LSC Basketball Media Day

MEN’S BASKETBALL: PRESEASON POLL AND AWARDS ANNOUNCED

UT Permian Basin is the favorite in the 2017-18 Lone Star Conference men’s basketball preseason poll announced Wednesday.

      The league's preseason polls reflect the opinions of LSC head coaches and sports information directors, plus various media representatives from throughout the region.

      UTPB earned the top spot with 19 first-place votes and 269 points after capturing the LSC Championship last season with a 14-4 league record.  The Falcons also won the LSC tournament title and advanced to the NCAA Division II postseason for the first time in program history.

      West Texas A&M was second with 234 points and five top votes just in front of Tarleton State with 231 points and three first-place votes.  Midwestern State was fourth with 168 points and the remaining top nod.

      Texas A&M-Kingsville was picked fifth with 150 points to edge Angelo State who was sixth (148).  Texas A&M-Commerce (117), Cameron (110), Eastern New Mexico (84), and Western New Mexico (29) rounded out the poll.

      UTPB’s Daeshon Francis was the top choice as Preseason Player of the Year receiving 21 of the 28 votes.

      Francis, a 6-4 senior guard from Indianapolis, Indiana, earned LSC Player of the Year and D2CCA South Central Region Player of the Year honors after scoring 18.2 points per game with a .559 field goal percentage last season. He scored in double-figures in 30 of 32 games with a season-high 34 points and paced the team with 48 steals and was second in rebounding (6.6 per game) and assists (3.1).

      The LSC has 10 teams set for this season and the league race should be as tight as ever.  The season begins in early November with LSC teams playing a double round robin league schedule, in which each team plays a home and away contest against each of the other teams to determine the LSC champion.

      The LSC champion will be the regular season winner determined by league games, while the postseason tournament winner is designated as LSC Tournament Champion and earns the conference’s automatic qualification.  The top eight teams in the final conference standings qualify for the postseason tournament set for March 1-4, 2018, at Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco, Texas.

MEN’S BASKETBALL		1st	TOTAL
1	UT Permian Basin	19	269
2	West Texas A&M	5	234
3	Tarleton State	3	231
4	Midwestern State	1	168
5	Texas A&M-Kingsville		150
6	Angelo State		148
7	Texas A&M-Commerce		117
8	Cameron		110
9	Eastern New Mexico		84
10	Western New Mexico		29

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: PRESEASON POLL AND AWARDS ANNOUNCED

West Texas A&M is the top choice to win the Lone Star Conference title, according to the 2017-18 LSC preseason women’s basketball poll announced Wednesday.

        The league's preseason polls reflect the opinions of LSC head coaches and sports information directors, plus various media representatives from throughout the region.

        WT earned 11 first-place votes for 301 points after winning the South Central Regional title for the third time in the last four years last season.  The Lady Buffs made their eighth Elite Eight appearance with a 26-9 overall record.

        Eastern New Mexico, who won a share of the LSC title at 16-4 in league action, was second with seven top votes and 280 points.  Tarleton State ranked third as the defending tournament champions received three first-place votes and 270 points. 

        Angelo State was a close fourth with four top votes and 267 points after claiming a share of the LSC crown last season.  Texas A&M-Commerce ranked fifth with the remaining six first-place votes and 260 points.

        Texas Woman’s was sixth with 172 points followed by Cameron seventh (145), Texas A&M-Kingsville eighth (121), and Midwestern State ninth (120). UT Permian Basin (63) and Western New Mexico (47) completed the poll.

        Tarleton’s Mackenzie Hailey claimed Preseason Player of the Year honors.  She was the favorite on 15 of the 31 ballots cast.

        Hailey, a sophomore forward from Burleson, Texas, averaged 16.1 points and 8.4 rebounds to earn LSC Newcomer of the Year and second-team All-LSC acclaim.  The LSC tournament MVP scored in double digits in 27 games, including eight 20-point scoring efforts.

        The LSC has 11 teams set for this season and the competition should be as competitive as ever.  The season begins in early November with LSC teams playing a double round robin league schedule, in which each team plays a home and away contest against each of the other teams to determine the LSC champion.

