LSC Roundup 12-31

Career Night by Sims Leads Buffs Past Aggies, 69-57 - WTAM MBB

Early 16-1 second half run lifts Texans to 74-67 win over Tigers - TSU MBB

Cameron drops exhibition to UTEP - CU MBB

Griffin and White Pace Lady Buffs to 76-63 Win - WTAM WBB

TexAnns return to action with 21-point win over Wayland Baptist - TSU WBB

Wildcats return from break with 67-58 non-conference win over St. Edward's - ACU WBB

Softball Duo Earns Academic Honors From The NFCA - TAMK Softball

2012 A&M-COMMERCE SOCCER SEASON RECAP - TAMC W Soccer

Former ACU coach Thomsen makes most of his time as Tech's interim head coach - Joey Richards, Abilene Reporter News

"It was a great game just because I watched these guys over the year form a team, and not every team achieves that — to actually be a team," Thomsen said. "They did that and have great character. That was the best part of the day for me — seeing them finish out on a good note."

Thomsen is reportedly being courted by Big Spring native Sonny Dykes for an assistant job at the University of California, but Thomsen wouldn't confirm whether that will be his next stop.
"I've got an opportunity that I'm excited about," he said. "Nothing's official at this point, so I can't comment."

2012 YEAR IN REVIEW: 'Belle of the volleyball - Charles Bryce, San Angelo Standard Times
2012 YEAR IN REVIEW: Local newsmakers of the year - San Angelo Standard Times
2012 YEAR IN REVIEW: Local sports stories of the year - San Angelo Standard Times
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LSC Scoop

We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas.




LSC teams will return to action Saturday with 5 basketball games on tap.

LSC Roundup 12-21

Gines back in AD role for Javelinas - George Vondracek, Corpus Christi Caller Times

West Texas A&M Athletics Ranks Fourth in Fall Directors' Cup Standings - WTAM

LSC Basketball Weekly Release: Holiday Break on tap - LSC Office
The holiday break is here, which means seven consecutive days off for Lone Star Conference teams due to the NCAA Division II Life in the Balance Initiative.  Games resume on Dec. 29 with non-conference and league action through the New Year.
  
In league play, two men’s squads - Midwestern State and Texas A&M-Commerce - and two women’s teams - Incarnate Word and Tarleton State - remain undefeated.
  
The LSC men have a 58-42 overall record so far this season.  In the NCAA South Central Region, the men’s teams are currently 13-14 combined versus Heartland Conference teams and 3-1 opposed to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
  
The LSC women are 48-56 overall. The women’s squads are currently 15-11 combined versus Heartland teams, and 5-1 against the RMAC, which are the other conferences in the NCAA South Central Region.
  
The LSC champion will be the regular season winner determined by conference games, while the postseason tournament winner is designated as LSC Tournament Champion and earns the league’s automatic berth into the NCAA Championship. The top eight teams in the final conference standings qualify for the postseason tournament set for March 6-9 in Allen, Texas.

• Click here for the complete release

NCAA BASKETBALL STATISTICS (through games 12/16)
Men: West Texas A&M is second in the nation in scoring defense (54.4).
Men: Texas A&M-Kingsville is second in field-goal percentage defense (35.7).
Men: Texas A&M-Kingsville is fifth in three-point field-goal percentage defense (24.7).
Men: West Texas A&M’s Donald Sims is second in field-goal percentage (72.4).
Women: Tarleton State’s Kiara Wright is third in rebounds per game (13.6) and double-doubles (six).
Women: Midwestern State’s Andrea Carter is fifth in rebounds per game (12.1).
Women: Tarleton State’s Peyton Adamson is third in three-point field goals per game (3.86).

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
MEN’S OFFENSIVE
Craig Foster, Cameron University, JR, Guard, Lawton, Okla., Lawton HS
Foster led the Aggies was a key contributor in the Aggies three games this week. Against Eastern New Mexico, he was one assist shy of getting a double-double with 12 points and nine assists. Foster was a major factor in the Aggies 17 point comeback against Florida Tech, where he shot an amazing 58.3 percent from the field, on his way to a 21 point game. In the game against Rollins College, he led the Cameron back from a 28 point deficit to get the game to within seven late in the second half. Foster had his career high in points against Rollins with 26, along with five assists and three rebounds. Foster averaged 20.7 points this week with a 50 percent shooting percentage. He was 37.5 percent from behind the arc and 80 percent from the free throw line.

MEN’S DEFENSIVE
Denzel Livingston, University of the Incarnate Word, SO, Guard, Houston, Texas, Waltrip HS
Livingston was outstanding in the Cardinals’ 80-59 win over Texas A&M-International. He scored a season high 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the floor. He grabbed eight defensive rebounds, dished out four assists, blocked five shots and had three steals in his best all-around game of the season. He scored 15 points in the second half when the Cardinals outscored the Dustdevils, 45-29. He was a key reason why TAMIU shot just 33.3 percent from the field.

WOMEN’S OFFENSIVE
Ashlyn Green, University of the Incarnate Word, SR, Guard, Irving, Texas, Irving HS
Green came off the bench to lead the Cardinals to an important 59-52 LSC win on the road at Texas Woman’s. The win improved the Cardinals to 3-0 in conference play. She poured in 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds. She scored the final six points of the game to prevent a TWU comeback. She connected on 8-of-10 from the foul line, including four straight in the final 29 seconds.

WOMEN’S DEFENSIVE
Haylee Oliver, Angelo State University, SO, Forward, San Saba, Texas, San Saba HS
Oliver recorded her fourth consecutive double-double of the season in a 80-66 win over Texas A&M-International. The sophomore led all scorers with 22 points and hit four 3-pointers. All 10 rebounds for Oliver came on the defensive end. The Belles held the Dustdevils to 33.3-percent shooting (25-75) on the night. She added two assists and one steal to move the Belles to 6-4 on the season.

