Washington D.C. Area Sports Update 10/16/2011

BOWIE STATE GRINDS OUT 22-10 WIN OVER LINCOLN (PA)







(WEST GROVE, Pa. – October 14, 2011) Senior Tariq Jones rushed for a career-high 171 yard on 33 carries to help lead Bowie State to a 22-10 road win at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. The win snapped a three-game losing streak and improved the BSU record to 4-3 overall and 3-2 in the CIAA.





Jones scored the games’ first six points on the opening possession, rushing in from seven-yards and senior Michael Gagne added the extra point, giving Bowie State an early 7-0 lead at the 9:52 mark of the opening period.





Gagne booted a 28-yard field goal at the 12:08 mark of the second quarter to take a 10-0 lead.





Lincoln’s Kyle Jaska kicked a 29-yard field with 5:04 left in the first half to trim the Lions deficit to 10-3.





BSU’s Gagne drilled a 38-yard field goal with 6.9 seconds remaining in the first half to give the Bulldogs a 13-3 advantage heading into halftime. Bowie State controlled the ball in the first half, eating up 21:26, running off 13:36 in the first quarter.





Lincoln quarterback Doug Cook rushed for a five-yard touchdown at the 11:53 mark of the third quarter and Jaska’s extra point cut the margin to 13-10. The Lions used up 3:01 capping off an 8-play, 60-yard opening second half drive.





Bowie State’s Oladimeji Layeni sacked Cook in the end zone for a Bulldogs safety, giving the guest a 15-10 advantage with just under six minutes remaining in the contest. Bowie State capitalized on the Lincoln free kick when Reid faked a handoff a scampered around left end for a 36-yard touchdown run, which was the longest run of his career. Gagne converted the extra point to give the Bulldogs a 22-10 cushion that held up for the rest of the game. Reid, making his first start of the season, completed 9-of-15 passes for 58 yards.





As a team, Bowie State rolled up 363 yards of total offense, 305 via the ground. The Bulldogs accounted for 82 total plays compared to 47 for the Lions.





Lincoln (2-5, 2-3 CIAA) was led on offense by Cook’s 163 passing yards and was paced by Daron Jones and Brandon McElwee with a game-high 19 tackles each.





Besides Jones’ output, junior Ramono Flowers carried the ball 14 times for 63 yards and redshirt freshman Kendall Jefferson added 42 rushing yards on nine carries. Freshman Khari Lee led the BSU receivers with 20 reception yards on three catches. Junior Bekewele Amadi led the Bowie State defense with seven total tackles and junior Antonio Bond added five tackles in the victory.





“The win was something we definitely needed but Tariq played a great game tonight and answered the bell as our senior running back and we knew we had to run the ball in order to be successful said BSU third-year head coach Damon Wilson.





Bowie State continues its six week road trip, traveling down tobacco road to face the Vikings of Elizabeth City State University – Saturday (October 22nd) at 1 pm in ECSU’s Roebuck Stadium.




WILMINGTON (DEL.) KNOCKS OFF BOWIE STATE 3-0 IN VOLLEYBALL PLAY







(BOWIE, Md. – October 13, 2011) The visiting Wildcats of Wilmington (Del.) University knocked off Bowie State 3-0, defeating the Lady Bulldogs 25-12, 25-12 and 25-14 in non-conference volleyball action. The loss puts Bowie State’s record at 7-18 on the year while Wilmington improves to 12-7 overall.





As a team, Bowie State wrapped up the evening with a minus .037 attack percentage and gave up 12 service aces. Wilmington closed out the match with a positive attack percentage of .347.





The BSU Lady Bulldogs were paced by freshmen Jenahye’ Johnson (Baltimore, Md.) and Cara Nance (Island Lake, IL) with six and five kills respectively. Junior Jasmine Nixon (Middletown, N.Y.) added three kills and fellow junior Symone’ Jordan (Accokeek, Md.) along with freshman Paige McIntosh (Tucson, Az.) contributed one kill each.





McIntosh added a team-high 11 assists and Nixon had two service aces and seven digs, both team-highs.





Wilmington’s Wildcats were led by Kaitlin Shorter (Pasadena, Md.) with a match-high eight kills to go along with a team-high three blocks. Ann Marie Scarfo (Newark, Del.) knocked down six kills and added one service ace and five digs. Shannon Rumple (Fallston, Md.) paced the guests with 16 assists and 11 digs.





Bowie State returns to action with another non-conference match, Tuesday (October 18th), hosting Washington Adventist University at 6 pm in BSU’s A.C. Jordan Arena.



D.C. DIVAS ANNOUNCE NEW HEAD COACH



Allison Fischer by Maria Koklanaris Bonaquist of the Reston PatchLandover, MD -- Alison Fischer has been named the new Head Coach of the D.C. Divas. Alison is an original Diva having played for the Divas since its first season in 2001, so she will bring a wealth of football experience to the position. In the 2011 season she was elected a team captain by her team mates and played defensive back on a squad that held opposing teams to an average of only one touchdown per game during the regular season. Off the field Alison is a civil engineer and heads a group maintaining the Dulles Airport runways. Owner Paul Hamlin commented, “I’m proud that the Diva’s will be one of the few teams in all of women’s football with a female head coach. Again, the Divas are leading the way in women’s football.”



Joining Alison’s staff in the new position of Assistant Head Coach is Dan Tovar. Dan was the head football coach of the So Cal Scorpions of the former Women’s Professional Football League when they won their championship in 2007. He is a graduate of the U.S Naval Academy where he played linebacker for its Sprint Football team.



Finally, Eric Evans will be the Divas new offensive coordinator. Eric has been our quarterback and wide receiver coach for the past few years and knows the Divas offensive team very well. He played quarterback for Morgan State University.




BOWIE STATE BULLDOGS RANKED 8th IN D-II PRESEASON POLL







(BEAVERTON, Ore. – October 13, 2011) The Division II Bulletin released its monthly (October/November) newsletter and the Bowie State University men’s basketball team is ranked 8th in the Division II Preseason Poll.





Coming off its first Division II national championship, Bellarmine College is the No. 1 team in the 2011 Division II Bulletin Preseason Top 25 ranking. Rounding out the top five are Alabama-Huntsville, BYU-Hawaii, Missouri Southern and Findlay.





The second five includes Lincoln Memorial, Tarleton State, Bowie State, Colorado School of Mines and the College of St. Rose.





The Bowie State University men’s basketball program continues to gather momentum and looks to follow up a highly successful 2010-2011 campaign in its third year under head coach Darrell Brooks.





“I really think we can be very good this season. We’re deep and pretty athletic and I really like our experience this year. If we can rebound and defend, we can be a good basketball team,” Brooks said.





