MEAC Early Rounds

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament Recaps

by Michael Protos

First Round

No. 6 Morgan State 77, No. 11 Maryland-Eastern Shore 56

No. 6 Morgan State proved that balance and teamwork can overcome a spectacular individual performance in the Bears’ 77-56 opening round win against No. 11 Maryland-Eastern Shore. The Bears had four players reach double figures in scoring, and the team shot better than 53 percent from the field. Their effort overcame a 30-point performance by the Hawks’ junior guard Corey Brown. Brown hit four three-pointers and hit 10-of-17 field-goal attempts.

But Morgan State pulled away in the second half after leading by only two at halftime. The Bears did not allow another Hawk to reach double figures and held Maryland-Eastern Shore to 34 percent shooting from the field. Senior guard Sam Brand led the Hawks with 18 points, and senior center Aaron Andrews recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

The Bears advance to play No. 3 Coppin State Thursday. Morgan State lost at home to Coppin State 66-62 but won on the road 59-57 less than a week ago. The rubber match will earn one team a trip to the semifinals.

No. 7 Florida A&M 80, No. 10 Howard 56

The No. 7 Rattlers moved forward in their defense of the MEAC title by beating No. 10 Howard 80-56. Florida A&M ambushed the Bison with great shooting, making more than 57 percent of the shots from the field. Junior forward Darius Glover and senior center Michael Harper led the team with 13 points apiece. Harper came off the bench, which scored 40 of the team’s 80 points.

Howard struggled on offense all night, making less than 36 percent of the team’s field-goal attempts. Sophomore guard Will Gant came off the bench to lead the team with 16 points. Forced to come from behind, Howard jacked up three pointers that just wouldn’t fall. The Bison were 9-of-27 from beyond the arc, and Florida A&M cleaned the glass for a 33-24 rebounding edge.

The Rattlers advance to the quarterfinals to play No. 2 Hampton Wednesday night. Florida A&M lost both regular-season games to Hampton, but the Rattlers haven’t played Hampton since the team ended the season by winning six of seven games.

No. 8 Bethune Cookman 76, No. 9 North Carolina A&T 62

No. 8 Bethune Cookman relied on junior guard Antonio Webb and senior forward Diondre Larmond to carry the Wildcats to a 76-62 win against No. 9 North Carolina A&T. Webb led all scorers with 24 points, and Larmond added 22, the only other Wildcat to reach double figures in scoring.

While Bethune Cookman lacked offensive balance, the Aggies lacked offensive stability, as 21 turnovers disrupted the team’s ability to function consistently. Sophomore guard Sean Booker led the team with 16 points in the losing effort. The Aggies attempted to rally with a perimeter-oriented attack that produced a mediocre 7-of-27 three-point ratio.

Bethune Cookman plays top-seeded Delaware State Wednesday. The Wildcats dropped the only regular-season meeting in a tight 63-61 home loss.

Quarterfinal Recaps

No. 1 Delaware State 66, No. 8 Bethune Cookman 43

No. 1 Delaware State annihilated No. 8 Bethune Cookman in nearly every facet of the game in a 66-43 quarterfinal romp. The Hornets shot better than 60 percent from the field, twice as good as the Wildcats’ 30 percent. The Hornets out-rebounded Bethune Cookman by seven. The only blemish on their box score was 21 turnovers. But the Wildcats failed to capitalize on the Hornets’ mistakes.

Junior guard Darrin Shine led three Hornets in double figures with 13 points. Junior guard Antonio Webb was the only Wildcat to reach double figures with 10 points. The Wildcats managed to score only 17 points in the first half, and poor shooting doomed in hope of a comeback. Delaware State will play South Carolina State in the semifinals. The Hornets swept the season series.

No. 2 Hampton, 81, No. 7 Florida A&M 72

No. 2 Hampton overcame a poor shooting performance to beat No. 7 Florida A&M 81-72, ending the Rattlers’ attempt to repeat as MEAC champs. Junior guard Jeff Granger and senior guard Devin Green had great games for the Pirates as Granger scored 26 points and Green added 24. Hampton shot only 36 percent from the floor, but the Rattlers committed 27 fouls, leading to 34 points from the free-throw line for Hampton.

The Rattlers were led by junior guard Tony Tate, who scored 18 points. Hampton’s bigger lineup dominated the Rattlers on the glass as the Pirates grabbed 38 rebounds to Florida A&M’s 26. The Rattlers shot the ball well – 50 percent from the floor – to hang around longer than the Pirates would have preferred. Hampton moves on to play Coppin State, which the Pirates beat on the road in the teams’ only meeting during the regular season.

No. 3 Coppin State 60, No. 6 Morgan State 43

No. 3 Coppin State overcame an ugly first half in which the Eagles scored only 19 points to beat No. 6 Morgan State 60-43. Free throws helped Coppin State rally, as the Eagles hit 19-of-26 attempts. Morgan State only went to the line 11 times in the game. Freshman forward Darryl Proctor was especially adept at finding his way to the line. He led the team with 21 points, 11 of which came at the free-throw line. Proctor also grabbed nine rebounds.

Morgan State struggled on offense for the entire game, shooting less than 36 percent from the field and committing 20 turnovers. With no offensive balance, Morgan State allowed the Eagles to rally in the second half. Senior center Aaron Andrews was the lone Golden Bear to reach double figures with 18 points. Coppin State advances to play Hampton in the semifinals.

No. 4 South Carolina State 76, No. 5 Norfolk State 59

No. 4 South Carolina State grinded out a 76-59 quarterfinal win against No. 5 Norfolk State. The Bulldogs used a combination of suffocating defense and fresh players to squash the Spartans. South Carolina State’s bench out-scored its counterpart 25-6. The Spartans shot less than 37 percent from the field. Norfolk State hit 21 field goals. In comparison, South Carolina State made 27 free throws. The foul disparity allowed the Bulldogs to score 15 more points from the line than the Spartans, a significant contributor to the outcome.

Senior swingman Thurman Zimmerman led the Bulldogs with 16 points and seven rebounds. Freshman guard Derrick Davis came off the bench to score 13 points for South Carolina State. Norfolk State couldn’t keep pace with the Bulldogs’ depth. Freshman guard Tony Murphy offered a glimpse of good times to come for the Spartans by scoring 21 points in the loss. Junior center Karandick Ogunride registered a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. South Carolina State moves on to play top-seeded Delaware State in the semifinals.

Semifinal Recaps

No. 1 Delaware State 61, No. 4 South Carolina State 48

It wasn’t pretty, but No. 1 Delaware State dispatched No. 4 South Carolina State 61-48. The Hornets overcame a sluggish first half that produced a 23-23 tie at the half. The second half was a different story as the Hornets continued to play strong defense but also found enough offensive consistency to outscore the Bulldogs by 13. Senior guard Bruce Davis sparked the offense with 12 points off the bench, tied for the team high with junior guard Darrin Shine.

South Carolina State was plagued by terrible shooting as the Bulldogs made less than 28 percent of their field-goal attempts. They made only one three-pointer in 13 attempts. Delaware State’s 4-of-13 from long range wasn’t much better, but it was more than enough against the Bulldogs. Sophomore guard Brian Mason scored 20 points to lead South Carolina State. With no shooting touch, the Bulldogs couldn’t afford many turnovers, and they committed 20 to help Delaware State seal the deal. The Hornets advance to the MEAC championship where No. 2 Hampton awaits. Delaware State swept the Pirates during the regular season.

No. 2 Hampton 62, No. 3 Coppin State 50

No. 2 Hampton moved within a game of the NCAA Tournament after beating No. 3 Coppin State 62-50 in the MEAC semifinals. After trailing by two at halftime, the Pirates shut down Coppin State in the second half, outscoring the Eagles 36-22. Senior swingman Devin Green helped rally the Pirates with a game-high 19 points and amazing 16 rebounds. Proving he could do everything, Green also hit 3-of-4 from three-point territory. The rest of the team was 1-of-15.

Coppin State’s bid for a semifinal upset was led by freshman forward Darryl Proctor, who scored 15 points. Proctor also grabbed seven rebounds, but the Eagles lost the rebounding battle 39-29. And after the Eagles made less than 31 percent of their shots, there was a plethora of rebounds to collect. The combination of bad shooting, mediocre rebounding and the unstoppable Devin Green spelled defeat for Coppin State. Hampton will play Delaware State for the right to play in the NCAA Tournament and claim the MEAC championship.

MEAC Season Recap

Mideastern Conference 2003-04 Season Recap

by Michael Protos

According to the RPI rankings, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference finished dead last of the 31 Division I conferences. The weakest conference had 10 of its 11 members finish in the bottom 100 of the RPI rankings. Only South Carolina State cracked the top 236 teams in the rankings, and even the Bulldogs snuck in by a slim margin at 228.

The MEAC’s situation is cyclical. Schools like Hampton and South Carolina State have had several strong years in the past, but all MEAC schools struggle to attract top prospects. They also rarely play strong schedules. Invariably, each MEAC team plays a handful of non-Division I squads, which kill the conference’s RPI, rendering the schools less attractive to established competition and the best high school players. But MEAC teams play those schools because so few other teams are willing to play these weaklings and thus damage the sacred strength of schedule statistic.

But in the midst of this gloomy environment, there is one bastion of hope – the MEAC’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Florida A&M won the conference tournament and earned the conference’s bid to the NCAA Tournament, in which the Rattlers beat the Patriot League’s representative, Lehigh, in the opening round. So in head-to-head tournament competition, the MEAC finished ahead of the Patriot League. There is salvation for the soul of MEAC basketball.

Throughout the regular season, South Carolina State dominated the conference, finishing with a 14-4 record and capturing first place. The Bulldogs were 5-0 against the conference’s top four teams. South Carolina State also picked up one of the best wins of any MEAC team – at Eastern Washington, an NCAA Tournament team.

Conference Tournament

An experienced, underachieving team offers endless frustration for the school’s loyal fan base. But it also offers the hope for spontaneous success, and Florida A&M fulfilled a season of promise in the MEAC conference tournament. Despite a mediocre regular season and a fifth place conference finish, the Rattlers swept through Hampton, top-seeded South Carolina State and Coppin State en route to an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Other than the Rattlers’ run, there were few upsets in any round.

The Rattlers shut down the MEAC’s best teams – South Carolina State and Coppin State – holding both squads under 55 points. Junior guard Tony Tate led Florida A&M to the championship with a career-high 20 points against Coppin State.

NCAA Tournament

Florida A&M’s first trip to the NCAA Tournament in five years was short-lived. Ranked as either the 64th or 65th team in the 65-team tournament, Florida A&M had to play Lehigh in the opening round. Leading scorer Terrence Woods delivered 21 points and Florida A&M’s stellar defense held Lehigh to 57 points. The Rattlers earned the 16th seed in St. Louis Region and a date with top-seeded Kentucky.

In the first round of the tournament, Florida A&M stayed close with Kentucky for most of the first half and into the second half. The Wildcats eventually pulled away as the Rattlers’ defense faltered against a high-major powerhouse. Kentucky won 96-76.

MEAC Most Valuable Player:

Thurman Zimmerman, South Carolina State

Zimmerman was the most consistent player on the MEAC’s most consistent team. South Carolina State cruised through the regular season as Zimmerman contributed 18.8 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. He had 11 double doubles and a 39-point explosion at eventual MEAC champion Florida A&M.

MEAC Rookie of the Year:

Sean Booker, North Carolina A&T

Booker claims this award for contributing the highest scoring average of any freshman, and he played on the conference’s worst team. North Carolina A&T has had a rough stretch in recent seasons, but Booker’s 14.5 points per game is a strong foundation to build on for next season.

MEAC Coach of the Year:

Mike Gillespie, Florida A&M

Gillespie wins the award because he turned a disappointing regular season into an NCAA Tournament bid. The Florida A&M Rattlers had a senior-laden lineup that finished fifth before snaking through the conference tournament and beating the MEAC’s top two seeds, South Carolina State and Coppin State.

Team by Team

South Carolina State Bulldogs (18-11, 14-4)

Team MVP: Thurman Zimmerman (18.8 ppg, 8.4 rpg)

Scoring leader: Zimmerman (18.8 ppg)
Rebound leader: Zimmerman (8.4 rpg)
Assist leader: Demeco Heath (2.9 apg)

Key Players Leaving:
None

Key Players Returning:
Zimmerman (junior forward18.8 ppg, 8.4 rpg)
Brian Mason (freshman guard 13.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg)
Shawn Wiggins (junior guard 11.0 ppg)
Heath (junior guard 9.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg)
Brandon Trapp (sophomore guard 6.9 ppg)

As good as the Bulldogs were this season, the goal for next season will be to win the conference tournament. Another conference title coupled with a tournament loss will not cut it. The Bulldogs return every major contributor, including conference MVP Thurman Zimmerman. He’ll be the odds-on favorite to win the title again next season. If the Bulldogs can convince a high-major programs to play them, South Carolina State could gather some invaluable experience that may allow them to compete in the NCAA Tournament against a No. 2, 3 or 4 seed.

