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WBB-FCS: Sacramento State Hornets (15-5) at Eastern Washington Eagles (13-7)

NCAABB Editor
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Coming off back-to-back defeats for the first time this season, the Sacramento State women’s basketball team looks to bounce back with two more on the road this week, heading to the Pacific Northwest to take on Eastern Washington on Thursday (Feb. 2), before taking on Idaho two days later on Saturday (Feb. 4).

IN THE RANKINGS: After two weeks ranked among the top 25 in the College Insider mid-Major poll, Sacramento State slipped back into the ranks of those receiving votes for the third consecutive week, picking up 16 votes… The Hornets made their debut in the top 25 back on Jan. 3 at No. 24, then jumped two spots to No. 22 in the Jan. 10 ranking… Those two rankings followed five consecutive weeks among those receiving votes beginning on Dec. 1… The No. 22 ranking on Jan. 10 was the highest for the program in the poll since they stood No. 22 on Feb. 11, 2014 — a season that saw them among the top 25 for eight consecutive weeks following an 8-1 start that year, reaching as high as No. 13 in early January.

NATABOU MAKES MID-MAJOR AWARD MIDSEASON CUT: Initially named as one of 25 players to the preseason watch list for the 2023 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award presented by Her Hoop Stats back on Oct. 19, junior center Isnelle Natabou got word that she has made the midseason top-15 cut on Jan. 18. The first Big Sky Conference student-athlete ever to be named to the list for this particular award, Natabou is one of only four from the West Coast named to the list along with Gonzaga’s duo of Brynna Maxwell and Yvonne Ejim as well as Portland’s Alex Fowler. Read the complete release on HornetSports.com.

NATABOU NAMED TO BIG SKY’S PRESEASON TEAM: In addition to her national honor, Natabou was also named to the seven-member preseason all-conference team, joining Montana State’s Darian White (who was selected the MVP), Idaho’s Beyonce Bea, Montana’s Carmen Gfeller, Northern Colorado’s Hannah Simental, Montana State’s Kola Bad Bear, and Weber State’s Daryn Hickock. The native of the Czech Republic became only the third Hornet to earn preseason all-league honors in the process, joining former standouts Kennedy Nicholas (2019-20) and Brianna Burgos (2016-17).

BUT WAIT… THERE’S MORE!: The accolades continued to roll in for Natabou, who was also named the Big Sky’s Preseason Player of the Year according to ESPN.com, which made its picks for all 32 Division I conferences on Oct. 25.

ABOUT THE EAGLES: Eastern Washington enters the week with a 13-7 overall record and a 6-4 mark in Big Sky Conference play, standing a half game behind Sacramento State in the standings… The Eagles had won five straight after their earlier loss to the Hornets before falling at Weber State last Saturday, 68-65… EWU is 8-3 at home this season having won its last three at Reese Court… Sophomore forward Jaydia Martin leads four Eagles in double figures, averaging 16.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, shooting 42 percent from the field… Jacinta Buckley, who is averaging 11.1 ppg (second on the team) leads the squad at 7.3 rpg and is shooting a team-high .485 from the floor… Aaliyah Alexander (10.9 ppg) and Jamie Loera (10.3 ppg) are also in double figures, with Lowera averaging 4.65 apg.

SERIES NOTES: The Eagles lead the all-time series with the Hornets, 36-23, but Sacramento State has won the last three meetings following an 82-76 victory at The Nest earlier this year… The Hornets are 10-15 all-time in Cheney, Wash., winning their last three trips to Reese Court following a 67-58 victory last year… Head Coach Mark Campbell is a perfect 3-0 against EWU in his career with Sacramento State… In a closely contested series, nine of the last 10 meetings between the two programs — including the last three straight — have been decided by 10 points or fewer… The 23 victories over the Eagles are the most by the Hornets against any current Big Sky member, breaking a tie after defeating Portland State for the 22nd time to start league play.

MILESTONE APPROACHING: Sacramento State needs only seven more victories to reach 300 in its Division I history.

NOT IF, BUT WIN: Everything else is gravy in the win column for Sacramento State, which earned its 15th victory of the season against Weber State on Jan. 21, already surpassing last season’s win total with nine regular season games remaining. It is the most wins in a single season since the 2014-15 squad won 18 games, and stands just four wins away from the school record of 19 wins shared by the 1990-91 (19-7) and 2012-13 (19-12) teams. 

SHOOTER!: Someone get a hand in the face of the Hornets. Sacramento State enters the weekend as one of the most efficient shooting teams in the Big Sky, leading the league in both field goal (.459) and three-point (.373) percentage, while ranking third in free throw (.772) percentage. The Hornets lead second-place Eastern Washington by 33 points in the field goal category, has a 23-point lead in three-point shooting over Portland State, and stands behind Northern Colorado (.791) and Montana State (.784) the line.

NOTHING BUT NET: In addition to the above rankings, the Hornets also stand among the top 30 in the NCAA in all three shooting categories, ranking 15th in three-point, 26th in field goal, and 28th in free throw percentage as of Jan. 30.

SAFE AT HOME: The Hornets are starting to make winning at home a habit as their victory over Weber State improved them to 7-1 at The Nest this season — including a seven-game winning streak. It is the longest home winning streak since Sacramento State opened the 2013-14 campaign with an 8-0 record en route to an 11-1 start overall, while the seven home wins are the most since the 2014-15 squad finished 11-3 within the friendly confines.

ROAD WARRIORS: The win at Northern Colorado on Jan. 12 was the Hornets’ sixth win in true road contests this season, standing just one shy of last year’s total (7-7) which were the most since the 2015-16 team also won seven games away from The Nest. The six road wins are tied with Montana State for second in the Big Sky (as of Jan. 30), trailing only Northern Arizona (7-5) for the most in the league following last week’s games.

AMUSAN’S ALL IN: Nearly everything that Solape Aumsan threw in the direction of the basket last week went in as the senior continued to light up the stat sheet since joining the starting lineup. Amusan averaged 18.5 ppg — including a collegiate best 19 points at Montana (previous high was 15 against Northwestern while at Illinois) — and drained 12-of-20 (.600) from beyond the arc in two games last week, averaging 6.0 rebounds per game to boot. Her eight rebounds at Montana State were also a collegiate best for the Minnesota native, besting the six she grabbed against Wisconsin in 2021.

FIRE STARTER: In her four starts, Amusan is averaging 14.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, adding four steals and four blocked shots while shooting 39 percent from the floor (17-for-44) overall. Of those 17 makes, 15 of those have come from beyond the arc as Amusan is shooting .405 from three-point range as a member of the starting lineup.

DEEP SIX: Katie Peneueta did it at CSUN, Kahlaijah Dean accomplished the feat against Weber State, but Amusan did them both one better by doing it in back-to-back games last week. Amusan sank six three-pointers in each of the contests against the Montana schools — tying her for fourth on the Big Sky’s single-game list this season and making her one of only two players in the league (along with Northern Arizona’s Emily Rodabaugh) to sink at least six in a single game twice this year.

TOP GUN: Thanks to her big week in Montana, senior Kahlaijah Dean moved into the top spot on the Big Sky Conference’s scoring list, averaging 21.9 ppg and ranking No. 8 in the nation. Her 437 points stand No. 12 overall in the NCAA and are closing in on the school’s single-season lists: putting her just 67 shy of Terri Lugert (1990-91) for 10th on the school’s all-time single-season list and 25 behind Kylie Kuhns (2010-11) on the Division I chart.

THREE’S FALLING: Just two days after tying a season high with 13 three-pointers at Montana, the Hornets went ahead and stayed hot from beyond the arc at Montana State, sinking 12 more from distance and shooting 40 percent from three-point range for the third consecutive contest. It was the fourth time in the last six games that Sacramento State has hit 10-or-more three’s in a game — after doing so just three times previously — shooting .429 (63-for-147) from long distance in that stretch.

TRIPLE THREAT: Of those 12 makes against Montana State, four different players combined to make seven of those in the first quarter against the Bobcats — the most made three’s in a single quarter by the Hornets this season, surpassing the six made against Montana, Northern Colorado, and Cal Poly. Of those seven, four came off the hand of the hot-shooting Amusan, setting a new individual single-quarter best by a Sacramento State player this year.

GIMMIE FIVE!: One of the steadiest shot-makers in the nation continues to rank among the top five in the country in an ever-changing national ranking for field goal percentage as Natabou enters the week at No. 5 in the NCAA. Natabou’s .644 from the field trails only Liberty’s Mya Berkman (.706), Indiana’s Mackenzie Holmes (.684), Iowa’s Monika Czinano (.664), and Kansas’ Taiyanna Jackson (.648).

BOXING OUT AND CLOSING IN: Following a year in which she grabbed the fourth-most rebounds in a single Hornet season, Natabou has crashed her way into the Sacramento State record book with her seven rebounds at Montana State, surpassing Emily Christensen for 10th on the school’s Division I career list with 534. Natabou trails Maranne Johnson (2014-18) by one for ninth and Summer Menke (2018-22) by two for eighth on the list, while 12 boards separate her from Atty Boyer (2005-09) in seventh. Overall, Natabou ranks 36 shy of the all-time top 10, where Linda Simmons (1977-81) stands 10th with 570.

NO SUCH THING AS A FREE LUNCH: But there are such things as free points, and senior Kahlaijah Dean is taking full advantage. Ranking third in the Big Sky with 104 makes from the line and eighth with an .825 free throw percentage, Dean finished a perfect 7-for-7 at the line against Idaho State on Jan. 19 (her third “perfect” game with at least six attempts this year), and has moved to within eight makes of the school’s all-time single-season top 10 list (Shelby Boudreaux is 10th with 112 made in 1995-96) and only two away from the program’s Division I top 10 (Julie Wastell with 106 made in 1998-99).

BUILDING BLOCKS: Thanks to her block at Montana, Isnelle Natabou has held on to eighth place on the school’s all-time blocked shots list with 61, swatting 36 last season and adding 25 more this year. Her total passed Hannah Friend (2017-19) for the spot and trails Sephora Scoubes (1999-01) by six for seventh. Natabou isn’t the only one climbing the list as sophomore Katie Peneueta and her 50 career blocks — 29 of those this season — are just six shy of Atty Boyer (2005-09) and her 56 blocks for 10th.

SHE’S A WALKING BUCKET: It’s truly a sight to see. Dean’s 28 points at Montana State on Saturday marked her 11th game overall — and her seventh in the last eight outings — with at least 20 points this year, while her 31 points against both Eastern Washington (Jan. 7) and Weber State (Jan. 21) were the most by a Hornet since Lianna Tillman finished with 35 at Idaho on Feb. 24 last season en route to Big Sky MVP honors.

THIS GIRL IS ON FIRE: Kahlaijah Dean is still out there doing Kahlaijah Dean things, notching her 11th straight double-digit scoring performance with her 28-point night at Montana State after being held to a season-low nine points against CSU Bakersfield on Dec. 10. In that stretch, Dean has been a machine, averaging 25.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, and 4.2 apg, while shooting .464 (90-for-194) from the floor — including a run shooting .541 (20-for-37) from beyond the arc in the last five games after hitting just eight in the six games prior to that — and .882 (67-for-76) from the line during that stretch.

QUARTER MASTER: Give Kahlaijah Dean 10 minutes and she’s going to do some damage. Give her four of those and watch out. The senior from Bakersfield, Calif., scored 12 points in the third quarter on Saturday at Montana State, her 16th double-digit quarter this season out of 21 by a Hornet this year (Natabou has done it three times, Kaylin Randhawa did so against Montana, and Amusan scored 12 in the first against Montana State). All told, Dean has accomplished the feat seven times in the third, four times in the first, three times in the fourth, and twice in the second.

THE DEAN OF SCORING: Dean brings with her a pedigree of knowing where the basket is, reaching the 1,000 career point milestone as only a junior at Oakland University and finishing her four years with the Golden Grizzlies with 1,425 points. Following her first 20 games in the green and gold, the Bakersfield, Calif., native has brought her total up to 1,862 career points, ranking No. 22 among active scorers across the country as of Jan. 30 and posting a total that would rank second on Sacramento State’s all-time scoring list, trailing only the 2,064 points by Kristy Ryan from 1990-94.

