November 11, 2004

For More Information, Contact: Keith Gentry (901) 333-4114 / Kimberly Stark (901) 333-4023

SOUTHWEST BASKETBALL TEAMS OPEN CONFERENCE PLAY THIS WEEKEND
Release written by Keith Gentry

The Southwest men’s and women’s basketball teams, both 3-0 on the season, will open play in the Tennessee Junior and Community College Athletic Association this weekend with games against Roane State and Walters State at the Verties Sails Gymnasium. Friday night’s games with Roane State will tip-off at 6 p.m. (women) and 8 p.m. (men), while the Walters State games on Saturday are scheduled for 2 p.m. (women) and 4 p.m. (men). Walters State’s men’s team is currently ranked 11th in the National Junior College Athletic Association poll, while their women’s team is ranked 23rd.

The Saluqi men, coming off an impressive 125-101 victory over 8th-ranked Northwest Mississippi on Tuesday night, have also defeated Coahoma (MS) and Kennedy-King (IL). Southwest features seven players scoring in double figures on the season – freshman forward Moraye Ivy (14.3), sophomore guard Dee Burchett (13.7), freshman guard Lester Hudson (13.7), sophomore forward Chris Prince (13.7), freshman guard Anthony Pigram (11.3), sophomore guard Nick Covington (10.7), and freshman forward Deon Lawson (10.0). Hudson is also the team’s top rebounder with an 8.7 average, while Lawson is second at 7.3 boards per game.

The Lady Saluqis, who defeated Northwest Mississippi on Tuesday night by a score of 83-75, have also beaten Coahoma (MS) and Carl Albert (OK). They are led by sophomore forward Ashley Mason, who is averaging 20.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game and has recorded a double-double (double figures in points and rebounds) in all three games this season. Other top performers for the Lady Saluqis are freshman guard/forward Kenya Moore (11.7 points per game), sophomore guard Lakeisha Jackson (11.3 points), freshman point guard Porshia Willis (10.0 points), and freshman forward Imesia Jackson (8.0 points, 8.7 rebounds). Willis also leads the team in assists and steals.

Following this weekend’s games, Southwest will be on the road with games at number two ranked Southeastern Illinois (men only) on Monday, November 15, at Chattanooga State on Friday, November 19, and at Motlow State on Saturday, November 20. The next home games for Southwest will be on Monday, November 22, when the Saluqis and Lady Saluqis host Coahoma (MS).