Coppin State Eagles (18-14, 14-4)

Team MVP: Jimmy Boykin (13.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg)

Scoring leader: Boykin (13.9 ppg)
Rebound leader: Boykin (5.6 rpg)
Assist leader: Raheem Scott (2.5 apg)

Key Players Leaving:
Boykin (graduation)

Key Players Returning:
Kelvin Green (freshman forward 12.1 ppg)
Nicholas King (sophomore forward 10.8 ppg)
Scott (sophomore guard 6.0 ppg)

Coppin State loses senior leader Jimmy Boykin, and freshman Kelvin Green will have to step up to replace Boykin’s contributions. The Eagles finished atop the MEAC standings with South Carolina State, but the team needs every returning player to step up to keep pace with the Bulldogs next season.

Delaware State Hornets (13-15, 11-7)

Team MVP: Terrance Hunter (12.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg)

Scoring leader: Hunter (12.1 ppg)
Rebound leader: Aaron Matthews (5.7 rpg)
Assist leader: Miles Davis (3.0 apg)

Key Players Leaving:
Davis (graduation)
Matthews (graduation)

Key Players Returning:
Hunter (junior forward 12.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg)
Jahsha Bluntt (freshman forward 8.3 ppg)
Carlos Hawkins (junior forward 8.3 ppg)
Aaron Williams (junior guard 7.4 ppg)

The bottom line for the Hornets is that they will have a chance to compete as long as leading scorer Terrance Hunter remains on the team. Delaware State played excellent defense this past season, holding the opponent to 60 points or less in 10 of the team’s 13 victories. The solid defensive foundation will allow the team to keep games close while the Hornets mature offensively.

Hampton Pirates (13-17, 11-7)

Team MVP: Devin Green (15.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg)

Scoring leader: Green (15.2 ppg)
Rebound leader: Green (7.6 rpg)
Assist leader: Donald Didlake (2.7 apg)

Key Players Leaving:
Didlake (graduation)
Rodney Hughes (graduation)

Key Players Returning:
Green (junior forward15.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg)
Jeff Granger (sophomore guard15.0 ppg)
Bruce Brown (sophomore center 7.9 ppg)

Hampton has been a perennial contender in the MEAC for several seasons, and next season should be no different with the return of leading scorer and rebounder Devin Green. In addition to Green, who has the potential to compete for conference MVP, the Pirates return sophomore guard Jeff Granger. The pair is the most dynamic duo in the conference and have the potential to lead Hampton to the top of the standings.

Florida A&M Rattlers (15-17, 10-8)

Team MVP: Terrence Woods (20.3 ppg)

Scoring leader: Woods (20.3 ppg)
Rebound leader: Michael Harper (4.8 rpg)
Assist leader: Moses White (3.3 apg)

Key Players Leaving:
White (graduation)
Woods (graduation)
Demarcus Wilkins (graduation)

Key Players Returning:
Harper (junior center 9.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg)
Tony Tate (junior guard 7.4 ppg)

Florida A&M entered this past season with a senior-laden lineup that blossomed when it counted – the post-season. The Rattlers will have to replace the leadership of seniors Terrence Woods, Demarcus Wilkins and Moses White. Woods and Wilkins combined for one-third of the team’s scoring last season while White led the team to the NCAA Promised Land by dishing 3.3 assists per game. Juniors Michael Harper and Tony Tate must emerge as legitimate scoring threats or else the Rattlers will suffer a drop in the MEAC standings.

Norfolk State Spartans (12-17, 10-8)

Team MVP: Chakowby Hicks (15.9 ppg, 2.9 apg)

Scoring leader: Hicks (15.9 ppg)
Rebound leader: Karandick Ogunride (7.1 rpg)
Assist leader: Hicks (2.9 apg)

Key Players Leaving:
Derrick Smith (graduation)

Key Players Returning:
Hicks (junior guard 15.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg)
Ryan Grier (junior guard 12.7 ppg)
Karandick Ogunride (sophomore center 6.9 ppg, 7.1 rpg)

The Spartans proved to be a dangerous but inconsistent team this past season. They claimed two victories against conference regular season champ South Carolina State but also a loss to conference bottom-feeder North Carolina A&T. Inconsistency is usually the mark of inexperience. Sophomore center Karandick Ogunride could become the best big man in the conference, and he probably will need to play that way for the Spartans to compete for a conference title.

Morgan State Bears (11-16, 9-9)

Team MVP: Aaron Andrews (11.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg)

Scoring leader: Andrews (11.0 ppg)
Rebound leader: Andrews (6.2 rpg)
Assist leader: Cedrick Barrow (3.1 apg)

Key Players Leaving:
Andrews (graduation)
Barrow (graduation)
Reggie Winkfield (graduation)

Key Players Returning:
Christopher Grant (junior guard 10.3 ppg)
Sam Brand (junior guard 10.2 ppg)

Morgan State received balance scoring from several players, but the Bears lose their top scorer, senior Aaron Andrews, and top assist man, Cedrick Barrow. Juniors Christopher Grant and Sam Brand inherit the leadership positions on a team mired in the middle of the MEAC pack. Of the Bears’ 11 victories last season, nine were decided by five points or fewer. Although that means the team played well in the stretch, it also means that the Bears lack the ability to pull away from opponents. Unless this roster matures during the off-season, those close victories could turn into losses pretty easily.

Bethune Cookman Wildcats (8-21, 7-11)

Team MVP: Diondre Lamond (10.7 ppg)

Scoring leader: Lamond (10.7 ppg)
Rebound leader: Pape Ba (5.2 rpg)
Assist leader: O’Neal Carter (2.9 apg)

Key Players Leaving:
Lamond (graduation)
Ba (graduation)
Kendrick Frink (graduation)
Markey Picard (graduation)

Key Players Returning:
Anis Taylor (sophomore guard 7.9 ppg)
Carter (junior guard 6.1 ppg, 2.9 apg)

The Wildcats were not a spectacular team this past season, and they lose four important contributors. The result will be a rough season next season while new leaders emerge. Depending on how long it takes for players like sophomore Anis Taylor and junior O’Neal Carter to take the reins, next season could see the Wildcats plummet to the bottom of the MEAC tank.

Maryland-Eastern Shore Shore Hawks (8-21, 6-12)

Team MVP: Tee Trotter (19.3 ppg)

Scoring leader: Trotter (19.3 ppg)
Rebound leader: Javes Wiggins (6.9 rpg)
Assist leader: Trotter (2.0 apg)

Key Players Leaving:
Trotter (graduation)
Wiggins (graduation)

Key Players Returning:
Aaron Wellington (sophomore guard 11.2 ppg)
Tim Parham (sophomore center 6.0 ppg)

News: Frustrated with another losing season, the Shore Hawks canned coach Thomas Trotter and hired Lawrence Lessett Jr. Lessett has Division I experience as an assistant at Mercer, but this position will be his first attempt at Division I head coaching. Among his non-Division I coaching positions, Lessett collected 182 wins.

In addition to Trotter’s departure, the Shore Hawks watched one of the conference’s most potent scorers graduate this past year. Tee Trotter, who averaged nearly 20 points per game, will be sorely missed by a team that managed only six conference wins. Rebound-hog Javes Wiggins also graduated, meaning that sophomore center Tim Parham must become the next porker in the paint to collect loose balls. The Shore Hawks did not lose as much as other teams in the conference, but they still do not figure to advance far in the standings. Status quo may even prove to be a challenge.

Howard Bison (6-22, 4-14)

Team MVP: James Wilkinson (13.0 ppg, 6.1 rpg)

Scoring leader: Wilkinson (13.0 ppg)
Rebound leader: Wilkinson (6.1 ppg)
Assist leader: Louis Ford (5.0 apg)

Key Players Leaving:
Seye Aluko (graduation)

Key Players Returning:
Wilkinson (junior center 13.0 ppg, 6.1 rpg)
Ford (sophomore guard 9.6 ppg, 5.0 apg)
Bilal Russell (sophomore forward 7.1 ppg)

Howard dodged the bottom of the standings by the grace of a God-awful North Carolina A&T squad, and the timely contributions of junior James Wilkinson. The team’s leading scorer and rebounder must continue to post strong numbers if the Bison seek to avoid the cellar. The Bison struggled to score last season, managing just over 60 points per game. This squad must do better.

North Carolina A&T Aggies (3-25, 3-15)

Team MVP: Sean Booker (14.5 ppg)

Scoring leader: Booker (14.5 ppg)
Rebound leader: Chris Ferguson (7.1 rpg)
Assist leader: Brian Faulcon (3.1 apg)

Key Players Leaving:
Ferguson (graduation)

Key Players Returning:
Booker (freshman guard 14.5 ppg)
Faulcon (sophomore guard 6.2 ppg, 3.1 apg)
Steven Koger (junior guard 9.1 ppg)

North Carolina A&T struggled all season, posting only three victories. But the Aggies do boast the conference rookie of the year, Sean Booker. Booker led the team in scoring despite being a freshman. As he improves, along with the rest of this young team, the Aggies have an opportunity to climb out of the basement and into the middle of the MEAC standings. The roster includes nine freshmen or sophomores, so as these players mature, the Aggies will gain more ground on their opponents who lose several key players each year.

A Look Ahead

The MEAC may be unlikely to provide an NCAA champion any time soon – if ever. But the conference will be filled with excitement next season as five or six teams have a legitimate shot to win the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. A strong season by South Carolina State may even warrant a No. 14 or 15 seed. The Bulldogs’ fiercest competition figures to be Hampton and Delaware State. But don’t count out Norfolk State or Coppin State. The former is a team on the rise, while the latter matched the Bulldogs’ 14 conference wins and will remain a threat.

At the other end of the spectrum, North Carolina A&T has an opportunity to not finish last next season as teams like Bethune Cookman and Howard may slip a notch with the departure of a few leaders. None of these schools may strike fear into the hearts of high-major programs, but if those teams take the MEAC champion for granted, a perfect Cinderella story would be in the making. South Carolina State, Hampton and the rest of the MEAC will be waiting.

MEAC First Round Recap

Mid-Eastern Athletic First Round Recap
		Recap by Joaquin Mesa No. 6 Norfolk State 58, No. 11 North Carolina A&T 43 Leading scorer Chakowby Hicks proved that he was indeed a big game player as he threw in 19 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. He shot 10 of 11 from the line to help build a quick first half lead that Norfolk State defended until the very end. No. 7 Morgan State 60, No. 10 Howard 59 It was free-throw shooting that allowed Morgan State to come from behind in the second period and beat Howard. Reggie Winkfield led Morgan State with 15 points, shooting 50 percent from behind the arc. With under a minute left in the game, Chris Grant made a free-throw for the Bears, and it was the only lead they needed, 59-58. No. 9 Maryland Eastern Shore 51, No. 8 Bethune-Cookman College 50 Having a 9th seeded team beat an 8th seeded team is not all that uncommon, as it happens almost every year. Having Maryland Eastern Shore do it is another story. Despite their last field goal being scored with 3:39 left in the second half, the Hawks held on to defeat the Wildcats by a point in their first round match up. It was a last second miss by Diondre Larmond that helped the Hawks advance to the second round of the tournament.

MEAC Notebook

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Notebook

by Joaquin Mesa

Coppin State and South Carolina State have been the pride of the conference. Despite tough schedules, and even tougher losses to the likes of Florida State, South Carolina, Cincinnati, Missouri, Michigan State and Xavier, the two teams have built a strong lead in conference play. This is based largely on the fact that these two teams played a higher level of competition in their non-conference games.

In the beginning, it was Florida A&M that I put my money on, and they continue to fight alongside many of the top teams who are within two games of the conference’s best record. To date, I have predicted the top seven in this conference, though not in their actual order, with only one mistake, and I have selected the 8th. 10th and 11th place schools exactly on the mark. Do I know bad, or do I know bad? Well, now the conference is shaping out to be a pretty good battle, and the top seven could change every weekend.

Pre-season MVP Terrance Woods continues to lead the conference in scoring, and Thurman Zimmerman of South Carolina State and Devin Green of Hampton are good choices for second and third in that voting. Brian Mason has been the surprise of the year, adding bulk underneath for South Carolina State as a guard, not to mention a freshman. Benjamin Betts Jr. took this team to the conference title last season, and his efforts to take them back might earn him Coach of the Year, but I’m not calling in my vote just yet.

South Carolina State Bulldogs (9-3 conference, 12-9 overall)

83-55 W Hampton
88-74 L Norfolk State

The Bulldogs suffered their first home loss of the season on Monday, and it was a costly loss as it dropped them into a first place tie with Coppin State. The Norfolk State Spartans held a 46-29 halftime lead, and the Bulldogs couldn’t overcome it in the second half. The bulldogs outrebounded the Spartans 38-26, but it was mostly due to all the misses that they were throwing up, after all, shooting 35 percent from the field will do that. Thurman Zimmerman was the rock again, tossing in 26 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. The telling stat in this game was the number of offensive rebounds taken in by the Bulldogs, 24. Their shooting touch better come back as this team has a tough schedule coming up, with games against Morgan State and Coppin State.

