in the NBA G-League, Greene and his wife currently reside in Memphis where he works at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. With FCA he is a campus representative. He is team chaplain who works with sports teams at different high schools around the city. He also helps with practice, workouts, stretch and tape ankles, get water, lead Bible studies and small groups. Greene on his time at USC Upstate and in the ASUN “I would say that it shaped me to overcome adversity. As you get older life seems to come harder than when you were younger. All the tough workouts and long practices preparing for games added a level of mental toughness that I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. The games themselves having to push and challenge yourself even when things aren’t going well have a direct correlation to everyday life. When life hits hard the ASUN prepared me for how to handle that and overcome it.” 17 | RISE | ASUN QUARTERLY BrittenyBritteny HHendersonenderson Kennesaw State (2007-09) · 2008 ASUN Player of the Year; only in program history · 2008 ASUN All-Academic Team selection · Sits in top-10 of several KSU categories for her career What she’s doing now - Henderson currently works as a General Manager for Columbia Sportswear Company and has done so for the past four years. She opened up her first store in Las Vegas, Nev. before moving to Myrtle Beach, S.C. and running the location there. She have traded her my basketball shoes to engage in the ever so growing CrossFit workouts that keep her going five days a week. Henderson on her time at KSU and in the ASUN “Being a student- athlete in the ASUN Conference gave me the opportunity to serve and impact the lives of my community then and now. It provided me with the knowledge and discipline it takes to thrive after the gym lights dim and the arena is empty. Although being an athlete was a very important part of my life. Being a student always came first. I’m blessed to have experienced the joys of being a part of something so much bigger than myself. I’m hopeful my story inspires the next generation to use the platform they are given as an student-athlete to inspire others as well.” Trent Mackey – North Florida (2013-16) · 2016 ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year · 2015 & 2016 ASUN All-Academic Team · Finished career as UNF leader in 3FG% at 44.9 What he’s doing now - Mackey is a controller at Vizergy, a local marketing firm where he does financial analysis and accounting related work. He is about to celebrate one-year anniversary with his amazing wife. They have done some traveling since college having lived in Texas for a few months and are currently in Greenville, S.C., but with plans on moving back to Jacksonville. He is still getting buckets in adult basketball leagues. Mackey on his time at North Florida and in the ASUN “The experience of winning a championship and living the dream of playing in the NCAA Tourna- ment shaped my life in so many ways. It taught me many valuable lessons about life and success, but most importantly, it impacted my life through the relationships and friendships I gained. It is these lifelong friendships with teammates, coaches, trainers, and even managers that are most important to me and my time there.” Stephanie Haas - FGCU (2012-16) · 2015 & 2016 ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year · One of two multi Scholar-Athletes in ASUN history · Finished top-10 in FGCU history for career points (1,138) What She’s doing now - Haas is in her second year as the video coordinator for the FGCU Women’s Basketball program. As video coordinator, Haas oversees all aspects of film breakdown and video needs. She is responsible for supplying the coaching staff with appropriate film for analysis and opponent scouting. Her responsibilities also include editing video and handling film exchange. Haas on her time at FGCU and in the ASUN “Being an athlete in the ASUN and at FGCU has impacted my life by introducing me to many lifelong friends and teaching me the importance of working hard and giving your all in everything you do.” ASUN QUARTERLY | RISE | 18 RyanRyan Woods – NJIT ((2011-2013)2011-2013) · Helped NJIT transition from DII to DI basketball · 2012-13 All-Conference selection · Set the then-NJIT DI record for three-pointers made with 81 What he’s doing now - Woods is a teacher in Staten Island, N.Y. He also helps referee youth basketball in New York. Woods on his time at NJIT “I didn’t know it at the time, but being a student-athlete at NJIT helped most in preparing me for life after college. It taught me about commitment and remaining disciplined in difficult times. I learned how to collaborate with others on a regular basis and how to manage my time efficiently. But most of all, my student-athlete experience at NJIT has made me want to positively impact the lives of others. I am a teacher and a coach now and I know that I chose the right profession. I want to help others and see them grow academically, athletically and personally, just as I did. I am beyond grateful for the people I met during my time as a basketball player at NJIT.” Madison Scott – Jacksonville (2010-14) · Four-year member of JU’s Women’s Basketball team · Part of 2011 ASUN Championship Finalist squad · Averaged career-best 6.6 PPG on 52 FG% as a senior What She’s doing now - Scott is currently enrolled in medical school at Ross University School of Medicine on the Island of Dominica. The island was hit hard by Hurricane Irma, which caused Scott to temporarily relocate to Knoxville, Tenn. to continue her studies. Scott on her time at Jacksonville and in the ASUN “Being a student-athlete in the ASUN and being granted the rare opportunity to be coached and mentored by one of the best coaches in the ASUN, Coach Yo. She has developed me into the person I am today. I was taught how to be confident in myself, how to be a leader and I became more self-aware about my own strengths and weaknesses. Coach Yo taught me how to conquer adversity and how to be selfless and trans- parent when you are working in a team setting with people who are depending on me to do my part. I feel that because I was a student-athlete in the ASUN, I have been prepared for the “real world” situations outside of athletics that I can now apply to my future career and lifestyle.” Brian Pegg – Stetson (2012-17) · 2017 ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year · Three-time ASUN All-Academic Team Member · 2016 ASUN All-Tournament Team Member What He’s doing now Since graduation, Pegg has played professional 3x3 on the FIBA World Tour. He’s still juggling basketball trips, while also advancing his career having worked as a nursing assistant and for the Marion County Fire Rescue as a firefighter trainee. Later this year, he will become a Firefighter/ EMT and work as a Firefighter/Paramedic, while also getting his medical school prerequisites. Pegg’s long term goal is to become a doctor, but for now he’s just enjoying the journey. Pegg on his time at Stetson and in the ASUN “Playing basketball in the ASUN was really the defining time of my life up to this point. It ingrained discipline and teamwork into my character, but most of all it taught me that things worth having generally don’t come easy. We worked hard in the classroom and on the court for months during the season, and I savored every win. I’m still friends with a lot of my former teammates, but I miss the camaraderie of playing ball together. That has played a large role in my career choices, and it will always be a part of who I am.” GOOD LUCK LIPSCOMB FROM YOUR FRIENDS IN BUSINESS