AND I’M REEEEEE…. RE-BOUNDING: With 10 rebounds at Montana on Jan. 26, Natabou posted her 11th double-digit rebounding performance of the season and her second straight after grabbing 18 as part of a double-double in a win over Weber State. Of her 10 rebounds against the Grizzlies, five came on the offensive glass — the eighth time this year that she has had as many, if not more, offensive rebounds than defensive rebounds. That included nine offensive boards against the Wildcats — tied for the second-most in her career and the most since she had 10 offensive rebounds as part of a career-high 22-rebound night at Portland State on Jan. 15. 

NO SLEEP TILL…: Foot on the pedal for the Hornets as Natabou and Dean became the latest players to go all 40 minutes in a game this season at Montana. It is the third time that two Sacramento State players have played all 40 minutes in a regulation game and the first since Benthe Versteeg and Katie Peneueta did so against Cal State Fullerton on Dec. 21. For Natabou, it was her team-high fifth 40-minute performance of the year — and her second straight — while Dean posted her second, joining Katie Peneueta’s four games, and Benthe Versteeg’s game-long performance at Cal State Fullerton.

MINUTE WOMEN: Speaking of minutes, there haven’t been many players in the Big Sky — let alone the entire country — who have seen more time on the court this year than the Hornets’ Natabou (36.5 mpg), Peneueta (35.8 mpg), and Dean (35.4 mpg). The trio ranks second, third, and fifth, respectively, in the league in minutes and entered the week ranked among the top 60 in the nation at 22nd, 31st, and 43rd, respectively.

DOUBLE-DOUBLE DARLING: Natabou is one of 22 players in the NCAA averaging a double-double (as of Jan. 30), but one of only nine to average at least 15.0 points and 10.3 rebounds entering the weekend along with DePaul’s Aneesah Morrow (25.0 ppg-11.9 rpg), LSU’s Angel Reese (23.7 ppg-15.5 rpg), Virginia Tech’s Elizabeth Kitley (17.9 ppg-11.0 rpg), Youngstown State’s Lilly Ritz (17.2 ppg-10.7 rpg), South Florida’s Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu (16.7 ppg-12.5 rpg), and BYU’s Lauren Gustin (15.6 ppg-16.5 rpg), Northern Illinois’ A’Jah Davis (15.2 ppg-11.3 rpg), and Kansas’ Taiyanna Jackson (15.2 ppg-12.6 rpg).

I DOUBLE DOUBLE-DOUBLE DARE YOU: Keep on eye on your box scores. If Isnelle Natabou has a double-double, you may be in trouble. Thanks to her 17-point, 18-rebound effort in the win over Weber State, Natabou collected her 10th of the season overall — ranking No. 25 in the NCAA in that category as of Jan. 23. In her 10 double-double performances this year, the native of the Czech Republic is averaging 16.8 ppg, 13.6 rpg, and shooting 70-for-104 (.673) from the floor.

PUTTING THE “KAY” IN 1K: A picture is worth 1,000 words, but senior guard Kaylin Randhawa is now worth more than a 1,000 points in her career following her performance in the win over Eastern Washington on Jan. 7. The Turlock, Calif., native finished with 17 points, pushing her past the 1,000-point plateau in her collegiate career, which includes 524 points in three years at Pacific, 345 points last year at Utah State, and 189 points this season with the Hornets.

THREE IS MORE THAN TWO: Trust us… Katie Peneueta has certainly done the math. In 37 career games with the Hornets, the Vancouver, Wash., native has made a living from long distance, sinking 97 of her 105 career field goals from behind the three-point line. At the media timeout of the second quarter on Nov. 22 against UC Davis, Peneueta’s previous 30 makes from the field had all been three-pointers until she posted up and found room inside for a lay-up at the four-minute mark of the period — her first two-point basket since scoring inside at Northern Arizona with 21 seconds left in a 76-62 victory on Feb. 3 last year — and she finished with a career-high three (out of four makes) two-pointers against Idaho on Jan. 5 as part of her third double-double this season.

THE PENEUETA IS MIGHTIER: One of four players in double figures against Idaho, sophomore Katie Peneueta collected her third double-double of the year, adding a career-high 11 rebounds, while hitting a perfect 4-of-4 from the floor. However, her most impressive performance may have been at the defensive end, where she finished with a career-high seven blocks — six of those against the conference’s leading scorer Beyonce Bea. The seven blocks are tied for third on the school’s single-game list and were the most since Kennedy Nicholas had seven at Weber State on Feb. 20, 2019. The record is held by Heidi Carroll, who swatted 10 against San Francisco State on Feb. 21, 1983.

NINE TIMES? NIIIIINE TIMES.: Wake up and smell the coffee, Hornet fans, it’s already a record-setting season. Sacramento State clinched its ninth non-conference victory of the year on Dec. 21 at Cal State Fullerton, breaking a tie with the 2013-14 squad (8-2 in non-conference games) for the most in the history of the program. Of the Hornets’ 11 non-conference opponents, seven finished with winning records and were a combined 64-50 (.561) in non-conference play. That kind of start bodes well for the Hornets, who won 18 games in 2013-14 — ranking tied for the third on the school’s single-season list.

BLOCKING IT OUT: Boasting the Big Sky’s second-best scoring defense at 59.2 ppg allowed, the Hornets have also done work on the glass, holding opponents to a league-best 28.5 rebounds per game. Sacramento State allowed only 21 rebounds to Idaho on Jan. 5, which stood as the fewest allowed by the Hornets in their Division I history for exactly a week until they gave up only 19 rebounds to Northern Colorado on Jan. 12. In the game at Montana, the Grizzlies wwere held to just 28 rebounds, marking the 15th time in 20 games that Sacramento State has allowed fewer than 30 rebounds in a game this season.

PASSING THE CRASH TEST: Another double-digit rebounding perfomance for Isnelle Natabou is nothing new for the junior, who owns six of the top 11 single-game rebounding performances in the Big Sky this season. Natabou, whose 18 rebounds against Weber State are the second-most in the league this year (see below), enters the week ranked among the top 25 in the nation in three of the four major rebounding categories: offensive rebounds (9th), rebounds per game (20th), and total rebounds (23rd).

ARE YOU BOARD?: Natabou clearly wasn’t in the Hornets’ opener against UC Irvine, as her 20 rebounds were the most since she had 22 against Idaho in an overtime win on Jan. 22 last year and was her third career game with 20-or-more. Nationally, the 20-rebound performance is tied for the 20th-highest in the NCAA for a single-game — and the most of any Big Sky player — as of Jan. 30, and stands as one of forty one 20-rebound games in the NCAA.

MIND THE GAP: The 32-point win over Northern Colorado on Jan. 12 marked the largest margin of victory in head coach Mark Campbell’s tenure, besting the 22-point win over UC Davis earlier this year. It was the program’s biggest win since a 59-point drubbing of NAIA member Pacific Union on Dec. 19, 2019, and the largest against a Division I foe since sinking Northern Arizona by the same margin in a 111-79 win over the Lumberjacks on March 4, 2016. Thus far, nine of Sacramento State’s 15 wins have been by double digits, while the 26-point win over Weber State on Jan. 21 marked the team’s fifth of 20-or-more points.

WBB-FCS: Wisc-Milwaukee Panthers (7-13) at Oakland Grizzlies (10-11)

NCAABB Editor
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The Milwaukee Panthers women’s basketball team heads back on the road this weekend, as the team makes its way to Rochester, Michigan to take on the Oakland Golden Grizzlies beginning at 6:00 p.m CST from the O’rena. 

The game can be viewed on ESPN+; while live stats and live audio on the Black & Gold Network with Matt Menzl on the call are also be available on MKEPanthers.com.

SCOUTING THE GOLDEN GRIZZLIES
Oakland enters Friday’s game with a 10-11 overall record with a 5-7 mark in the Horizon League.

The Golden Grizzlies are on a three-game skid having lost to IUPUI, Purdue Fort Wayne and most recently Cleveland State. In the loss to the Vikings, Oakland was led by Brooke Quarles-Daniels, who had 14 points and eight rebounds. Breanne Beatty had eight points and five boards with a team-best four assists. As a team, Oakland shot just 26.4 percent from the field and 17.9 percent from three.

On the season, it’s Quarles-Daniels leading the way at 12.0 points per game, with Alexis Johnson second on the team at 11.0 points per contest, Beatty is third averaging 10.6 points per game. The trio of Golden Grizzlies are all amongst the team leaders in rebounds with over 5.0 per contest this season.

Oakland is being outshot this season by nearly .100 percentage points, as the Golden Grizzlies connect on 35.6 percent from the field and yield 45.4 percent per contest, currently 10th of 11 amongst Horizon League teams in both categories.

On the flip side the Golden Grizzlies are one of the top rebounding teams in the league averaging 38.7 per game, just 2.5 rebounds off league-leading Cleveland State. Oakland is also towards the top of the conference in turnover margin, currently sitting in third at a 3.52 assist/turnover ratio.

LAST TIME THEY MET
The last time these two teams met on New Year’s Eve in Milwaukee, the Panthers cruised to a 65-49 win.

Three Panthers were in double figures as Emma Wittmershaus led the way at 15 points per game, while Kendall Nead and Megan Walstad each had 14 points apiece.

MKE was hot from the field at 52.0 percent on the game and were also 54.5 percent from three, in comparison Oakland was only 25.8 percent from the field and were only able to hit on 25.0 percent from three.

SERIES HISTORY
Milwaukee is 14-9 in the 23 all-time meetings with the Golden Grizzlies including wins in back-to-back games and five of their last seven matchups. The Panthers are 5-4 all-time in Rochester.

WHATS ON TAP?
After today, the Panthers continue their two-game trip to the Greater Detroit area with a visit to Detroit Mercy on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CST. Milwaukee will look to continue its dominance over the Titans, in search of their 12th consecutive win dating back to 2018.

LAST TIME OUT
Emma Wittmershaus had a career-high 25 points, and a career-best 11 field goals made but it was not enough as the Milwaukee Panthers fell to the IUPUI Jaguars by the score of 78-68 inside the Klotsche Center on Saturday afternoon.

While Wittmershaus led all scorers with 25, Kendall Nead had 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting as she led the Panthers with three three-pointers as she crossed over the 500-point plateau in her 75th career game.

Scoring wasn’t the issue for the Panthers on Saturday, as Milwaukee scored the most points in a game since its win against Robert Morris on January 20. MKE shot 48.1 percent from the floor and 40.0 percent from three.

Defensively, the team allowed its highest total since its loss at Cleveland State on January 12, as the Jaguars scored on 49.1 percent of their shots, and 34.5 percent from three.

The Panthers and Jaguars were even at 20 after the opening quarter and Milwaukee trailed by just one at the half at 37-36. The Jaguars pulled away late in the second half, outscoring the Panthers 16-11 in the third quarter before capping off the game with a 25-21 fourth period.

After Milwaukee scored the first basket in the second half to take the one-point lead, an 11-point run by IUPUI gave the Jaguars a 48-38 lead. The Panthers responded with eight unanswered capped off by a three-pointer from Nead with 1:35 to go to make it 48-46.

IUPUI came back with a 5-1 lead down the stretch of the third quarter to take a 53-47 advantage into the fourth stanza.

Milwaukee got as close as three points on a jumper by Wittmershaus to pull the Panthers to down 59-56, but an 11-2 run by IUPUI put the game out of reach in the waning minutes before closing out the score at 78-68.

Jessi Giles tied her Panther-high with eight points, while Megan Walstad registered a career-high nine assists as she shattered her previous career-high of five.

Anna Lutz led the team with three steals and added six points while Jada Donaldson had a team-best seven rebounds and added four assists. Kamy Peppler had eight points including a pair of three-pointers.

WALSTAD’S HELPING HAND
Playing the inside-out game, Megan Walstad had a career-high nine assists in the team’s most recent contest against IUPUI. Her previous career-high was five on several occasions in her career, most recently in the team’s win at home against Detroit Mercy on December 29.

The last time a player listed on Milwaukee’s roster as a center or forward and had more than five assists in one game was Steph Kostowicz, who had a dozen in the team’s March 15, 2018 win over Northern Iowa. Kostowicz accomplished the feat six times during her senior season in 2017-18, and seven times in her career.

JADA SETTLING IN
Jada Donaldson led the Panthers on the glass on Saturday, with a team-best seven rebounds and led all players with four offensive boards against IUPUI.