Coppin State Eagles (9-3 conference, 11-12 overall)

66-62 W at Florida A&M
65-52 W at Bethune-Cookman

I thought that Coppin State had too tough a schedule to have anything left for conference play. I was dead wrong. Its three losses have come to teams with at least seven wins. Jimmy Boykin, Nick King, and Kelvin Green have been a monster frontcourt, and this has translated into success for a team that had many questions coming into the season. Chad Yates rounds out the frontcourt, and now you know the top four scorers for the squad as well. With three straight wins, the eagles are looking to get some momentum going for the conference tournament, where they might face Delaware State or Howard, their next two opponents.

Delaware State Hornets (7-4 conference, 8-11 overall)

60-42 L at South Carolina State
69-6 L Maryland Eastern Shore

This team had everything going for it, and then it lost to Maryland Eastern Shore. It was only a three point loss, but it was hard coming after a loss to the number one team in the league, a game where the Hornets could only muster up 42 points. Shooting was the big problem, and Delaware State must bounce back quickly as it faces Coppin State and Morgan State, two of the top five teams in the conference. In the game against Maryland-Eastern Shore, the Hornets couldn’t get it done in overtime. They flailed on their final possession, turning the ball over to solidify the Maryland-Eastern Shore victory. They have lost three of their last four games.

Florida A&M Rattlers (7-4 conference, 8-12 overall)

66-62 L Coppin State
83-67 W Morgan State

Florida A&M has to prove that it can beat the top teams in the conference, not just handle the bottom tier effectively. Late in January, the Rattlers winning streak, which had reached 5 games, was snapped when South Carolina State rocked the rattlers 86-62. With their recent loss to Coppin State, a 66-62 heartbreaker, the Rattlers have yet to prove that they can take the conference tournament title. The Coppin State game was especially hard because of a 17 point advantage that they Rattlers enjoyed early in the second half. One field goal in nine minutes of play will shoot you in the foot real fast, and that is exactly what the Rattlers did, even though rattlers don’t have feet. The good news, Terrance Woods seemed to have snapped out of his recent slump with 6 for 10 shooting from behind the arc against Morgan State.

Morgan State Bears (7-5 conference, 8-11 overall)

79-64 W at Bethune-Cookman
83-67 L at Florida A&M

The Bears had won two straight in conference play, and their website listed their game against Florida A&M as a game that would continue the Bears winning streak. Winning streak? Since when has two games constituted a credible winning streak? A streak implies some consistency, and the Bears have shown none of it. The only streak of note for this team is the six straight losses suffered in December, something the team has yet to get over. While this team can beat South Carolina State, it cannot beat Maryland-Eastern Shore. This type of inconsistency is not supposed to happen to a team with so many seniors, not to mention a team that shares the scoring so well. Well, to keep consistent with the promotional strategy implemented by the school, Morgan State’s upcoming games against Howard and Delaware State will test whether the school can keep its winning streak in tact, a streak which is currently at 0.

Hampton Pirates (7-5 conference, 9-14 overall)

83-55 L at South Carolina State
85-58 W at North Carolina A&T

When Morgan State beat Hampton at the buzzer, it killed a lot of momentum. After all, the Pirates had won two games in a row, one against the very competitive Coppin State team. Now, if it had been a well run play that left a good shooter open for a three, that might have been one thing, but a 35 foot heave at the buzzer is another. Those are the games that you just dread as a coach. You can’t really say anything other then that the lucky team won. Devin Green is making a name for himself as a viable candidate for Player of the Year. He is a solid rebounder as well as shooter, both from in front of and behind the arc.

Norfolk State Spartans (6-6 conference, 7-14 overall)

59-57 L at North Carolina A&T
88-74 W at South Carolina State

How does a team go from losing at North Carolina A&T to beating the number one team in the conference? Well, the Spartans are one of many teams in the MEAC conference that had a horrible December. Their inconsistency is shown in that they have only one two games in a row twice. Chakowby Hicks is a solid player, but his shooting is hurting the team. He is only shooting 40 percent from the field and 33 percent from behind the arc. His fellow guards aren’t doing too much better, as Derrick Smith is 36 percent from the field, and Nicholas Byrd and Michael Bates are only shooting 32 percent.

Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks (4-8 conference, 5-15 overall)

69-66 W at Delaware State
56-55 W at Howard

What’s this, a two game winning streak? In case you were wondering, it can be considered a winning streak if you are a Hawk fan. See, anything that helps your ego is okay, especially since this team has almost doubled their win total in the month of February. Tee Trotter has been a force to be reckoned with. He has earned Player of the Week status for the last two weeks in the MEAC conference, and he has led his team to a surprising 2-1 record in the month of February. Their only loss came by one point to Bethune-Cookman, a team that needed one buzzer beating three pointer in the first overtime, and a three pointer with two minutes left in the second to beat the Hawks. This late run by the Hawks is interesting because if they can get some momentum going, they might be able to knock off the good teams in the tourney. You got to love a tournament that lets every single team play in it.

Howard Bison (3-8 conference, 5-15 overall)

61-60 W at North Carolina A&T
56-55 L Maryland-Eastern Shore

The game between the Aggies and the Bison was for last place in the minds of the rest of the conference. Howard won, and got out of the cellar and into a tie with Bethune-Cookman, which had recently beaten Maryland-Eastern Shore. Who knew that last place would be so hotly contested. Not me, but when they got out, they made my pre-season prediction correct. Thank you Bison.

Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (3-8 conference, 4-16 overall)

79-64 L Morgan State
65-52 L Coppin State

When their game against last place North Carolina A&T was postponed, it didn’t help them any. In fact, they got blown out by 30 points to the worst team in the conference. This team has absolutely no momentum going for them. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the excellence displayed by the Bethune-Cookman Sports Information Director, who has made information readily available on the school’s athletic website. Cheers to you Int. Sports Information Director Opio Mashariki.

North Carolina A&T Aggies (2-10 conference, 2-19 overall)

59-57 W Norfolk State
85-58 L Hampton

The Aggies got their first win on January 27th against Bethune-Cookman, and their second win on February 7th against Norfolk State. Their leading scorer is freshman guard Sean Booker, so at least their future is looking bright.

MEAC Notebook

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Notebook

by Joaquin Mesa

The beginning of conference play is now behind us, and I am already longing for the days before the season when I could legitimately say that there was a MEAC team with at least a five hundred record. It seems that MEAC teams are having a bit of a rough patch in regards to their basketball playing. There are a few bright spots of course, like the consistent play of Terrance Woods, who seems to score twenty whether he is playing Marquette or Hampton. I guess if you throw up twelve and a half threes a game you are bound to hit some of them. Other then big T, there isn’t much to hype. Uh, I guess I could mention that North Carolina A&T is looking for their first win…I guess…

Delaware State Hornets (3-0 conference, 4-7 overall)

67-50 W Coppin State
68-60 W Morgan State

This team guts out their wins with good play from anyone given player on any given night. Against Morgan State it was Miles Davis with 24 points, five from behind the arc. Against Coppin State it was Aaron Williams off the bench with 15 points and 3 rebounds (a lot of rebounds when you consider the team lead is 5.5 per game). Against Charlotte, a twenty point loss, it was Terrance Hunter with 18 points and 3 rebounds. Terrance is the only one scoring over ten a game, but that might change with some more conference games under everyone’s belts.

Coppin State Eagles (4-1 conference, 6-10 overall)

67-50 L at Delaware State
54-49 W at Howard

This team had a rough go of it in the early stages with losses to Xavier, Cincinnati, Missouri and Michigan State. It’s almost as if they were playing a schedule that would have gotten them into the tourney without having to play in the “play-in game”, but they lost all the games that mattered. I guess their scheduling backfired. Being 2-9 in out-of-conference games doesn’t mean you can’t still win your conference, and with only one road loss to Delaware State hindering them, they are well on their way to doing so. They still have the best team in the league, and playing those tougher opponents will only help their cause, even if they lose.

South Carolina State Bulldogs (3-1 conference, 6-7 overall)

69-62 W at North Carolina A&T
78-53 W Maryland Eastern Shore

How is it that the top teams in the MEAC have stats leaders that can only put up half the numbers of most top teams in Division 1? Well, South Carolina State is trying to prove otherwise. Thurman Zimmerman is putting up 18.3 points per game and 7.5 rebounds per game respectively. Only two guys the league are averaging more rebounds per game, and neither is scoring more then Thurman. He is the Bulldog team. In a conference where the go-to-guys on most teams is up in the air, Thurman has a grip on that position. How can I be so sure, after all, Thurman is a big man. Well, he is shooting 80% from the line…not bad.

Morgan State Bears (3-2 conference, 4-8 overall)

62-45 W at Howard
68-60 L Delaware State

Aaron Andrews has led this team of average players to early season success in conference play, with their two conference loses coming to the top two teams in the league by a combined 10 points. How is it that a team gets such all around good play? Well, let six guys take at least 5 shots a game, that’s a start. With games against Maryland Eastern Shore, Norfolk State and North Carolina A&T coming up, the Golden Bears will have a chance to warm up and get some confidence going in conference play.

Hampton Pirates (3-2 conference, 5-11 overall)

87-81 L at Florida A&M
77-67 W at Bethune-Cookman

Jeff Granger tore it up against Bethune-Cookman, hitting 7 three pointers and scoring 29 points. He is the second leading scorer on the team, even though he is shooting 33% from the field. This bodes well considering that he won’t be facing as tough of defenses now that he is in conference play. Devin Green still leads the team in scoring and rebounds, and his presence on the inside makes this team a scary opponent come late February and tournament time. After all, the top team in the conference most likely won’t be the one in the NCAA tournament. It never ends up like that in this conference. Oh yeah, against Florida A&M in a loss, Granger had 40 points. Wow!

Florida A&M Rattlers (2-2 conference, 3-10 overall)

87-81 W Hampton
76-72 W Norfolk State

After losing to Marquette to end the non-conference schedule, the Rattlers played a close game at Coppin State before getting decimated at Morgan State. That seemed to wake them up, and Terrance Woods responded with a 27 point effort against Hampton. Demarcus Wilkins chips in consistently, and Moses White hands out the assists. A good all-around team that has only themselves to blame for those early two loses. You could also blame their defense, which seems to be non-existent to date.

Norfolk State Spartans (2-3 conference, 3-11 overall)

79-70 L at Bethune-Cookman
76-72 L at Florida A&M

One win in non-conference play seemed to disappear with two early wins against North Carolina A&T and South Carolina State. However, helping end Bethune-Cookman’s ten game losing streak didn’t help confidence any, and that was reflected in a 76-72 loss to Florida A&M. They played Florida A&M well, with two twenty point scorers, but Terrance Woods single-handedly beat them with 38 points, going 12-18 from the field and 8-12 from the arc. They get a short break against Maryland Eastern Shore and Howard, but after that, it is back to business against Delaware State. Better get a move on Spartans.

Howard Bison (1-2 conference, 3-9 overall)

62-45 L Morgan State
54-49 L Coppin State

Four guys got only one minute in the Morgan State game, then, only eight players took the floor at any given time during the Coppin State game. I guess head coach Frankie Allen has found his rotation, something that many of the other teams have yet to solidify. However, it doesn’t seem to be helping with two forty point losses recently. Shooting below forty percent both game won’t help anybody’s cause. The spread their shooting out in the game against Coppin State a little better, but Will Gant going 1-10 is simply killer. He made up for it with 10 rebounds, but they were probably off of his own misses (I didn’t watch the game, I am simply guessing).

Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (1-3 conference, 1-11 overall)

79-70 W Norfolk State
77-67 L Hampton

They got their first win of the season against a Norfolk State team that didn’t really respect them. What is the best way to celebrate such a victory? How about losing the very next game and allowing a player to score 29 points on you. That is how I would celebrate my first win of a season. Pape Ba wasn’t as intimidating as one might have though in the inside, and Granger dropping threes from the outside wasn’t going to help the defensive pressure on the man in the block. Bethune-Cookman has a chance to get back on the right track, but it has to come up with big wins against two top teams in the conference against Howard and Delaware State.

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (1-3 conference, 1-9 overall)

52-50 W at North Carolina A&T
78-53 L at South Carolina State

Maryland Eastern Shore beat the only winning-less team in the conference, so I wouldn’t boast about the one win they do have. There is really nothing to say about this team quite yet. Their leader, Tee Trotter has not performed to expectation, and has a horrible shooting average at 32% from the field and 30% from the arc. Twelve different players have started games for this team, and it doesn’t look to get any better.

North Carolina A&T Aggies (0-4 conference, 0-13 overall)

69-62 L South Carolina State
52-50 L Maryland Eastern Shore

They did play Maryland Eastern Shore close, but that isn’t saying too much. Every year there seems to be a team that shouldn’t be playing with the big boys in the MEAC conference. This is them.