$IBSUFSXJUI$POmEFODF Charter with Gray Line of Tennessee Whatever your transportation need: Safe,Safe Reliable, Luxurious Transportation Friendly, Courteous, Professional Service Airport Shuttles & Sightseeing Tours Extended Charters & Customized Excursions For groups large & small, Convention Shuttles & All-Around the Town Choose Gray Line motorcoaches, mini-coaches and trolleys.

The transportation expert with the largest ﬂeet in Tennessee TAYES MASONRY Commercial Licensed Masonry

193 Todd Lane Shannon Tayes Dowelltown, TN 37059 615-829-0155 [email protected] Contractor #64618

Celebrating 32 Years of Quality Construction Full-service general contractor & construction manager with a diverse array of projects from coast to coast. FLOW CONSTRUCTION GENERAL www.dfchase.com CONTRACTORS COMPANY, INC. 3001 Armory Drive, Suite 200 Toll Free: 800-924-2732 "! Nashville, TN 37204 Local: 615-777-5900

“We make caulking a joint venture!”

Specializing in Commercial Construction 825 Wren Road &aulking Expansion-oints Goodlettsville, TN 37072 Waterproofing TraffiF&oatings Sealants Epox\Injections p: 615.859.5600 FireStopping AirBarriers f: 615.851.7682 &more! 861SpringfieldHwy 615.859.4935 Goodlettsville,7N37072 Wesley H. Greene , President www.abgcaulking.com

2711 Larmon Drive (615) 298-5555 Nashville, Tennessee 37202 [email protected]

Andrew R. Douglas Director of Operations A Multi-Service Co. 2018 ASUN Women’s Basketball Championship Hosted By Campus Sites March 2 - 11

Quarterfinals Semifinals Final Friday Wednesday Sunday March 2 March 7 March 11

#1 FGCU

7 PM ET

#8 NJIT

TBD

#4 Lipscomb

7 PM CT

#5 USC Upstate

3 PM TBDET ASUN Champion #3 Stetson

7 PM ET

#6 North Florida

TBD

#2 Jacksonville

7 PM ET

#7 Kennesaw State 21 | IMPACT | ASUN QUARTERLY

COACH BERENATO’S IMPACT KEEPS BASKETBALL IN THE FAMILY

At some point in life, you’ll encounter people who leave you feeling inspired. Thirty years, four schools and 11 postseason appearances later, Agnus Berenato has without a doubt left an impression on the lives of student-athletes on and off the court. However, she never thought that her impact on former players would eventually result in coaching their kids.

Her legendary resume began at Rider University in 1982, followed by 14 years at Georgia Tech, 10 years at Pittsburgh and now resides at the helm of Kennesaw State. At Georgia Tech, Berenato made history claiming the WNIT (Women’s National Invitational Tournament) title in 1992, appearing in four WNIT Tournaments and two NCAA Tournaments. The squad that won the WNIT Championship, featured ACC All-Tournament Team selection Devony Caldwell who is now mother to Kennesaw State freshman forward, Alexis Poole.