        The LSC champion will be the regular season winner determined by league games, while the postseason tournament winner is designated as LSC Tournament Champion and earns the conference’s automatic qualification.  The top eight teams in the final conference standings qualify for the postseason tournament set for March 1-4, 2018, at Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco, Texas.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL		1st	TOTAL
1	West Texas A&M	11	301
2	Eastern New Mexico	7	280
3	Tarleton State	3	270
4	Angelo State	4	267
5	Texas A&M-Commerce	6	260
6	Texas Woman's		172
7	Cameron		145
8	Texas A&M-Kingsville		121
9	Midwestern State		120
10	UT Permian Basin		63
11	Western New Mexico		47

LSC Volleyball Roundup

LSC Scoop South Central Region Power Poll

1. Regis
2. Tarleton State
3. Colorado Mines
4. Arkansas-Fort Smith
5. Angelo State
6. Metro State
7. St. Edwards
8. Texas A&M-Commerce
9. Texas A&M-Kingsville
10. Colorado Springs
11. Mesa State
12. West Texas A&M
13. Texas Woman's
14. Colorado Christian
15. Midwestern State
16. Fort Lewis
17. Eastern New Mexico
18. Newman
19. St. Mary's
20. Dallas Baptist
21. New Mexico Highlands
22. Chadron State
23. Black Hills
24. Western New Mexico
25. Adams State
26. Westminster
27. Lubbock Christian
28. Cameron
29. Colorado State-Pueblo
30. UT-Permian Basin
31. Texas A&M-International
32. Western State
33. South Dakota Mines

AVCA Poll
Tarleton State is #13, and Angelo State is hanging in at #22

LSC Weekly Release

Tarleton State, who is on a 10-game winning streak, leads the Lone Star Conference standings at 9-1 with Texas A&M-Commerce, winners of seven straight, in second place at 8-2 in league action.  The TexAnns and Lions play Saturday in Stephenville, Texas.

        LSC games continue this week with four matches Tuesday, one Wednesday, and five matches each on Friday and Saturday.

        LSC volleyball teams are 108-108 overall this season.  The squads are currently 15-17 combined versus Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference teams, and 12-6 against the Heartland Conference, which are the other leagues in the NCAA South Central Region.

        LSC schedule and results available here: http://www.lonestarconference.org/calendar.aspx?path=wvball&

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

OFFENSIVE

Hailey Roberts, Tarleton State University, SR, Cedar Park, Texas, Cedar Park HS

Roberts returned to form after missing a game last weekend as the senior standout from Cedar Park landed 32 kills in six sets to lead Tarleton to its ninth and 10th consecutive victories. Roberts and the TexAnns swept their way through the New Mexico road trip and move to 4-0 on that road trip since Western New Mexico joined the conference last season. Tarleton is the only LSC school to sweep the Mustangs and Greyhounds on the road over that span. Last weekend, Roberts boasted 32 kills in two sweeps for an average of 5.33 kills per set on a .299 hitting percentage. She also added two assists, an ace, 18 digs, three blocks, and 34.5 total points for Tarleton.

DEFENSIVE

Savannah Rutledge, Texas A&M University-Commerce, SO, The Woodlands, Texas, College Park HS

Rutledge was all over for the Lions as she led the team with 48 digs, averaging 6.0 per set in the Lions' two wins last week. She had a career-high 32 digs in A&M-Commerce's 3-2 road win against West Texas A&M. Rutledge received 20 serves against the Lady Buffs without a return error and also had five assists and an ace. She then had 16 digs without a return error and added an ace in the Lions sweep of UT Permian Basin. Rutledge helped hold Lion opponents to just a .113 hitting average. She is fifth in the conference in service aces per set and 10th in digs per set.

SETTER

Jordyn Keamo, Tarleton State University, SR, Mililani, Hawaii, Mililani HS

Keamo continued her dominant senior season as she led Tarleton to two more wins on the road at Eastern and Western New Mexico last weekend to extend the TexAnns' winning streak to 10. Keamo dished out 58 assists in six sets for an average of 9.67 assists per set in back-to-back sweeps. She also added 10 kills, two aces, 13 digs, four blocks, and 14.0 total points for the week. She helped Tarleton hit .345 as a team for the weekend.