LSC Roundup 12-20

Rams Struggle Rebounding, Fall 79-67 at Texas-Permian Basin - ASU MBB

Cardinals Roll Past Dustdevils - UIW MBB

3-POINT CLINIC FUELS LIONS IN 96-88 WIN AT SOUTHERN ARKANSAS - TAMC MBB

Johnson and Pierson Lead the Way as Zias Capture First Win - ENMU WBB

Cards Nab Win on the Road - UIW WBB

TWU basketball falls short to Incarnate Word, 59-52 - TWU WBB

Javelinas Suffer 72-63 Loss in Final Game of 2012 - TAMK WBB

Mustangs go ice cold in 72-53 loss at Central Oklahoma - MSU WBB

Dullnig To Be Honored By Hooks - TAMK Baseball

LSC Roundup - 12-19

Texan defense stifles Reddies in 64-53 win - TSU MBB
A&M-COMMERCE DROPS 82-76 SLUGFEST AT OUACHITA BAPTIST - TAMC MBB
Romero Sparks Greyhound Offense at Brigham Young - ENMU MBB
ASU BASKETBALL: Capsule, 12/19 - San Angelo Standard Times

TexAnns get revenge on UTPB with 81-76 win at Wisdom - TSU WBB
Belles Throttle Texas A&M-International 80-66 - ASU WBB

Underclassmen lead Wildcats to 74-67 win over Emporia State - ACU WBB

Lady Buffs Tame Lady Lions Heading into Christmas Break, 73-57 - WTAM WBB

Zias Fall to Alaska Anchorage in A&T Hoops Classic - ENMU WBB
Cameron's comeback falls short in West Palm Beach - CU WBB

RALLY COMES UP SHORT IN 75-72 DEFEAT AT HENDERSON STATE - TAMC WBB

Mustangs move into USA Today Sports Top 25 at No. 25 - MSU WBB

MSU's Oland off to solid start at 82nd Dixie Amateur - MSU MGolf

LSC Roundup 12-18

Calloway Tabbed to Replace Atterberry as Head Coach of Javelinas - KRIS TV
Buffs Finish School-Best Fourth in Final AFCA Football Coaches Poll - WTAM Football

Midwestern State closes 16th in final AFCA Division II Poll - MSU Football

Van Heule named Associated Press Little All American - MSU Football

and from The Football Scoop - Texas A&M Commerce: Offensive coordinator Dan Lounsbury has announced his retirement

Grayer's double-double sparks MSU - Nick Gholson, Times Record News

Grayer, Mustangs charge past Mid-America Christian - MSU MBB

Rams Drop Non-Conference Game at Lubbock Christian - ASU MBB

Wildcats rally from 10-point second-half deficit to knock off Arkansas-Fort Smith - ACU WBB

Valiant Effort by Lady Buffs Falls Short in Overtime in 69-65 Loss to Emporia State - WTAM WBB

Women’s Basketball Falls in AT&T Classic Opener - ENMU WBB

Aggie women drop their first contest in Florida - CU WBB

Calloway Tabbed To Replace Atterberry As Head Coach Of Javelinas

From the TAMK Sports Information Department

KINGSVILLE, Texas -- A mastermind of one of the top defenses in the NCAA Division II ranks, Texas A&M-Kingsville defensive coordinator David Calloway has been promoted to the position of head football coach. He becomes the ninth head coach of the Javelina program.

 “David Calloway loves this community, this University, and Javelina Football,” said Texas A&M University-Kingsville President Dr. Steven H. Tallant. “He enjoys great respect among our student-athletes. The energy and passion he brings is infectious. His understanding of our current operating systems within the football program is a great strength.”

 Calloway has led the Javelina defense for six seasons and built the one of the top units against the run in his tenure. Kingsville has led the Lone Star Conference in rushing defense four of the last five years including the 2012 season. During the span, the defensive unit finished first, seventh, 13th and 34th in the nation in rushing yards allowed. His 2010 defense set a single-season record by allowing just 57 yards rushing a game.

Under Calloway, the defense has had multiple players earn conference, regional and national honors. Over 25 players have earned All-LSC recognition in his tenure as defensive coordinator. Two players –Tressor Baptiste (2010) and Jeremy Aguilar (2011) – were each named Linebacker of the Year. In 2008, Jimmy McQueen-Sadler was named Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year and Jabir Perkins was named Defensive Back of the Year. Defensive players have received 17 All-America honors and two were named Academic All-America.

Through his tenure the Javelina defense has come up big in crucial games. They limited preseason No. 2 Northwest Missouri State to just seven point in the 2010 opener, while in 2008 the defense held #4 Delta State to just a field goal.

Calloway came to Texas A&M-Kingsville after a year as the defensive line coach at Southeastern Oklahoma. He was originally named defensive coordinator for the Savage Storm after Bo Atterberry came to Kingsville and was named the Javelinas defensive leader when Atterberry took over as head coach.

Kingsville was not Calloway’s first stint as a defensive coordinator. He was the defensive coordinator at Langston (Okla.) during the 2004 and 2005 seasons and at Hastings (Neb.) College from 2000 through 2003. Previously, Calloway was the linebackers coach at Lane College.

He was a four-year letterwinner at Langston where he earned his undergraduate degree. He received his graduate degree from Hastings.

Javelinas Head Coach Bo Atterberry and A&M-Kingsville Part Ways

More from Tyler Garrett, KRISTV

KINGSVILLE - Multiple sources have confirmed to us that A&M-Kingsville will announce David Calloway as their new Head Football Coach. Calloway will replace Bo Atterberry who resigned on Friday from the university.  We are the first media outlet to announce the hiring, which will become official at 6pm.

Click here to read about Atterberry's Resignation.

This will be Calloway's first Head Coach Position at the college level. He has spent 6 seasons as the Javelinas' Defensive Coordinator.  Prior to that he was the defensive line coach at Southeastern Oklahoma and before that the defensive coordinator at Langston (Okla.) during the 2004 and 2005 seasons and at Hastings (Neb.) College from 2000 through 2003.  While with A&M-Kingsville, Calloway has produced multiple All-Americans including Jeremy Aguilar and Roderick Mosley.

Calloway becomes the 9th A&M-Kingsville Head Coach since 1925.

We will have an interview with him tonight at 10pm in Sports.

Click here to follow the Friday Night Fever on Facebook.Click here to follow us on Twitter: @KRISsports.

