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The Saluqi Invitational
The first day of the event provided foreshadowing into the second day. With the upset of Volunteer State by the Genesis One Prep team leading the way, the Columbia State Chargers played valiantly but fell to #8 ranked Howard College Hawks (TX). But the shock of the day rested with an undefeated pairing of D-2 JUCO powerhouse Cincinnati State Surge toppling Southwest TN. The Saluqis had to recover quick. Instead of stacking the tourney in their favor, the Saluqis challenged themselves and had to face a Howard College team ready to move up in the national rankings.
November 25th
1st Game: Genesis One Eagles vs the Columbia State Chargers The crew from Mississippi were shorthanded missing University of Houston signee Horace McGloster, 6-8 Brandon Cook and Afarm Moujeke in trying to take on defending TJCCAA runner up Columbia State. Genesis One was led by c/o 2008 PG (#1 ranked CCB PG) Terrance Joyner with 17pts and Paul Hagler (2006 State Champion Hamilton grad) with 15pts. However, Columbia State was led by the outstanding play of soph. Brandon Springer who put on a clinic from midrange and finished with 21 pts. DJ Ricks played his typical scrappy game leading the Chargers with 9 rebounds and slamming home a couple of thunderous dunks. Final 98-81
2nd Game: Cincinatti State Surge vs the Volunteer State Pioneers The Pioneers made several runs but could not find an answer for former Region 7 foe Kenny Hayes PG (Played at St. Catharine his freshman year) and an array of post players who cleaned the glass with intensity and disciplined play. A very athletic Brandon Russ, Jeremy Hightower and Trenton Calloway held down the paint for the undefeated Surge who remained undefeated and will definitely see a jump into the D-2 NJCAA rankings. Former CCB Campers Freshmen, 6-4 Romeo Luchessi and 6-5 Chris Ivy contributed 6 rebounds respectively in the losing effort. Luchessi was the 3rd leading scorer for the Pioneers with 12pts. Ivy, who played limited minutes was a force on the boards. Once the coaching staff figures out how to use his versatility they will be more successful. Final 85-69
3rd Game #8 Howard College Hawks vs the #5 Southwest TN. Saluqis In an early season preview of what may be a game that is played in Hutch at the end of the season two storied JUCO programs slammed head on in a defensive battle that looked like the old school, Heat vs the Knicks (minus Van Gundy holding Zo’s leg). The Saluqis, after dropping one to the Surge didn’t have much time to prepare for the high flying Hawks, but came out with great intensity. In a game that saw several lead changes it was the Howard College Hawks who prevailed 66-64, but only after the Saluqis blew two chances at the basket to win or tie with 10 seconds left. In striking similarities, all players on both rosters played and almost all contributed. In a glaring, but telling contrast the Hawks had 5 players in double figures, led by Benson Akpan 13pts and 13rebs., Brandon Sampay 12pts and off the bench Terrance Hill with 12pts. The Saluqis only had two players in double figures Greg Grimes 12pts and Donald Boone 10pts, nine points off his season average. Chris Evans pulled down 12 boards for the Saluqis. In a sign that defense ruled the day neither team shot above 38% for the game. Final 66-64
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6-3 Terrance Joyner Genesis Prep, tries to d’ up Jimmy Frierson of Columbia State. |