MEAC Notebook

MidEastern Athletic Conference Notebook

by Joaquin Mesa

This conference has seen better days. The only win worth noting was a first game victory by Hampton over La Salle, but then Hampton lost five straight. There is one team that is five hundred and a few that have won a game. Let’s just get right to it then won’t we…

Howard Bison (2-2)

71-51 L at North Carolina State
79-72 W St. Francis (PA)

The only team to have at least a .500 record did so with big wins over a couple of pushovers in St. Francis (PA) and Florida International. James Wilkinson had a career high against St. Francis (PA) with 28 points, 17 in the second half to help the team come back from being down by 7 at the half. Daryl Hudson is the freshman that has played his way into the starting line-up, not to mention getting the bulk of minutes early in the season. He is averaging 24 minutes a game and is the team’s fourth leading scorer. It’s always nice to see a young player doing this early in his career, but what is most amazing is that he is shooting a team leading 61% from the field. Go freshman, go freshman, it’s your birthday, we going to party like it’s your birthday! No Bacardi though. Big games against Georgetown and West Virginia in a couple of weeks will help prepare the Bison to challenge early within the conference.

Coppin State Eagles (2-5)

76-56 L at Cincinnati
70-61 L at Missouri

The poor Coppin State Eagles have played the toughest schedule in the conference, and their record shows it. The one thing that settles their mind is that they are tied for the most out-of-conference wins in the conference. How does something like that happen when they play the likes of Xavier, Cincinnati and Missouri so early in the season? Well, it has to be because they have played seven games already. In 16 minutes per game, Henry Colter is averaging 1.6 blocks a game. This freshman is being worked slowly into the offense, despite starting 6 games. Look for him to be more of a factor come conference play.

Jimmy Boykins is playing a good amount of center, but at 6-7 he might be a better fit at power forward. However, you can never tell in these smaller conferences. I know I would feel more comfortable with a seven footer in there, but who am I? Boykins is carrying the team so far, but he isn’t rebounding, something that a center MUST do. The biggest problem with this team so far has been turning the ball over, but who can blame them when they are playing the schedule that they are. Even the San Diego team that they beat was quality, so I’d officially like to give props to this team for battling so hard. They played a tremendous game against Missouri, having the lead most of the game before Missouri finally woke up and took over in the end.

“I did watch the Oakland game and I understand what they had to do,” Coppin State coach Fang Mitchell said. “We tried to put pressure in the front and in the passing lanes and I think my kids did a pretty good job especially in the first half.”

It’s always nice to have a coach who knows what he is doing.

Delaware State Hornets (1-2)

63-54 L at Georgetown
59-48 W at Wagner

What did I tell you…Fairfax High to the rescue. Jahsha Bluntt shot 3 of 7 from the arc in their win over Wagner on his way to 11 points. He is their second leading scorer behind Carlos Hawkins. He is second on the team in minutes behind their senior point guard Miles Davis, all 5 foot 5 inches of him. The Hornets victory, though not pretty, was hard earned. After playing UNLV and Georgetown to relatively close games, both under ten point margins of victory, Delaware was happy to get a non-major conference foe. They will have some tough games against Michigan and Nebraska coming up, not to mention Charlotte, which beat up on Syracuse.

Morgan State Bears (1-2)

76-75 W Fairleigh Dickinson
76-66 L at Virginia Tech

The conference battle between the Northeast conference and the MEAC conference heated up with the Bears victory over Fairleigh Dickinson, picked to finish last in the Northeast Conference by Hoopville staff writer Keith Burdette. What a battle this was, a one point thriller in the end. True, it was two free-throws that did it, but none the less a thriller. Center Aaron Andrews leads the team in points and rebounds, but neither are impressive stats. However, he is doing this while playing only 26 minutes a game, which is very impressive. Also, special thanks to the Morgan State fans that tormented our Senior Writer Phil Kasiecki into getting the right Morgan State website link over to the right. It’s been fixed.

South Carolina State Bulldogs (1-2)

71-51 W at Eastern Washington
81-46 L at Florida State

It’s either blow out or get blown out with the Bulldogs. In the Florida State loss, Thurmann Zimmerman, whom I projected to be the team leader and the only person in the conference able to rebound, scored 25 points. The rest of the team scored 21 on 3-36 shooting (8.8 percent). Thurmann is leading the team with 20 points per game as well as grabbing 2 steals per game. This guy is looking to be dominant, let’s just give him a few bad teams to run up his stats on…please.

Hampton Pirates (1-5)

96-82 L Akron

83-70 L at Davidson

When Atlantic 10′s La Salle swaggered onto the court and promptly got handed their first loss by Hampton in the Paradise Jam Tournament, things were looking up for a Hampton team that is extremely young. Well, the next five games they showed their age, losing five straight to non-major conference teams. What happened? It could be that the bulk of the shots are coming from two guards, and that will never make the frontcourt happy, or persuade them to get rebounds, which is a problem outside Devin Green, one of the guards taking all the shots. I mean, look at Jarret Jack of Georgia Tech, who scores 14 a game while only shooting 8.7 shots a game. Now, look at Jeff Granger, who scores 14 a game while taking 13.3 shots a game. This isn’t good. One team is a contender that has taken out two ranked teams, the other is Hampton.

MD Eastern Shore (0-1)

85-61 L at Auburn

Tee Trotter impressed in the opening loss to Auburn, but little else went right. Trotter, a twenty points a game guy from last year, scored 21 and had 5 threes on 6 attempts. He also had 4 steals. This team plays Illinois on Dec.11, and it’s the one game I’m looking forward to watching out of this conferences schedule. Don’t miss it!

Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (0-2)

68-63 L Maine
69-49 L at Creighton

Nobody on this team is averaging double figures in points or rebounds. In fact, nobody is averaging over 5.5 rebounds a game. The one bright spot is Dajuan Clayton hasn’t missed a three point attempt yet this year, but they play Nebraska and Kansas State soon, so that might change. It most likely will, but good luck Dajuan while the streak survives.

North Carolina A&T Aggies (0-2)

86-59 L Radford
75-42 L at Saint Louis

After a 63 point loss to Charlotte, the team infamous for beating Syracuse, the Aggies couldn’t fall any lower. But, then they lost by 27 to Radford and by 33 to Saint Louis. Thus, they have lost by an average of 39 points. This is impressive considering…oh wait, no it isn’t. It’s sad, and predictable for the team that was picked last by yours truly in the conference. No one on the team even averages double digits in any category – the closest is senior forward Chris Ferguson, who is averaging 9.7 points along with 8.7 rebounds. He’s going to need some help with upcoming games against Miami and Wake Forest.

Florida A&M Rattlers (0-4)

92-62 L at North Carolina State
102-78 L at Florida

It has been a tough schedule to date for the Rattlers. It can only get better, oh wait, Georgia and Marquette are still on the schedule. Wow. I guess that this team will be extremely prepared for the conference schedule, and they did put up 78 against Florida, whish isn’t bad. Their problem doesn’t seem to be scoring, with Terrance Woods throwing up threes left and right. Their problem seems to be defense, with their center Michael Harper averaging only .5 blocks a game. When you are a small team, you better hit more shots then the other team, and the Rattlers haven’t done it yet.

Norfolk State Spartans (0-4)

80-56 L at UMKC
76-53 L at Georgetown

The Georgetown loss, though a 23 point blowout, was a step in the right direction. In the Spartans earlier 84-42 loss to Wyoming of the Mountain West Conference, they were out-rebounded 40-23 and only shot 2-19 from the arc and 16-62 from the field. Against Georgetown they started to find a bit of consistency, being out-rebounded by only 6, and shooting 7-17 from the arc and 19-48 from the field. Their problem in their recent games wasn’t any of these stats but rather their turnovers. Against UMKC they turned the ball over 32 times. Against Georgetown they turned the ball over 26 times. This won’t get it done, but the coach can only teach one thing at a time. Keep moving in the right direction team.

MEAC Preview

Mideastern Athletic Conference Preview

by Joaquin Mesa

While taking a shower I noticed something, I’m not black. Now, this might come as a surprise to some of you because I am writing the conference preview for the MEAC, which is chock full of traditionally black colleges and universities. Don’t fret, I’m not going to bias myself at all. I am a respectable journalist who stakes his reputation on the fact that I will provide a sophisticated and detailed look at the top teams in the MEAC this year.

Now, I was enjoying some chips and salsa while watching some telenovelas when I thought to myself, what better way to get to know the psyche of an African-American college basketball player then to reacquaint myself with my own heritage and culture. So, off I went to the adoption agency to figure out what the heck my mother was. When I found out my mother was Polish, I decided to learn more about my father’s side of the family. As I soon found out, being Mexican is more then speaking Spanish and loving soccer. There was also a basketball aspect to it. No, it wasn’t a simple fascination with Eduardo Najera, it was deeper. Apparently, the Aztecs would play a sport called Tachtli, which was a combination of soccer and basketball. Instead of a hoop, there was a vertical ring, and instead of a losing team, there was a bunch of dead guys that were offered up to the Gods.

Perhaps this is where I got my love for the game; perhaps this is where I fostered my competitive spirit. One thing is for sure, I’m glad I didn’t live in that time or I would have been offered up to the Gods before I turned thirteen.

I jest because I know that being black doesn’t guarantee success on the basketball floor just like being Mexican doesn’t mean I enjoy Bandera music and roach coach burritos, and nothing speaks louder then the lack of success by this conference. Last year, the conference champion South Carolina lost its tournament game to Oklahoma, a game where no Bulldog other then a starter really put a dent in the scoreboard. This year might be the year that a Hampton or a Florida A&M makes a stand and finally wins the battle of the boards in the tournament. Notice that I’m not getting ahead of myself and saying the game. Only time will tell, so let me kill some of it by filling you in on the conference blokes and jokes.

All Conference Team
PG – Tee Trotter, Maryland-Eastern Shore
SG – Terrence Woods, Florida A&M
SF – Jimmy Boykin, Coppin State
PF – Thurman Zimmerman, South Carolina State
C – Pape Ba, Bethune-Cookman

This team is experienced, road-tested and ready to prove that this conference is better then the collective 31-89 record it had out of conference. Now, this might seem like a little bit of a stretch for a team with only one interesting name on it (Pape Ba), but these guys are tough. Four seniors and one junior round out this hard working bunch, and Terrence Woods has led the nation in pretty much every three point category possible. This guy is absolutely unstoppable, and anyone who averages twenty points in Division 1 is okay in my book. Look for him to break many more records, and lead his team to a championship.

Conference MVP: Terrence Woods, Florida A&M

Yes, it’s true. Sometimes big men have to take second fiddle to those who throw up the bombs.

Freshman of the Year: Brandon Streeter, Hampton

If a big man isn’t going to win the MVP, he might as well win something.

Most Improved Player: Frank Russell, Hampton

This 6-11 monster is going up against a bunch of guys that can’t even see eye to eye to him. Its only a matter of time before he understands that all he has to do is reach his arm out and dunk it over other players.

1. Florida A&M Rattlers (17-12, 11-7, 5th)

Projected Starting Five:
G – Moses White
G – Terrance Woods
SF – Demarcus Wilkins
F – O.J. Sumter
C – Michael Harper

This team must learn to not rely to heavily on Terrance Woods, who will probably be the bulk of the scoring on this team. They don’t have size, but they have the potential to score every single time down the court. Michael Harper is a JuCo transfer, and at 6-8 is undersized at the post, but this isn’t going to hurt him in conference games as there are only a few other people bigger than him. Wilkins, Woods and White have to dictate pace, and if they do this, the sky is the limit. Four starters return on this squad, not bad.

2. Hampton Pirates (19-11, 13-5, 3rd)

Projected Starting Five:
G – Donald Didlake
G – Jeff Granger
SF – Devin Green
F – David Johnson
C – Frank Russell

Two 6-11 sophomores are looking to have remarkable seasons. Frank Russell and Bruce Brown have all the potential in the world, but have yet to prove anything. What is stopping these giants from pounding bodies? Well, they are young, and since they are not in a big conference with eyes on them 24-7 they will have the chance to grow into worthy sophomores. Freshman Brandon Streeter will add size to a big team, and look for Devin Green to carry a lot of the scoring until they wise up and start pounding the post.

3. South Carolina State Bulldogs (20-11, 15-3, 1st)

Projected Starting Five:
G – Demeco Heath
G – Brandon Trapp
SF – Jermaine Cannon
F – Thurmann Zimmerman
C – Cory Seals

I would have picked the Bulldogs higher had not Moses Malone Jr. left to pursue other ventures. I’m not being sarcastic, he was a 16 points per game guy. This team has lost three of its top four scorers, but kept the one that mattered most. Thurmann Zimmerman is a body underneath, and he gets the rebounds where nobody else in the conference does. Not only that, he shoots 50% from the field. Put him with two capable backcourt teammates in Heath and Trapp and you have a team that can run with anybody (except teams in the major conferences). This team won the conference title last season, but has a road ahead of it. Good luck.

4. Howard Bison (13-17, 9-9, 7th)

Projected Starting Five:
G – Louis Ford
G – Hekima Jackson
SF – Ronald Miller
F – Seye Aluko
C – James Wilkinson

The top two scorers on this team are history (Ron Williamson and Kyle Williams), but the team returns some promising big men in Seye Aluko and James Wilkinson. These two guys both scored just under ten points a game, and could get some serious rebounds if their teammates would only miss a few shots. What is unique about this team is that it is bringing in some talented guards in Will Grant, Darryl Hudson and Derek Mitchell. One of these guys should play his way into Hekima Jackson’s starting spot, no problem. While trying to get there, they should miss a few shots for the big men to grab. This team won’t be half bad come next season.