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From the TAMK Athletic Department
Atterberry Resigns To Pursue Other Opportunities
KINGSVILLE, Texas – Texas A&M University-Kingsville head football coach Bo Atterberry has resigned his post to pursue other career opportunities. The resignation takes effect December 31, 2012.

Atterberry directed Javelina football for the past six seasons and leaves the coaching post with many accomplishments. Posting a mark of 41-28, including four consecutive winning seasons, Atterberry led the 2012 Javelinas to a third-place finish in the Lone Star Conference, a Kanza Bowl bid, and he was named Lone Star Conference co-Coach of the Year.

Beginning with the second game of the 2009 season, Atterberry led the Javelinas to 27 consecutive Top 25 rankings, and in 2009 and 2010 his Javelinas defeated six ranked opponents along the way to consecutive NCAA playoff appearances. His win total through six seasons was impressive, equaling that of College Football Hall of Fame coach Gil Steinke and Javelina Hall of Fame coach Richard Cundiff in their first six campaigns with the Javelinas.

Atterberry’s 2009 Javelinas won the Lone Star Conference title, and he was a finalist for the Liberty Mutual National Coach of Year that same year. He guided the 2010 Javelinas to a 10-2 mark, the program’s first 10-win regular season in 21 years, and he was named the American Football Coaches Association Regional Coach of the Year.

Off the field, Atterberry consistently supported community and university initiatives, and during his tenure Javelina Athletics won the Lone Star Conference Award of Excellence for community engagement and game-day atmosphere three consecutive years, the LSC SAAC Cup every year since inception, and in 2010 led the nation in per game football attendance.

“I am both thankful for and blessed by my time here at Texas A&M-Kingsville,” said Atterberry. “I appreciate the support of the Javelina community, and, most importantly, I am grateful for the time, effort, and commitment of our student-athletes and assistant coaches. This is simply an opportune time for me to pursue other career opportunities.”

------------------------------------------------
Update from KRIS-TV (big thanks to Tyler Garrett)

A&M-Kingsville Head Coach Bo Atterberry has resigned from A&M-Kingsville. We were the first in town to break the news that he was a finalist for the Arkansas Tech job, which he did not get. Atterberry was 41-28 at A&M-Kingsville over 6-seasons. He officially resigned on Friday, this information comes from members of the Javelina staff.

-------------------------------------------------
KIII-TV in Corpus Christi is reporting that Texas A&M Kingsville and head football coach Bo Atterberry "have mutually agreed to part ways, according to a source."

They are also reporting that defensive coordinator would be a leading candidate to replace Atterberry.

We will have updates as new details emerge.

Bo Atterberry

David Calloway

LSC Roundup 12-17

Mustangs seek to regain momentum - Nick Gholson, Times Record News

Lawton scores career-high 29 points in Wildcats' 82-72 win over Florida Tech - ACU MBB

ACU men fall to Rollins, 65-61, at Las Vegas Classic - ACU MBB

Rollins sinks Cameron, 88-76 - CU MBB

Aggies cage Panthers, 78-70 - CU MBB

Division I Mustangs Edge Greyhound Basketball Team - ENMU MBB

Mustangs fall to Arkansas Tech in double OT, 75-73 - MSU MBB

WALKER NOTCHES 200TH CAREER WIN IN 92-62 ROUT OF DALLAS BAPTIST - TAMC MBB

Gober, Carter spur Mustangs past Texas-Permian Basin - MSU WBB

SLUGGISH SECOND HALF COSTS LIONS AT OUACHITA BAPTIST, 71-56 - TAMC WBB

Javelinas Fall to St. Ed's in Last Home Game of 2012 - TAMK WBB

Softball inks five during early signing period - TWU Softball

TexAnns add outfielder for 2013 - TSU Softball

FOUR FINALISTS NAMED FOR A&M-COMMERCE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR POSITION

Per LionAthletics.com

COMMERCE, Texas – Texas A&M University-Commerce’s Athletic Director search committee has announced the four finalists who will take part in on-campus interviews Monday, December 17 through Thursday, December 20. The four finalists are:

Michael Scarano
Scarano is currently the Director of Athletics at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa, a position he has held since 2010. His time at Waldorf has been highlighted by a substantial improvement in facilities, including new playing surfaces and departmental offices, as well as the establishment of four new programs (men’s ice hockey, women’s wrestling and men’s and women’s cross country) and the Student-Athlete Advisory Council. Scarano has 17 years of athletic administration experience, serving as an Assistant Athletic Director at both the University of California at Riverside and the University of Alabama at Huntsville. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English from California State Polytechnic University before achieving his master’s degree in Education from Azusa Pacific University.
Scarano Full Bio
Interview Date: Monday, December 17 