It all started when Coach Berenato went on a three-year hiatus from coaching and in the meantime attended Georgia Tech alumni games. In 2015, Caldwell was reunited with her former coach at one of the events and had the opportunity to meet Poole. Berenato recalls asking her, “Well, where do you want to go to school? ” and Poole responded, “Stanford.” Coach B looked at her mom and exclaimed, “Dev, can she play for Stanford?!” Devony answered, “No, she doesn’t work hard enough.” Berenato then stated, “That was a typical Devony response, she’s really passionate and driven.”

The recruiting process jump started a year later when Coach Berenato got the gig at Kennesaw State. Associate Head Coach, Khadija Head had also just joined the staff and told Berenato, “Listen, this coach called about a kid and you coached her mom. She’s a really raw athlete and has a lot to learn, but we should take a look.” Agnus asked, “Who is it?” Coach Head replied, “You coached her mom Devony Caldwell, her name is Alexis Poole.” She then remembered, “Oh that’s the kid from a couple years ago that didn’t work hard! Okay, alright find out when and where she’s playing.” ASUN QUARTERLY | IMPACT | 22 6 AGNUS BERENATO KSUKSU HEADHEAD WOMEN’SWOMEN’S BASKETBALLBASKETBALL COACHCOACH STARTED AT KSU ON MARCH 30, 2016 ALMA MATER: MOUNT ST. MARY’S “It’s really not about the game, it’s not about the winning or the losing, it’s not about the points that you score or the rebounds you get. It’s about never settling in life and always trying to be the best you can be and then to pass it forward.” It was a done deal when Coach Berenato saw Poole play in a tournament over the summer, “She was just all over the court athletically, and I said I’m taking her... I know we can make her a baller.” Poole then came to Kennesaw State on an unofficial visit, Agnus made her an offer and the rest was history.

Poole’s decision to attend Kennesaw State was not solely based on her desire to play at the collegiate level, but her mother’s familiarity with Coach B also came into play. Most recruits don’t reap these benefits or have an opportunity to get to know their coach before committing. Now that the season is coming to a close, Poole reflects on her first year under Coach B, “She always pushes me to do more, even when I feel like I’m not good enough to do something. She’ll always say I’m so excited for all the talent in you that we haven’t unlocked yet. There’s just something about her that makes you want to do right, rise and be better.”

On the court, Coach Berenato has noticed an improvement in Poole’s performance since the start of training in the summer. “Her athleticism and her potential is through the roof. She’s a joy, she laughs, she smiles, she’s got pizazz. When she first came here, she was not as charismatic. Now, she’s just terrific.” In one mere season, the impact that Coach B has had on Poole is admirable. Her coaching style is unique and goes beyond the game of basketball.

This deeply resonates with Berenato’s mantra, as she explains, “It’s really not about the game, it’s not about the winning or the losing, it’s not about the points that you score or the rebounds you get. It’s about never settling in life and always trying to be the best you can be and then to pass it forward.” ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS & BUSINESS FRIENDS WORKING FOR THE FUTURE OF KENNESAW

HRS Electrical Contractors, LLC dba JOHNSON USA Electrical Engineers & Contractors

Clive Rothenberg & Don Shroyer

450 Cemetery Street Phone: 770-452-7423 Suite 101 Fax: 770-452-7920 www.croyengineering.com Norcross, GA 30071 Cell: 404-966-3162 E-mail.: [email protected] Croy Engineering is a proud partner in KSU’s commitment to excellence.

Croy Engineering’s Award-Winning Skip Spann Connector improves campus connecƟvity and mobility. 0 00 0

(%!# , )#!% &%+,+

Business Partner P.O. Box 2573 Office: 770-606-9700 86 Center Road /

Cartersville, GA 30120 www.telenetsys.com

Skip Spann Connector Kennesaw, GA

Sizemore Group 342 Marietta Street, NW | Unit 3 Atlanta, GA 30313 404.605.0690 T 404.605.0890 F [email protected] (770) 844-9355 ARCHITECTURE | PLANNING | INTERIORS | PROJECT MANAGEMENT www.sizemoregroup.com ASUN QUARTERLY | IMPACT | 24 6 ALEXIS POOLE KSU STARTING FRESHMAN FORWARD HOMETOWN: ELLENWOOD, GA. AVERAGING 9.7 PPG, 7.9 RPG & 1.5 SPG “Coach B always pushes me to do more, even when I feel like I’m not good enough to do something. She’ll always say I’m so excited for all the talent in you that we haven’t unlocked yet. There’s just something about her that makes you want to do right, rise and be better.” Devony still remembers the impact that Coach B had on her as a player and looks forward to Alexis’ coming years, “I’m just so happy that Coach Berenato has the opportunity to mentor my daughter, I’m very pleased and excited that she’s there. I think that under her umbrella, Alexis will learn a lot from her on and off the court, especially being a role model citizen.”