5. Delaware State Hornets (15-12, 13-5, 2nd)

Projected Starting Five:
G – Miles Davis
G – Carlos Hawkins
SF – Aaron Matthews
F – Terrance Hunter
C – Marques Gantt

This team also lost its top two scorers (Andre Matthews and James Bowen), but don’t give up you faithful Hornets. There is still hope, and he comes in the form of Fairfax High School star Jahsha Bluntt. Yes, the infamous Fairfax high school, where I learned to play soccer and wrecked havoc on those in my volleyball league. Only good can come of those Los Angelinos exported to other parts of this country. Look for Bluntt to make moves on someone’s starting position, maybe even center. Los Angelenos can do anything, we are that good. Well, this team is not fantastic, but they are not nearly as bad as some of the team coming after them which is why I have them in the middle of the pack. Also, their point guard is 5-5 . . . somebody get a high chair.

6. Norfolk State Spartans 14-15, 10-8, 6th)

Projected Starting Five:
G – Derrick Smith
G – Chakowby Hicks
SF – Ryan Grier
F – Tynell Dunkley
C – Karandick Ogunride

This team didn’t have anybody over 2.6 assists per game last season. I know that this might seem normal in college, but when your biggest guy is 6-8, I hope that you have some sort of game to impress on other teams so as not to get trounced each and every time. Its true, Karandick Ogunride is only 6-8. Lucky for him that this conference boasts very little in size, but don’t say anything to them, it might embarrass. I must admit that I feel a bit of sympathy for the announcer for the Spartans. You try and say Chakowby Hicks, Tynell Dunkley and Karandick Ogunride three times fast. Tynell Dunkley has a great name though, and it will earn him a spot on the starting line-up as a freshman, along with his size and strength. These guys are going for a three-guard line-up, so bring your extra hands and feet to keep track of the scores in these games.

7. Coppin State Eagles (11-17, 11-7, 4th)

Projected Starting Five:
G – Raheem Scott
G – Darron Bradley
SF – Jimmy Boykin
F – Chad Yates
C – Henry Colter

The big Deke Thompson transferred because he realized that the MEAC was, well, sub-par. However, he left a talented group of miscreants that rivals North Carolina A&T for futility. No, it’s not that bad. Nobody is as bad as North Carolina A&T. No, with promising big man Nick King coming off the bench as a freshman, only good things can happen in the state of Coppin. However, if King follows in the footsteps of his predecessor, he might only be here for one year. They also have one of the few 7 footers in the conference on their team in Henry Colter, who might actually score a few points. They get Chad Yates back from a season sitting out, and Jimmy Boykins will be their leader in scoring.

8. Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks (5-23, 5-13, 10th)

Projected Starting Five:
G – Gregory Brown
G – Tee Trotter
SF – Aaron Wellington
F – Javes Wiggins
C – Jason Scott

This team has so much potential it is killing me that they are down here at the bottom of the conference. I so much want to have the stones to put them closer to the top. Five newcomers to the team are over 6-6, the other is 6-4. Two are 7 footers. They return forward Didier Socka who is 6-7. Combine this with a 20 points per game player in Tee Trotter and you have an amazing team, that could be the favorite for ‘most likely to make me feel stupid for not putting the in the top three or four’. These guys have so much potential, I might actually make the effort to watch one of their games, go figure.

9. Morgan State Bears (7-22, 6-12, 8th)

Projected Starting Five:
G – Cedrick Barrow
G – Sam Brand
SF – Ronald Timus
F – Reginald Wingfield
C – Aaron Andrews

If you have read my other articles, you will know that I hate colleges and universities that don’t know how to promote their teams. Any Division I college team that does not have a functioning website is on my list of worthless school that should never be attended. Unfortunately, Morgan State is now on my list. Congratulations! Now is the time when you could not thank your mother and father because of your lack of a media medium. Better luck next year. I had a friend named Morgan once, she was a fox. That’s all I got folks. Lets all give thanks to the Morgan State Bears for making recruiting for their coaches that much harder. Well, we do know that Morgan State returns four of their top five scorers. Reginald Wingfield is apparently a proven scorer that was injured last year, but is ready to take on the mean MEAC this year. However, and I have to hold back the laughter as I say this, it might be the year for 6-5 center Aaron Andrews to really show his stuff. Tee-hee.

10. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (8-22, 5-13, 9th)

Projected Starting Five:
G – Markey Picard
G – O’Neal Carter
SF – Diondre Larmond
F – Michael Williams
C – Pape Ba

Pape Ba is the only guy worth anything on this team. I made the note that Preston Daniels is coming off the bench, and that he was a junior of note, but I take it back. He is only a JuCo on a losing team. This team lost its top two scorers, a trend in this league. Apparently it takes four years to become a threat when playing in the MEAC. Anyway, Pape Ba is going to be a monster. He only scored 10 points a game last year, but grabbed 6.7 rebounds. Its now his turn to lead the team.

11. North Carolina A&T Aggies (1-26, 1-17, 11th)

Projected Starting Five:
G – Tyrone Green
G – Steven Koger
SF – Joe Holmes
F – Chris Ferguson
C – Abraham Traore

I really don’t want to say anything about these guys. My mother always taught me that if I had nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Well, I can always speak the truth. Last year, they won a game. That’s right, a game, one solitary game. They were one of two teams not to win a game outside of conference. They do boast a 6-11 starting center, Abraham Traore, who weighs in at 265 pounds, but then, he is no Shaq, and North Carolina A&T is no LSU. They did get a good recruit in Sean Booker who might add a little bit of flare to their transition game, but don’t expect too much, it won’t ease the pain.

Wrap-up

I really don’t mean to be so mean. There are a lot of positives in this conference. There is the definite possibility that one of these teams could beat a UCLA or a Utah. But, they have to get ranked higher then 16th in the conference tourney to do that because the teams that they can beat are ranked no higher then 10th. Florida A&M does have a good squad though, and if they make it to the tourney, I will be there to root them on.

MEAC 2002-03 Season Recap

Mideastern Athletic Conference 2002-03 Season Recap

by Michael Protos

The teams of the Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference claimed the second most futile RPI ranking of the 31 NCAA Division I conferences. The eleven teams combined for a winning percentage of .4287. Only the Southwestern Athletic Conference finished lower on the RPI scales.

Despite the conference’s lack of comparative success, competition within the division was often intense, especially at the top. South Carolina State (15-3, 20-10) claimed the conference’s regular season title and stormed through the conference tournament to earn the automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. The Bulldogs ousted the Hampton Pirates from the top of the conference. But Hampton finished close behind South Carolina State, tied with Delaware State at 13-5.

At the other end of the spectrum, North Carolina A&T made headlines this season for its utter futility. The Aggies started the season with 24 losses and finished the season with a single victory. Norfolk State bears the ignominy of being the Aggies’ only victory in the 2002-03 season. A two-point, home loss to Division III’s North Carolina Central perhaps best epitomizes the embarrassment that was the Aggies’ season. The good news is that A&T can only improve and the Aggies only lose one key player. Better luck next year!

MEAC Season Awards

MEAC MVP:

Terrence Woods, Florida A&M

Junior guard Terrence Woods led the Rattlers all season and averaged 20.5 points per game. A close second is Howard’s senior guard Ron Williamson, who averaged 21.7 points per game. Woods take the most valuable player award because he is one of only two players on Florida A&M to average double-digits and the second leading scorer averaged seven fewer points per game. That’s the definition of a team’s most valuable player. Williamson had stronger support this season at Howard.

MEAC Rookie of the Year:

Tyrone Green, North Carolina A&T

Green provided most of A&T’s few positive memories this past season. He led the team with 13.2 points per game and 2.9 assists per game. Because the Aggies lack upperclassmen leadership, Green will have ample opportunity to become one of the dominant players of the conference.

MEAC Coach of the Year:

Cy Alexander, South Carolina State

Cy Alexander carried the Bulldogs to a division championship and automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, in which the Bulldogs fought with top-seeded Oklahoma before succumbing to the more talented, major-conference foe. For Alexander’s success, he was offered a job at Tennessee State to clean up the mess left behind by Nolan Richardson III.

MEAC Conference Tournament:

Top-seeded South Carolina State won the MEAC conference tournament to complete a season of mastery over the rest of the conference. There were few surprises in the tournament, although No. 7-seeded Howard slipped past No. 2-seeded Delaware State in overtime in the quarterfinals to provide the most noteworthy upset. South Carolina State defeated No. 3-seeded Hampton 72-67 in the conference championship to earn an automatic bid in the NCAA Tournament.

MEAC All-Conference Team:
Terrence Woods, guard, Florida A&M
Ron Williamson, guard, Howard
Thurman Zimmerman, guard, South Carolina State
Larry Tucker, forward, Coppin State
Richard Toussaint, forward, Bethune-Cookman

NCAA Tournament

No. 16 (East) South Carolina State:
First round: Lost to No. 1 Oklahoma 71-54

South Carolina State Bulldogs 15-3 (20-10)

Key players leaving: 3
Graduating:
senior guard Dustin Braddick (13.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg)
senior forward Charles Gilmore (6.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg)
senior guard Moses Malone Jr. (16.0 ppg, 3.7 rpg)

Key players returning: 4
sophomore guard Thurman Zimmerman
sophomore guard Demeco Heath
sophomore guard Clary Judge
freshman forward Dakin Braddick

Coach: Benjamin Betts Jr. replaces Cy Alexander who went to Tennessee State to replace Nolan Richardson III

Scoring leaders: Moses Malone Jr. and Thurman Zimmerman – 16.0 ppg
Rebound leader: Zimmerman – 7.6 rpg
Assist leader: Demeco Heath – 2.0

The Bulldogs entered the MEAC conference 2-7 with no superb wins to brag about. But the MEAC quickly learned that South Carolina State would be the team to beat to compete for the conference title. The Bulldogs defeated Hampton three times in one season to legitimize their spot atop the MEAC. Moses Malone Jr. moves on this year but fellow leading scorer Thurman Zimmerman returns next season to defend the Bulldogs’ title.

Hampton Pirates 13-5 (19-11)

Key players leaving: 3
Graduating:
senior guard Barry Hairston (14.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg)
senior guard Mackel Purvis (11.0 ppg)
senior guard Isaac Jefferson (6.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 4.9 apg)

Key players returning: 3
sophomore guard Devin Green
junior forward David Johnson
freshman guard Jeff Granger

Coach: Bobby Collins

Scoring leader: Devin Green – 14.0 ppg
Rebound leader: Isaac Jefferson – 7.2 rpg
Assist leader: Jefferson – 4.9 apg

Hampton fared well this past season but failed to repeat as conference champions. The highlight of the Pirates’ season was beating Richmond early in the season, en route to a 4-0 start. Seniors Barry Hairston, Mackel Purvis and Isaac Jefferson propelled Hampton into the tournament championship game against South Carolina State, but the Pirates fell five points short of the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Delaware State Hornets 13-5 (15-12)

Key players leaving: 1
Left team:
senior forward Sergey Stephanenkov left after three games to go home to his wife in Russia and to pursue a professional career in Russia

Key players returning: 6
Junior forward Andre Matthews
sophomore guard Miles Davis
junior guard James Bowen
junior forward Aaron Matthews
sophomore forward Terrance Hunter
sophomore guard Carlos Hawkins

Coach: Greg Jackson

Scoring leader: Andre Matthews – 12.9 ppg
Rebound leader: Matthews – 6.4 rpg
Assist leader: Miles Davis – 3.1 apg

After losing three straight conference games, the Hornets won ten of their last twelve conference games to finish tied with Hampton for second. Delaware State’s strong season ended in disappointment when Howard upset the Hornets in the MEAC tournament quarterfinals.

Florida A&M Rattlers 11-7 (17-12)

Key players leaving: 2
Graduating: senior center Jermaine Hill (13.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg)
senior guard Michael Griffith (7.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg)

Key players returning: 5
junior guard Terrence Woods
junior guard Demarcus Wilkins
junior guard Moses White
sophomore forward Michael Ayodele
junior forward O.J. Sumter

Coach: Mike Gillespie

Scoring leader: Terrence Woods – 20.5 ppg
Rebound leader: Jermaine Hill – 6.4 rpg
Assist leader: Moses White – 3.5 apg

Florida A&M ended the season by winning seven of nine games. Junior Terrence Woods averaged more than 20 points a game this season and should provide plenty of excitement for a team returning five crucial players. The Rattlers benefited from four games against ranked opponents. Those teams lit up the Rattlers for an average of 93 points, but Florida A&M learned from their defensive failures. In 2003, the Rattlers allowed only Hampton to score more than 80 points.