Ryan Ivey
Ivey has spent the last five years at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, serving as an Associate Athletic Director since September 2010. Ivey handles the day-to-day operations of the athletic department, which includes the department’s internal and external operations, as well as McNeese’s business affairs. Under Ivey’s guidance, McNeese State has seen an increase in corporate sponsorship revenue, and he has worked with head coaches to significantly increase the Cowboys’ Academic Performance Rate scores with 15 of the 16 teams scoring at .925 or better. Prior to his time at McNeese State, Ivey spent two seasons as the Director of Operations for the University of Memphis women’s basketball team as well as serving as the Marketing and Promotions Coordinator at the University of South Dakota. Ivey earned his bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and his master’s degree in Sports Commerce from the University of Memphis.
Ivey Full Bio
Interview Date: Tuesday, December 18
Steve Cobb
Cobb is currently the Director of Athletics at the University of Alaska-Anchorage, a position he has held for the last 12 years. He has overseen an extended period of success in Seawolf Athletics, which has included four Elite Eight appearances for the basketball programs as well as multiple NCAA top-15 finishes for the men’s and women’s cross country, skiing and track and field teams. Cobb has also overseen a number of capital facilities improvements, which includes the $109 million on-campus Seawolf Arena. Prior to his time at Alaska-Anchorage, Cobb spent five years as the Director of Athletics at Georgia Southwestern State University and was an Assistant Athletic Director at Iowa Wesleyan College. Cobb is familiar with the university, having served as an assistant football coach for the Lions from 1990-92. He earned his doctorate in Education from East Texas State in 1993. He also holds master’s degrees in Business Administration from St. Ambrose University as well as Education from Sul Ross State University.
Cobb Full Bio
Interview Date: Wednesday, December 19
Tom Tallach
Tallach currently holds the position of Assistant Principal for Athletics at Loyola College Prep in Shreveport, Louisiana. There he oversees the 18-sport intercollegiate athletics program as well as assisting with the education curriculum. Prior to his time at Loyola Prep, Tallach spent three years as the Director of Athletics at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana, heading the 16-sport NCAA Division I athletic program while also seeing improvements in individual and corporate boosters as well as renovations to the basketball, tennis and softball facilities. Tallach spent two years at Tarleton State University as an Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and has ties to A&M-Commerce, where he spent six years as an Assistant Athletic Director for the Lions, including serving as A&M-Commerce’s Interim Athletic Director from 2004-05. Tallach was also an assistant basketball coach for the Lions from 1993-96, earning his doctorate in Education as well as his master’s in Health and Physical Education from A&M-Commerce.
Interview Date: Thursday, December 20
The four finalists were selected from more than 50 applicants nationwide and were chosen by a 13-member search committee made up of A&M-Commerce faculty, staff, students and community representatives. During each on-campus interview, the candidates will meet with the search committee and the different constituent groups associated with the Athletic Department on the A&M-Commerce campus.
An open forum for each of the candidates will be held during their on-campus interview, taking place from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. each day at the Sam Rayburn Student Center. A live stream of each of the open forums will be available at LionAthletics.com and questions for the Athletic Director candidates can be e-mailed to ADSearch@tamuc.edu, with questions being asked as time permits.

The goal is to provide a recommendation to Texas A&M University-Commerce President Dr. Dan Jones before the Christmas holiday with the new Athletic Director beginning their responsibilities in the winter of 2013.

Arkansas Tech names new football head coach

According to KRIS-TV and the River Valley Leader, Arkansas Tech has hired Raymond Monica to be the head football coach.  Monica comes to ATU from Kutztown University.  Other finalists for the position were Texas A&M-Kingsville's Bo Atterberry and Missouri S&T's David Brown.

Link to KRIS-TV's story
Link to River Valley Leader story

LSC Roundup 12-13

CU stays unbeaten at home with a 66-55 win over ENMU - CU MBB

Aggies Hand Hounds First LSC Setback of Season - ENMU MBB

Guard Added To Javelina Roster - TAMK MBB

Williams' 14 points leads CU past ENMU, 55-50 - CU WBB

Zias Drop Heartbreaker in Lawton - ENMU WBB

Linn announces tennis signing class - MSU Tennis

LSC coach to Arkansas Tech?

***LSC Scoop Exclusive***
The River Valley Leader is reporting that Texas A&M-Kingsville head football coach Bo Atterberry is one of three finalists for the same position at Arkansas Tech and has interviewed for the job.  David Brown (Missouri S&T) and Raymond Monica (Kutztown) are the other two finalists.

Atterberry has a 41-28 record at TAMK in 6 seasons, with two trips to the playoffs.  They finished the 2012 season with a 6-6 record, and an appearance in the Kanza Bowl.

Brown has compiled a 19-14 record at Missouri S&T, including a 10-1 record in 2012 losing only to the University of Indianapolis.  He was an assistant coach at Ohio University for four years prior to taking the Miners' head coaching position.

Monica has been the head coach at Kutztown for 7 seasons and has a 45-33 record, including a 7-4 mark in 2012.  In 2011, KU won their first ever PSAC title, advanced to the NCAA playoffs, winning the first playoff game in team history, and was ranked as high as #6 in the AFCA poll.

Link to Story


***Update***
The Courier is reporting that the three coaches above have or will visit ATU this week, but did not confirm that these were the sole group of finalists.
Story

LSC Roundup 12-12

Mustangs receive votes in USA Today Sports D2 Top 25 for fourth straight week - MSU WBB

LSC Basketball Weekly Release: Five teams remain unbeaten in league action - LSC Office
LSC BASKETBALL
The schedule prior to the winter break includes a handful of Lone Star Conference contests along with non-conference games.  The teams will take a hiatus from play from December 20-28.
    
In league play, three men’s squads and two women’s team remain undefeated.
    
The LSC men have a 50-33 overall record so far this season.  In the NCAA South Central Region, the men’s teams are currently 11-13 combined versus Heartland Conference teams and 3-1 opposed to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
    
The LSC women are 39-44 overall. The women’s squads are currently 10-9 combined versus Heartland teams, and 5-1 against the RMAC, which are the other conferences in the NCAA South Central Region.
    
The LSC champion will be the regular season winner determined by conference games, while the postseason tournament winner is designated as LSC Tournament Champion and earns the league’s automatic berth into the NCAA Championship. The top eight teams in the final conference standings qualify for the postseason tournament set for March 6-9 in Allen, Texas.

• Click here for the complete release

NCAA BASKETBALL STATISTICS (through games 11/9)
Men: West Texas A&M tops the nation in scoring defense (54.4).
Men: Texas A&M-Kingsville is fourth in field-goal percentage defense (35.7).
Men: Texas A&M-Kingsville is fifth in three-point field-goal percentage defense (24.7).
Men: West Texas A&M’s Donald Sims is fourth in field-goal percentage (72.4).
Women: Tarleton State’s Kiara Wright is third in rebounds per game (13.6) and double-doubles (six).
Women: Midwestern State’s Andrea Carter is fourth in rebounds per game (12.1).
Women: Tarleton State’s Peyton Adamson is fourth in three-point field goals per game (3.86).

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
CO-MEN’S OFFENSIVE
Kennon Washington, West Texas A&M University, SR, Guard, Mobile, Ala., W.P. Davidson HS
Washington had one of his best weeks as a Buffalo as WT went 1-1 with an overtime loss at Midwestern State before rebounding for an impressive victory over Cameron on Saturday in Canyon. The senior guard averaged an amazing 22.5 points per game to go along with 6.0 rebounds and a shooting percentage of .577 on the week. Washington contributed a 23 point performance on Wednesday in the loss to MSU before tallying 22 points and seven boards in the win over Cameron. The Mobile, Alabama native went 3-of-5 from behind the arc and 12-of-14 from the charity stripe.