Last season, the Bulldogs reached the second round of the NCAA Division II Tournament and won the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association North Division crown with an 11-1 mark, while finishing a CIAA best 16-2 in the conference and 23-6 overall. The Bulldogs reached the NCAA Division II Tournament for the first time in six seasons last year.





The future looks bright for the Bulldogs, who will have four seniors returning including senior 7-foot forward/center Travis Hyman, who had a CIAA high 104 blocks last season to go along with 15.2 points per outing after earning CIAA Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2010. Senior point guard Darren Clark was amongst the conference leaders in assists with 114 last season while starting 28 of 29 contests and averaging 15.1 points per game. Senior guard Jay Gavin, who started all 25 games he appeared in, returns after averaging 8.6 points along with senior forward Ali Djim.





The Bulldogs will be bigger than they have in recent seasons with the addition of junior transfer Branden Doughty (6-8, 210 / Coppin State), junior junior college transfers Demeatric Scott (6-7, 210 / Hagerstown Community College) and Najee White (6-8, 238 / Hagerstown Community College) to go along with freshman Joel Clemons (6-7, 211 / National Christian Academy).





As a team, the Bulldogs led the CIAA in scoring at 81.3 points per game while yielding 74.8 points per game. The Bulldogs led the conference in blocks last season with 163.





The Bulldogs will open the 2011-2012 season with an exhibition against George Washington University (11/6). The team will kick off the regular season at the Clarion Classic and will face West Virginia State University – Friday, November 11th. The team will begin its home schedule Tuesday, December 6th against California University of Pennsylvania.





D-II PRESEASON TOP 25


Team (2010-2011 Record)


1) Bellarmine (33-2)


2) Alabama-Huntsville (29-5)


3) BYU-Hawaii (22-9)


4) Missouri Southern (26-5)


5) Findlay (24-4)


6) Lincoln Memorial (27-3)


7) Tarleton State (26-4)


8) Bowie State (23-6)


9) Colorado School of Mines (24-6)


10) St. Rose (22-9)


11) Central Oklahoma (30-4)


12) Alaska Anchorage (24-10)


13) Southern Indiana (24-6)


14) West Liberty (33-1)


15) Queens (N.C.) (21-8)


16) Indiana (Pa.) (26-6)


17) Benedict (21-8)


18) Georgia Southwestern (20-9)


19) Metro State (22-8)


20) Kentucky Wesleyan (19-10)


21) Humboldt State (26-4)


22) Augustana (27-4)


23) C.W. Post (21-10)


24) Seattle Pacific (20-10)


25. Winona State (20-10)

Southampton, (VA) Academy Girl Football Player Sits Out

BY KATE ARCHER/CONTRIBUTING WRITER


kate.archer@tidewaternews.com



COURTLAND—The first girl to play football for Southampton Academy sat out during Thursday night’s junior varsity game.



That’s because opponent Northeast Academy threatened to forfeit if starting eighth-grader Mina Johnson played.



“The Northeast Eagles said they wouldn’t come to the game and would forfeit because I am a girl,” said the 5-foot-2, 170-pound defensive player, who sacked Rocky Mount’s quarterback four times during a 30-24 win on Sept. 22.



Mina chose to sit out.



“During conditioning, I often refer to Mina as an example to the team of how to hustle and work hard on the field,” Coach Brian Parker said. “She really does deserve to play.”



The coach and the headmaster for Northeast Academy in Lasker, N.C., did not return phone calls to The Tidewater News.



SA Athletic Director Dale Marks said Word of God Christian Academy is also considering not playing on Thursday, Oct. 27, if Mina plays. The academy’s coach and principal did not return calls.



Both teams belong to the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association. According to the league website, participation by boys in girls’ sports and vice-versa is prohibited.



Mina’s mother, who says her daughter has always been athletic, isn’t happy about the matter.



“There is nothing in the rule books for junior varsity football in North Carolina or Virginia that says a girl can’t play,” said Mona Johnson. “No one is breaking any rules by allowing her to play.”



“I absolutely hate this for Mina and for the team,” she continued. “They are all just kids playing a game and having fun doing it. It’s terribly unfair to them all.”



Parker earlier in the week told the team about Northeast’s stand.



“Everybody was upset,” Mina said. “They told us to ‘let this be a spark’ toward winning the game.”



It was.



The Raiders defeated the Eagles 60-0 during Thursday’s home contest.



An honor-roll student and daughter of Franklin surgeon Gregory Johnson, Mina’s interest in football was sparked by her 15-year-old brother, Greg, a sophomore lineman and guard for the Raiders’ varsity squad.



“One day on the school bus, Greg started teasing me that I could be a linebacker,” Mina said. “I didn’t even know what that was, so I looked it up on the Internet.”



She tried out for SA’s junior varsity team and made it.



“I was so excited,” Mina said. “I knew absolutely nothing about football before this year and am learning so much as I go along.”



Mina also likes that’s she’s making school history.



“This is something you can’t take away, ever, and it’s me doing it,” said Mina, who plays nose tackle, left guard and linebacker. “My first game, I took down a 6-foot quarterback.”



Greg is very proud of his sister.



“Every time she makes a hit or a good play, my friends and I all cheer for her,” he said. “She’s definitely got me beat on the speed thing.”



On Thursday, Mina’s teammates wore pink socks and armbands to recognize her and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.



“The team thought it would be a nice gesture,” Parker said.



Mina will continue to practice and aspires to play varsity ball. Aside from the bruises, a sore knee and a twisted ankle she said, “getting up when you fall down is the hardest part. You have to brush it off and get right back in the game.”

Washington D.C. Area Sports Update 10/10/2011

Bethesda No. 1 ranked summer team




Big Train Rides Wave To National No. 1 Rank



Bethesda Big Train manager Sal Colangelo is fully aware that the Cal Ripken League is not in the same ball park as the Cape Cod League, in terms of national prestige and reputation. With more than 125 years of history to draw on and a documented track record of producing volumes of elite-level draft picks, the Cape simply dwarfs the seven-year old Ripken League in tradition, and as a talent source.



But Colangelo firmly believes that his 2011 Big Train team, which handily won its third straight Cal Ripken League title, was so special that it not only could have competed on an equal footing with Cape Cod League teams this summer, but might have even challenged the top teams in that league.



“We had a bunch of kids this summer that really knew how to play and our pitching staff was so good that I believe it was Cape Cod quality,” Colangelo said. “I would be surprised if our club couldn’t have won 25 games this year if we had played in the Cape Cod League.



“This was a very special team, definitely the best one we’ve had in the last three years. Pitching was the separator.”



Even if it won’t get the chance to take on the Cape, the Big Train handily took care of its competition in the Cal Ripken League, finishing first with a league-record 33 wins, and closing out its season in style by capturing the league title with three straight playoff wins. Overall, the Big Train went 36-9 on the season.