Coppin State Eagles 11-7 (11-17)

Key players leaving: 1
Graduating:
senior forward Larry Tucker (15.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg)

Key players returning: 6
junior center Jimmy Boykin
freshman guard Raheem Scott
freshman guard Deke Thompson
freshman forward Darron Bradley
sophomore guard Darryl Jones
sophomore forward Henry Colter

Coach: Ron Mitchell

Scoring leader: Larry Tucker – 15.3 ppg
Rebound leader: Tucker – 5.6 rpg
Assist leader: Raheem Scott – 3.4 apg

Coppin State prepared for the conference season with a brutal non-conference schedule that included visits to Marquette, Ohio State, North Carolina State, Oklahoma, Oregon State and Illinois. Needless to say, the Eagles lost each contest, although played close against Ohio State and Oregon State. The early challenges seasoned the young Eagles who finished 11-7 in MEAC play. Senior Larry Tucker led the way on a young team that will hope to build on this season’s success.

Norfolk State Spartans 10-8 (14-15)

Key players leaving: 2
Graduating:
senior center Thomas Aladi (2.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg)
senior Daryl Towe (10.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg)

Key players returning: 5
sophomore guard Chakowby Hicks
sophomore guard Ryan Grier
junior guard Derrick Smith
junior guard Nicholas Byrd
freshman forward Ricky Woods

Coach: Dwight Freeman

Scoring leader: Chakowby Hicks – 11.3 ppg
Rebound leader: Thomas Aladi – 4.4 rpg
Assist leader: Hicks – 2.6 apg

Norfolk State appeared to be a legitimate challenger for the conference title when it rattled off five consecutive wins in January. But the Spartans slipped on the road toward the end of the season and fell out of contention. Their balanced attack forced opponents to be ready for any given starter to be the main contributor. Chakowby Hicks led the team with a meager 11.3 points per game, highlighting the team’s success in balance rather than a single dominant player.

Howard Bison 9-9 (13-17)

Key players leaving: 3
Graduating:
senior guard Ron Williamson (21.7 ppg)
senior guard Kyle Williams (15.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg)
senior forward Mario Grove (7.0, 5.2 rpg)

Key players returning: 3
junior forward Seye Aluko
freshman guard Louis Ford
sophomore forward Mac Wilkerson

Coach: Frankie Allen

Scoring leader: Ron Williamson – 21.7 ppg
Rebound leader: Seye Aluko – 7.0 rpg
Assist leader: Louis Ford – 5.0 apg

The Bison should be pleased with the results of this season. Senior guard Ron Williamson tore apart competition to win the MEAC scoring title, averaging 21.7 points per game. The Bison beat Oral Roberts in non-conference play, which is a team that at the time appeared to ready challenge Valparaiso in the Mid-Continent Conference. The Bison also challenged California and College of Charleston. In conference play, the Bison fared well and upset Delaware State in the conference tournament before losing to Hampton in the semifinals.

Morgan State Bears 6-12 (7-22)

Key players leaving: 1
Graduating:
senior forward Douglas Sims (6.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg)

Key players returning: 6
junior guard Randy Dukes
sophomore guard Sam Brand
junior center Aaron Andrews
junior guard Cedrick Barrow
freshman guard Ronald Timus
sophomore forward Evan Pellerin

Coach: Butch Beard

Scoring leader: Randy Dukes – 14.9 ppg
Rebound leader: Aaron Andews – 7.3 rpg
Assist leader: Cedrick Barrow – 3.5 apg

Morgan State scattered seven victories over last season, submitting a typical result for a second-tier team in a third-tier conference. But the Bears may be heading toward the first-tier within the MEAC as they lose only one player and showed sparks of future success in a home victory over Delaware State.

Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 5-13 (8-22)

Key players leaving: 2
Graduating:
senior forward Richard Toussaint (18.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg)
senior guard Maurice Riddick (15.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg)

Key players returning: 5
junior forward Diondre Larmond
junior center Pape Ba
freshman forward Michael Williams
sophomore guard O’Neal Carter
junior guard Kiki Picard

Coach: Clifford Reed

Scoring leader: Richard Toussaint – 18.2 ppg
Rebound leader: Pape Ba – 6.8 rpg
Assist leader: O’Neal Carter – 2.9 apg

Credit the Wildcats with taking on one of the more challenging schedules of MEAC teams. Bethune-Cookman traveled to Minnesota, Florida and Wake Forest, all of whom repeatedly bludgeoned the overmatched Wildcats. But the experience prepared senior forward Richard Toussaint for a positive final run through MEAC competition. He averaged 18.2 points a game this season. Although the Wildcats lose their top two scorers, they have a wealth of experienced players that provide the hope for a higher finish next year.

Maryland – Eastern Shore Hawks 5-13 (5-23)

Key players leaving: 1
Graduating:
senior forward Ali Trotman (2.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg)

Key players returning: 5
junior guard Tee Trotter
freshman guard Aaron Wellington
junior forward Javes Wiggins
junior forward Didier Socka
junior guard Antoine Joiner

Coach: Thomas Trotter

Scoring leader: Tee Trotter – 20.5 ppg
Rebound leader: Javes Wiggins – 5.1 rpg
Assist leader: Trotter – 3.1 apg

The Hawks failed to win a non-conference game, but did manage to win five conference games to finish second from the bottom. Despite their poor finish, the Hawks featured one of the MEAC’s most prolific scorer in Tee Trotter, who will be back for an encore next year in his senior year.

North Carolina A&T Aggies 1-17 (1-26)

Key players leaving: 1
Graduating:
senior guard Landon Beckwith (12.1 ppg)

Key players returning: 5
freshman guard Tyrone Green
junior forward Chris Ferguson
freshman guard Steven Koger
freshman guard William Howard
freshman guard Michael Kirkpatrick

Coach: Jerry Eaves replaces Curtis Hunter

Scoring leader: Tyrone Green – 13.2 ppg
Rebound leader: Chris Ferguson – 8.1 rpg
Assist leader: Green – 2.9 apg

It’s hard to reconcile a 1-26 season. The Aggies lost to just about the entire world this past season. Their lone victory was a two-point upset at Norfolk State. Bet they feel embarrassed. The good news is that North Carolina A&T only loses one player who played significant minutes this past season. So they have chemistry and more experience. The bad news is that they were flat out bad last year. Good luck to new coach Jerry Eaves.

MEAC Notebook

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Notebook

by Jon Gonzalez

The Art of Losing

One year. That’s how long its been since North Carolina A&T has won a basketball game. During that one year span, A&T has lost 26 straight games, including 23 straight this season. The closest that the Aggies have come to a win was a two point loss to NC Central, a Division II school. No such thing as a gimmie when it comes to NC A&T.

To make matters worse, the Aggies’ best player, freshman Tyrone Green, broke his hand after punching something in the locker room during halftime of a game against Delaware State on February 15. A team knows it’s doomed to fail when it loses its first 20 games of the year and then loses its best player after he broke his hand out of frustration.

The teams’ latest setback, a 105-81 shellacking to Howard, was a microcosm of the Aggies’ entire season. In that game, A&T could not shoot, play D or take care of the basketball. Scoring, defense, ballhandling; if you can’t hack those three things, you aren’t going to win many games. The lone bright spot in the game for A&T was senior Landon Beckwith, who scored 26 points. Beckwith was solid in that game, and has been throughout the year. If only the Aggies had 12 Landon Beckwiths.

The Aggies next challenge on their way to the perfect season is on March 1 against Hampton, one of the top two teams in the MEAC. If the Aggies can lose by 24 to a middle of the pack MEAC team, losing to the Pirates should be no problem. After Hampton, the Aggies then take on Norfolk State and SC State. If A&T can hang on for three more games, the big O-fer is theirs.

Its not easy being the worst team in D-I, but some team has to do it.

Down to the Wire

With three games left for both South Carolina State and Hampton, the race for the MEAC regular season championship and the top seed in the MEAC Tournament couldn’t be any tighter. The schedule making gods have set up the battle for the MEAC crown nicely. Both teams play Norfolk State and NC A&T in addition to a March 3 game against each other. NC A&T will be cake for both teams. Norfolk State, while not at the same level of cream cake as A&T, should be a win for Hampton and SC State as well. So all in all likelihood, the March 3 match-up will be for all the marbles. Should SC State win, the Bulldogs would clinch the regular season championship.

Thank Goodness for the MEAC

If not for conference play, Coppin State might be in the same predicament as NC A&$38T, winless. The Eagles are 0-9 against non-conference opponents and 9-6 against the MEAC, good for a 9-15 overall mark. The last time Coppin State beat a non-MEAC team was on Dec.21, 2001, when the Eagles slipped by powerhouse Puerto Rico-Mayaquez 57-56. The last time they beat a real non-conference opponent was on Nov. 19 of that same year. The Eagles tripped up Loyola MD.

MEAC Quick Hits

Delaware State: The Hornets are the other good team in the MEAC this year that is currently in third behind Hampton and SC State. Although they can’t win the regular season championship, the Hornets can still lock up a number two finish at best.

Howard: If only they could play NC A&T every night. Howard put up 105 points against the Aggies, its second highest output of the season. What was Howard’s biggest output you ask? A 107-70 win over you guessed it, NC A&T. In that game, Howard’s Ron Williamson scored 52 points. In Howard’s latest win over the Aggies, Williamson scored 39 points. In Howard’s past six games, Williamson is averaging 34 points a game. Can you say MEAC MVP?

Florida A&M: If the Rattlers can win one of their final three games, FAMU would have its first winning record in a decade. But while a winning record is nice, lets not forget the Rattlers reached the NCAA Tournament in 1999 with a losing record.

Norfolk State: Ryan Grier and Chakowby Hicks scored 17 points a piece for the Spartans on Monday against FAMU. The Spartans next take on SC State on Saturday.

Morgan State, Bethune Cookman, MD Eastern Shore: If not for NC A&T, these three teams would be battling for last in the MEAC. How valuable those Aggies can be. Even though neither of these teams will finish in the cellar, they don’t want to be the team that finished right above the Aggies, either.

Player of the Week

This one is a no brainer. Howard’s Ron Williamson scorched NC A&T for 39 points on Monday and had 29 points in a loss to SC State on Saturday.

Game to Watch

The MEAC game of the year tips-off March 3 when Hampton hosts SC State. The Pirates will be looking to avenge a 77-69 loss to the Bulldogs suffered in January. The winner could very well be the MEAC regular season champion.

MEAC Notebook

Mid-Eastern Athletic Notebook

by Amanda Breedlove

Bethune-Cookman: The Tigers of Bethune-Cookman have been busy playing some
top-ranked teams as they
prepare for the impending conference season. In the past week, the Tigers
have had tough match-ups
against No. 13 Florida and No. 23 Wake Forest. Bethune-Cookman
visited Florida
on December 28, and were beaten 99-64 thanks to the high-scoring of
Gators’ freshmen Matt
Walsh, who scored 29, and Anthony Roberson, who netted 22. The Tigers had
little time to pull it
together as they visited Wake Forest on December 30. Despite Richard
Touissant’s continuing outstanding
performances for Bethune-Cookman, (Touissant scored a game-high 25 points
against the Demon Deacons), the
Tigers suffered a 96-54 loss and fall to 1-6 on the season. Wake Forest,
undefeated this year,
improved to 8-0 and is also undefeated this year against MEAC teams.
The Tigers resume
play on January 6 against conference opponent Delaware State.

Coppin State: The Eagles will welcome conference play on January 4 against North Carolina A&T
after being roughed up by No. 12 Illinois on December 30. In the low-scoring
game in front of
a crowd of nearly 14,000, the Fighting
Illini dominated, winning 63-37 behind the 20-point contribution of senior
Brian Cook and a team
effort of 55.6 percent and 10-of-18 shooting from 3-point range. Coppin
State was led in scoring
by Larry Tucker, who scored 15 points. As the Eagles head toward play in the
conference, they
fall to 1-9 on the season and are 1-0 in MEAC action. That win comes from a
73-69 victory over
Morgan State on December 7 and as CSC faces A&T, it looks to break a
four-game losing streak.

Delaware State: The Hornets faltered against Rutgers in a 54-41 loss on
December 28, in which
Delaware State shot only 26.7 percent and committed 14 turnovers. The
Hornets’ Andre Matthews
led all scorers with 17 points in the game, while the Scarlet Knights’
leading scorer was Ricky
Shields with 14 points. The Knights’ Kareem Wright also scored eight points
and eight rebounds
in the win, tying his season highs. Delaware State will dive into the
conference season on
January 4 when hosting Florida A&M.

Florida A&M: In a reptilian match-up on December 30, the Florida A&M
Rattlers took on the No. 13 University of Florida Gators in front of a crowd of more than 8,500
fans. The Gators’ Matt
Bonner led all scorers in the game with 18 points and carried his team to a
91-58 thrashing of the
Rattlers. Florida A&M, led by Terrence Woods with 10 points in the game,
plunges to a 3-5 record
heading into its January 4 conference game against Delaware State. A&M is
0-1 against MEAC schools
this season after losing its opener to Bethune-Cookman on December 3.

Hampton: The Pirates played one of their most exciting games outside of
conference play when they
met the Ohio State Buckeyes on December 30. They led the Buckeyes for much
of the game, as the Pirates’
worked together to hold the lead, but the Buckeyes took over late in the
second half and triumphed
with a 70-62 win. Seniors Barry Hairston and Isaac Jefferson led Hampton
with nine points and
Ohio State’s Brent Darby netted a game-high 16. The Pirates, now 4-3, will
look to notch a
victory against Mid-Eastern opponent Maryland Eastern Shore on January 4.