Jason Smith, Texas A&M University - Commerce, SR, Forward, Fort Worth, Texas, Grace Prep HS
Smith was the Lions’ top player this past week as A&M-Commerce notched a pair of Lone Star Conference victories ... Smith averaged 18.0 points and 8.5 rebounds, shooting 80.0% from the floor and 85.7% from the free throw line ... He posted 17 points and five rebounds in the 90-88 victory over Abilene Christian Tuesday ... Against Angelo State, he notched his first double-double as a Lion, finishing with a team-high 19 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 87.5% from the floor (7-of-8) and 83.3% from the free throw line (5-of-6) ... Smith also added a game-high six assists against the Rams ... He is averaging 10.3 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 62.7% from the floor on the year for A&M-Commerce.

MEN’S DEFENSIVE
Corbin Thomas, Midwestern State University, SR, Forward, Chicago, Ill., Seton Academy
Thomas preserved Midwestern State’s 65-62 overtime win over then-No. 25 West Texas A&M blocking Mason White’s driving layup attempt in the closing seconds of the first overtime Wednesday night at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. The swat closed a big night for the senior transfer from Missouri State. Thomas notched his first double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds while swatting a season-high five shots to help the Mustangs improve to 3-0 in the Lone Star Conference.

CO-WOMEN’S OFFENSIVE
Peyton Adamson, Tarleton State University, JR, Guard, Rockwall, Texas, Rockwall HS
Adamson led the TexAnns to back-to-back LSC wins over Angelo State and Abilene Christian last week. The junior guard from Rockwall averaged 17.5 points over those games, including a 23-point performance against ACU for her third 20-point game of the season. At Angelo, Adamson drilled a pair of deep 3-pointers to strengthen an 11-0 run to start the overtime period in the win against the Rambelles. She continued her torrid pace Saturday by going 6-11 from the floor, 5-7 from downtown and 6-6 from the free throw line in leading the TexAnns to a 78-60 win over ACU.

Dianna Jones, Midwestern State University, SO, Guard, Hewitt, Texas, Midway HS
Jones was instrumental in directing the Midwestern State attack in the Mustangs 74-55 triumph over West Texas A&M, the largest in 34 years over the Lady Buffs. The 5-9 sophomore guard from Hewitt, Texas/Midway accounted for 30 of the 74 MSU points, scoring 10 and dishing out 10 assists in the MSU triumph. She also grabbed two rebounds and collected three steals. Jones was 4-of-8 from the floor (.500) and 2-of-5 (.400) from the 3-point arc. It was the first 10 assist game for MSU since Michelle Duff dished out 11 dimes against Angelo State on Jan. 14, 2009 and the most in the LSC this season.

WOMEN’S DEFENSIVE
Kiara Wright, Tarleton State University, JR, Center, Pittsburg, Texas, Pittsburg HS
Wright was a defensive force for the TexAnns who earned victories over Angelo State and Abilene Christian while holding them to a combined .347 percent from the floor and 60.5 points per game. The junior center from Pittsburg averaged a double-double for the week with 15 points and 16 rebounds per contest. In Angelo, her 13 rebounds gave her 517 for her career which made her the 15th all-time rebounder in school history. She followed up that performance by setting a career-high in rebounds Saturday against ACU with 19 total boards (all defensive.) She also had three blocks and five steals for the week.

3 Buffaloes Named Daktronics 1st Team All-America - WTAM Football

Van Heule named Daktronics second-team All American - MSU Football

Belles in at No. 10 in Final AVCA Poll of 2012 - ASU Volleyball

Track & Field Has Strong Showing in Warm-Up for Indoor Season - WTAM Track

LSC Roundup 12-11

Aguilar Named To AFCA Division II All-America Team - TAMK Football
No truth to rumors of Maskill's departure - J. Scott Russell, Times Record News

Former Wildcat head coach named interim head coach at Texas Tech - ACU Football

Hayes and Dougherty Honored by Daktronics as All-Americans - WTAM Volleyball

Eight Lady Buffs Named NFCA All-American Scholar Athletes - WTAM Softball

Two LSC players named to AFCA All-American Team

Missouri Southern State defensive lineman Brandon Williams and Bloomsburg running back Franklyn Quiteh headline the 2012 AFCA Division II Coaches’ All-America Team announced today by the American Football Coaches Association.

The AFCA has selected an All-America team since 1945 and currently selects teams in all five of its divisions. What makes these teams so special is that they are the only ones chosen exclusively by the men who know the players the best — the coaches themselves.

Williams picked up his third straight AFCA All-America Team honor by finishing third in the nation in forced fumbles with five, and recorded 8.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss. Williams is the third player to earn three straight AFCA Division II All-America honors. Quiteh led the nation in rushing (2,121 yards), touchdowns (24) and rushing yards per game (176.75). He is a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, which is awarded to the most valuable player in Division II.

2012 AFCA Division II Coaches’ All-America Team
Offense

Pos.	Name	Ht.	Wt.	Cl.	School	Coach	Hometown (High School)
WR	Chris Bowden	6-2	215	Sr.	Wingate	Joe Reich	Forsyth, Ga. (Mary Persons)
WR	John Brown	5-11	171	Jr.	Pittsburg St.	Tim Beck	Homestead, Fla. (Homestead)
OL	Mark Jackson	6-6	320	Sr.	Glenville St.	David Hutchison	Columbus, Ohio (Brockhaven)
OL	Garth Heikkinen*	6-4	315	Sr.	Minnesota-Duluth	Bob Nielson	Duluth, Minn. (Central)
C	Kevin Day	6-0	270	Sr.	Carson-Newman	Ken Sparks	Soddy-Daisy, Tenn. (Soddy-Daisy)
OL	Manase Foketi	6-5	320	Sr.	West Texas A&M	Don Carthel	Hesperia, Calif. (Sultana)
OL	Ryan Schraeder*	6-7	300	Sr.	Valdosta St.	David Dean	Wichita, Kan. (Maize)
QB	Taylor Housewright	6-2	215	Sr.	Ashland	Lee Owens	Ashland, Ohio (Ashland)
RB	Franklyn Quiteh	5-10	203	Jr.	Bloomsburg	Danny Hale	Tobyhanna, Pa. (Pocono Mountain West)
RB	Michael Hill	5-11	205	Sr.	Missouri Western St.	Jerry Partridge	St. Joesph, Mo. (Central)
RB	Rayon Simmons, Jr.	5-10	210	Sr.	Winona St.	Tom Sawyer	University City, Mo. (Christian Brothers College)