In her second year at Kennesaw State, Berenato emphasizes that building a successful program goes beyond the game. Her experiences at other schools validate that her approach is a winning formula as she elaborates, “Life is hard… I always try to relate to them on the court and translate it into examples about life... Like everything we do on the court, is exactly the way it is in life.” As a product of this formula, Devony witnessed great success with Coach B at Georgia Tech and those lessons have made her into the person she is today.

Coach Berenato has never recruited any of her former player’s children. “I take it as a tremendous compliment, as an educator, that Devony would have the confidence in me to mentor her daughter. It was amazing that 25 years later, she would want her daughter to come and play under me.” Having a living legacy on the team has proven to be a smart move for Coach B. Back in November, Berenato signed another former player’s daughter Berenato with her Former Peyton Baldwin, whose mother Selena Baldwin played alongside Player Devony Caldwell; Devony at Georgia Tech. the mother of Coach B’s Building lifelong relationships and creating a learning environment current Player at KSU, on and off the court are the most important aspects to Berenato Alexis Poole. Caldwell for a team foundation. There is no question that she will continue and Bernato won the her tradition of a family oriented formula in the years to come. WNIT title at Georgia Tech in 1991992.2. 25 | 2017 @ASUNWBB CHAMPIONSHIP | ASUN QUARTERLY 2017 ASUN Championship Quarterfinals - March 3rd #1 Stetson 70, #8 USC Upstate 49 #2 FGCU 59, #7 North Florida 42

Stetson’s Brianti Saunders scored 15 of 20 points in first half to lead Hatters FGCU produced a second half comeback as Jordin Alexander scored 14 points #3 Jacksonville 91, #6 Lipscomb 64 #4 Kennesaw State 62, #5 NJIT 60

Jasmyn Brown had a team-high 22 points as the Dolphins led wire-to-wire Kelly Dulkoski & Carlotta Gianolla combined for 24 points to help Owls advance Semifinals - March 8th #1 Stetson 78, #4 Kennesaw State 48 #2 FGCU 68, #3 Jacksonville 64

McKenna Beach scored a career-high 17 as the Hatters cruised to the final Erica Nelson scored a career-best 27 points as Eagles advanced to ASUN final Final - March 12th #2 FGCU 77, #1 Stetson 70