Howard: A 72-62 win over Oral Roberts on December 29 broke a string of
losses for Howard, but
it could not put together a streak of wins as it lost its next game, 77-73, on
December 30 at the College
of Charleston. Though five Howard players scored in double-figures, it was
not enough to overcome
Charleston, which had four players score in double-figures and shot 11-of-26
from three-point range.
Howard, now 2-7, will get MEAC play against Hampton on January 6.

Maryland-Eastern Shore: The faltering Fighting Hawks, who have yet to record
a win this season,
came close to turning its season around on December 31 against Duquesne. In
a game that went into
overtime, Maryland-Eastern Shore was paced by the 21-point stylings of
junior Tee Trotter and an
18 point contribution from freshman Aaron Wellington, but could not surpass
the Dukes who had four
players score in double figures. The Dukes went on to win the game, 74-71 in
overtime despite
commiting 28 turnovers in the game. The Fighting Hawks are now 0-9 and look
to notch their first
win where it counts, against conference foe Hampton on January 4.

Morgan State: Morgan State, probably the busiest team over the Christmas
break, playing nine
games in the month of December, has lost three of its last four and is
struggling at 2-10 as it
hosts South Carolina State on January 4. The Bears will have to rebound
from a loss in its
last game, a 94-83 defeat by Texas Southern on December 28. Texas Southern’s
Ra’Kim Hollis scored
a sparkling 35 points in the win and is now averaging 20.8 points per game
for the Tigers. Picking
up the points for the Bears was junior Randy Dukes, who poured in 26.

North Carolina A&T: NC A&T has taken quite a beating after playing
back-to-back big-time
ACC schools. After losing 91-57 to the now No.2 Duke Blue Devils on
December 17, the Aggies
lost to Wake Forest, 104-64 on December 28. NC A&T, 1-6 overall, will make
an attempt at
recovery against conference opponent Coppin State on January 4.

Norfolk State: Carrying a two-game winning streak into their game against
Richmond on December
29, the Spartans looked to be in a good position to rack up another win. But
Norfolk State
could not pull it together, committing 20 turnovers, and lost the game 67-38, falling to 3-6 going
into January 6′s head-to-head challenge against MEAC foe Maryland Eastern
Shore.

South Carolina State: Thurman Zimmerman of SC State and Loyola Marymount’s
Andy Osborn both
scored 22 points for game-highs, but it was Loyola Marymount who earned the
victory, winning
74-69 over host South Carolina State on December 30. The Bulldogs are now
1-8 with a game against
Morgan State on the horizon. They will meet on January 4.

MEAC Notebook

Mid-Eastern Conference Notebook

by Amanda M. Breedlove

Bethune-Cookman:

The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats have experienced a rough start to their season, dropping their record to 1-4(1-0) after a 81-55 loss at Louisiana-Lafayette on December 18. Bethune-Cookman’s leading scorer, Richard Toussaint, (averaging 20 points per game) poured in 22 points in the game, but the Wildcats could not overcome the Cajuns’ 53.6 shooting percentage and 69% second-half shooting. The Wildcats’ only win of the season came from their victory at conference opponent Florida A&M. They won that game 71-69 at Florida A&M on December 3 thanks to Toussaint’s lay-up with 2.1 seconds to play. Bethune-Cookman will now have a 10-day break before its next game, which is December 28 at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Coppin State:

The Coppin State Eagles are fighting to turn their season around early after losing six out of their first seven games. In their most recent game on December 14, the Eagles faced the No.7 Oklahoma Sooners. The Sooners mounted a 69-47 win with the high-scoring contributions of Hollis Price and Quannas White, who scored 22 points and 13 points in the game, respectively. The Eagles, who shot only 37.5% from the field during the first half, fall to 1-6 on the season. Coppin State’s first win of the season came on December 8 at home against conference rival Morgan State. The team was propelled to a 73-59 victory by junior Jimmy Boykin’s 23-point performance, giving it a 1-0 MEAC record. The Eagles will travel to Lawrenceville, New Jersey for their next game, a match-up against Rider University on December 21.

Delaware State:

The Hornets, now 2-5 on the season, played two games in a three-day span in the past week, winning 70-63 at home over Wagner College on December 14 and losing at Creighton, 68-48 on December 16. Delaware State is currently in the middle of a long break, and will not play another game until it visits Rutgers on December 28.

Florida A&M:

Beginning their season by playing some of the top-ranked teams in the country, the Florida A&M Rattlers are off to a good start. Though starting with two straight losses and notching a 71-69 loss in their first conference game to Bethune-Cookman on December 3, the Rattlers have since won their last two. The team, now with an even 3-3 record, beat Central Florida 55-54 on December 7 before defeating Alabama A&M 91-89 on December 16. Florida A&M will continue its tough schedule over the Christmas holiday as it faces No. 5 Oregon on December 20 and No. 13 Florida on December 30. Six-foot-three junior guard Terrence Woods paces the Rattlers with an average of 19.6 points per game and an 84.8% average at the free-throw line.

Hampton:

Hampton University continues to be a bright spot in the MEAC as the defending back-to-back conference champs blast open the season undefeated. The Pirates are 4-0 as they head into tonight’s home game against Virginia Commonwealth, after knocking off Norfolk State 72-62 on December 7. Mackel Purvis has scored an average of 16.5 points per game this year to lead the team in scoring, followed closely by Barry Hairston, who is averaging 16 points per game. Hampton opens conference play on January 4 at Maryland-Eastern Shore.

Howard:

The Bison are 1-5 after dropping their fourth-straight game. They lost 61-58 at American University on December 9 despite Kyle Williams’ 23-point contribution. Howard’s lone win came against Radford early in the season on November 26, a 62-58 victory. The Bison will face Georgetown on December 20 and then take eight days off before meeting Oral Roberts University on December 29.

Maryland-Eastern Shore:

In the latest loss in a season of struggle for the Fighting Hawks,Maryland-Eastern Shore has yet to claim a win this year and is sitting low at 0-7. The Fighting Hawks lost to Robert Morris 93-74 on December 18 in their first home game since November 30. These losses came despite the sparkling performance of Maryland-Eastern Shore’s Tee Trotter, a junior guard who with 21.6 points per game is the team’s leading scorer. Trotter scored a team-high 26 points in a loss to Robert Morris this week and has scored more than 30 points in a game twice already this season. The Fighting Hawks will look for their first win against Hartford on December 28.

Morgan State:

The Morgan State Bears are looking at a lackluster season with a four-game losing streak and only one win in eight games. In the Bears’ most recent performance, they suffered an embarassing 72-46 loss at Canisius on December 17. Only three days before, Morgan State also lost to Virginia Tech 71-64. The Bears play at William & Mary on December 22.

North Carolina A&T:

In what could easily be called their most exciting and toughest games of the season, the NC A&T Aggies faced the then No.3 Duke Blue Devils on December 17.The undefeated Blue Devils (6-0) forced 28 turnovers from the Aggies on the way to an easy 91-57 win. The Aggies, now 1-5, did however have a solid performance from rookie guard Steven Koger, who scored a team-high 16 points in the loss. North Carolina A&T will face another Atlantic Coast Conference school in its next game, a December 28 match-up against Wake Forest University. The Aggies begin Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play on January 4 against Coppin State.

Norfolk State:

The Norfolk State University Spartans follow suit with most of the conference, posting a meager 1-5 record. The last game the Spartans played, on December 16, was an embarassing 84-48 rout at the hands of Georgetown. The Spartans’ Derrick Smith, who is averaging 14.0 points per game this season, scored a game-high 23 points in the loss. Georgetown’s Brandan Bowman, a freshman, led his team with 18 points in the game. The Spartans will play UNC-Greensboro on December 21 and Virginia Military Institute on December 28.

South Carolina State:

Moses Malone, Jr., was named the MEAC Player of the Week and has led the Bulldogs in scoring in their last five games. The team, however, is lagging, earning a 1-5 record and dropping its last two. On December 18, South Carolina State was hung out to dry by Wake Forest in a 100-57 loss. The Bulldogs will return to action on December 21 at The Citadel.

MEAC Preview

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Preview

by Jon Gonzalez

While the MEAC might not rank too high on conference power ranking charts, the league has sent teams into the NCAA tournament that have done significant damage. Back in 1997, Fang Mitchell’s Coppin State squad shocked second-seeded South Carolina and Hampton defeated second-seeded Iowa State in the 2001 edition of the big dance.

This season, another upstart from the small time MEAC will hope to duplicate the past successes of Coppin State and Hampton. Teams like Delaware State, Maryland Eastern Shore, Bethune Cookman, Norfolk State and Morgan State look to make the NCAA’s for the first time ever. Howard, Florida A&M, North Carolina A&T and Coppin State have all been before, but would love another crack at the country’s elite.

Meanwhile, defending champion Hampton doesn’t want to skip a beat and make it 3 straight visits to the NCAA tournament. But to do that, the Pirates have to overcome the loss of Steve Merfeld, who took over at Evansville, and MEAC MVP Tommy Adams.

Predictions (in order of finish):

1. Howard Bison
The Bison were a game from reaching the NCAA tournament, but could not handle the more experienced Hampton Pirates. Fast forward one year and it is the Bison who should stand on level ground with Hampton in terms of experience. The team is lead by senior forward Kyle Williams, who is among the best in the MEAC. Howard will trample, excuse the pun, over many a MEAC team with a high octane running game and skilled shooters such as the aforementioned Williams and Jonathan Stokes. Look for Howard to rip away MEAC crown from defending champion Hampton.

2. Hampton Pirates
Much of the success Hampton has seen over the past two seasons has to be directly attributed to fiery coach Steve Merfeld. Riding his success at Hampton, Merfeld jumped to the Missouri Valley Conference and the Evansville Aces. Essentially, Merfeld left a good small conference team to join a putrid mid-major program. But hey, its all about climbing the ladder, can’t blame a guy for that. Taking over for Merfeld is assistant Bobby Collins. Collins will implement the same system that Merfeld had in place so philosophical changes will be far and few between. But despite the fact the team looks to do many of the same things it has done in the past, the loss of Merfeld might be too much for the team to overcome. Add to that the loss of graduated Tommy Adams (2001-02 MEAC MVP) and the Pirates will come up short of a third straight NCAA bid. Regardless of where they finish, two things are certain: the Pirates will be a major player in the MEAC race and forward Isaac Jefferson will be a beast.

3. North Carolina A&T Aggies
This season in Greensboro, the A&T at the end of North Carolina could stand for aggressive and talented. While that attempt at an acronym might have been a little weak, don’t expect the Aggies to be. This team will try to turn every game into a track meet with the amount of speed A&T possesses. Running this up-tempo attack will be point guard Tyrone Green, who is back after sitting out a year. Joe Holmes is a rookie that could make an immediate impact. The Aggies might be cannon fodder for a two week stretch in December that includes back to back to back games against NC State, Duke and Wake Forest. But although all three of those games might be automatic L’s, a lot could be learned that could help the Aggies when conference play begins.

4. Delaware State Hornets
During many MEAC contests that include the Hornets, the smallest player in the gym might be the most dangerous. Pint sized point guard Miles Davis (5-11) looks to play a winning tune against MEAC foes. The smallish Davis can do it all; he passes, he slices, he dices and he’ll even make you look foolish off the dribble. Helping Davis will be junior Andre Matthews, who plays with tenacity and loves to take it to the hole hard. But what might have Dover abuzz with NCAA possibilities in the addition of major college transfers: 6-11 Marcus Grant (La Salle) and 6-7 Aaron Matthews (Villanova), who joins his brother Andre. Both newcomers will add a great amount of size to the Hornets’s frontcourt and could make DSU and factor in the MEAC.

5. South Carolina State Bulldogs
If Moses Malone is on your team, even if it is the junior version, you’re in pretty good shape. But it’s not all in a name for Malone, because the kid’s got more than his father’s game, he’s got his name, too. Malone could be the best player in the MEAC and could be the reason why the Bulldogs have a punchers change in the league. The 6-4 guard is very versatile and has a knack for making clutch shots. Joining Malone on coach Cy Alexander’s squad is Thurman Zimmerman and Chuckie Gilmore. Gilmore is a Clemson transfer who looks to bring the experience of playing major college ball to Orangeburg. Even though Malone has help, the team will only go as far as he goes.

6. Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks
While the Hawks may never achieve national prominence due largely in part to the school’s name (Eastern Shore? Seriously, who puts Eastern Shore in the title of a school’s name?), UMES still has a legitimate shot to be competitive in the MEAC. The Hawks are lead by Thomas Trotter Jr., son of coach Thomas Trotter Sr. Junior averaged 16.7 ppg last season and as the coaches son, should never have to worry about playing time.

7. Florida A&M Rattlers
The Rattlers are poised to make it back to the big dance and look to do so with Tennessee transfer guard Terrence Woods. Other newcomers include O.J. Sumter and Moses White. There’s no other way to improve upon a 9-19 season than by bringing in experienced talent. Add to that talent mainstay guard Michael Griffith, and the Rattlers might have enough to do some damage. Of course, the key to the Rattlers success will hinge on chemistry, how the incumbents jell with the new blood.