Defense

Pos.	Name	Ht.	Wt.	Cl.	School	Coach	Hometown (High School)
DL	Brandon Williams**	6-3	325	Sr.	Missouri Southern St.	Daryl Daye	Kirkwood, Mo. (Rockwood Summit)
DL	Brad Davis	6-1	245	Sr.	Elizabeth City St.	Waverly Tillar	Charlotte, N.C. (Independence)
DL	Armonty Bryant	6-4	250	Sr.	East Central (Okla.)	Tim McCarty	Wichita Falls, Texas (Wichita Falls)
DL	Zach Moore	6-6	282	Jr.	Concordia-St. Paul	Ryan Williams	Chicago, Ill. (Simeon Academy)
LB	Ronell Williams	6-1	230	So.	West Chester	Bill Zwaan	Chester, Pa. (Chester)
LB	Corey Jones	6-2	240	Sr.	Lane	Derrick Burroughs	Compton, Ca. (John C. Fremont)
LB	Jeremy Aguilar	6-1	235	Sr.	Texas A&M-Kingsville	Bo Atterberry	Los Angeles, Ca. (Roosevelt)
DB	Don Unamba	6-1	192	Sr.	Southern Arkansas	Bill Keopple	Hurst, Texas (L.D. Bell)
DB	Pierre Desir	6-2	206	Jr.	Lindenwood (Mo.)	Patrick Ross	St. Charles, Mo. (Francis Howell Central)
DB	Rontez Miles*	6-1	210	Sr.	California (Pa.)	Mike Kellar	Braddock, Pa. (Woodland Hills)
DB	Jack Moro	5-11	190	Jr.	St. Cloud State	Scott Underwood	Brookfield, Wis. (Central)

Specialists

Pos.	Name	Ht.	Wt.	Cl.	School	Coach	Hometown (High School)
P	Randy Weich	6-2	250	Sr.	Wayne St. (Neb.)	Dan McLaughlin	Lincoln, Neb. (Pierce)
PK	Sam Brockshus	5-11	200	Jr.	Minnesota St.-Mankato	Aaron Keen	Spencer, Iowa. (Spencer)
AP	Tyron Laughinghouse	6-2	175	Sr.	St. Augustine’s	Michael Costa	Greenville, N.C. (Rose)

*-2011 AFCA All-American
**-2010 & 2011 AFCA All-American   

Team Background: The five teams now chosen for each AFCA division evolved from a single 11-player squad in 1945. From 1945 until 1967, only one team was chosen. From 1967 through 1971, two teams, University Division and College Division, were selected. In 1972, the College Division was split into College I and College II. In 1979, the University Division was split into two teams — FBS and FCS. In 1996, the College I and College II teams were renamed Division II and Division III, respectively. In 2006, the AFCA started selecting an NAIA-only team.
From 1965-81, a 22-player (11 offensive, 11 defensive) team was chosen. In 1982, a punter and placekicker were added to the team. In 1997, a return specialist was added, giving us the current 25-player team. The return specialist position was replaced by an all-purpose player in 2006.

Selection Process: The AFCA’s Division II All-America Selection Committee is made up of three head coaches from each of the AFCA’s nine districts, one of whom serves as a district chairman, along with another head coach who serves as the chairman of the selection committee. The coaches in each district are responsible for ranking the top players in their respective districts prior to a conference call between the district chairmen and the committee chairman on which the team is chosen.

Top Teams: Texas A&M-Kingsville has been represented a total of 34 times by 30 players on the AFCA Division II Coaches’ All-America Team. Trailing Texas A&M-Kingsville is Pittsburg State (19/16), Indiana (Pa.) (18/16), Northwest Missouri State (17/13), North Alabama (16/15), Abilene Christian (15/14), Carson-Newman (15/14), Grand Valley State (15/14), American International (14/13),  Ferris State (14/12), Texas A&M-Commerce (14/12), New Haven (13/13), Valdosta State (13/11), Indianapolis (10/10), Ashland (10/10) and Saginaw Valley State (10/10).

Consecutive Years: Texas A&M-Kingsville had at least one player named to the AFCA Division II Coaches’ All-America Team for 18 straight seasons, from 1986 to 2003, the longest streak by any team in Division II. Missouri Southern State, St. Cloud State and Valdosta State are tied for the longest current streak with a player selected to the AFCA Division II Coaches’ All-America Team for three straight seasons, from 2010 to present.

Repeat After Me:  Texas A&M-Kingsville’s Johnny Bailey is the only player to earn Coaches’ All-America honors in four consecutive years at any level. Bailey was a four-year pick at running back in 1986-87-88-89.

Three-peat: Missouri Southern State’s Brandon Williams was named to the Division II Coaches’ All-America Team for a third straight year in 2012, tying him with Minnesota State-Mankato’s Tywan Mitchell (1996-98) and Mars Hill’s Jonas Randolph (2009-2011) as the only players to earn three straight Division II Coaches’ All-America Team honors.

Back-to-Back: California (Pa.) defensive back Rontez Miles, Minnesota-Duluth offensive lineman Garth Heikkinen and Valdosta State offensive lineman Ryan Schraeder are the only players to earn AFCA Division II Coaches’ All-America honors for the second consecutive season in 2012.

Two Players, Two Schools: Punter Mark Bounds and placekicker Greg Zuerlein are the only players to earn Coaches’ All-America honors at two different schools. Bounds was named to the AFCA College Division I team in 1990 while playing for West Texas A&M. He transferred to Texas Tech after West Texas dropped football and earned I-A All-America honors as a Red Raider in 1991. Zuerlein was named to the Division II Coaches’ All-America Team in 2009 while playing for Nebraska-Omaha. He transferred to Missouri Western State after Nebraska-Omaha dropped its football program and earned Division II honors in 2011 as a Griffon.