Donaldson has been putting it together as she settles into her starting role for MKE and has had a season-high in rebounds (7, Jan. 28 vs. IUPUI), assists (5, Jan. 12 at Wright State), steals (3, Jan. 20 vs. Robert Morris), and field goals made (2, Jan. 20 vs. Robert Morris, Jan. 22 vs. Youngstown State) over the team’s past six games.

JESSI THE SPARK
In last Saturday’s game vs. IUPUI, Jessi Giles netted a season-high eight points, tying her high from the January 5 matchup at Northern Kentucky.

Giles could be getting hot just in time for the stretch run of the season, after setting new season-highs in field goals (3), three-point field goals (2), and rebounds (3) against the Jaguars on January 28.

SECOND HALF STRUGGLES
The Milwaukee defense has been strong this year, but recently, the Panthers have been running out of steam in the second half.

Over the last eight games, Milwaukee has given up an average of 40.2 points in the second half. Opponents are shooting 49.8 percent (109-of-219) from the floor and 44.0 percent (37-for-684) from three-point range over the final 20 minutes

In comparison, the Panthers have allowed 38.3 percent (423-of-1096) from the field overall in games this season, and 31.9 percent (122-of-383) of three-pointers overall this year.

FOLLOWING THE LEADER
Six different members of the Panther roster have led the team in scoring this season throughout the team’s 20 games thus far. Kendall Nead and Emma Wittmershaus lead the way as they have led the team in scoring on six occasions each this year, while Megan Walstad has led the team on five occasions. Angie Cera (3), Grace Crowley (1), and Anna Lutz (1) have all lead at least once this season.

FINDING THE RANGE
Milwaukee has been finding its shooting range from three-point land following the holiday break.

The Panthers had shot under 31 percent in each of its first 10 games but have turned it on since playing Detroit Mercy on December 29, having connected on at least 31 percent in seven of their last 10 contests.

Over the last nine games, Kamy Peppler is 16-for-40 (40.0 percent), while Emma Wittmershaus is also at 40.0 percent having connected on 6-of-15 from deep. Jessi Giles 8-for-18 has also come on over the stretch connecting on 8-of-17 (44.4 percent) from long range.

OFFENSIVE BOARDS TURNING INTO POINTS
The Panthers have recorded double-digit offensive rebounds in six of their last eight contests and have made the most of their chances. In that span, Milwaukee has totaled 83 second-chance points, including 19 second-chance points in the team’s win over Robert Morris on January 20, and 16 on the road at Green Bay on January 26.

COMING ALIVE IN LEAGUE PLAY
Kendall Nead has scored at least 12 points in seven of the team’s last 10 conference games including a season-high 19 points in each of the team’s games against Northern Kentucky (Jan. 5) and Robert Morris (Jan. 20).

In 12 Horizon League contests, Nead is averaging a team-high 13.3 points, which is currently seventh among all Horizon League scorers in conference competition this season. Nead is also fourth in league play in field goal percentage at 42.4 percent within the conference.

Away from her scoring prowess, Nead has an average of 4.8 rebounds in addition to 18 assists, nine steals and two blocks over 12 conference contests.

MAGIC NUMBER
In college basketball, there is no perfect recipe for a win but for Milwaukee, field goal percentage has been a pretty good baseline.

In the last seven seasons, Milwaukee is 89-26 (.774) when hitting at least 40 percent from the field. Bump that field goal percentage to 43 percent and the Panthers are 69-13 (.841).

When shooting under 40 percent since 2016-17, Milwaukee is just 25-67 (.272). The Panthers have been held under 40 percent in 12 games this year, going 1-11 in those contests.

STRONG ON THE GLASS
The Panthers owned the rebounding battle at Wright State, on January 7, 39-19 to record their best margin of the season at plus-20. It marks the highest rebounding margin since Milwaukee was plus-22 on the glass in a 58-35 win over UIC on February 19, 2021.

DEFENSE LEADING THE WAY
The Panthers’ defense continues to be a factor this season as Milwaukee ranks in the top four of the Horizon League in points allowed and field goal percentage defense.

Milwaukee is allowing just 60.9 points per game through 12 league contests and holding the opposition to 38.8 percent shooting overall. In comparison, the Panthers have connected on 41.2 percent from the field in 12 conference games.

RECORD-SETTING WIN
Defense was the story in a win over Detroit Mercy on December 29, setting multiple program bests.

The Panthers held the Titans to 29 points, the lowest for an opponent in NCAA Division I history surpassing Valparaiso’s 31 from February 25, 2012.

Detroit also converted just 17.5 percent of its field goals, the lowest field goal percentage for an opponent since MKE held Youngstown State to 19.4 percent on March 6, 2010.

The seven made field goals for Detroit were also an opponent program-low for the Panthers, four fewer than the previous mark.

SERVING UP A ‘W’
Milwaukee was finding the open player against Detroit Mercy and making it count, totaling a season-high 22 assists.

It is the most assists for the Panthers since MKE had 24 in a win over Northern Iowa on March 15, 2018. That year, MKE eclipsed 20 assists on five different occasions.

The Panthers had those 22 assists on 25 made field goals, the highest assist percentage (88.0) since dishing out 16 assists on 18 field goals (88.8) in a win over Chicago State on March 3, 2016.

ALL OF THE DOUBLE DIGITS
In the win over Detroit Mercy, Milwaukee had five players reach double figures. Grace Crowley led the way with 13 points while Kendall Nead (12), Anna Lutz (11), Kamy Peppler (10), and Emma Wittmershaus (10) all joined in double digits.

It marks the first time Milwaukee had at least five players with at least 10 points since February 8, 2020. That game, Jamie Reit’s 13 points led the way while Bre Cera added 12, McKaela Schmelzer and Sydney Staver each had 11, and Lizzie Odegard finished with 10 in a 65-60 win over Green Bay.

Milwaukee is now 3-0 this year when at least four players reach double figures. The Panthers are 17-4 over the last five years when four or more players reach at least 10 points.

MISS BASKETBALL IN THE HOUSE
Freshman Kamy Peppler was crowned 2022 Miss Basketball for Wisconsin but it’s not the first time Milwaukee has had a student-athlete with that title arrive on campus.

In fact, Megan Walstad earned that title in her home state of Minnesota after leading Eastview High School to a perfect 32-0 record as a senior.

Prior to that, just one other player in program history donned the title of Miss Basketball. Meredith Onson (2005-08) was a consensus Wisconsin Player of the year in 2002-03. Onson originally attended Boston University but transferred to Milwaukee for the 2004-05 season.

PRESEASON HONORS FOR WALSTAD
Megan Walstad was named to the Preseason All-Horizon League First Team following another impressive campaign in 2021-22. Walstad dominated down low, earning her second straight First Team All-League award last season. She led the team and was among the league’s leaders in points per game (14.4), rebounds per game (9.1), field goal percentage (48.8), free throw percentage (88.9), and blocks per game (1.5). Walstad was also named to the All-Defensive Team for the second straight year.

Walstad joined a group of just three others in program history to earn All-League First Team honors on more than one occasion in the Panthers’ Division I era and is just the second in MKE history to earn All-Defensive Team distinction multiple times.

MBB-FBS: Washington State Cougars (10-13) at USC Trojans (15-6)

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MBB-FBS: Washington State Cougars (10-13) at USC Trojans (15-6)

The USC Trojans (15-6, 7-3) will host the Washington State Cougars (10-13, 5-7) at the Galen Center on Feb. 2 at 8:00 p.m.  The game will air on FS1 with Guy Haberman and Dave Miller calling the action. 

WINNING WAYS — USC’s 73 total wins the previous three seasons tied for the third most among all Power 6 basketball programs, trailing only the last two NCAA champions Kansas (83) and Baylor (81).  Also, USC’s 160 wins the previous seven seasons ranked 13th among all Power 6 conference teams.

ENFIELD LEADING THE WAY — USC head coach Andy Enfield is in his 10th season at USC and has compiled an 198-124 record. His wins total ranks fourth on USC’s all-time wins list, trailing only Sam Barry (260), Forrest Twogood (251) and Bob Boyd (216).  Including his two seasons as the head coach at FGCU (2012-13), Enfield has compiled a 239-152 record.

FACING WASHINGTON STATE — The Washington State Cougars (10-13, 5-7) are coming off a 75-58 home win against Arizona State on Jan. 28, snapping a three-game losing streak which followed a season-best three-game winning streak.  Guard TJ Bamba leads Washington State in scoring with a 14.6 points per game average. USC lost 81-71 at Washington State on Jan. 1, snapping a 12-game winning streak against the Cougars.  USC leads the all-time series 81-49.

WASHINGTON ON DECK —  USC’s next game will be vs. the Washington Huskies (13-10, 5-7) at the Galen Center on Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m.  The Huskies will play at UCLA on Feb. 2 before traveling crosstown to face USC.  Forward Keion Brooks Jr. leads Washington in scoring with a 17.9 points per game average. USC won 80-67 at Washington on Dec. 30 and have won the last six meetings with the Huskies.  USC leads the all-time series 78-75* (2 wins vacated due to NCAA penalty, original record 79-75).

PRIME TIME TROJANS — USC is 10-0 this season when the tip is set for 7 p.m. PT or later. 

IT STARTS WITH DEFENSE — USC held California to 27.7 shooting on Nov. 30, the lowest by an opponent since holding Stanford to a 25.4 shooting percentage on March 3, 2021.  USC allowed Washington State to make a 2022-23 opponent high 49.1 percent of its shots on Jan. 1, but has held 6 of its last 9 opponents to under 40 percent shooting.  USC has held 13 of its 21 opponents this season to under 40 percent shooting.  USC is holding its opponents to a 38.4 shooting percentage this season, 7th in the country.  Over the last four seasons, USC’s defense has held the opposition to 38.7 FG percentage, 3rd in the country.

THE TOP STACK IN THE PAC — USC is third in conference regular season wins among Pac-12 teams for the past six seasons (since the 2017-18 season).  USC is 67-37, Arizona is 69-36, while UCLA is 68-35 in that stretch, through games of Jan. 30.  Next up would be Oregon at 65-38 and Colorado at 58-48.

ENJOYING THE HOME COOKING — USC is 10-1 at the Galen Center this season, losing the opener to FGCU on Nov. 7, then winning the next 10 games.  The 10-game home winning streak is USC’s longest single-season home winning streak since the Trojans won the first 15 games at the Galen Center in the 2015-16 season.

USC HOSTING A BLOCK PARTY — USC has 116 blocks this season, led by Joshua Morgan’s 52 blocks.  USC is averaging 5.5 blocks per game, 12th in the country.  Morgan’s 52 blocks this season lead the conference and rank tied for 10th in the country.  Morgan had 7 blocks vs. FGCU on Nov. 7 which tied him for fifth on USC’s all-time single game blocks list. He matched that total with 7 blocks at Cal on Nov. 30.   USC as a team has registered 587 blocks over the last four seasons which ranks 7th nationally.

PETERSON PROVIDING THE ASSIST — Guard Drew Peterson leads USC and is sixth among Pac-12 players with 97 assists.  Peterson is one of two players in a Power 6 conference (Jalen Pickett of Penn State) averaging at least 13.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game this season.  Peterson is averaging 14.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game.   

JEKYLL & HYDE FROM WAY OUTSIDE — USC made 45.5 percent of its 3-pointers vs. UCLA on Jan. 26, its seventh game this season making at least 38 percent from 3-point range.  In those seven games USC has made 45.2 percent of its 3-pointers (66-for-146), while it has averaged 24.6 percent from beyond the arc in the other 14 games (56-for-228).

CLANCY ON THE CALL — Former USC basketball great Sam Clancy will join Jordan Moore, the voice of Trojan basketball, on the radio broadcast of the game vs. Washington on Feb. 4.

THE MEN OF STEAL — Kobe Johnson (45), Boggie Ellis (35) and Drew Peterson (25) have combined for 105 steals this season, the second most by a Pac-12 trio.  Johnson ranks second among Pac-12 players, Ellis is tied for fourth and Peterson ranks 11th.