On the strength of its wire-to-wire domination of the Cal Ripken League, the Big Train’s success enabled it to finish the 2011 season atop Perfect Game CrossChecker’s weekly ranking of the nation’s top summer league clubs. In the process, it secured an unofficial national summer-league championship for the Maryland-based franchise.



The Big Train concluded its summer schedule in late July, long before most other leagues concluded play, and simply ascended to the No. 1 position when all the other contenders faltered down the stretch.



The Coastal Plain League’s Edenton Steamers (49-14) and Cape Cod League’s Hyannis Harbor Hawks (30-17) had traded the No. 1 spot all season long with impressive regular-season ledgers, but both teams bit the dust in their league playoffs, opening the door for Bethesda.



Edenton, which had been ranked No. 1 for five straight weeks, needed to win just one of two games on the final night of the CPL playoffs to secure a final No. 1 ranking, but fell twice, 4-2 and 2-0, to sixth-seeded Gastonia in a major upset.



Hyannis would also have been in line for a No. 1 final ranking, but it failed to even make it out of the first round of the Cape playoffs.



In the final ranking of the nation’s top 50 summer clubs, Edenton finished at No. 7 and Hyannis at No. 8.



In the end result, Bethesda had to withstand stiff challenges from the California Collegiate League’s co-champion Santa Barbara Foresters (44-13), which finished No. 2, and the No. 3-ranked Harwich Mariners (30-20), the Cape League playoff champion.



Santa Barbara was proclaimed the unofficial 2008 national champion after winning that year’s National Baseball Congress World Series, and nearly achieved the feat again after easily winning the 2011 NBC World Series. The Prospect League champion Quincy Gems (40-18), New England Collegiate League champion Keene Swamp Bats (34-16) and West Coast League champion Corvallis Knights (44-18) were also in the running for the top spot.



None of those clubs, however, put together a season to remember quite to match Bethesda’s.



“Half of our kids probably should have played in the Cape this summer,” Colangelo said, “and the best part of it all is our kids got the experience of a lifetime by playing here. They all bought in to what we were trying to achieve as a team, and I told them all at the end, ‘what you accomplished was very, very special.’



With almost no head-to-head meetings among the nation’s 30-some summer leagues, teams in the running for No. 1 are ultimately measured by various established criteria such as overall record, league dominance (in both regular season and playoffs), number of bona-fide professional prospects and the overall strength of the league. No teams with sub-.500 records are considered.



With the exception of one local player, every player on the Bethesda roster came from a major Division I college program, with almost half coming from California.



“Our recruiting network extends to all areas of the country,” said Colanglo, the longest tenured coach in the Cal Ripken League. “With the success we’ve had, we’ve started to get a lot of name recognition among college coaches, and they’ve started sending their better players to us.”



Big Train third baseman Adam Barry wasn’t drafted in June as a red-shirt sophomore out of Cal State Northridge, but was named the league’s most valuable player after setting league records with a .414 batting average, 67 hits and 43 RBIs. Though he homered just once on the summer, the 6-foot-2, 225-pound Barry roped a league-best 14 doubles and enjoyed his greatest success as he continues his transition to baseball after playing two years of football at Wyoming in 2008-09. In the process, he may have taken big strides in improving his standing for the 2012 draft.



Barry aside, Bethesda’s best prospect was unquestionably catcher Hunter Renfroe, a freshman from Mississippi State and projected first-round draft pick in 2013. He excelled on both sides of the ball, leading the Cal Ripken League with eight homers while showcasing extraordinary arm strength behind the plate. The powerfully-built Renfroe flashed a 1.7 pop time during the league’s Scout Day and also reached 98-99 mph in limited pitching action.



“Time will tell whether he’ll be a pitcher or catcher,” said Colangelo, “but he was by far the best prospect in this league this summer. He has the best raw power and arm strength I’ve ever seen from a player in this league, and if he continues to hit and hit with power, he’ll be a catcher at the next level. If he struggles at the plate, he’ll most likely become a pitcher.”



Mississippi State coaches wanted to see Renfroe get a steady diet of at-bats this summer so he could learn to hit breaking balls with more authority, and also focus on his receiving and blocking skills. He excelled at the plate with five of his eight homers, including several tape-measure shots, coming on breaking balls.



Renfroe worked in only one game on the mound for the Big Train, earning a save in his only appearance, but easily had the best arm strength of any pitcher on the Bethesda staff. He also flashed a quality slider. But on a deep and talented staff, Renfroe’s arm was considered expendable.



Staff ace Matt Bowman (Princeton) went 5-2, 0.82 with six walks in 51 innings, and was selected the league’s outstanding pitcher. Righthander Mike Aldrete (San Jose State), who also played shortstop for the Big Train when not pitching, was the team’s primary closer and didn’t allow a run all season while saving five games. His fastball reached 94 mph.



Aldrete, son of the former major leaguer, was named MVP of the league’s four-team championship series after hitting a game-winning two-run homer to win Game Two and saving the deciding contest. As a team, the Big Train posted a 2.41 ERA.



The Cal Ripken League, with nine teams based in and around the metropolitan areas of Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, has made significant strides in its seven years of existence, and it has been the two-team tandem of the Big Train and Youse’s Maryland Orioles that have dominated the league pretty much from the start.



The Big Train joined the league as an original franchise in 2006 after leaving the since-disbanded Clark Griffith League, while the Orioles, who have been in existence since 1952 under various names and sponsorships, came on board the same season after dominating the annual All-American Amateur Baseball Association World Series in Johnstown, Pa., through the years. That team is named in honor of the late Walter Youse, a long-time area scout who coached the team from 1957 until his death in 2005.



Despite finishing well behind the Big Train in the Cal Ripken League standings this summer, the Orioles recently waltzed through the 16-team AAABA World Series for its 28th title at that event.



Combining the success enjoyed this season by both the Big Train and Orioles, it’s been a break-out season, of sorts, for the Cal Ripken League—maybe not quite noteworthy enough to put the league on a par with the more-established Cape Cod League, but enough to enable it to continue its steady climb up the hierarchy of the nation’s top summer leagues.






FAIRMONT STATE POUNDS BOWIE STATE 49-20







(FAIRMONT, W.Va. – October 6, 2011) Fairmont State University jumped out to a 29 point halftime lead and cruised to a 49-20 non-conference victory over Bowie State University. The 49 points were the most given up by a Bowie State team since a 41-7 setback at Newberry in 2007.





“Tonight we just got beat by a better team and were bitten a little by the injury bug”, said a somber BSU head coach Damon Wilson. “We lost five starters on defense and we had some guys playing that hadn’t played all year … Fairmont State was 4-1 (now 5-1) for a reason.”





Bowie State (3-3) drew first blood at the 5:59 mark of the opening quarter when Senior Andre Johnson flipped a five-yard pass to redshirt Keith Brown for six Bulldogs points. The extra point was blocked by FSU’s Devin Johnson.