Class Distinction: This year’s Division II Coaches’ All-America Team is made up of 18 seniors, six juniors and one sophomore.

First Time Schools: Defensive linemen Brad Davis of Elizabeth City State and Zach Moore of Concordia-St. Paul have earned AFCA Coaches’ All-America Team honors for the first time, for their schools,  this year.

LSC Roundup 12-10

Buffs weren't at best in loss to Rams - Mark Haslett, Amarillo Globe News
Tough night for WTAM: Buffs struggle in playoff loss to WSSU - Mark Haslett, Amarillo Globe News


WT's memorable season ends in NCAA semifinals - Courtesy of WT media relations
The West Texas A&M football team gave a valiant effort, but came up short in a 41-18 loss in the NCAA Division II Semifinal Saturday evening at No. 2 Winston-Salem State.  With the loss, the Buffaloes’ magical season came to an end with a 12-3 record, while WSSU improves to 14-0 and advances to the National Championship game next weekend in Florence, Ala. (more)

#9 Lady Buffs Fall to #5 BYU-Hawaii in Division II National Quarterfinals - WTAM Volleyball

Texans notch first LSC win of the season with 64-50 win over Wildcats - TSU MBB

Poor-shooting first half dooms Wildcats in 64-50 loss at Tarleton State - ACU MBB
Strong Second Half Lifts #25 Buffs Past Cameron, 57-38 - WTAM MBB

M. Basketball: Johnson leads with 14 points but Aggies fall to #25 Buffs, 57-38 - CU MBB

SMITH'S DOUBLE-DOUBLE PACES LIONS IN 75-58 VICTORY - TAMC MBB

Lions Top Rams in Lone Star Conference Game in Commerce - ASU MBB

Cardinals Drop Road Game - UIW MBB

Bledsoe, Wright set career highs in rout of ACU - TSU WBB

TexAnns send cold-shooting Wildcats to first LSC loss of season, 78-60 - ACU WBB

Lady Buffs Stampede Cameron, Earn First Lone Star Conference Victory - WTAM WBB

W. Basketball: CU women fall to the Lady Buffs in Canyon - CU WBB

Pioneers snap losing streak with 70-66 win at Texas A&M-Kingsville - TWU WBB

Late Run Comes Up Shy For Javelinas - TAMK WBB

Belles Beat Texas A&M-Commerce 67-57 - ASU WBB

BALANCED ANGELO STATE ATTACK SINKS LIONS, 67-57 - TAMC WBB

Free Throw Shooting Leads the Way - UIW WBB

Division I Miners Too Much for Zias - ENMU WBB

LSC Game Day Roundup

NCAA Division II playoffs: Buffaloes hope to stampede through N.C. - Mark Haslett, Amarillo Globe News
Sports success could prove profitable for WT - John Mark Beilue, Amarillo Globe News
Unbeaten Winston-Salem St. no stranger to D-II playoffs - Mark Haslett, Amarillo Globe News
Chance of a lifetime: Carthel, Buffs focused on a championship - Mark Haslett, Amarillo Globe News
Buffs watch parties planned - Lee Passmore, Amarillo Globe News
West Texas A&M ready for yet another road game - John Dell, Winston-Salem Journal
WSSU one win away from title game - John Dell, Winston-Salem Journal
Ram Ramblings: Plenty of info out on West Texas A&M - John Dell, Winston-Salem Journal
WSSU seniors have come full circle - John Dell, Winston-Salem Journal
Maturity a key to Rams' success - John Dell, Winston-Salem Journal
Rams say they’re not satisfied just being back in semis - John Dell, Winston-Salem Journal
WSSU’s Patterson had one chance, and made the most of it  - John Dell, Winston-Salem Journal

Watch Live Online
WTAM Game Preview
WTAM Game Notes
WTAM Stats
Winston-Salem Stats

Winston-Salem Game Preview

The #2 Winston-Salem State University Rams will look to take the next step in the quest to play for a NCAA DII National Championship, as they will host the #16 West Texas A&M Buffaloes at 6:30 pm at Bowman Gray Stadium in the Semi-Final round of the 2012 NCAA DII Playoffs. The Rams (13-0) enter this contest after having beaten the Crimson Hawks of Indiana (Pa), 21-17 last week in Winston-Salem. The Buffaloes (12-2) will enter the game coming off of a huge 34-13 win over #1 Colorado State-Pueblo last weekend. 

Winston-Salem State is expected to have All-CIAA and Offensive Player of the Year, quarterback Kameron Smith, back from a shoulder injury suffered in the CIAA Championship game month ago. Smith who has passed for a school and CIAA record 40 touchdowns in 2012, has practiced all week and looks ready to go. Smith came into the game in the fourth quarter last week and guided the WSSU Rams to the game-winning score with 3:51 left in the contest. Kameron Smith's backup, Anthony Carrothers is a very capapable, as he has proved over the last three games, dating back to the second half of the the CIAA Champinship game. Anthony Carrothers has passed for 787 yards and seven touchdowns over the three game span, connecting on 36 of 73 pass attempts with two interceptions.

The defensive side of the ball has been overshadowed by the high octane offense all season, but it is just as solid as the offense. The Rams are the #1 ranked scoring and total defensive unit in the CIAA and a top 10 NCAA DII defensive unit. Carlos Fields, the CIAA Defensive Player of the Year, has been a key cog to the master of the Rams defensive unit, as he has accumulated a team high 97 tackles, followed by Malcolm Rowe's 64, Daniel Mungin's 53, Khendra Reid's 50, and Donnie Owens' 48 tackles.

If the Rams want to keep thier chances alive for a 15 win season and a DII National Championship, it must be clicking on all cylinders in all phases of the game, as the Rams will be facing an experienced and well coached football team in West Texas A&M WSSU made a historic run through the DII Playoffs a year ago, making it all the way to the national semifinals before falling 21-14 to Wayne State. The Rams are the only final four team from 2011 to make the field in 2012.