ELLIS COOKING AGAIN – Senior guard Boogie Ellis has averaged 18.7 points the last 10 games, including scoring a career-high 31 points vs. UCLA on Jan. 26.  He began his streak by scoring a then career-best 28 points vs. Auburn on Dec. 18.  He scored in double figures in USC’s first 7 games, then totaled 29 points in the next four games, before his current onslaught.  Ellis leads USC with a 16.3 scoring average and leads the team with 45 three-pointers made and 65 free throws made.  He is also second among Trojans with 35 steals.

TOEING THE LINE — USC made all 14 of its free throw attempts at Arizona State on Jan. 21, tying for the third most makes from the charity stripe in a game without a miss in school history.  USC followed that game up by making 17 of 18 FT (94.4 percent) vs. UCLA on Jan. 26, making it 31 of 32 the last two games (96.9 percent).  On Jan. 19 at Arizona, USC made 66.7 percent of its free throw, snapping a streak of 5 consecutive games making 70 percent or more from the charity stripe, USC’s longest such stretch since an 8-game stretch in the 2016-17 season.  USC has made 73.4 percent of its free throws this season, its best team FT percentage since the 2017 team made 74.1 percent of its free throws. USC has shot higher than 70 percent for a season from the free throw line twice in the previous 15 seasons.

MBB-FBS: Utah Valley Wolverines (17-6) at Utah Tech Trail Blazers (10-12)

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UTAH VALLEY TRAVELS TO PLAY IN-STATE FOE UTAH TECH ON THURSDAY NIGHT

  • Utah Valley heads back out on the road this week as the team travels down I-15 to St. George to play in-state foe Utah Tech on Thursday night in the Old Hammer Rivalry at Burns Arena. Tip off is set for 7 p.m.
     
  • Justin Harmon scored a team-high 17 points and Aziz Bandaogo recorded a 16-point, 15-rebound double-double to lead Utah Valley in a 77-72 win over New Mexico State on Saturday afternoon at the UCCU Center.  Leading by just one point, 73-72, with 10 seconds left to play, Le’Tre Darthard went a perfect 4-for-4 at the free throw line to help lift the Wolverines to the 77-72 win.
     
  • Utah Valley has won 14 of its last 16 games over a nearly two-month period. During that stretch, Utah Valley rattled off 11 straight wins that began with an 88-78 win over Long Beach State on Dec. 3 and ended in an 85-80 loss to Seattle U on Jan. 14. The 11-game streak is the second longest streak in program history behind the 2011-12 team, which won 13 straight.
     
  • Utah Valley’s road win streak ended at seven with its loss at SUU last week. The streak was tied for the third-longest road win streak in the nation at the time. Prior to the loss at SUU, the Wolverines had not lost a road game since falling at Boise State on Nov. 26. UVU’s seven-game road win streak included wins at BYU, Northern Arizona, Oregon, UT Arlington, UTRGV, California Baptist, and Grand Canyon. The Wolverines have now won seven of their last eight road games.
     
  • Utah Valley is the top shot blocking team in the nation with 147 blocks and a 6.4 blocks per game average. The Wolverines sit ahead of Iona (6.3), Florida (6.0), Illinois (6.0), and Auburn (6.0). Utah Valley also ranks third nationally in defensive rebounds per game (29.65) and ninth in rebounds per game (39.91).
     
  • Aziz Bandaogo ranks in the top-8 nationally in six statistical categories. He ranks fourth in blocks (64), fourth in rebounds (247), sixth in blocks per game (2.78), fourth in double-doubles (12), sixth in defensive rebounds per game (7.87), and eighth in rebounds per game (10.7).

BROADCAST INFORMATION
Thursday’s game at Utah Tech will be broadcast live on the ESPN+, which is available on the ESPN+ app and at ESPNplus.com. The game will also be broadcast over the Utah County airwaves on ESPN 960 AM with Jim McCulloch on the call.

ABOUT UTAH TECH
Utah Tech enters Saturday’s game with a 10-12 overall record and a 2-7 mark in WAC play. The Trailblazers dropped a pair of road games at Tarleton and Abilene Christian last week. Senior guard Cameron Gooden scored a game-high 26 points in the loss at ACU, marking the fourth time this season the he has reached the 20-point plateau. Gooden was just three points shy of his career-high 29 points set this season at Utah State. Gooden leads Utah Tech in scoring this season at 15.9 points a game. Isaiah Pope also averages double digits this season at 13.5 points a game. Tanner Christensen leads the Trailblazers on the boards, pulling down 7.3 rebounds a game. As a team, Utah Tech averages 75.50 points a game while limiting opponents to a 72.86 per game average. 

SERIES HISTORY VS. THE TRAILBLAZERS
Utah Valley and Utah Tech will meet for the sixth time as NCAA Division I programs. Utah Valley took game one of the two-game WAC series, 71-60, in Orem on Dec. 31. The two teams have split their league matchups in each of the last two seasons. The two programs first played during the 1972-73 season and played each season in the Scenic West Athletic Conference/NJCAA Region 18 until 2002-03, which was Utah Valley’s final season of JUCO before moving into the NCAA Division I ranks during the 2003-04 season.

All-Time Results vs. Utah Tech (3-2)
Dec. 31, 2022    Utah Valley def. Utah Tech, 71-60    Orem, Utah
Feb. 19, 2022    Utah Tech def. Utah Valley, 80-75 (OT)    St. George, Utah
Jan. 08, 2022    Utah Valley def. Utah Tech, 79-71    Orem, Utah
Feb. 13, 2021    Utah Tech def. Utah Valley, 93-89    Orem, Utah
Feb. 12, 2021    Utah Valley def. Utah Tech, 87-72    Orem, Utah

LAST TIME vs. UTAH TECH: Utah Valley 71, Utah Tech 60 (December 31, 2022 – Orem)
Trey Woodbury scored a game-high 20 points with six rebounds and five assists to lead Utah Valley to a 71-60 win over in-state foe Utah Tech on Dec. 31 in the Old Hammer Rivalry at the UCCU Center.

Tulsa’s Kevin Wilson Adds Nine to First Signing Class

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Tulsa’s Kevin Wilson Adds Nine to First Signing Class

The University of Tulsa added nine high school seniors to its 2023 recruiting class, bringing the total number of prep newcomers to 16, it was announced today by first-year Tulsa head coach Kevin Wilson. Tulsa also added eight transfers at mid-semester to bring the total count of scholarship newcomers to 24.

Seven transfers and one December high school signee joined the Golden Hurricane team at mid-semester.

Among the nine February signees, five are on the defensive side of the ball, three on offense and one athlete. In all, Tulsa added 14 on defense, eight on offense and two athletes to this year’s signing class. A total of nine Oklahomans, including seven from the Tulsa area, and nine from the state of Texas join the Hurricane roster.

“We’re excited about filling out our first recruiting class with these nine student-athletes. We were able to address what we see as some of our needs going forward, while adding quality young men who are good students,” said Wilson. “It’s important for us to have a solid presence in the city of Tulsa and the state of Oklahoma and still have a regional reach within a 5-6 hour radius of Tulsa and that’s pretty much where we landed with this group.”

Today’s signees consist of four each from the states of Oklahoma and Texas and one from Arkansas. Local signees – offensive lineman Bennett Ringleb from Union High School and Owasso defensive lineman Tyler Rich – are joined by fellow Oklahoman’s –– Choctaw defensive linemen R.J. Jackson and Cushing athlete Cam Crooks.

Ringleb earned first-team all-state honors, while Rich recorded 60 total tackles, 24 TFL and 15 QB pressures his senior season for the Rams. Crooks was named to the 2022 MaxPreps Small Town All-America High School first team after totaling 67 receptions for 1,528 yards and 23 TDs, while adding 46 tackles with four interceptions from his secondary position. Jackson was the Class 6A-II District II Defensive Lineman of the Year.  

The Texas signees are defensive lineman Reeves Baller (Liberty Christian Argyle HS), offensive lineman Kasen Carpenter (Allen HS), linebacker Elijah Wilson (Duncanville HS) and tight end Luke McGary (Plano Prestonwood Christian HS).

Baller, Carpenter and McGary each earned all-state honors, while Wilson earned first-team all-district honors in helping lead Duncanville to an overall 15-0 record and the Texas 6A Division I state championship. Baller was named the District Defensive MVP, Carpenter earned District 5-6A Offensive Line MVP accolades and McGary led his team in receiving from his tight end position with 41 receptions for 503 yards.

Defensive back C.J. Turner comes to Tulsa from Star City High School in Arkansas, where he earned Class 4A all-state honors his senior season.

2023 Tulsa Football Signees

FEBRUARY HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES (9)

Player                          Pos.        Ht.          Wt.       Cl.             Hometown / Previous School

Reeves Baller              DL           6-6          215       Fr-HS        Argyle, Texas / Liberty Christian

Kasen Carpenter         OL           6-3          275       Fr-HS        Allen, Texas / Allen

Cam Crooks                 ATH        6-1          185       Fr-HS        Cushing, Okla. / Cushing             

R.J. Jackson                 DL           6-4          240       Fr-HS        Choctaw, Okla. / Choctaw

Luke McGary              TE            6-3          225       Fr-HS        Plano, Texas / Prestonwood Christian

Tyler Rich                    DL           6-3          290       Fr-HS        Owasso, Okla. / Owasso

Bennett Ringleb         OL           6-5          275       Fr-HS        Tulsa, Okla. / Union

C.J. Turner                   DB6-1          210       Fr-HS        Star City, Ark. / Star City

Elijah Wilson               LB            6-0          210       Fr-HS        Duncanville, Texas / Duncanville

DECEMBER HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES (7)

Player                          Pos.        Ht.          Wt.       Cl.             Hometown / Previous School

James Eaglin               DL           6-4          300       Fr-HS        Missouri City, Texas / Ridge Point

Jahrid Hughes             WR          6-3          185       Fr-HS        Fort Worth, Texas / Timber Creek

Matthew Ogunrin      WR          6-0          170       Fr-HS        Katy, Texas / Tompkins

Devin Robinson          DB           6-1          189       Fr-HS        Tulsa, Okla. / Union

Ashton Schumann#   WR          6-2          180       Fr-HS        League City, Texas / Clear Springs

Mari Smith                  WR          6-0          160       Fr-HS        Fort Smith, Ark. / Northside

Grayson Tempest      ATH        5-11        170       Fr-HS        Tulsa, Okla. / Union

MID-SEMESTER SIGNEES/TRANSFERS (8)

Player                          Pos.        Ht.          Wt.       Cl.             Hometown / Previous School

Zaid Hamden#            DL           6-0          255       Gr-TR        Mason, Ohio / William Mason / SIU

Adrian Huey#             DB           6-0          172       So-TR        Nashville, Tenn. / Hillsboro / Kentucky

Demarco Jones          DB           6-0          185       Gr-TR        Tulsa, Okla. / BT Washington / Oklahoma State

Keuan Parker#            DB           5-11        178       So-TR        Tulsa, Okla. / BT Washington / Arkansas

Julien Simon#             LB            6-1          230       So-TR        Tacoma, Wash. / Lincoln / USC

Coleton Smith#          LB            6-2          230       Gr-TR        Appleton City, Mo. /Appleton City / SW Baptist

Kanion Williams#       DB           6-0          190       Gr-TR        Dallas, Texas / South Oak Cliff / Oklahoma State

Braylin Presley#         RB           5-8          170       So-TR        Bixby, Okla. / Bixby / Oklahoma State

#Enrolled in January 2023

TULSA’S FEBRUARY SIGNEE BIOS

Reeves Baller             DL           6-6          215       Fr-HS          Argyle, Texas / Liberty Christian Argyle

Was a two-year letterwinner and starter at Liberty Christian Argyle High School … totaled 177 tackles, 71 TFL, 27 sacks, blocked three punts, recovered four fumbles and forced two fumbles in his career … helped lead his team to a 10-2 record, area championship and state quarterfinals his senior campaign … earned first-team TAPPS 5A all-state and all-district honors as defensive end … recorded 100 tackles with 38 TFL, 18 sacks and 32 quarterback hurries during his senior season … was named the District Defensive MVP as a senior … earned academic all-state accolades … was a two-time state of Texas prep wrestling champion and placed ninth at nationals his senior season … posted a 95-14 record in three years wrestling … high school coach was Dallas Cowboys great Jason Witten.

Kasen Carpenter       OL           6-3          275       Fr-HS          Allen, Texas / Allen   

Played his senior season at Allen High School … spent his first three seasons at Midlothian Heritage High School … was a first-team all-state selection his senior season … earned District 5-6A Offensive Line MVP accolades as a senior … high school coach was Lee Wiginton.