Fairmont State (5-1) responded on its next possession when Logan Moore connected on a 33-yard touchdown pass to Mark Sampson, capping off a 5-play, 62 yard drive. Frank Keenan added the extra point to give the Fighting Falcons a 7-6 lead.





Moore threw his second touchdown pass of the first half, this time connecting on a 45- yard bomb to Matt Wilmer. Keenan’s extra point increased the Fairmont State lead to 14-6 with 10:05 left in the first half.





After a four and out by Bowie State, Fairmont State’s Daniel Monroe scampered 25-yards for six more, pushing the Fighting Falcons lead to 21-6.





Following the kickoff, Bowie State gave away six more points via a fumble and illegal batting penalty against the Bulldogs, resulting in another touchdown for Fairmont State.





Damon Waters scooted in from 9-yards with 2:09 left in the first half and Keenan’s extra point, padded the Fairmont State lead to 35-6.





It didn’t take long for Fairmont State to increase its stronghold. The Fighting Falcons took the opening kickoff of the second half and found the Bulldogs’ end zone on Monroe 7-yard touchdown.





Bowie State’s Johnson penetrated the Fairmont State end zone on the very next Bulldogs possession, scoring from 4-yards out. Gagne’s PAT was good, making the score 42-13 with 11:59 remaining in the third quarter.





Matt Griffin capped off a 7-play, 30 yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown at the 6:18 mark of the final period, cushioning the Fairmont State lead at 49-13.





Bowie State was able to score one more touchdown with 1:13 left to play on a 9-yard pass and catch by senior Clifton “Dominique” Budd to junior Reginald McIntyre.





Fairmont State was led on offense by Moore’s 188 passing yards and Monroe’s 144 rushing yards.





Junior Marcelus Manear was the top Bulldog on the defensive side of the ball with six tackles and sophomores Delante White and Eric Walters along with juniors Quentin Walker and Antonio Bond added five tackles each.





Johnson threw for a season-high 200 yards, completing 21-of-35 and one touchdown, but was intercepted twice and sacked four times. Brown led Bowie State on the ground with 52 rushing yards on 10 carries and senior James Proctor caught seven passes for a game-high 97 yards.





Fairmont State ran 88 plays compared to 66 for Bowie State. FSU’s Fighting Falcons accumulated 412 yards of total offense while BSU’s Bulldogs rolled up 401 yards of total offense (326 passing).





The Bulldogs will return to the gridiron – Friday, October 14th for an 8 pm road conference game against Lincoln University of Pennsylvania at Avon Grove HS.





TURNER AND JORDAN SELECTED TO PRE-SEASON ALL-CIAA TEAM


Lady Bulldogs Predicted To Finish Fourth in CIAA North





(CHARLOTTE, N.C. – October 6, 2011) The 2011-2012 CIAA Women's Predicted Order of Finish and Pre-Season All-CIAA Team were announced at the Annual Basketball Press Conference held at the Charlotte Convention Center.





The Bowie State Lady Bulldogs were picked to finish fourth in the CIAA Northern Division as voted by the CIAA Women's Basketball Coaches Association. Virginia State University was picked to finish atop the conference’s Northern Division while defending CIAA Champion Shaw University was picked to finish first in the CIAA Southern Division.





Last season, the Bowie State University Lady Bulldogs finished 18-10 overall (12-6 CIAA), and second in the Division. A complete list of the 2010-2011 Pre-Season Team and Predicted Order of Finish is as follows;







Women’s Basketball


Northern Division


1. Virginia State University


2. Elizabeth City State University


3. Chowan University


4. Bowie State University


5. Virginia Union University


6. Lincoln University





Southern Division


1. Shaw University


2. Johnson C. Smith University


3. Winston-Salem State University


4. St. Augustine’s College


5. Livingstone College


6. Fayetteville State University





2011-2012 Women's Pre-Season Basketball Team

Chanita Jordan (Bowie State), Juliette Turner (Bowie State), Talaya Lynch (Chowan), Ransheda Jennings (Chowan), Shatara Jackson (Elizabeth City State), DeAudra Brown (Elizabeth City State), Terran Quattlebaum (Johnson C. Smith), LaQwesha Gamble (Johnson C. Smith), Rashida Elbourne (Livingstone), Umeka Benson (St. Augustine’s), Courtney Medley (Winston-Salem State) and Jasmine Newkirk (Winston-Salem State).




HYMAN AND CLARK HEADLINE CIAA PRE-SEASON TEAM


Bowie State Selected To Finish First in CIAA Northern Division





(CHARLOTTE, N.C. – October 6, 2011) The 2011-2012 CIAA Men's Predicted Order of Finish and Pre-Season All-CIAA Team were announced at the Annual Basketball Press Conference held at the Charlotte Convention Center.





The Bowie State University Bulldogs were picked to finish first in the CIAA Northern Division as voted by the CIAA Men's Basketball Coaches Association. Elizabeth City State University was picked to finish second in the division and Virginia Union University rounded out the top three picks. Defending CIAA Champion Shaw University was picked to finish first in the CIAA Southern Division followed by Johnson C. Smith University and Winston-Salem State University.





Last season, the Bowie State University Bulldogs finished the season with a 23-6 overall (16-2 CIAA), first in the Northern Division for the second straight year and advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA D-II Atlantic Region. A complete list of the 2011-2012 Pre-Season Team and Predicted Order of Finish is as follows;





Men’s Basketball


Northern Division


1. Bowie State University


2. Elizabeth City State University


3. Virginia Union University


4. Virginia State University


5. Chowan University


6. Lincoln University





Southern Division


1. Shaw University


2. Johnson C. Smith University


3. Winston-Salem State University


4. Fayetteville State University


5. Livingstone College


6. St. Augustine’s College





2011-2012 Men's Pre-Season Basketball Team



Darren Clark (Bowie State), Travis Hyman (Bowie State), Marquie Cooke (Elizabeth City State), Rondy Tucker (Elizabeth City State), Sidney Evans (Fayetteville State), Jamel Carpenter (Fayetteville State), Trevin Parks (Johnson C. Smith), Denzel Mooney (Lincoln (PA), Joel Kindred (St. Augustine’s), Antonio Smith (Shaw), Ibn-Saed Rasoull (Virginia State) and Lamar Monger (Winston-Salem State).



Good Counsel Survives Against DeMatha

by: Branden Roth 10/8/2011

Photos: Football: Good Counsel vs DeMa...;

Videos: Football: DeMatha vs. Good Cou...;


DeMatha played their best game yet this season, but it just wasn’t quite enough to take down the likes of Good Counsel. For three and a half quarters, it looked as if DeMatha could actually pull out a victory, but Kendall Fuller snatched the game back with a late fourth quarter interception in the end zone as the Falcons defeated a tough DeMatha team, 35-21.