FGCU used a fourth quarter comeback to advance to their fourth NCAA Tournament in the last six year. China Dow was named Tournament MVP 26 | @ASUNWBB HISTORY | ASUN QUARTERLY ASUN Championship History 2017 ASUN All-Tournament Team China Dow, FGCU - Tournament MVP Jordin Alexander, FGCU Tytionia Adderly, FGCU Brianti Saunders, Stetson Brittney Chambers, Stetson Carlotta Gianolla, Kennesaw State Sherranda Reddick, Jacksonville 2017 ASUN Championship Final FGCU 77, Stetson 70 2017: No. 2 FGCU 77, No. 1 Stetson 70 2009: No. 1 ETSU 58, No. 2 Jacksonville 52 ASUN Champions • FGCU came from behind in the fourth quarter • ETSU defeated Jacksonville for the second- Year ...... Team (Final Record) to win the ASUN Championship. China Dow was straight season. Siarre Evans earned Tournament named Tournament MVP after scoring 30 points MVP honors as she totaled 12 points and 15 re- 2017 ...... FGCU (26-9) and pulling down 10 rebounds. bounds in the championship final. 2016 ...... Jacksonville (22-11) 2015 ...... FGCU (31-3) 2016: No. 2 Jacksonville 56, No. 1 FGCU 54 2008: No. 1 ETSU 75, No. 2 Jacksonville 72 2014 ...... FGCU (26-8) • Jacksonville stunned FGCU at Alico Arena to cap- • The Lady Bucs claimed their first-ever title led by ture its first ASUN Championship and NCAA Tour- Tournament MVP Latisha Belcher. ETSU defeated 2013 ...... Stetson (24-9) nament berth. Brandi Buie, the Tournament MVP, Mercer and host school Lipscomb en route to the 2012 ...... FGCU (29-3) scored with 3.1 seconds to go. conference crown. 2011 ...... Stetson (20-13) 2010 ...... ETSU (23-9) 2015: No.1 FGCU 60, No. 3 Northern Ky. 43 2007: No. 1 Belmont 69, No. 3 ETSU 57 2009 ...... ETSU (20-11) • The Eagles became the third team in ASUN histo- • Belmont claimed its first ASUN Championship ry to run the table for a perfect conference record. title defeating ETSU 69-57 in the final. The Bruins 2008 ...... ETSU (21-12) Tournament MVP Whitney Knight led the way with were led by tournament MVP Alysha Clark. 2007 ...... Belmont (25-7) 21 points, to send FGCU to the NCAA Tournament. 2006 ...... FAU (20-11) 2006: No. 2 FAU 74, No. 4 Gardner-Webb 63 2005 ...... Stetson (17-14) 2014: No.1 FGCU 72, No. 2 Stetson 70 (OT) • After making its third conference championship • For the third-straight time the two rivals collided in final, FAU recorded its first championship title with 2004 ...... Lipscomb (13-15) the ASUN Championship and produced an instant a 74-63 win vs. Gardner-Webb. The Owls’ Shontavia 2003 ...... Georgia State (20-11) classic. The Eagles claimed their second ASUN title Williams earned the ASUN Championship MVP. 2002 ...... Georgia State (21-10) in overtime behind Tournament MVP Jenna Cobb’s 2001 ...... Georgia State (24-7) 19 points. Kaneisha Atwater added a double-double 2005: No. 5 Stetson 88, No. 3 Georgia State 62 with 14 points and 11 rebounds. • Stetson pulled off three upsets by defeating the 2000 ...... Campbell (22-9) No. 1, No. 3 and No. 4 seeds en route to its second 1999 ...... UCF (20-10) 2013: No. 2 Stetson 70, No. 1 FGCU 64 conference championship. It marked the second- 1998 ...... FIU (29-2) • Stetson snapped FGCU’s 41-game conference straight year the Hatters upset the No. 1 seed. 1997 ...... FIU (21-9) winning streak with a 70-64 comeback victory in the championship final. The Hatters prevented the 2004: No. 2 Lipscomb 64, No. 4 UCF 62 1996 ...... UCF (15-14) Eagles from scoring for over eight minutes in the • Lipscomb captured the ASUN Championship in 1995 ...... FIU (27-5) second half to earn their fourth championship title. its first year as a member by defeating UCF. The 1994 ...... FIU (25-4) Lady Bisons were the second team in league his- 1993 ...... FIU (25-6) 2012: No. 1 FGCU 67, No. 2 Stetson 39 tory to win the title in their first appearance. • FGCU followed an 18-0 regular-season confer- 1992 ...... FIU (23-10) ence slate to win its 29th game of the season, 2003: No. 1N Ga. State 80, No. 1S UCF 63 1991 ...... Miami (20-10) which tied the conference record. The Eagles be- • Georgia State claimed its third-straight title as the 1990 ...... Georgia Southern (21-9) came only the second team to go undefeated in the top two teams in the ASUN faced off in the cham- 1989 ...... Stetson (18-11) regular season and win the tournament. pionship game. Evita Rogers landed her second 1988 ...... Georgia Southern (21-8) straight ASUN Tournament MVP award. 2011: No. 2 Stetson 69, No. 5 Jacksonville 50 1987 ...... Georgia Southern (20-8) • Tournament MVP Victoria McGowan hit a half- 2002: No. 1 Ga. State 64, No. 2 FAU 63 1986 ...... Florida A&M (21-8) court buzzer beater vs. Belmont to send the Hatters • GSU became the first team to win the ASUN to the championship final, where they claimed their Championship as the conference underwent a third A-Sun title vs. No. 5 Jacksonville. name change. As the No. 1 seed, Georgia State defeated FAU in a one-point game in the final. 2010: No. 1 ETSU 63, No. 7 North Florida 62 • The ASUN Co-Player of the Year, Taronda Wiles hit 2001: No. 2 Ga. State 64, No. 1 Campbell 62 a last-second shot vs. North Florida to give ETSU • Georgia State found its way back on top of the its third-straight conference title. The Buccaneers TAAC by taking the tournament championship as became the third team to win three in a row. the No. 2 seed. The Panthers narrowly defeated re- turning champion Campbell, 64-62. BUSINESS FRIENDS WORKING FOR THE FUTURE OF FLORIDA GULF COAST