Cam Crooks                ATH        6-1          185       Fr-HS          Cushing, Okla. / Cushing          

Played receiver and defensive back at Cushing High School … had career totals of 271 catches for 4,713 yards and 44 touchdowns … had 60 career touchdowns, including five touchdowns on punt returns and one on a kickoff return as a senior … on defense, had 272 tackles and 16 interceptions in his career … had 67 catches for 1,528 yards and 23 TDs plus 46 tackles with four interceptions as a senior … was named to the 2022 MaxPreps Small Town All-America High School first team … selected as the Prep Redzone Oklahoma Class 4A Player of the Year as a senior … was the Prep Redzone Career Achievement Award Winner … earned OCA All State East Team honors as a senior … caught seven passes for 101 yards and two TDs, while scoring twice on punt returns against Blanchard, and had seven tackles plus a fumble recovery on defense as a senior … caught 93 passes for 1,624 yards and 21 TDs his junior campaign … came up with nine turnovers on five interceptions and four fumble recoveries on defense, while totaling 81 tackles his junior campaign … was the Stillwater News Press All-Area Boys’ Track and Field Athlete of the Year after his junior season … was a two-time 300m hurdle state champion …  also placed first in state in the 181-pound powerlifting division as a junior … high school football coach was Rusty Morgan.

R.J. Jackson                DL           6-4          240       Fr-HS          Choctaw, Okla. / Choctaw

Played tight end and defensive end at Choctaw High School … totaled 21 TFL, 11 sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions his senior campaign … was named to The Oklahoman’s Big All-City first team as a senior … was the Class 6A-II District II Defensive Lineman of the Year… named to the OCA All-State West Roster … ranked No. 16 on The Oklahoman’s Super 30 postseason rankings of the state’s top high school recruits in the 2023 class … high school coach was Jake Corbin.

Luke McGary              TE            6-3          225       Fr-HS          Plano, Texas / Prestonwood Christian

Played linebacker and tight end at Prestonwood Christian High School … caught a team-leading 41 passes for 503 yards and three TDs his senior season … earned TAPPS all-state and first-team all-district honors on offense and defense … was an academic all-state selection … had 136 tackles, 12 TFL and nine pass breakups as a junior … high school coach was Donnie Yantis.

Tyler Rich                    DL           6-3          290       Fr-HS          Owasso, Okla. / Owasso

Was a three-year starter at Owasso High School … totaled 121 career tackles, 36 tackles for lost yardage and 10 sacks … helped the Rams reach the Class 6A-I state title game as a senior …  recorded 60 total tackles, 36 solos, 24 TFL, six sacks and 15 QB pressures his senior season … earned OCA All State East Team honors as a senior … high school coach was Bill Blankenship.

Bennett Ringleb        OL           6-5          275       Fr-HS          Tulsa, Okla. / Union

Was a four-year letterwinner and three-year starter at Union High School … started at left offensive tackle … earned first-team all-state honors by The Oklahoman his senior season … helped his team post a 31-6 record in his three years as a starter … high school coach was Kirk Fridrich.

C.J. Turner                  DB           6-1          210       Fr-HS          Star City, Ark. / Star City

Played at Star City High School … earned Class 4A all-state honors his senior season … was a three-star rating by 247Sports … one of his top games as a senior offensively was when he rushed 15 times for 202 yards and three TDs against Monticello … defensively, he totaled 11 tackles, two TFL and two sacks vs. Hamburg … also had 126 rushing yards and two TDs, while compiling four tackles, three QB hurries and one fumble recovery vs. Dumas … played in only four games as a junior due to a knee injury … was committed to Colorado from April to December of 2022 … high school coach was Chris Vereen.

Elijah Wilson              LB            6-0          210       Fr-HS          Duncanville, Texas / Duncanville           

Played linebacker at Duncanville High School … earned first-team all- District 11-6A honors as a senior … was a second-team academic all-state selection his senior campaign … helped lead his team to an overall 15-0 record and 6A Division I state championship his senior season … high school coach was Reginald Samples.

TULSA’S DECEMBER HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEE BIOS

James Eaglin               DL           6-4          300       Fr.               Missouri City, Texas / Ridge Point HS

Was a three-year letterwinner at Ridge Point High School … earned Texas 20-6A first-team all-district honors both his junior and senior seasons … totaled 28 tackles and four TFL along with a 19-yard pick-6 his senior campaign … high school coach was Rick Lafavers.

Jahrid Hughes            WR         6-3          185       Fr.               Fort Worth, Texas / Timber Creek HS

Was a three-year letterwinner and two-year starter at Timber Creek High School … started his junior and senior seasons at receiver and his sophomore and senior seasons in the defensive secondary … caught 55 passes for 750 yards and seven TDs in his final two seasons … played receiver and cornerback … named all-District 4-6A second team as a senior … had 30 receptions for 485 yards and four TDs as a senior … high school coach was Marshall Williams.

Matthew Ogunrin     WR         6-0          170       Fr.               Katy, Texas / Tompkins HS

Was a three-year letterman at Katy Tompkins High School … played receiver and also returned kicks … caught 57 passes for 888 yards and five TDs in his career … had 25 receptions for 296 yards and one TD as a senior … earned second-team all-district honors his senior season … hauled in 17 passes for 375 yards and three TDs his junior season … played his freshman season at Katy Seven Lakes High School … high school coach at Tompkins was Todd McVey.

Devin Robinson         SAF         6-1          189       Fr.               Tulsa, Okla. / Union HS

Was a three-year letterwinner and starter at Union High School … played safety … totaled 72 tackles, including 47 solos, and had four INTs, including two pick sixes his senior season … earned all-district honors … was the District 6AI-2 co-Defensive Player of the Year his senior campaign … ranked No. 29 on The Oklahoman’s Super 30 Recruit rankings … Oklahoman’s had 64 tackles and 5 pickoffs as a junior … had 28 stops as a sophomore … was team captain as a senior … a three-star prospect by 247Sports … high school coach was Kirk Fridrich.

Ashton Schumann     WR         6-2          180       Fr.               League City, Texas / Clear Springs HS

Was a three-year letterwinner and starter at Clear Springs High School … a three-star prospect by 247Sports … was a three-time 24-6A all-district selection … hauled in 80 passes for 1,525 yards and 21 touchdowns in his prep career … had 44 receptions for 798 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior in leading his team to an 8-4 record … caught 30 passes for 560 yards and seven TDs his junior season … high school coach was Anthony Renfro.

Mari Smith                  WR         6-0          160       Fr.               Fort Smith, Ark. / Northside HS

Was a three-year starter at Fort Smith Northside High School … compiled 956 receiving yards and 14 TDs in his final two seasons … caught 28 passes for 528 yards and nine TDs for an 18.9 average per receptions and 88.0 yards per game as a senior … had an 89-yard fumble return for a touchdown during his junior season … also a track star in the state, laying claim to the fastest prep sprinter in Arkansas … was the 200m state champion as a junior … best prep times of 10.60 in the 100m and 21.32 in the 200m … high school football coach was Felix Curry.

Grayson Tempest      ATH        5-11        170       Fr.               Tulsa, Okla. / Union HS

Was a three-year letterwinner and starter at Union High School … caught 48 passes for 646 yards and 5 TDs in his first season at receiver as a senior … was the starting quarterback his sophomore and junior seasons … scored as a receiver, rusher, passer, punt returner and kickoff returner as a senior … was team captain as a senior … had 1,216 all-purpose yards with 12 TDs his senior season … helped lead his team to an 11-1 record, district title and the state semifinals as a senior … threw for 1,832 yards and 14 TDs while completing 118-of-225 passes in his two seasons at quarterback … named the 6AI District 2 co-MVP as a senior … earned academic all-state honors in each of his three seasons … high school coach was Kirk Fridrich.

MID-SEMESTER SIGNEES/TRANSFERS (8)

Zaid Hamden                DL         6-0          255       Gr-TR          Mason, Ohio / William Mason / SIU

Comes to Tulsa from Southern Illinois … spent the 2021 season at James Madison after graduating from Ohio State, where he spent three seasons … played in five games and record five tackles, one TFL and one pass breakup at JMU … spent the 2018-20 seasons at Ohio State … played in five career games at OSU … red-shirted in 2018 … played in three games in 2019 and two in 2020 … was named as an OSU Scholar-Athlete in 2019 and a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar in 2020 … HIGH SCHOOL – Earned all-Ohio honors as a junior and senior at William Mason High School … earned all-region and all-conference honors as a junior and senior … had 45 tackles, 5.5 sacks and a forced fumble as a senior … was also a prep wrestler, winning the sectional championship and qualifying for the state meet at 285 pounds.

Adrian Huey               DB           6-0          172       So-TR         Nashville, Tenn. / Hillsboro / Kentucky

Comes to Tulsa following two seasons at Kentucky …red-shirted in 2021 and did not see action in 2022 … was a 2021-22 SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient … HIGH SCHOOL – Was a four-year letterwinner and three-year starting cornerback at Hillsboro High School … was a three-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports … ranked as the No. 23 player in the state of Tennessee and the No. 72 cornerback nationally by 247Sports … named to the 2020 preseason second-team all-Tennessee by MaxPreps.com …

Demarco Jones          DB           6-0          185       Gr-TR          Tulsa, Okla. / BT Washington / OSU

Transferring to Tulsa from Oklahoma State … will enroll following his spring semester at OSU … spent four years at Oklahoma State … was an important special teams contributor who has also rotated in on defense and made several impactful plays during his career … played in 31 career games … had 20 career tackles … played in eight games in 2022 and totaled seven tackles and had one pass breakup … HIGH SCHOOL – Played his prep football at Tulsa’s Booker T. Washington High School … credited with 21 tackles as a senior before a shoulder injury ended his prep career in mid-October … recorded 25 tackles, two interceptions and 16 pass breakups during his junior season … helped guide BTW to the Oklahoma Class 6A-II state title in 2017 … in the championship game, he tallied 19 tackles and an interception on defense and caught eight passes for 135 yards and a receiving touchdown on offense … rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals … slotted as the 10th-best player in the state of Oklahoma by 247Sports and ESPN … ESPN ranked him as the No. 68 cornerback in the 2019 recruiting class … ranked No. 10 in The Oklahoman’s Super 30 recruit rankings.

Keuan Parker             DB           5-11        178       So-TR         Tulsa, Okla. / BT Washington / Arkansas

Comes to Tulsa after spending two years at Arkansas, redshirting in 2021 and playing in five games during the 2022 season …  saw action against Cincinnati, Mississippi State, BYU, Auburn and LSU … had one tackle, coming against BYU … HIGH SCHOOL – Was touted as one of the top overall recruits in Oklahoma in 2020 coming out of Booker T. Washington High School … played corner and strong safety … had 94 tackles and six interceptions in his prep career … consensus three-star prospect by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN … rated the No. 2 player in Oklahoma by Rivals and No. 10 by 247Sports … rated the No. 32 cornerback in his class by 247Sports … ranked No. 8 on the Oklahoman’s Super 30 list.

Braylin Presley           RB           5-8          170       So-TR         Bixby, Okla. / Bixby / Oklahoma State

Comes to Tulsa after spending the 2022 season at Oklahoma State … saw limited playing time in seven games as a true freshman … caught five passes for 26 yards and had two carries for three yards … also returned one kickoff for 19 yards … HIGH SCHOOL – Was a four-year letterwinner and starter at Bixby High School … helped lead Bixby to a 49-game winning streak and four Class 6A-II state titles (2018-21) … was a four-star prospect … named the 2021 Gatorade Oklahoma Player of the Year …  earned Tulsa World Oklahoma Player of the Year honors twice … totaled 102 career touchdowns – 75 rushing, 23 receiving and four on returns … rushed for 4,978 yards and 75 touchdowns on 579 carries for an 8.6 average per attempt and 101.6 yards per game in his career … also caught 145 passes for 1,684 yards, 116 average per catch and 23 TDs …  totaled 22 100+ yard rushing games in 49 career games played … had 13 career kick returns for 442 yards and a 34.0 average and two TDs … also returned 29 punts for 305 yards a 10.5 average per return and two touchdowns … as a senior, rushed for 1,105 yards, 17 TDs, 10.1-yard average per carry and 92.1 yards per game … also added 665 yards receiving for seven TDs on 56 receptions as a senior … totaled 1,744 rushing yards, 158.5 yards per game, 7.9 yards per carry and 25 TDs his junior campaign.