“I thought Dematha outplayed us for most of the game," Good Counsel coach Bob Milloy said. "As far as I’m concerned, DeMatha is back, and they’ve never been anywhere. It was a good game.”



The first quarter started off with a bang as Good Counsel drove down the field on their first drive, eventually scoring on a Wes Brown touchdown run. Shortly after, DeMatha's Roman Williams threw a pass to Chris King for a touchdown to make it 7-6 at the end of the first quarter.



The second quarter was mostly a defensive struggle. Michael Moore came up with a couple big sacks, as did Stefon Diggs. Both of these teams were extremely aggressive and there were a lot of big hits on the day. On special teams, however, Diggs got his hands on a punt return midway through the second quarter and took it back to the house to make the score at half 14-6.



The third quarter started fast and furious with the Falcons coming out of the gate strong. Brendan "Whitey" Marshall threw a 70-yard pass to Kendall Fuller, which set up a Dorian O’Daniel touchdown run. But then DeMatha got some momentum. Roman Williams threw a bomb to Chris King for an 85-yard TD pass to make it 21-13. The Stags held Good Counsel to a three-and-out on the next drive. DeMatha proceeded to have another nice drive ending with a Michael Moore TD Catch and Brent Wilkerson two-point conversion to make the score 21-21 at the end of the third quarter.



Dorian O’Daniel opened the fourth quarter with a 60-yard TD run to make the score 28-21. DeMatha proceeded to have a drive that encompassed nearly 75 yards and ate up a lot of the time in the fourth quarter, but it would be all for none as Kendall Fuller jumped a route in the endzone and returned it to DeMatha’s 25-yard line. DeMatha had Good Counsel in a third and 10 from the 25, but Diggs came up with a big catch to give the Falcons a first down and assure Good Counsel the win. Dorian O’Daniel eventually capped the drive with a touchdown run, his third of the day.



“We made one too many mistakes," DeMatha coach Elijah Brooks said. "Defense and the passing game played well, so there are things to be proud of and we look forward to hopefully playing them again later in the year. Right now we just have to re-group and focus on another tough team next week in St. John’s.”



Rushing Leaders


Good Counsel: Dorian O'Daniel (14-111), Wes Brown (14-46), Kenall Fuller (2-39)


DeMatha: Charlie Jordan (10-37), Mark Allen (7-13), Taiwan Deal (4-10)


Passing Leaders


Good Counsel: Brendan Marshall (6-11-108)


DeMatha: Roman Williams (14-24-270)


Receiving Leaders


Good Counsel: Kendall Fuller (3-67), Stefon Diggs (3-41)


DeMatha: Chris King (3-130), Cam Phillips (3-51), Michael Moore (2-22), Jamal Robinson (1-20), Chris Jones (2-18), Brent Wilkerson (1-7), Troy Bullock (2-2)

Excellence does not happen by accident

-By Marie

The Desire to Win

What will YOU do to win???

1.  Will you train hard?
2.  Eat right?
3.  Get enough sleep?
4.  Work on proper technique?

I will mention Michael Jordan right now,  because he started at the bottom and ended on the top.  He was cut once from his High School basketball team, and now he is considered to be one of the best, if not THE best basketball player of all time.

As you lace up your shoes to walk out on to the court/field, can you say that you have properly prepared for the game you are about to play?  Have you done each of the 4 things mentioned above?  If your answer is yes, you have made a step in the right direction.  Nothng can beat proper preparation  Not natural physical talent, or coaching during the game.

I have never heard anyone say at the beginning of a game that they don't care if they win or lose, but if you have not done all you can do before the game starts, that is EXACTLY what you are saying.

As a professional player MJ was known for his game preparation.  He worked out in the gym 2 hours a day during the season, and 3 to 4 hours a day during the off-season.  Even after scoring 60 points in a game, he would watch that film and point out the things he could have done better.

Everyone wants to PLAY like Mike.  But ask yourself again.  Have you PREPARED like Mike?

Baseball Passion

Passion!!! Otherwise known as emotion, strong amorous feeling or desire, love, or ardor.

Wednesday afternoon Former #46 Orioles Pitcher Mike Flanagon was found dead in his home located in Monkton, Maryland.

Flanagan was known as witty, sharp, and clever. He was a great teammate, a very good pitcher and won 167 games in his career. He had a record of 23 and 9 with a ERA of 3.08 and five shutouts. The type of pitches you would see from Flanagan were a sinking fast ball and a amazing curve ball, great pick-off moves and great control. With all these talents rounded into one person, the Orioles made it to the world series in 1979, and in that same year he was give the American League Cy Young Award. Could you ask for a better pitcher to be added to your baseball memories, maybe, but in the eyes of Orioles fan, I don't think so.

He played for the Orioles from 1975 to 1987 then was traded to the Blue Jays in 1987 to 1990 and then back to the Orioles in 1991 through 1992. The last game of his career was against the Red Sox, It’s the perfect ending to Flanagan’s career. In the top of the eighth of a game Baltimore’s losing, 6-1 to Boston, Orioles manager Johnny Oates called Flanagan out to pitch is final pitches.

There is a reason why Oriole fans are honoring his death; Passion!! The love and support of memories of a great pitcher who had Passion. Flanagan will never be forgotten.

DeMatha Training Camp Report2 Defensive Backfield is Catching Up

If yesterday's practice is any indication, DeMatha will have one of its fastest defensive backfields in the school's history. They are young so expect them to make big plays and some big mistakes all at warp speed. Defensive coordinator Deno Campbell talked with US Sports Radio's Nate Lewis about the D' so far. (Coach Campbell is recovering from a collision with a player, [Joe Pa' style] which is why he did this spot sitting down)



On the other side of the ball Brent Wilkerson (TE committed to Penn State) talked about where he needs to improve to help the Stags in the run game.

Next week we will have special teams and team updates as the Stags get ready for their first live scrimmage against Westfield next Friday.

DeMatha Football Training Camp Report1...More Fun?

That is the word from players after 2 days of Training Camp. Not much can be said about this team in shells right now except there is a different energy. I saw coach (Elijah) Brooks 'Jawing' and joking a little with his players during Saturday's conditioning portion of the morning session.DeMatha standout Linebacker and future WVU Mountaineer Sam Lebbie even went so far to say, as you will see, that the players actually look forward to practice. Now you might imply that something was different or wrong with practicing under former coach Bill McGregor, but I take it from this senior that again it is just a different way to work towards the same goal: Get that championship trophy out of Olney in November.

Later this week we will give you a player update on the most important and right now according to Coach Brooks, most open competition on the field as DeMatha searches for a Quarterback to lead them in this 2011 campaign. That certainly will be the most interesting storyline coming out of camp this August and of course into the season. Stay tuned.