8. Coppin State Eagles
Talk about problems, the Eagles lost four returning players due to disciplinary reasons and the first quarter of their season is brutal with a capital B. What to do, what to do? At least CSU has a coach with a nifty nickname (does it get any better than Fang) and a stud star player. Senior forward Larry Tucker will light up a scoreboard and can also do a little boarding. Look for Tucker to light up a scoreboard or two and the defense to thrive. But it is in the scoring department that the team needs to step up. You cannot win to many games without putting the ball through the hoop.

9. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
Eastern Shore, Bethune-Cookman, what is it with this conference? Personally, I can’t wait until January 13, that’s when BC takes on UMES. I digress. The Wildcats are basically two guys: Richard Toussaint and Maurice Riddick. That’s it. These two guys can score in bunches and BC will need them too. The Wildcats will need a lot of help from their newcomers to stay within striking range of the top tier in the MEAC. If all else fails for Bethune-Cookman, at least the school is in Daytona Beach, that has to count for something.

10. Morgan State Bears
The team’s best player is Reggie Winkfield, but Winkfield is out until February with a hip injury. The Bears still have guard Randy Dukes who is excellent from downtown. It will take a lot more than three pointers to keep the Bears above water, however. To except anything from MSU would be ill advised, as the Bears are among the worst in the country. At least Winkfield has the chance to light up the scoreboard, when he gets healthy of course.

11. Norfolk State Spartans
Norfolk State might very well be that team. Which team you ask? The worst team in America, of course. NSU is under the leadership of new head coach Dwight Freeman, who coached at Miami last year. NSU is led by big man Thomas Aladi (6-10). Aladi is very big but needs to assert himself as a clutch player. Freeman must work to get all of his players on the same page or he will regret he ever took the job at NSU. No matter how bad the team gets, Freeman must show poise to keep the team together. The Eagles hope to play well and not get too buried early on.

MVP
Richard Toussaint, guard Bethune Cookman

Newcomer of the Year
Terrence Woods, guard FAMU

Coach of the Year
Cy Alexander, SCSU

MEAC Notebook

MEAC Notebook

Pirates To MEAC Foes: Walk The Plank!

Hampton’s coming out party came last March when they
became only the fourth No. 15 seed to upset a No. 2
seed as they stunned Iowa State 58-57 in Boise
during last year’s NCAA Tournament. Riding high off of that “one shining momemnt” onto the nation’s consciousness, the Pirates are running roughshod through the MEAC this season, determined to let everyone know that they are no flash in the pan.

However, not to be outdone by their March theatrics,
the Pirates jump-started the 2001-02 season with an
improbable 77-69 road win against North Carolina. “It
let everyone know although we were very successful
last year, we’re still a team to be reckoned with,”
said head coach Steve Merfeld. “The confidence we
established with that victory was immeasurable.” Old
Dominion and Akron have been other notable
non-conference foes that the Pirates have lain waste
to, but it is in the MEAC where they have been doing
most of their plundering.

The Pirates remained perfect in conference play (12-0)
after upending Coppin State 78-51 on Monday and are in
the midst of a season-high 10-game winning streak
after beating William & Mary 64-59 on Wednesday.
Led by senior guard Tommy Adams, whose seamless
transtion from shooting guard to point guard – he ran
the point his freshman season, is a big reason for
Hampton’s success.

“At first, it was tough,” Adams said. “I was known as a scorer. I wasn’t sure how much
I would have to sacrifice. But now I’ve found a
balance.” All the 6-3 captain has done is average 19.1
points, almost double his career average, and make
good on 40 percent of his three-point field goals.

Hampton has established themselves as the cream of the
MEAC crop but it’s still a long way to March, as
evidenced by the fact that Pirates finish the season
with 5 of their last 7 games on the road.
But as long as they maintain their focus, Hampton
won’t be sneaking up on anyone come dancing time.

Player of the Week

South Carolina State’s Dexter Hall was named the
MEAC’s player of the week after averaging 14 points
and 9 rebounds. The 6-9 senior forward’s best
performance came in the Bulldogs’ 76-71 loss against
NC A & T when he dropped 19 points and hauled in 10 rebounds.

Mid-Eastern Preview

2001-02 Mid-Eastern Athletic Preview

by Adam Levinson

The sights and sounds of the 2001 NCAA tournament will of course be remembered by Duke fans for the Blue Devil’s national championship. But if you ask people, many will say the most prolific lasting image is that of Hampton coach Steve Merfield running across the court and getting lifted in the air in Boise after the Pirate’s victory over 2nd seeded Iowa St. in the first round of the tournament. A win by a 15 seed gave the MEAC its 15 minutes of fame around the country. This season Hampton looks to make it back to the NCAA tournament and put the conference in the national spotlight yet again, and break the mold of the MEAC being a stomping mat for Georgetown the first month of the season. Here’s a preview of all the teams in order of predicted finish.

1. South Carolina State: The Bulldogs have experience and depth despite losing two key players from last year’s squad. Those seem to be key ingredients to going far in a conference tournament recently. State boasts strong players up front including the son of an NBA Hall of Famer. 6-4 Moses Malone Jr., a transfer from Texas Tech, has led Cy Alexander’s team in scoring in the early season. Malone has both an inside and outside game and has averaged 25 points a game in the first month of the season.

Three other players have averaged double figures in the early going. This includes senior guards Laron Mapp(13.9 ppg) and Andre Riviera (11.8 ppg). And don’t think the Bulldogs are playing cupcakes. They’ve scheduled the likes of Kansas, Wake Forest and South Carolina as non-conference opponents this year. This is one of the reasons you may see South Carolina St. struggle, at least record-wise, in the early season. But, beware of the Bulldogs come March.

2. Hampton: The Pirates have made much of their competition walk the plank early this season including North Carolina in the season opener in Chapel Hill. While they might not be the team to watch in Virginia, they could be the team to watch in the MEAC.

For Hampton to repeat as MEAC champion it will need huge contributions from guard Tommy Adams, the team’s top returner. In the first month of the season, Adam’s has averaged over 20 points a game and has put in 20 points or more in five of the team’s first seven games.
Not a bad way to go into the heart of your conference schedule.

While Adams provides the shooting touch, the Pirates are led up front by Isaac Jefferson who averages a double-double every game. At just over 10 points and 10 rebounds a game, Jefferson will need to be an integral part of the team for it to succeed.

3. North Carolina A&T: After dominating the conference for much of the mid 1990′s, the Aggies have revenge on their mind after last season. A&T nearly pulled off a victory over Hampton in the MEAC championship game last season to earn a berth in the NCAA tournament. One of NC A&T’s problems was the injury bug. If doesn’t come up and bite key players such as Bruce Jenkins like last season, the Aggies could prevail in the conference come the middle of March.

Third year coach Curtis Hunter has one returning starting forward that could surprise many people around the conference. Anthony Debro (11 ppg) teams up with Jenkins to provide the Aggies with a strong frontcourt, which will be tough to breakdown. Senior guard Marque Carrington provides a balanced attack as a leader in the backcourt. North Carolina A&T could overtake the powers that be and surprise everyone in the always wacky MEAC.

4. Norfolk State The early part of the season for the Spartans has included plane flights, hotel rooms and team meals. A bonding experience perhaps, but when a team plays eight straight road games to start the season, chances of great success are minimal, especially for a team from a smaller conference. Norfolk state players haven’t gone coast to coast on the court as much as the team has in the air so far.
The Spartans started the season in Hawaii for a pre-season tournament, then went straight to San Diego State and down south to New Orleans for two games. All of these games resulted in losses as well as a subsequent trip to Baltimore. Maybe home games are just what Norfolk State needs, as it won its first of the season over Maine in the team’s home opener.

Inexperience has permeated the basketball team especially in the frontcourt with people who didn’t get much playing time last year or who are making their collegiate debuts. Still senior center Derrick Neal provides power and scoring up front, but he’ll have to stay out of foul trouble. The guards are definitely the Spartans’ strong suit this season. Junior guard Terrence Winston, a pre-season first team all-MEAC selection by Blue Ribbon Basketball Yearbook, provides much needed shooting for the Spartans. He comes off a season where he averaged nearly 15 points per contest. The bottom line: If Norfolk State can overcome some growing pains early in the season and get into a rhythm, Wil Jones’ team could have a chance of being in the mix in post-season.

5. Coppin State: Fang Mitchell’s team enjoyed success in the conference as well as the NCAA tournament as recently as a few years ago. Then came a word every team hates to use, rebuilding. Coppin St. returns four starters this season and stands poised to make run at the league title for the first time this century.

For some reason the talent hasn’t seemed to come through so far this season. Two conference losses recently to Norfolk State and Hampton have the Eagles looking themselves in the mirror and asking “how good are we?” Nobody has quite been able to replace the lone starter lost from last year’s squad, Joe Brown (18 ppg). Larry Tucker leads the team in scoring, but at just 14 points per game. Coppin State will need more offensive production as it has averaged just 58 per contest this season. The Eagles need a third offensive producer in addition to Tucker and Sr. guard Rasheed Sims. All fingers point to Michael Poster, who was thought to be the “X-factor” heading into the season.

6. Howard: The big question mark surrounding the Bison heading into league play is how well their transfer from Colorodo will perform. Kyle Williams has answered those questions early on. The 6-6 junior forward put in a career high 37 points against American University in the beginning of November. Williams has averaged 21 points/game over the first month of the season. If this trend continues Howard could be the surprise team of the MEAC. Williams will need a supporting cast, though, to be that surprise team.

Ron Williamson has averaged nearly 15 points per game, nearly double what he averaged last season. However, there hasn’t been much scoring from the rest of the team. The Bison needs help from their other seniors who performed well last season. Point guard Ali Abdullah, who averaged nearly 15 points per game is putting in just 5 in the first month this season. Senior leadership needs to come through for Howard if they want to make a run at the league title.

7. Delaware State: Second year coach Greg Jackson is a great coach, but his team may be just a little bit too young and inexperienced to win the league title this year. However, the Hornets could create a lot of problems for other teams in the conference. Delaware State is a very disciplined team, takes smart shots, and doesn’t usually commit many turnovers. Junior Andre Matthews is coming off a great season where he averaged nearly 15 points per game. He’ll face increased attention as an upperclassman from opponents, so his scoring may be limited. That means other Hornets will have to sting the competition. But can that happen?

It seems possible so far. James Bowen has impressed many this season averaging nearly 19 points per game over the first seven contests, shooting nearly 58 percent from three point range. The question is, can he sustain that level of play the rest of the season? The Hornets have a couple of tough non-conference road games against Villanova and Fordham. Then the always-tough league schedule will take them up until the MEAC tournament in Richmond the first week of March. The Hornets should finish in the middle of the pack, but you’ll hear things from Greg Jackson and his players in the near future.

8. Morgan State: There is a significant drop-off when talking about the rest of the teams in the MEAC. There will be a dogfight between the bottom four teams to stay out of the cellar. It will take a while for first year Bears coach Butch Beard to build a winner in the MEAC.

A winner certainly won’t come immediately in Baltimore when Beard is looking to add depth with walk-on tryouts. Beard is no stranger to basketball, however, having coached at the NBA level. Aside from senior forward Curtis King (15.3ppg), Beard doesn’t have a lot to work with. It will be a fight for Morgan State to stay out of the cellar and the Bears won’t even be able to think about a league title for at least another season.

9. Florida A&M: An encouraging sign for the Rattlers is first year coach Mike Gillespie has recruited Terrence Woods. Woods is a great three-point shooter who played for Tennessee last year, before getting kicked off the team this summer. A&M has a brutal schedule in the early going having games with the likes of Georgia Tech, Mississippi St. and Northwestern.

One positive for the Rattlers is they have an early in-conference win over Bethune-Cookman. The problem is Bethune-Cookman may be the worst team in the conference and one of the worst in Division 1. Woods will compliment Demarcus Wilkins next year in the backcourt. For now, Wilkins will be on his own without much help from the rest of the team. It should be a long year in Tallahassee.

10. Bethune-Cookman: Without many expectations coming into the 2001-2002 campaign, the Wildcats have surprised many on Daytona Beach shocking MAAC member Iona in the team’s first game of the season. It’s been all-downhill from that point despite a win over MD-Eastern Shore.

Newcomer Richard Toussiant has clearly made the biggest impact on the team this season. The 6-3 guard is averaging 21 points per game. If he has many off nights when league play starts, it could be a long season for the Wildcats.

11. MD-Eastern Shore: The Hawks seem to be worst team in the MEAC. They haven’t won a game yet and the prospects don’t look good heading into the heart of league play. This should be a rebuilding year under second year coach Thomas Trotter.

Many questions remain in the frontcourt, and all around the team for that matter. MD-Eastern Shore could get bullied around in many games by the rest of conference and will struggle mightily to keep their heads above water. “Wait until next year” is definitely their motto.

Predictions:
Regular Season Champs: South Carolina State
Tournament Champion: Hampton
Player of the Year: Moses Malone Jr. (SC St.)
Coach of the Year: Cy Alexander (SC St.)