LSC Weekend Roundup

LSC Scoop Power Poll

1. Midwestern State - offense showing more versatility than we expected
2. Texas A&M-Commerce - back on track, but will need to be able to run in the postseason
3. Eastern New Mexico - quietly putting together a playoff caliber season
4. Angelo State - season settling into a familiar trajectory
5. Texas A&M-Kingsville - revving up for another late season run?
6. Tarleton State - unable to generate much when not getting turnovers
7. West Texas A&M - ugly win, but a much needed one
8. UT-Permian Basin - showed life when Mathis replaced at QB
9. Western New Mexico - No Javia Hall = no offense = no chance at Commerce

Super Region 4 LSC Scoop Rankings

purely mathematic

1. Winona State 7-0 - MSU-Mankato remain
2. Midwestern State 5-0 - ENMU remains
3. Central Washington 7-0 - North Alabama, Azusa Pacific and Humboldt State remain
4. MSU-Mankato 7-0 - Winona State and Sioux Falls remain
5. Minnesota-Duluth 5-2 - no tough games remain
6. Texas A&M-Commerce 5-1 - Angelo State to top remaining opponent
7. Humboldt State 5-1 - Central Washing remains
8. Sioux Falls 6-1 - MSU Mankato and Upper Iowa remain
9. Eastern New Mexico 6-1 - Midwestern Stat and Texas A&M-Kingsville remain
10. Colorado Mesa 6-1 - Azusa Pacific to close out the season
11. Colorado State-Pueblo 5-2 - Chadron and Black Hills remain
12. St. Cloud 5-2 - Bemidiji toughest remaining foe
13. Azusa Pacific 4-3 - CWU and Colorado Mesa remain
14. Angelo State 3-3 - Texas A&M-Commerce this week
15. Upper Iowa 4-3 - Sioux Falls and Wayne State remain
16. Bemidiji State 5-2 - St. Cloud and Minnesota Duluth remain
17. Chadron State 4-3 - CSUP, Col Mines and Black Hills remain
18. Tarleton State 3-3 - Midwestern State and Texas A&M-Kingsville remain
19. Wayne State 4-3 - still have to face Winona and Minnesota Mankato
20. Northern State
21. Texas A&M-Kingsville 3-4 - Eastern New Mexico and Tarleton State next two weeks
22. Black Hills State
23. South Dakota Mines
24. Dixie State
25. West Texas A&M 3-4 - toughest part of schedule coming up (MSU, TAMC, Angelo)
26. Augustana
27. Fort Lewis
28. Western Oregon
29. Colorado Mines
30. Adams State
31. Mary
32. Moorhead State
33. SW Minnesota
34. Western New Mexico 1-5
35. Concordia St. Paul
36. New Mexico Highlands
37. UT - Permian Basin 1-4
38. Minnesota - Crookston
39. Simon Fraser
40. Western State
41. Minot State

MSU solves first road test to go 5-0 - Andy Newberry, Times Record News
Errors prove costly again for Rams - Charles Bryce, San Angelo Standard Times
Tarleton makes up just half of first half deficit - Brad Keith, The Flash Today
WT snaps losing ways with win over Grizzlies - Kale Steed, Amarillo.com


No. 6 MSU rolls over Rams - 41-27 - for fifth straight win

The kicking game has been a problem for the Midwestern State Mustangs against the Angelo State Rams in the past, losing games in 2005 and 2009 on last second field goals.

So when the sixth-ranked Mustangs missed a pair of early PATs and gave up a 52-yard field goal to the Rams, things were looking a bit iffy.

But the Rams would have some troubles in the kicking game of their own, missing a chip-shot field goal, failing to recover a pooch kickoff and muffing a punt.

The Mustangs turned both of those opportunities into points, Vincent Johnson had a career-best four TD game and Kevin Hayes had a pair of interceptions and a fumble recovery to help MSU to a 41-27 win over the Rams at Lagrand Field in their first road game of the season...Complete Release

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Perez becomes all-time TD passing leader as No. 11 Lions roll to 52-3 Homecoming win over Western New Mexico

The No. 11 Texas A&M-Commerce football team defeated Western New Mexico 52-3 on Saturday. The Lions jumped out to a 17-0 lead and scored the final 35 points of the game in front of a raucous Homecoming crowd.