Speaking of staying tuned. We are tuned up and ready to bring your some kick booty football coverage on US Sports Networks this fall!
August 20th 7:55pm EST we will be broadcasting live from FireStation One in Silver Spring as the D.C. Divas will putting the cap on the 2011 season. Diva Time: The D.C. Divas Football Show.

August 25th 6:05pm EST we have ressurected the US Sports Coaches Show live from the DeMatha High School Alumni Kickoff Party. Then every Tuesday night 7-10pm EST live from Glory Days Grill in Bowie MD, with DeMatha head Coach Elijah Brooks and Bowie State Head Coach Damon Wilson.

Oh yeah..Then we actuall play some football Thursday September 1, 4:15pm EST The 2nd Annual I-95 Kickoff Classic on US Sports Radio. Whew! get ready Pigskin Heads Unite!

The 'Training Camp Meal Plan'...

Now most players aren't thinking of this. Many think that 'carbing up' means an extra order of fries at their favorite fast food eatery.
Well the smart athletes, and those are the ones I want to focus on here, will plan your meals like you would a date with Pamela Anderson in her prime.


Here is a sample meal guide with shopping list from the US Sports Strength and Conditioning System
Now the Meal plan:



Meal plan of 7 Days for Calories

Day 1 : Breakfast, 1 cup skim milk, 2 slices whole wheat toast, 2 tsp jelly, ½ cup apple juice, 1 pat of butter,


Lunch - 1 cup macaroni, 2 oz (56.6 grams) hamburger, 1 cup green beans, 2oz (56.6 grams) parmesan cheese,

Snack - 1 orange

Dinner - 2oz (56.6 grams) chicken breast, 1 large baked potato, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 2 cups broccoli, 1 cup skim milk




Day 2 : Breakfast, 1 cup oatmeal, ½ cup orange juice, 1 cup skim milk, 1 pat butter,

Lunch - Ham sandwich, 2oz (56.6 grams) ham, 2 slices rye bread, ½ c fruit cocktail, ½c peas/ ½c carrots,

Snack - 1 banana

Dinner - 1c spaghetti/meat sauce, 3oz (84.9 grams) ground beef, 1 cup skim milk, 1 cup green beans



Day 3 : Breakfast, 1 english muffin, 1 cup skim milk, ½ cup applesauce, 2 pats of butter,

Lunch - Tuna salad, 2oz (56.6 grams) water packed tuna, 2 slices whole wheat bread, 1 peach, 1/2 cup carrots,

Dinner - ..Hey where can I get a plan like this? Click Here to see more.


Nutrition Software Disclaimer:
This nutrition program follows ADA guidelines and is not to replace the counsel of a qualified Health Care Professional and is not designed for people with specific pathological conditions. Please consult your physician before starting any exercise or nutrition program. This sports nutrition program is for educational use only.

Countdown to Training Camp..Easy on the throttle 'playuh'

With High School, College, and even pro camps 7-14 days away. Your strength and conditioning programs should be winding down in a way.


Your max lifts on the power movements (Squat, deadlift, power cleans, clean and jerk, snatches, etc.,) should happen within the next 5 days and then take your weights down a notch or two and focus on muscle endurance. The good news is that with this version of recovery, you should get even a little stronger by the time you hit the sled in first sweltering practice next week or so.

Reduce your sprints during your speed, agility, and quickness workouts by 10%. If you were doing 15-150 meter sprints per workout go hard for 10-12. Or you can ditch one or more sprint workouts for a middle distance run 1200-1500 meters at 3/4 speed.

The only thing that you should increase at this time is stretching. Even though you have been training year round (or at least I hope you have) muscle pulls and strains or worse generally take place in the first week or two of camp. You can help yourself not become one of these statistics by making sure that you are maximally flexible during these two weeks leading up to camp.

Once camp starts, if your team does not have a structured, in-season lifting program, do 2-4 days a week of basic strength and power workouts with no Olympic movements in the program. You will do this for the duration of the season. Make sure your last workout of the week is at least 48 hours away from game day. During this period you are just trying to get stronger in the 1-5 rep range to help decrease recovery time after games and reduce the chances of injury.

Tomorrow we will get into training camp nutrition so that you can not only survive camp, but help possibly secure a starting spot in September.

Lastly, if you have done everything that you know to prepare for camp, don't stress. Football will be one of the most memorable times of your life. Enjoy the ride, go to the beach, buy your girlfriend some flowers, be nice for a day to Mom, Dad, and your annoying Sister. Yeah surprise her with niceness, it will really make her mad!

Attention Athletes!
Improve your Strength, Speed, and Agility.
The US Sports Online Strength and Conditioning System
"Serious Programs For Serious Athletes"
www.fitnessgenerator.com/ussportsradio

Intensity Or Insanity? 'hmmm....'

What is Intensity and How does it apply to my strength and conditioning program?

I don't get this kind of question a lot, but I wish I did. This could be the key component to your winning on the field this season.
It is not an easy concept to convey but we can start with the 'all knowing' Wikepedia short definitions:
Physical ability

    * Physical strength, as in people or animals
    * Superhuman strength, as in fictional characters
    * A common character attribute in role-playing games

Conflict between persons or groups:

    * Virtue and moral uprightness
    * Courage or fortitude in the face of moral or social pressure
    * Persuasiveness of an argument
    * Military strength

 Politics

    * Party strengths. See political party

 Physics

    * Strength of materials, ability to withstand an applied stress without failure
          o Compressive strength, capacity to withstand axially directed pushing forces
          o Tensile strength, maximum stress while being stretched or pulled before necking
          o Shear strength, the ability to withstand shearing
    * Strength (explosive), the ability of an explosive to move surrounding material
    * Field strength, the magnitude of a field's vector
    * Signal strength, the magnitude of an electric field at a reference point
Okay that is getting a little brainy. Let me put it this way:
Intensity is when you are doing a heavy barbell squat and you don't think you can do any more reps and do one more rep.
Intensity is when you have to muster that little extra energy that causes a lift, a little more burst of speed, a little higher vertical that you didn't even know you had.

Intensity is hitting harder in the 4th quarter than you do in the 1st quarter of a close game.

In essence intensity is giving everything you got in every workout, every practice, every film study, every class, every exam, every relationship, every day. Maybe this is what Charlie Sheen meant by: "Winning"

Now you can't be very intense on the field if you consider playing Madden all day, all summer long your preparation off the field. Don't give your opponents the decided advantage this season. If a personal trainer or strength coach is not an affordable option, then think again. The US Sports Online Strength and Conditioning System starts at $25 per month! Train online save money, save time, and most of all; be ready to play! Click on the banner below to get started.

O-linemen, Lose the Fat Not Weight

"My QB Is Safe!"

Age old debate here. Would you rather have bunch of athletic 'hogs' or a Panzer Division protecting your QB and making holes for the horses in the backfield.