Julien Simon               LB            6-1          230       So-TR         Tacoma, Wash. / Lincoln / USC

Comes to Tulsa after two seasons at Southern Cal … played in a total of five games … redshirted in 2021, but saw action in the BYU and Cal games … played in three games in 2022 …  made the 2021 Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll … HIGH SCHOOL –Made the2020PrepStar Dream Team and Southern California News Group Fab 15 second teamas a senior linebacker, wide receiver and running back at Lincoln High School … was a Max Preps Junior All-America second teamin 2019, when he tallied 55 tackles, with five TFL and two sacks, four interceptions (2 for TDs), 10 deflections and a fumble recovery on defense … also had 83 receptions for 1,033 yards (12.4 avg) with 12 TDs and 38 carries for 182 yards with 7 TDs on offense … made theMax Preps Sophomore All-America first teamin 2018.

Coleton Smith            LB            6-2          230       Gr-TR          Appleton City, Mo. /Appleton City / SW Baptist

A graduate transfer from Southwest Baptist University … led his team in tackles both his junior and senior seasons … totaled 287 career tackles, 10.5 TFL for -101 yards and 13 QB hurries … had a team-high 93 tackles, including 53 solos, in his senior season … earned first-team all-Great Lakes Valley Conference performer as a senior … was a finalist for the Cliff Harris Division II player of the year award as a junior in 2021 … led all NCAA Division II schools in 2021 with 161 stops … also added 11 QB hurries, five TFL for -46 yards, two sacks, two pass breakups and two forced fumbles in his junior season … was named an AFCA second-team All-American in 2021 … was also a first-team all-region and second-team all-conference selection as a junior … his first season at Southwest Baptist was 2017 as a true freshman walk-on … HIGH SCHOOL – Played his prep football at Appleton City High School.

Kanion Williams        DB           6-0          190       Gr-TR          Dallas, Texas / South Oak Cliff / Oklahoma St.

Transferred to Tulsa after spending five seasons at Oklahoma State … was an outstanding performer on special teams and also rotated in on defense … voted a team captain by his teammates in 2021 … played in 45 career games at OSU … played in six games and tallied six tackles in 2022 … played a vital role on OSU’s special teams units in 2021, playing all 14 games … credited with seven tackles on the year … played in 11 games as a sophomore in 2020 and finished the season with 11 total tackles … saw action in nine games, primarily on special teams as a redshirt freshman in 2019 … tied for the team lead with six tackles on kickoffs in 2019 … redshirted as a true freshman in 2018, but played in four games … HIGH SCHOOL – Played his prep football at South Oak Cliff High School … recorded 32 total tackles, 24 solos, and tallied three tackles for loss as a senior in 2017 … also defended four passes in just seven games played … racked up 62 total tackles, including 34 solo stops, during his junior campaign … earned a three-star rating by Rivals, ESPN and 247Sports … ESPN listed him as the No. 35 safety in the 2018 recruiting class.

WBB-FBS: Boise State Broncos (10-13) at Nevada Wolfpack (8-13)

NCAABB Editor
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WBB-FBS: Boise State Broncos (10-13) at Nevada Wolfpack (8-13)

Nevada women’s basketball comes back to Lawlor Events Center to take on Boise State on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Black History Night.  

Larry Burnett will have the call on 94.1 FM/1450 AM with a 20 minute pregame show prior to tipoff. Fans can also listen live online through the Varsity Network. The game will be available to watch on Nevada Sports Net and live stats can be accessed through Sidearm. 

Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online for Thursday’s game, with tickets starting at just $3 online. In addition to the usual home game activities, Thursday’s game will celebrate the start of Black History Month and honor the men and women who have made an impact and continue to make impact today. 

The Pack is looking at having multiple players pass the 500 career point mark. Junior forward Lexie Givens surpassed the 500 career point mark on Jan. 21 against Fresno State. Sophomore guard Audrey Roden is just one point away from reaching the half century mark for points. She would be just the third player under head coach Amanda Levens to score 500 points at Nevada by their sophomore year.

This year’s Nevada women’s basketball team ranks sixth in the Mountain West in steals per game with an 8.9 mark. Jimenez became the seventh player since 2013 to record 100 career steals. She is the fastest player since 2013 to reach that mark. 

Ormiston averaged 7.9 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per game as a freshman before an injury ended her sophomore season last year. Ormiston has stepped into a larger role this season, being one of three players to post multiple double-doubles and scored 26 points in a game twice this year. She is in Nevada’s Speech Pathology and Audiology graduate program, being one of 40 students selected. 

SCOUTING BOISE STATE
Boise State makes their second trip to Reno during the 2022-23 season after coming off a huge win over San Diego State on Monday. The Broncos, who competed in the 2022 Nugget Classic at Lawlor Events Center, have scored 66.1 points per game and outrebounded their opponents by 6.2 rebounds per game. 

Elodie Lalotte leads Boise State, averaging 10.6 points per game and 
grabbing 6.5 rebounds per game. Dani Bayes has proven herself to be one of the top freshman in the Mountain West, being Boise State’s second-leading scorer with a 9.1 points per game average. 

A-State Football Announces Nine Additions to Highly-Touted 2023 Recruiting Class Ranked First in SBC

NCAAFB Editor
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A-State Football Announces Nine Additions to Highly-Touted 2023 Recruiting Class Ranked First in SBC

Arkansas State head football coach Butch Jones announced Wednesday on National Signing Day that the Red Wolves have added nine players to the Red Wolves’ highly-touted 2023 Recruiting Class ranked first in the Sun Belt Conference by 247Sports.

The class ranks as high as No. 76 nationally, marking the second consecutive year Jones and his staff have assembled an incoming class rated among the top three in school history.  Thirty-six players from 15 different states make up the group that is also listed among the top-10 in the Group of Five for the second consecutive year.

Although just three of the nine players announced today are high school recruits, the 23 total are the most announced as part of an A-State class since also signing 23 in 2006.  Twelve of the remaining 13 class members are either FBS or FCS transfers, including six who were officially announced today.  Including one junior-college transfer, 15 members of the class will be available to participate in A-State’s upcoming spring camp slated to begin March 4.

Including a pair of quarterbacks in high-school standout Christian Hunt and Colorado-transfer JT Shrout, four of today’s additions play on the offensive side of the ball.  A 2020 Freshman All-America selection at A-State, wide receiver Corey Rucker returns to A-State, and Ole Miss-transfer Jalen Cunningham will join the Red Wolves’ offensive line after previously being rated as four-star prospect coming out of high school.

A-State added three transfers to the defensive side of the ball, including linebacker Gavin Potter (Kansas) and cornerbacks Manny Stokes Jr. (Coastal Carolina) and Donte Thompson (Incarnate Word).  Also joining the class were deep snapper Lucas Ott and kicker Clune Van Andel, rated as the No. 12 prospect in the nation at his position.

“With our nine additions announced today, we’ve been able to strengthen our 2023 recruiting class that we were already extremely excited about,” said Jones.  “When you look at this class overall, from the outstanding high school players we’ve signed to the transfers we’ve welcomed into our program to the quality walk-ons we’ve added, this is an outstanding group of individuals who will help elevate Arkansas State football.”

The entire class is made up of 34 players who helped lead their teams to the state playoffs while in high school, including 10 who played in a state championship game.  Out of those 10, eight of them were part of a state title while in high school.

The group also consists of 29 players who were listed as at least a three-star prospect by either 247Sports, ESPN, On3 or Rivals coming out of high school.  Out of the 23 high school players who have signed with A-State, a school-record 17 are rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.

The current class in total includes 20 offensive players and 14 defensive players, including six on the offensive line and five on the defensive front.  A-State has added seven wide receivers, the most among any position group, but inked at least one player at every offensive and defensive position.

The Red Wolves signed five players from the state of Arkansas, which are the most scholarship players from its home state in a single class since 2015 and ties the most over the last 11 years.  A-State has also added eight players from Florida, four from Alabama, three from Mississippi and Texas, two from California and Georgia and one each from Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio and Pennsylvania.  The program signed one player originally from Germany as well.

2023 ARKANSAS STATE FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS (announced Feb. 1 in bold)

1.      Brian Alston:  6-2, 241, Fr., DL, Birmingham, Ala. (Spain Park HS)

2.      Jacob Bayer:  6-3, 315, Jr., OL, Grandview, Texas (Lamar)*

3.      Micah Bland:  6-1, 321, Sr.-R, DL, Louisville, Ky. (North Alabama)*

4.      Tobias Braun:  6-7, 315, So.-R, OL, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany (Ole Miss)*

5.      Tennel Bryant:  5-7, 149, Fr., WR, Cincinnati, Ohio (Archbishop Moeller HS)

6.      DeAndra Burns Jr.:  5-10, 154, Fr., WR, El Dorado, Ark. (El Dorado HS)

7.      Chauncy Cobb:  5-6, 147, Fr., WR, Clewiston, Fla. (Clewiston HS)*

8.      Jalen Cunningham:  6-5, 300, Sr.-R, OL, Odenville, Ala. (Ole Miss)*

9.      Clyde Curry:  6-2, 162, Fr., WR, Gadsden, Ala. (Gadsden City HS)

10.   Walker Davis:  6-3, 280, Fr., OL, Benton, Ark. (Benton HS)*

11.   Kevin Diaz:  6-4, 259, Jr. TE, Houston, Miss. (Northwest Mississippi CC)*

12.   Brandon Greil:  5-11, 159, Fr., S, Little Rock, Ark. (Joe T. Robinson HS)

13.   Timothy Gulley:  6-1, 294, Fr., DL, Pensacola, Fla. (Pensacola Catholic HS)

14.   Hamilton Hall:  6-5, 315, Sr.-R, OL, Atlanta, Ga. (Ole Miss)*

15.   Cedric Hawkins:  5-7, 173, Fr., RB, Stuttgart, Ark. (Stuttgart HS)

16.   DeAubry Hood:  5-11, 170, Fr., CB, Harker Heights, Texas (Harker Heights HS)

17.   Christian Hunt:  6-5, 210, Fr., QB, Redondo Beach, Calif. (Redondo Union HS)

18.   Courtney Jackson:  5-11, 179, Jr.-R, WR, Monroeville, Pa. (Syracuse)*

19.   Terrell James:  6-3, 219, Fr., DE, Lake Wales, Fla. (Lake Wales HS)

20.   Ian Jeffries:  6-4, 274, Fr., DL, Southaven, Miss. (Southaven HS)

21.   Dontay Joyner:  6-0, 165, Fr., S, Lakeland, Fla. (Lakeland HS)

22.   RJ Kelly:  6-1, 220, Fr., LB, Lakeland, Fla. (Lakeland HS)

23.   Takare Lipscomb:  6-0, 175, Fr., WR, Carrollton, Ga. (Carrollton HS)

24.   Tyler Little:  6-4, 240, Fr., TE, Galena, Kan. (Galena HS)

25.   Mason Myers:  6-4, 254, Fr., OL, Moody, Ala. (Moody HS)

26.   Lucas Ott:  6-3, 220, Fr., DS, Webb City, Mo. (Webb City HS)

27.   Gavin Potter:  6-2, 225, Jr.-R, LB, Broken Arrow, Okla. (Kansas)*

28.   Jaylen Raynor:  6-0, 198, Fr., QB, Kernersville, NC (East Forsyth HS)*

29.   Corey Rucker:  6-1, 212, So.-R, WR, Bentonia, Miss. (South Carolina)*

30.   Jordan Sample:  6-2, 194, Fr., LB, Missouri City, Texas (Fort Bend Marshall HS)

31.   J.T. Shrout:  6-3, 210, Sr.-R, QB, Santa Clarita, Calif. (Colorado)

32.   Manny Stokes Jr.:  5-10, 165, Jr., CB, Orlando, Fla. (Coastal Carolina)*

33.   Donte Thompson:  5-11, 175, Jr., CB, Pensacola, Fla. (UIW)*

34.   Clune Van Andel:  6-0, 195, Fr., K. Grand Rapids, Mich. (Forest Hills Eastern HS)

35.   Zak Wallace:  6-0, 220, Jr.-R, RB, Benton, Ark. (UT Martin)*

36.   Jamil Williams:  5-11, 202, Fr., LB, Palmetto, Fla. (Palmetto HS)

*Available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp (15)