The win brings the Lions to 5-1 and 3-1 in the Lone Star Conference. The Mustangs fall to 1-6 and 1-4 in conference play...Complete Release

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Fast Start, Turnovers Allow Gridiron Hounds to Sprint Past Texans

For the third time in the last four weeks, the Eastern New Mexico football team charged to a double-digit lead, but this time it was on the road. The Hounds capitalized on three turnovers to upend Tarleton State, 24-15, in Lone Star Conference action at Memorial Field.

With the win, Kelley Lee improved to 6-1 as head coach of the Greyhounds. The last ENMU head coach to win at least six of his first seven was Billy Kelly. Kelly won his first eight games in the 1982 season and finished with an 8-2-1 record...Complete Release

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Dyal Shines as Javelinas Race Past Falcons, 47-21

Cade Dyal torched the UT Permian Basin defense for 367 yards and three touchdowns in leading the Texas A&M-Kingsville football team to a 47-21 victory over the Falcons on Saturday night at Ratliff Stadium in Odessa, Texas.

The Javelina offense was by no means a one man band, as Jordan Thomas topped 100 yards receiving for the third straight week. The senior hauled in six throws for 121 yards and added two scores. Nick Pelrean scored twice on the ground and rushed for 94 yards...Complete Release

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Buffs Tame Grizzlies for 17-14 Homecoming Victory; Snap Three-Game Skid

The West Texas A&M football snapped a three-game skid Saturday evening with a 17-14 victory over visiting Adams State on Homecoming at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium. The Buffs forced a season-high five turnovers in the game...Complete Release

LSC Week 6 Roundup

We had some computer issues last week, which prevented us from posting.  We apologize for the interruption.

#24 Strong

LSC Scoop Power Poll (Last week in parentheses)

1. Midwestern State (2) - Mustangs have defeated TAMC 6 of their last 7 games, so you can't call it an upset despite the polls.
2. Texas A&M Commerce (1) - 26 point fourth quarter deficit too much to overcome at MSU.
3. Eastern New Mexico (3) - Hounds able to overcome miscues, hold off pesky UTPB.
4. Angelo State (4) - Probably glad to have night off on crazy Saturday.
5. Tarleton State (5) - Did not get all the bounces this week. 
6. Texas A&M-Kingsville (7) - Finally played like we thought they could.
7. West Texas A&M (6) - That Colorado State-Pueblo game seems like eons in the past.
8. UT-Permian Basin (8) - another step forward for the Falcons.
9. Western New Mexico (9) - Defense !?!?! led the way against Texans.

The top two are head and shoulders above the rest of the LSC, ENMU is not too far behind, but rest of league is very tightly bunched. Should see some separation in the next couple of weeks.

From the newspapers

MSU goes to another level in win over Commerce - Andy Newberry, Times Record News

Struggles continue for Buffs at Kingsville - Kale Steed, Amarillo.com

Javelinas break out for big victory - Caller.com

Offensive line troubles finally spell defeat for Tarleton - Brad Keith, The Flash Today

WT volleyball defeats A&M-Kingsville - Kale Steed, Amarillo.com

Texanns cruise by Cameron - The Flash Today

As promised #Bufftalk still gets done. Here’s a @WTAMUFootball game report by @LucasKinseyWT in Kingsville #LSCfb pic.twitter.com/knIwfHWkC1

— Kale Steed (@KaleSteed) October 8, 2017

LSC Scoop Lonestar/Heartland Volleyball Power Poll

our regional rankings in parentheses

1. Tarleton State (2)
2. Angelo State (4)
3. Arkansas Fort Smith (5)
4. St. Edwards (8)
5. Texas A&M-Commerce (9)
6. Texas A&M-Kingsville (11)
7. Texas Woman's (12)
8. West Texas A&M (13)
9. Midwestern State
10. Newman
11. Dallas Baptist
12. Eastern New Mexico
13. St. Mary's
14. Western New Mexico
15. Lubbock Christian
16. Cameron
17. UT Permian Basin
18. Texas A&M-International

From the LSC Website

No. 10 MSU takes down No. 2 Texas A&M-Commerce, 47-42

Midwestern State and the Texas A&M-Commerce have been involved in some big battles over the past five years.

Saturday night's top-10 showdown in Memorial Stadium was no exception.