Well the answer is already on the field. Offensive linemen do not look that offensive anymore in modern football. They are leaner, faster and quicker while still weighing in on average over 300 lbs.

So how do you big boys train in the off season to achieve this level of performance? As there are days of our lives, there are many ways to go here, but the basic answer is: Much like the rest of your team. Here is a sample of the NFL Combine Workout from the Us Sports Online Strength and Conditioning System:

Week 12 - Day 3 (Thursday) of Billy Dee Arnez's Program	Week Difficulty: Very Hard
View Printer Friendly Version

Click on an Exercise Name to view a description of that exercise

Select		Exercise Name	Set and Rep Combinations
	1	Warmup and Stretch	8 minutes
	2	Video Power Clean	5 reps @ 125 lbs, 4 reps @ 150 lbs, 3 reps @ 175 lbs, 1 reps @ 200 lbs, 1 reps @ 225 lbs, 1 reps @ 235 lbs, 1 reps @ 225 lbs, 1 reps @ 225 lbs, 2 reps @ 210 lbs
	3	Video Reverse Hypers	8 reps @ 70 lbs, 8 reps @ 70 lbs, 8 reps @ 70 lbs
	4	Video Close Grip Pull Ups	17 reps, 17 reps, 13 reps
	5	Video Cable Close Grip Row (Low Pulley)	10 reps @ 175 lbs, 10 reps @ 175 lbs, 10 reps @ 175 lbs
	6	Keiser Hip Extension	10 reps @ 195 lbs, 10 reps @ 195 lbs, 15 reps @ 165 lbs
	7	Keiser Hip Flexion	10 reps @ 130 lbs, 10 reps @ 130 lbs, 15 reps @ 110 lbs

As always don't try any program without consulting your physician first. So big boys...Get Lean before camp and you are that much closer to securing a starting position in September.

Get your Max Lifts In Now!

Your Strength Coach Right There In  Your Hard Drive!

Nate Lewis-US Sports Strength and Conditioning
Friday May 27, 2011 1:26pm EST
With a little over 3 months until training camp for most of you, Get your max lifts in now to set the bar for your heaviest lifts. Your summer 8-12 week training cycle should consist of endurance type lifts heavy enough to be challenging, but light enough generally to get multiple  reps and sets.

This will help get your body ready for the pounding of training camp and minimize the shock of the first days in pads. I will usually take the football players that I train through a boxing conditioning program that will consist of many typical lifts but obviously with the anaerobic threshold in mind. Here is a snippet from a workout I designed for a D-lineman in Texas:

Select		Exercise Name	Set and Rep Combinations
	1	Warmup and Stretch	8 minutes
	2	Video Squat	10 reps @ 320 lbs, 5 reps @ 385 lbs, 3 reps @ 445 lbs, 2 reps @ 510 lbs, 4 reps @ 540 lbs, 6 reps @ 510 lbs, 6 reps @ 510 lbs, 10 reps @ 385 lbs
	3	Video Dumbbell Step Up	6 reps @ 70 lbs, 6 reps @ 80 lbs, 6 reps @ 80 lbs
	4	Video Dumbbell Reverse Lunge	6 reps @ 70 lbs, 6 reps @ 80 lbs, 6 reps @ 80 lbs
	5	Video Jump Rope General	3 Minutes
	6	Video Machine Leg Curl	8 reps @ 200 lbs, 8 reps @ 200 lbs
	7	Video Dumbbell Incline Bench Press (30 Degree)	6 reps @ 110 lbs, 6 reps @ 125 lbs, 6 reps @ 125 lbs
	8	Video Push Ups (regular position)	68 reps, 68 reps, 53 reps
	9	Video Push Ups (wide position)	51 reps, 51 reps
	10	Video Dumbbell Arnold Press	6 reps @ 75 lbs, 6 reps @ 85 lbs, 6 reps @ 85 lbs

You can see the Jump Rope intervals after the leg portion of the workout. This is a good way for you to 'get your legs' conditioned for the grind of the season ahead.

This is just a portion of a workout for a specific player so please do not try this at home without your doctor's clearance and proper supervision. In other words don't be a knucklehead!

To get your own custom workout, speed, agility, and quickness program with a detailed nutrition plan go to www.fitnessgenerator.com/ussportsradio and I will personally help you get ready to play!

Here we go again time to get ready to play!

Well it seems to happen year-round, but I see it more this time of year. Top-notch football players wasting their time in the gym doing bodybuilding or even worse 'no intensity' style workouts.

Look it's OK to look good for the beach in May, but guess what? You are going to look real good in your uniform in September flat on your back, ball fumbled, games los,s because you weren't training for football but your best body contest.

Hey if you want to be the next Tyson Beckford then stay on your path, but if you want to get ready to win, talk to you trainer or strength coach immediately or your six-pack is going to look like a rusty tall boy if you don't get serious now.
Need help?

Divas 'D' for Devastating!

-by Nate Lewis US Sports Network
After 3 weeks of football (which by comparison has to be the same at 6 weeks of the men's game) If your D.C. Divas are the championship squad that they look to be; then we will continue to see the 'shut down', 'lock down' performances of the Defense.

While the offense is averaging 326 yards per game and more importantly leading the WFA in first downs (41) the so far always fresh defense has allowed 8.7 points per game while sporting bona fide defensive stars in Tiffany Matthews (LB) and Rookie Nicole Fisk (DB). 'Tiff' by the way is 2nd in tackles for loss with 11 which will create a lot of down time for the defense with 3 and outs.

LB Tiffany Matthews has been a major headache for opposing offenses

Now there are still things that the Diva 'D' need to work on. There seem to be soft spots in the zone from a passing perspective that teams have had some success with. The Divas have been able to hide those deficiencies with pressure on opposing Quarterbacks thus far. But with tough matchups against good passing squads coming up, Diva Nation is hoping that that issue is addressed during this bye week.
Also the Divas are leading the league in penalties (31) and even though the Offense shares in this burden, you don't want to give away first downs to high scoring teams like New York and Boston down the stretch.

Look, in football nobody's glass is 100% full but the Divas particularly on the defensive side of the ball, certainly have more than half with more water out there.

Tune in Friday 04/21 at 9:15am for Diva Time, The D.C. Divas Football Show. We will be talking to Divas coaches players and special guests BJ from Womens Football Talk. go to www.ussportsentertainment.com or click on the big player above to tune in. We will be taking your chat questions as well.

D.C. Divas Looking Good Nearing the 1/2 way mark...