#9 Lady Buffs Fall to #5 BYU-Hawaii in Division II National Quarterfinals

LSC Roundup 12-5

'It's definitely fun': Hayes sisters key part of West Texas A&M's success - Terrence Hunley, Amarillo Globe News

West Texas A&M's Carthel wins regional AFCA coach award - Mark Haslett, Amarillo Globe News
My 2 cents - Lance Lahnert, Amarillo Globe News

Carthel Named AFCA Regional Coach of the Year - WTAM Football

Baseball gets early commitments from pair of Navarro JC players - TSU Baseball

TWU volleyball signs two to NLIs - TWU Volleyball

Bailey and Nero All-Americans Again - UIW M Soccer

Briggs Named 2nd Team NSCAA All-America; Peth Named 3rd Team All-Region - WTAM W Soccer

Mustangs ready to enjoy comforts of home - Nick Gholson, Times Record News
WT Buffs at MSU Mustangs - Lance Lahnert, Amarillo Globe News
LAST SECOND JUMPER LIFTS LIONS PAST WILDCATS IN LSC OPENER - TAMC MBB

Commerce hits layup with two seconds left to pull out 90-88 win - ACU MBB

Rattlers Defeat Cardinals, 71-61 - UIW MBB

Javelinas Come Up Short In Bid To Sweep Season Series With Toppers - TAMK MBB

ASU BASKETBALL: Capsules, 12/5 - San Angelo Standard Times
Rams, Texans Set For Midweek LSC Showdown - ASU MBB

LSC opener on-tap for Texans this Wednesday - TSU MBB

Mustangs set for battle with #25 West Texas A&M  - MSU MBB


WT Lady Buffs at MSU - Mark Haslett, Amarillo Globe News
Mustangs know Lady Buffs are tough despite record - J. Scott Russell, Times Record News
ACU women cruise past Commerce 81-60 - Joey Richards, Abilene Reporter News

Wildcats move to 3-0 in LSC play with 81-60 win over Commerce - ACU WBB

SLOW START DOOMS LIONS IN 81-60 LOSS AT ABILENE CHRISTIAN - TAMC WBB

Belles Welcome Tarleton State to Town - ASU WBB
LSC's top scorers lead TexAnns into Angelo Wednesday - TSU WBB

Lady Buffs Look to get back on Winning Track at Midwestern State Wednesday, Host Cameron Saturday - WTAM WBB

Midwestern on verge of first USA Today Sports Top 25 ranking - MSU WBB

Javelina Women Head To Laredo For Midweek Clash - TAMK WBB

TWU basketball inks two in signing period - TWU WBB



LSC Basketball Weekly Release: Four players honored - LSC Office
This week includes a mix of Lone Star Conference games and non-conference contests.  In league play, two men’s squads and five women’s team remain undefeated.
  
The LSC men have a 43-24 overall record so far this season.  In the NCAA South Central Region, the men’s teams are currently 10-10 combined versus Heartland Conference teams and 3-1 opposed to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
  
The LSC women are 31-34 overall. The women’s squads are currently 9-7 combined versus Heartland teams, and 5-1 against the RMAC, which are the other conferences in the NCAA South Central Region.
  
The LSC champion will be the regular season winner determined by conference games, while the postseason tournament winner is designated as LSC Tournament Champion and earns the league’s automatic berth into the NCAA Championship. The top eight teams in the final conference standings qualify for the postseason tournament set for March 6-9 in Allen, Texas.

• Click here for the complete release

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
MEN’S OFFENSIVE
Keith Spellman, Midwestern State University, SO, Guard, Brooklyn, N.Y., Jefferson HS
Spellman poured in 17 points a game to help Midwestern State to a pair Lone Star Conference road wins last week over Incarnate Word and Texas A&M-Kingsville. The sophomore guard from Brooklyn, N.Y. scored 19 points including a pair of 3-pointers while going 7-of-12 from the free throw line as the Mustangs recovered from a 16-point first half deficit to claim a victory Thursday at Incarnate Word. The Wizard fired in 10 of his 12 shots from the charity stripe to score 15 points in 21 minutes as the Mustangs once again overcame a 10-point first-half deficit Saturday at Texas A&M-Kingsville.

MEN’S DEFENSIVE
Dennis Hardwell, Eastern New Mexico University, JR, Forward, Los Angeles, Calif., Carson HS/LA Harbor College
Hardwell’s defensive presence helped the Greyhounds win their first two Lone Star Conference games of the season and limit the opposition to 63.5 points per game, and a .282 shooting percentage from outside the three-point line. The performance allowed ENMU to post 18.5 points per game off turnovers. Hardwell finished the week with 12 defensive boards, five blocked shots and six steals. Against Abilene Christian, he finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, four blocks and three steals. In the LSC opener against Angelo State, he had 13 points, 10 boards, three steals and a block.

WOMEN’S OFFENSIVE
Sadie Dickinson, Abilene Christian University, SO, Forward, Graham, Texas, Graham HS
Dickinson led ACU in scoring this past weekend during which the Wildcats defeated conference opponents West Texas A&M, 81-76, and Eastern New Mexico, 74-56. Dickinson dropped 18 points on the Lady Buffs, who the Wildcats had not defeated since the 2010-11 season, and then scored a career high 25 points on 8 of 13 shooting vs. Eastern. She also pulled down 11 boards vs. the Zias for her second double-double in four games. Dickinson started both of last week’s games and finished with a remarkable 3-point field goal percentage of .529 (9-17). She knocked down 4 of 9 attempts in Canyon and 5 of 8 at home vs. the Zias. Her overall field goal percentage was .600 (15-25). Dickinson’s efforts pushed her into a tie for fourth among the conference scoring leaders with 15.5 points per game, and her .550 field-goal percentage ranks third.

WOMEN’S DEFENSIVE
Ashlyn Green, University of the Incarnate Word, SR, Guard, Irving, Texas, Irving HS
Green sparked the Cardinals to an 82-81 double overtime win against Midwestern State. She came off the bench to score 18 points while grabbing seven rebounds and getting five steals. In the win over Cameron, she only scored three points, but was valuable as the top person on the team’s zone press that forced the Aggies into 32 turnovers. In all, Green helped the Cardinals force 61 turnovers in their two wins.