The 10th-ranked Mustangs hit them with their best shots early, then held off a late challenge by the second-ranked Lions to take a 47-42 win in front of 9,201 fans.

The Mustangs (4-0, 3-0 LSC) have now won three straight against the Lions and six of the last seven with five of the games being decided by six points or less...Complete Release

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Gridiron Hounds Hold on for Dramatic Homecoming Win Over Falcons

The Eastern New Mexico football team dominated the opening half against UT Permian Basin but had to hold on for a dramatic 20-17 win. The win gave ENMU a Homecoming victory at Al Whitehead Field at Greyhound Stadium and its best start since the 2002 season...Complete Release

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Dyal and Defense Overwhelms Buffaloes in 37-9 Win

Cade Dyal tossed three touchdown passes and the Javelina defense recorded seven sacks as the Texas A&M-Kingsville football team claimed its first Lone Star Conference victory of the season by dominating West Texas A&M, 37-9, on Saturday night at Javelina Stadium.

The Hogs went wire-to-wire in the win, led by a huge defensive effort that held the Buffalo offense to under 200 total yards and logged seven sacks. Linebacker Peyton Tilley led the Javelinas with nine tackles including five solos, Caleb Valentine recorded eight tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, and a six-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown, while Brandon Jones finished with seven takedowns and 1.5 sacks...Complete Release

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WNMU Sacks Tarleton to Post First Victory of the Season

Tarleton State entered as a top team in the Lone Star Conference with a perfect 3-0 mark, but ran into a determined Western New Mexico football team that shut down the Texans for a majority of the game on their way to picking up the 38-25 victory Saturday afternoon.

The WNMU (1-5, 1-3 LSC) defense stuffed TSU (4-2, 3-1 LSC) throughout the game, allowing just a field goal through the first three quarters and posting six sacks. Redshirt senior Dominic Barry and junior Connor Mowat had 1.5 sacks each. Seniors Aaron Leauma and Leo Marin added one apiece, while junior Joe Tito and redshirt sophomore James Lee recorded a half-sack each...Complete Release

LSC Weekend Preview

Buffs prepare for 30th Wagon Wheel showdown - Kale Steed, Amarillo.com
Rams hope turnaround begins against Kingsville - Charles Bryce, San Angelo Standard Times
MSU-Western New Mexico Preview - Andy Newberry, Times Record News


Tarleton State at UT Permian Basin
The Falcons got their first D2 and LSC win last week, topping Western New Mexico 41-32 in Silver City.  UTPB took advantage of a plus three turnover margin and responded to every WNMU threat in the second half.  They will have a much tougher task this week, facing a Tareton State squad that is getting better with each passing week.  The Texans built a 30-7 lead over WTAM with 12 minutes to play before WT got a couple of late TDs to make the score more respectable.  The running game is rounding into form, picking up 240 yards last week, and now averaging 165 per game.  This won't be a walkover, but the Texans are solid favorites.  TSU 28-14


Texas A&M-Kingsville at Angelo State
Similar to last year, Texas A&M Kingsville is coming off back to back losses to nationally ranked MSU and TAMC.  However last year's squad was a play away from winning each of those games, while this year both losses have been by decisive margins.  The offense is still trying to find its way, and the defense has allowed opponents to get on the board early, increasing the pressure on the offense.  The Rams are also in a two game downturn, committing seven turnovers in the losses.  Other than the turnovers, they have put up good offensive numbers, 483 yards and 33 points per game.  The defense is allowing just 306 yards, but has been put in some tough spots.  If Angelo can hang on to the ball, they should take this one.  ASU 24-21



Western New Mexico at Midwestern State - Rout of the week
With the LSC's most prolific QB returning, WNMU was expected to make some noise in 2017.  So far, that has not been the case as the Mustangs are winless, dropping last week's game to UTPB, becoming the first LSC and D2 team to lose to the Falcons.  Javia Hall once again leads the LSC in passing, with 413 yards per game, but has also thrown 9 interceptions.  As a team, the Mustangs have turned the ball over 20 times, while getting just 4 from their opponents.  They'll face the Mustangs from Midwestern State, who are playing in just their third game this season.  Look for them to put up some impressive offensive numbers while keeping WNMU in check.  MSU 45-21