-Nate Lewis US Sports Network 04/20/11 11:11AM EST

 In case you haven't noticed, your D.C. Divas are winning impressively, even when they aren't playing at their best. The good news for the 2-0 Divas is that they can get even better as this season progresses, especially in the defensive backfield. Explosive as they want to be on offense the 'real first ladies of football' have outscored opponents 110 to 26 after 3 games.
They have the ability to run the ball 30-40 times per game with Grisby and Pickett in the backfield. And oh by the way wait until Rachelle Pecovsky works her way back into football shape." Tomorrow a few thoughts on the Divas 'D' because as they say: You can score 35 points a game, but you better keep your opponent under 35 to win." More profound insights tomorrow.


-(Pictured) Okima Pickett is averaging 5.3 yards per carry from her fullback position in 2011

William Bailey Earns All-American Status At NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships

(ALBUQUERQUE, NM)  Bowie State University sophomore William Bailey (Upper Marlboro, MD, Bowie) placed sixth overall in the Long Jump at the NCAA Division II Indoor National Championships hosted by Adams State College.

Bailey went 7.40m in the preliminary event and jumped 7.12m (23-04.50) in the finals which earned him All-American status.  This marks the second time in Bailey's career that he has earned All-American status.  He was selected an All-American in the same event at the 2010 Outdoor Nationals and was also named Atlantic Region Field Athlete of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) in 2010.

Bulldogs junior Artavius Williams (Baltimore, MD, Baltimore Polytechnic) also participated in the 2011 Indoor Nationals, placing 11th overall in the Triple Jump (14.13m / 46.04.25).

BOWIE STATE FALLS 94-81 IN NCAA REGION SEMIFINAL TO INDIANA (PA)

            (WEST LIBERTY, WV – March 13, 2011) Indiana University of Pennsylvania fell into a 14-point hole in the opening seven minutes of the game before the trio of Ashton Smith, Julian Sanders and Scooter Renkin rallied the Crimson Hawks to a 94-81 win over Bowie State University in the semifinals of the NCAA Atlantic Region.

            The Bulldogs made four 3-pointers in the first six minutes of the game and built an 18-4 lead on a steal by junior Darren Clark with 13:22 left in the half.  Ashton Smith hit a jumper on IUP’s first shot attempt of the game, but the Crimson Hawks missed four shots and committed six turnovers as the Bulldogs surged ahead.

            Renkin got the Crimson Hawks comeback started when he converted a steal into a layup and was fouled, making the free throw for a three-point play.  Smith made three buckets, including a 3-pointer, and Willi Estrella made two free throws at the 10:22 mark to cap a 14-2 run that pulled IUP within 20-16.

            Bowie State (26-3) held a 30-27 lead, but triples by Smith and Julian Sanders put the Crimson Hawks in front 33-30. Scooter Renkin scored seven straight points and his 3-pointer with 2:44 remaining in the first half made it a 40-34 Indiana (PA) lead.  The Crimson Hawks strolled into halftime with a 46-40 advantage.

            Indiana University of Pennsylvania (26-5) shot 57 percent from the field in the first half, hitting 17-of-30, which included five-of nine beyond the arc. 

            Bowie State hit 48 percent of its first period field goals (15-of-31), which included six-of-11 behind the 3-point line.

            The Crimson Hawks used the long ball to get back in the game and eventually pulled away from Bowie State.  IUP was red hot from 3-point distance, connecting on 13-of-19 (68 percent), 60 percent overall from the field and 23-of-26 (89 percent) from the charity stripe.

            Sanders and Smith hit 3-pointers on consecutive IUP possessions to make it 78-69 with 6:09 left in the game, and Darryl Webb along with Kevin Stewart also dialed up 3-pointers on back-to-back shots with the latter giving the Crimson Hawks their first double digit lead of the game at 84-72 with 4:04 remaining.  Webb scored nine points over the final 4:35 and IUP made all six of its free throw attempts in the final minute to secure the win.

            Smith scored a game-high 24 points, Sanders had 22 and Renkin added 14 points to lead five Crimson Hawks in double figures.

            Clark led Bowie State’s Bulldogs with 20 points followed by senior Eric Vann with 15.  Junior Jay Gavin and sophomore Bryan Wilson chipped in a dozen points each in the season ending loss.

(Bowie State U) BULLDOGS ADVANCE WITH 79-59 WIN OVER MANSFIELD

            (WEST LIBERTY, WV – March 12, 2011)  Making their first post season appearance since 2005, Bowie State University took advantage of the opportunity and defeated Mansfield University 79-59 to advance to Sunday’s 5 pm NCAA Regional semifinal.

            Bowie State (23-5), ranked No. 19 in the final NCAA Division II poll, led from start to finish and converted 18 Mansfield turnovers into 32 points. 

The Bulldogs bolted out to a 17-4 lead before the first media timeout and shot 51 percent from the floor in the first half, knocking down 18-of-35.

Mansfield (18-10) really struggled in the first half of play, hitting only eight-of-28 (29 percent) from the field. 

Bowie State held a double-digit lead until a pair of free throws and a 3-pointer by Mansfield’s Derrison Anthony trimmed the Bulldogs lead to 23-17 at the 10:34 mark of the opening period.

Bowie State went on a 17-3 run over the next 10 minutes and used that momentum for a very comfortable 45-25 cushion by halftime.

The Bulldogs lead grew to a game-high 25 points (50-25) early in the second half, which allowed Bowie State coach Darrell Brooks a chance to go deep into his bench.

“I was very, very thrilled with this post season victory”, said Brooks.  “For our guys to come back and forget about our conference tournament loss and perform the way we did today makes me happy.”

Bowie State juniors Darren Clark and Travis Hyman paced the Bulldogs with 24 and 21 points respectively to lead Bowie State.  Senior Eric Vann added 15 points to go along with four steals and four assists.

“This was a big win for us and tremendous morale booster for the team”, said Clark.

            Yuseff Carr led Mansfield with a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds.

            The Bulldogs will take on the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Crimson Hawks – Sunday (March 13) at 5 pm in the Academic, Sports and Recreation Center (ASRC) on the West Liberty (W.Va.) University campus.

New Year's Revolution!

Let's face it. Everyday you resolve to accomplish things so do we really need the start of the new year to actually do something about those things that we resolved to do about last year?
 Those habits that we wished to start or stop that we started or stopped around February of last year?
 How about this: "Be your best at all times"

Don't take this shmuck's word for it. try some real experts:

“This won't be good enough. It wasn't good enough today. It won't be good enough against anybody else, either.”
“One thing that could be a problem is breaking old habits. It's not that you don't understand what the new responsibilities or plays are, but just the fact that you've been doing something a long time and you're kind of used to doing it, it's a habit, and that's not what's required in the other system and that means kind of undoing something before you can even start to do something new.” Bill Belchick Head Coach New England Patriots

"A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything."
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. "
Malcom X

 "As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others. "
"It's fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure. "
Bill Gates

I am preaching and teaching myself as well as musing to you right now. Let's follow our dreams with prayer, planning and daily action. ...oh like writing a daily blog nate? Happy New Year!