ARKANSAS STATE FOOTBALL 2023 RECRUITING CLASS BY THE NUMBERS

HIGH SCHOOL:  23

FBS/FCS TRANSFERS:  12

JUNIOR COLLEGE:  1

BY POSITION:  OFFENSE (20)

QB (3):  Christian Hunt, Jaylen Raynor, J.T. Shrout

RB (2):  Cedric Hawkins, Zak Wallace

WR (7):  Tennel Bryant, DeAndra Burns, Chauncy Cobb, Clyde Curry, Courtney Jackson, Takare Lipscomb, Corey Rucker

TE (2):  Kevin Diaz, Tyler Little

OL (6):  Jacob Bayer, Tobias Braun, Jalen Cunningham, Walker Davis, Hamilton Hall, Mason Myers

BY POSITION:  DEFENSE (14)

DL (4):  Brian Alston, Micah Bland, Timothy Gulley, Ian Jeffries

DE (1):  Terrell James

LB (4):  RJ Kelly, Gavin Potter, Jordan Sample, Jamil Williams

CB (3):  DeAubry Hood, Manny Stokes Jr., Donte Thompson

S (2):  Brandon Greil, Dontay Joyner

BY POSITION:  SPECIAL TEAMS (2)

K (1):  Clune Van Andel

DS (1):  Lucas Ott

BY STATE/COUNTRY

Florida (8):  Chauncy Cobb, Timothy Gulley, Terrell James, Dontay Joyner, RJ Kelly, Manny Stokes Jr., Donte Thompson, Jamil Williams

Arkansas (5):  DeAndra Burns Jr., Walker Davis, Brandon Greil, Cedric Hawkins, Zak Wallace

Alabama (4):  Brian Alston, Jalen Cunningham, Clyde Curry, Mason Myers

Mississippi (3):  Kevin Diaz, Ian Jeffries, Corey Rucker

Texas (3):  Jacob Bayer, DeAubry Hood, Jordan Sample

California (2):  Christian Hunt, J.T. Shrout

Georgia (2):  Hamilton Hall, Takare Lipscomb

Kansas (1):  Tyler Little

Kentucky (1):  Micah Bland

Michigan (1):  Clune Van Andel

Missouri (1):  Lucas Ott

North Carolina (1):  Jaylen Raynor

Oklahoma (1):  Gavin Potter

Ohio (1):  Tennel Bryant

Pennsylvania (1):  Courtney Jackson

Germany (1):  Tobias Braun

2023 ARKANSAS STATE FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS BIOS

Brian Alston:  6-2, 241, Fr., DL, Birmingham, Ala. (Spain Park HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by 247Sports, On3, ESPN and Rivals … Ranked as the No. 69 Edge player in the nation and the No. 34 overall player in the state of Alabama by 247 Sports … Listed as the No. 39 overall player in the state of Alabama by Rivals … ESPN’s No. 109 defensive end in the country and No. 32 overall player in the state … Ranked by On3 as the No. 149 defensive lineman in the nation and No. 55 overall player in Alabama … Selected to play in the AHSAA North-South All-Star Football Game in Mobile’s Hancock Whitney Stadium as a senior … Named to the Starnes Media All-South Metro Football Team as an honorable mention selection in 2022 … Recorded 61 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 21 quarterback pressures and 4.5 sacks as a junior … Received Power 5 offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, Michigan, Mississippi State and West Virginia.

Jacob Bayer:  6-3, 315, Jr., OL, Grandview, Texas (Lamar)

LAMAR:  Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Started at center in all 22 games of his two-year career at Lamar … Helped Lamar average nearly 350 yards of total offense per game in 2022, including a 174.8 rushing average that ranked fourth in the league.  HIGH SCHOOL:  Varsity football letterman at Grandview (Texas) High School …Two-star prospect according to 247Sports.com … Ranked among the top 400 recruits in the state of Texas … Received first-team all-county and all-state honors as a junior … Named 2019 District 9 Offensive Lineman of the Year … 2019 Johnson County Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year … Led Grandview to back-to-back state titles (2018 and 2019) … Guided his prep squad to a near perfect 11-1 (.917) overall record and a perfect 5-0 district mark as a senior … The district title came on the heels of a 2019 state championship … Invited to the Rivals Combine … Also, Standout in the classroom Earned Academic All-District honors … Also recruited by schools such as Air Force, Wyoming and Texas State, Columbia and Dartmouth.

Micah Bland:  6-1, 321, Sr.-R, DL, Louisville, Ky. (North Alabama)

NORTH ALABAMA:  Grad transfer available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Started on the defensive line in all 22 games of his two-year career at North Alabama, compiling 96 tackles and 5.5 TFL … Finished the 2022 season with 54 total tackles, which were the third most on the team … Also third on the team with 4.0 TFL for six yards … Had a career-high 11 tackles against Kennesaw State … Registered a quarterback hurry against Tarleton State … Had six games with at least six tackles … As a sophomore in 2021, finished sixth on the team in tackles with 42 total (16 solo, 26 assists) … Added 1.5 tackles for loss of seven yards, a sack for five yards, a pass breakup, a forced fumble and three blocked kicks … Tallied seven tackles against Kennesaw State and six each against Charleston Southern and Monmouth … His sack and tackles for loss came against North Carolina A&T … Blocked kicks against Campbell (field goal), Charleston Southern (field goal) and Hampton (extra point).  LOUISVILLE:  Transferred to UNA from Louisville, where he was a member of the football program from 2018-20 … Played on the offensive line as a freshman for the Cardinals, but did not see game action in 2018 under head coach Bobby Petrino … New head coach Scott Satterfield moved him to defense in 2019 … Saw action in six games in 2019 and four in 2020.  HIGH SCHOOL:  Played at Male High School in Louisville, Ky., from 2015-17 … Bulldogs won the 2016 Class 6A state championship … Had perfect attendance in high school.

Tobias Braun:  6-7, 315, So.-R, OL, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany (Ole Miss)

OLE MISS:  Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Member of the Ole Miss football program from 2020-22 before transferring to Arkansas State … Played in one game in 2022 versus Central Arkansas after redshirting the 2021 season … Athletics Director’s Honor Roll member and named SEC First-Year Honor Roll in 2020-21.  HIGH SCHOOL:  Ranked a 3-star prospect by 247Sports and Rivals … Rated the 58th offensive tackle and No. 10 player in German by the 247Sports composite ranking … Played at Salisbury School in Salisbury, Connecticut, as a senior, earning all-league and All-New England honorable mention honors … Originally came to the United States as a junior in high school and played at Brook Hill (Texas) High School … Chose Ole Miss over offers from Arkansas, Missouri, Michigan, Florida State, Oregon, Oklahoma State, Minnesota, Indiana, Arizona State, Kansas State, Iowa State, Texas Tech and Rutgers.

Tennel Bryant:  5-7, 149, Fr., WR, Cincinnati, Ohio (Archbishop Moeller HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by 247Sports, which lists Bryant as the No. 157 wide receiver in the nation and No. 36 overall player in the state of Ohio … Two-star prospect by Rivals … Helped lead his senior squad to a 13-2 overall record and a final four finish in the Division I state playoffs … Played in 14 games as a senior and registered 664 receiving yards for six touchdowns … Had a long run of 70 yards … Recorded 80 rushing yards on nine carries … Finished with 199 kick return yards as a senior with a long return of 63 yards … Received offers from Air Force, Army, Central Michigan, Massachusetts, Navy, and Toledo.

DeAndra Burns Jr.:  5-10, 154, Fr., WR, El Dorado, Ark. (El Dorado HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Listed as 3-star prospect by 247Sports, ESPN, Rivals and On3 … Ranked among the top seven overall players in the state of Arkansas by 247Sports, ESPN and On3 … ESPN’s No. 105 wide receiver in the nation, while also the No. 130 player at his position according to 247Sports … Named a Class 6A all-state selection as a senior … As a junior, finished with 859 receiving yards on 42 catches with 10 touchdowns while helping lead El Dorado to the state championship … Posted 755 receiving yards as a sophomore with nine touchdowns and two kickoff return touchdowns … Arkansas state champion as a junior in the 100 meters (11.09) and long jump (23-0.5) … Placed second in Arkansas in the 400 meters (49.01) and ran a 48.93 that season … Finished third in the state in the 200 meters (22.25) … Also received offers from Arkansas and Pittsburgh.

Chauncy Cobb:  5-6, 147, Fr., WR, Clewiston, Fla. (Clewiston HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Three-star recruit by 247Sports.com and On3, which lists Cobb as the No. 290 wide receiver in the nation … Rivals 2-star prospect … As a senior in 2022, he finished with 1,246 yards on the ground with 14 touchdowns and five games of at least 100 yards rushing … Added 115 receiving yards as a senior and had a pick six … In 2021, caught 38 passes for 723 yards and 11 touchdowns … Also added 114 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns … On defense, totaled 15 tackles and two interceptions … Averaged 31.0 yards on the punt return team … Helped lead Clewiston to the Florida 4A playoffs … Responsible for 31 touchdowns in high school … Also received offers from Air Force and Navy, among others.

Jalen Cunningham:  6-5, 300, Sr.-R, OL, Odenville, Ala. (Ole Miss)

OLE MISS: Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Played four seasons at Ole Miss, redshirting in 2018 … Appeared in 46 games with one start, primarily on the Rebels’ special teams unit … Drew a start at right guard versus Liberty (11/6/2021) … Also saw time as a reserve offensive lineman … Did not allow a sack, hit or hurry in over 50 snaps at second-ranked Alabama (9/28/19) … Spring 2020 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll member … HIGH SCHOOL: Rated as high as a four-star recruit by Rivals … 247Sports and ESPN tabbed him a three-star DT … Ranked as high as seventh-best player in the state of Alabama (Rivals), and No. 21 by ESPN and No. 25 by 247Sports … Selected to play in the 2017 Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game … Also chosen to play in the Offense/Defense All-American Bowl … Helped lead St. Clair County to the 2017 Super 7 State Championship and an 11-4 record.

Clyde Curry:  6-2, 162, Fr., WR, Gadsden, Ala. (Gadsden City HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by 247Sports, which lists him as the No. 94 wide receiver in the nation and the overall No. 25 player in the state of Alabama … Rivals 2-star prospect … Selected to play in the AHSAA North-South All-Star Game … Helped lead Gadsden City to the Class 6A, Region 8 championship in 2022 … In a playoff victory against Cullman, Curry caught nine passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns … Recruited and received offers from Michigan State, Minnesota, Western Kentucky, Georgia Southern, and Southern Miss, among others.

Walker Davis:  6-3, 280, Fr., OL, Benton, Ark. (Benton HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Listed as a 3-star recruit by 247Sports and On3 and as the No. 8 and No. 13 overall player in the state by each, respectively … 247Sports’ No. 152 interior offensive lineman in the nation and On3’s No. 190 defensive lineman in the country … Played on both sides of the ball at Benton … Named Class 6A All-State as senior, helping lead the Panthers to a 9-3 overall record, 8-1 mark in the 6-A East and to the semifinal round of the state playoffs … Earned all-conference in 2021 while helping lead the Panthers to the 6A West title … Also received offers from Georgia Southern Liberty and Middle Tennessee, among others.