Wagon Wheel Game
This is a fun game, especially with the Greyhounds upping their game in recent years.  Heck it was fun when WT was nationally ranked and ENMU was struggling, as the Greyhounds made the Buffs work hard, even stealing an occasional game and causing great angst in the panhandle.  Kamal Cass had his best game of 2017 last week against Angelo State, but faces a WT defense allowing just 116 yards rushing.  The Buffs will need more production from their offense, last in the LSC in yards (292) and second to last in scoring (18.5).  ENMU takes the Wheel back to Portales, ENMU 35-21

A Wagon Wheel edition of #Bufftalk. @LucasKinseyWT and myself chat @WTAMUFootball-ENMU 30th meeting #LSCfb pic.twitter.com/9HyB0WaMEr

— Kale Steed (@KaleSteed) September 28, 2017

Full slate of #LSCvb matches this weekend 🏐

Schedule: https://t.co/I5Ztyv7o7N

Live Scoreboard: https://t.co/Ja7nlwqmew pic.twitter.com/X27hzXC7ta

— Lone Star Conference (@LoneStarConf) September 29, 2017

LSC Week 4 Roundup

#24 Strong

LSC Scoop Football Power Poll

1. Texas A&M Commerce - clicking on all cylinders
2. Midwestern State - good time for an open week
3. Eastern New Mexico - ground game in good form
4. Tarleton State - Texans rounding into form
5. West Texas A&M - offense did not get clicking until too late
6. Angelo State - cannot overcome 3 TD deficit
7. Texas A&M-Kingsville - had no answers for the Lions
8. UT-Permian Basin - Falcons get first LSC and D2 win
9. Western New Mexico - well, someone had to be the first to lose to UTPB

9/25/2017
Tarleton builds insurmountable lead to beat WTAM- Brad Keith, The Flash Today
Miscues thwart late Buff rally - Kale Steed, Amarillo.com
Young Buffs experiencing growing pains - Kale Steed, Amarillo.com
Vauchan named to Allstate Good Works team - Kale Steed, Amarillo.com
Rams have another crazy experience in New Mexico - Charles Bryce, San Angelo Standard Times
Familiar problems dog Javelinas in loss - Quinton Martinez, Corpus Christi Caller Times




No. 3 Lions earn sixth straight Chennault Cup with 38-7 win over Javelinas

The No. 3 Texas A&M-Commerce football team scored the first three touchdowns of the game and held Texas A&M-Kingsville to 216 yards of offense on the way to a 38-7 victory, winning the Chennault Cup for the sixth consecutive year.

The Lions move to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in the Lone Star Conference with the win, while the Javelinas fall to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in the LSC...Complete Release
 

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Turner's career night lifts Tarleton over West Texas A&M

Tarleton won its third straight game with a convincing 30-20 victory over rival West Texas A&M on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

The Texans (3-1, 2-0) recorded their first win over the Buffs (2-2, 1-1) since 2014. It's also the first time Tarleton has started 2-0 in Lone Star Conference play since 2013, where the Texans won a share of the conference title.

Prior to the game, there was a ceremony on the field officially breaking ground for the renovation of Memorial Stadium.  Tarleton running back Xavier Turner had a career game on a historical night, as the junior from North Richland Hills broke through every West Texas A&M defender en route to a career-high 135 yards and three touchdowns...Complete Release
 

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Greyhounds Weather Angelo State Rams for Crucial LSC Victory

Saturday night's Lone Star Conference game at Al Whitehead Field at Greyhound Stadium had a little of everything. A quick start by the Eastern New Mexico football team, a lightning delay, a rally by Angelo State, and heavy winds. 

Senior running back Kamal Cass contributed a season-high 182-yard effort with one touchdown as Eastern held on for a 31-21 win...Complete Release
 

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Falcons Grab First LSC Win over Western New Mexico

UT Permian Basin football picked up both its first Division II and Lone Star Conference victory Saturday night as the Falcons held off Western New Mexico for a 41-32 win at Altamirano Field in Silver City, N.M.

The Mustangs had a chance to tie the game at 34-34 late in the fourth quarter after a seven yard touchdown with just over six minutes remaining, but missed on a two-point conversion pass that kept the Falcons in the lead...Complete Release