Kevin Diaz:  6-4, 259, Jr. TE, Houston, Miss. (Northwest Mississippi CC)

NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI:  Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Earned NJCAA All-Region 23 honors in 2022, posting 11 receptions for 113 yards a pair of touchdowns in eight games played … Helped lead the Rangers to a 10-2 record, perfect 6-0 mark in MACCC North Division play, the NJCAA semifinals and a No. 3 national ranking …  As a freshman in 2021, helped lead Northwest to a 9-3 overall record, the MACCC Championship and an appearance in the inaugural NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs … Played in all but one game for the Rangers in 2021, compiling 24 catches for 299 yards and two touchdowns … Hauled in a season-best five catches in the team’s MACCC Semifinal victory at Jones College, resulting in 56 yards and a score … Recorded a season-high 64 yards on four catches in the Rangers’ MACCC Championship win against Hinds … Posted his two touchdowns in back-to-back victories at Mississippi Delta and Jones College … Received academic honors off the field, including a selection to the Vice President’s List for the Fall 2021 semester and Second Team NJCAA All-Academic accolades … In addition to Arkansas State, also received offers from Old Dominion, Marshall, ULM, Western Kentucky and Buffalo, among others.  MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE:  Enrolled at Mississippi College in 2020 … The Choctaws, members of the Gulf South Conference, did not participate in a traditional season during the 2020-21 school year due to the NCAA Board of Governors/Gulf South Conference Board of Directors decisions regarding COVID-19 protocol.  POSTGRADUATE:  Prepped under coach Trey Brown at Phillips Academy Andover in 2019 … Named to the All-New England Preparatory School Athletic Council Class A team as an honorable mention selection during his post-graduate year.  HIGH SCHOOL:  Varsity letterman at Houston (Miss.) High School … Helped the Hilltoppers to a 11-2 record, a Region 4-3A championship and the third round of the MHSAA Class 3A playoffs as a senior … Caught 12 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown in his final varsity season … Also had 49 tackles and four sacks from his linebacker position and served as the team’s primary kicker/punter … Selected to the Mississippi Association of Coaches 3A All-State second team and to the Super 24 team as a tight end after his senior campaign … Chosen All-Region 4-3A as a punter and received Houston’s Captain Award … Participated in the Northeast Mississippi Football Coaches Association All-Star game following his senior season … Off the field, graduated HHS with Special Honors and received the BancorpSouth Academic Achievement Award.

Brandon Greil:  5-11, 195, Fr., S, Little Rock, Ark. (Joe T. Robinson HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by 247Sports, On3 … Major contributor on both sides of the ball for Joe T. Robinson, garnering Arkansas Activities Association 5A All-State honors at wide receiver … Totaled 905 all-purpose yards in his senior season, with 12 scores – five receiving and seven rushing … Racked up 55 tackles (5.5 TFL) and an interception as a senior, while also forcing a fumble … Helped the Senators to a 11-2 ledger in 2022 and unbeaten 8-0 mark in 5A Central play, reaching the 5A state semifinals … As a junior, wrapped up 69 tackles, including 14 for loss with two sacks and an interception … Tabbed as the No. 159 safety and No. 10 player in the state of Arkansas by 247Sports … On3’s No. 190 safety in the nation and 15th-ranked recruit in the Natural State … Also offered by Navy and Central Arkansas.

Timothy Gulley:  6-1, 294, Fr., DL, Pensacola, Fla. (Pensacola Catholic HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by 247Sports and On3 … Rivals 2-star prospect … Ranked by 247Sports as the No. 191 defensive lineman nationally and No. 181 by On3 … Helped Pensacola Catholic to a 10-2 mark and the second round of the state playoffs … Racked up 13.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks and 10 QB hurries as a senior … 2021 All-Pensacola News Journal Second Team honoree … District qualifier in track and field as a junior in the shot put and discus … Held offers from Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Louisiana Tech and Troy.

Hamilton Hall:  6-5, 315, Sr.-R, OL, Atlanta, Ga. (Ole Miss)

OLE MISS:  Grad transfer available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Logged time in 11 games at Ole Miss in 2022, primarily on the Rebels’ special teams units … Saw time in five games on special teams and as a reserve offensive lineman in 2021 … Played in all 10 games in 2020, primarily on field goal block unit, but also saw time as a reserve offensive lineman … Made his collegiate debut in 2019 against New Mexico State (Nov. 9) … One of six Ole Miss student-athletes to participate in the SEC’s 2021 Virtual Career Tour … Three-time SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll scholar … Five-time Athletic Director’s Honor Roll member … 2019 National Football Foundation Freshman Scholar-Athlete … HIGH SCHOOL: Consensus 3-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN out of Chamblee Charter High School … Ranked as the No. 75 recruit in Georgia by Rivals … Top-100 offensive tackle by 247Sports … First team 5A All-State honoree from Recruit Georgia as a senior in 2017 … Also fielded Power-5 offers from Louisville, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi State and Nebraska, as well as interest from Cincinnati, Memphis, UCF and several others.

Cedric Hawkins:  5-7, 173, Fr., RB, Stuttgart, Ark. (Stuttgart HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by 247Sports, On3 … On3’s 10th-ranked player in the state of Arkansas and 131st-ranked running back nationally … Rated by 247Sports as the 11th-ranked player in the state and No. 181 running back in the class of 2023 … Rivals 2-star prospect … 2022 Arkansas Activities Association 4A All-State selection … Part of a Stuttgart program that went 32-6 over its last three seasons, including back-to-back conference titles in 2020 and 2021, as well as two state quarterfinal trips and one semifinal bid … Rushed for over 4,000 yards in those three seasons for the Ricebirds … Four-sport standout, also competing in baseball, basketball and track and field … 2022 Class 4A Offensive Player of the Year finalist, helping the Ricebirds to the second round of the state playoffs … Churned out 222 yards on 24 carries with three scores, along with a 78-yard kickoff return for a touchdown on Oct. 28, helping Stuttgart battle back from a 14-0 deficit to oust Lonoke 35-32 … Rushed for 1,199 yards as a junior with 15 touchdowns in 2021, while also compiling 511 receiving yards and seven scores … Also offered by Central Arkansas.

DeAubry Hood:  5-11, 170, Fr., CB, Harker Heights, Texas (Harker Heights HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by 247Sports, which ranks him as the No. 132 cornerback nationally … Played primarily at corner, but also provided help in the return game and on offense … Helped Harker Heights to a 12-2 record and the Texas 6A D-II Region I championship game … Racked up 79 tackles (5 for loss), three interceptions, a forced fumble and a blocked punt as a senior … Finished his junior year with 43 tackles and four picks, helping the Knights to a 9-2 mark and Texas 6A D-I first-round playoff appearance … Track and field standout who was a Texas 6A regional qualifier in the 100 meters as a junior with a time of 10.33 … Also offered by Navy.

Christian Hunt:  6-5, 210, Fr., QB, Redondo Beach, Calif. (Redondo Union HS)

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Redondo Union High School … A three-star prospect by 247Sports … Rated the 128th best quarterback in the nation … Helped turn around his high school squad from a 2-8 record as a junior to an 8-4 mark and CIF Quarterfinal appearance as a senior … Appeared in 11 games as a senior and finished with 1,950 passing yards on 263 attempts … Hurled 20 touchdowns with a long completion of 63 yards … Had one rushing touchdown in 2022 … SBLive Southern California Player of the Week selection … As a junior, finished with 1,898 passing yards in 10 games played … Recorded 18 passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown in 2021 … Had a long completion of 80 yards during his junior season.

Courtney Jackson:  5-11, 179, Jr.-R, WR, Monroeville, Pa. (Syracuse)

SYRACUSE:  Grad transfer available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Saw action in 36 career games over four seasons for Syracuse, earning a redshirt in 2019 … Hauled in 63 career catches for 662 yards … Caught 15 passes for 201 yards in 2021, averaging 13.4 yards per reception … Led the Orange in receptions in 2021 with 37 for 389 yards, earning a spot on Pro Football Focus’ All-ACC Team … The team’s primary return man for the last four weeks, returning three punts for 110 yards (36.7/return) and one touchdown … Appeared in all 11 games as a slot receiver in 2020, catching 10 balls for 69 yards … Three-time SU Athletic Director’s Honor Roll selection.  HIGH SCHOOL:  Rated as ESPN’s No. 67 wide receiver in the class of 2019 and 5th-ranked overall prospect from Pennsylvania … No. 100 athlete in the country and 25th-ranked player in Pennsylvania by 247Sports … Ranked by Rivals as the No. 26 prospect in the state … Three-time First Team All-WPIAL 5A Big East Conference pick … Two-time all-state selection … Twice named to the Post-Gazette’s “Fabulous 22” list … Named to the 2018 American Family Insurance All-USA Pennsylvania Second Team by USA Today as a defensive back … Helped Gateway High School to a combined 26-3 record in his final two seasons … Caught 153 passes for 3,015 yards (19.7 per catch) and 47 touchdowns in his career … Had 96 grabs for 1,916 yards and a state-best 24 scores as a junior, including 15 catches for 264 yards and three TDs in the PIAA state semifinal game … Hauled in 40 passes for 925 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior … Two-time team captain … Also played basketball, earning first-team all-conference honors at guard, and ran track.

Terrell James:  6-3, 219, Fr., DE, Lake Wales, Fla. (Lake Wales HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Consensus 3-star recruit by all four major recruiting rankings … Listed as the No. 115 edge rusher nationally by 247Sports … Ranked by On3 as the No. 121 edge rusher … Helped Lake Wales to its first-ever state title, totaling 108 tackles (58.0 for loss) with 29.0 sacks in the Highlander’s unblemished 15-0 season … Helped his defense allow just 6.5 points per game … Invited to the 2022 FACA North/South All-Star Classic … Helped Lake Wales to a 9-3 record in 2021, racking up 95 tackles, 21 for a loss, as well as eight sacks and 17 QB hurries … Held offers from Purdue, Coastal Carolina, FIU, FAU, Georgia Southern, Tulane, Temple, Western Kentucky and others.

Ian Jeffries:  6-4, 274, Fr., DL, Southaven, Miss. (Southaven HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star prospect by On3, 247Sports and ESPN, while being rated as a 2-star by Rivals … Tabbed by ESPN as the No. 102 defensive tackle and 31st-ranked player in the state of Mississippi … Rated as the No. 32 overall player in the Magnolia State by 247Sports and the 154th-ranked defensive lineman nationally … On3’s 33rd-ranked Mississippi prospect and No. 191 defensive tackle … 2022 Commercial Appeal Dandy Dozen member … Helped Southaven to a 10-0 regular-season mark and district title … Owned Power-5 offers from Illinois and Indiana, as well as offers from Liberty and Georgia State.

Dontay Joyner:  6-0, 165, Fr., S, Lakeland, Fla. (Lakeland HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by 247Sports, On3 and ESPN … Rated by Rivals as a 2-star prospect … Helped Lakeland High School to a state title as a senior in Florida’s second-highest classification, leading the Dreadnaughts to a perfect 14-0 ledger … Rated by ESPN as the 130th-ranked safety in the nation and 230th overall in the state of Florida … Ranked as the No. 138 safety nationally by 247Sports … Tabbed by On3 as the No. 167 safety in the country … No. 11 in The Ledger’s Super 16 selections in 2022 … Totaled 79 tackles, seven interceptions and four pass break-ups in 2021 at safety for Lakeland … Received offers from Coastal Carolina, FIU, James Madison, Marshall, Toledo, USF and others.

RJ Kelly:  6-1, 220, Fr., LB, Lakeland, Fla. (Lakeland HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by 247Sports, On3 and Rivals … Ranked by 247Sports as the No. 145 linebacker nationally and No. 245 overall in the state of Florida … Helped Lakeland High School to a state title and unbeaten 14-0 record in Florida’s second-highest classification … Played his junior season at Lakeland Kathleen High School, totaling 84 tackles with two interceptions and a sack, earning first-team All-County by The Ledger … Also held offers from Eastern Michigan, Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, James Madison, Marshall, Navy, Wake Forest and others.

Takare Lipscomb:  6-0, 175, Fr., WR, Carrollton, Ga. (Carrollton HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Consensus 3-star recruit by the four major recruiting sites … Ranked by ESPN as the No. 185 wide receiver in the nation … Helped Carrollton to the state final in 2022, being named First Team All-Region by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution … Part of four region championship squads … Hauled in 46 catches for 775 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior … Caught 45 passes for 727 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior in 2021, helping Carrollton go 12-2 in Georgia’s AAAAAA classification … Offered by Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Pittsburgh, Western Kentucky and others.

Tyler Little:  6-4, 240, Fr., TE, Galena, Kan. (Galena HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star prospect by 247Sports, listed as the 13th-ranked player in the state of Kansas and No. 78 tight end nationally … Multiple-time all-state honoree … Unanimous first-team All-CNC wide receiver as a senior … Versatile player who started at offensive line as a freshman before seeing time at tight end, wide receiver, fullback, running back, defensive end and linebacker throughout his tenure … Helped the Bulldogs reach the second round of the state playoffs … Also offered by Eastern Michigan, Air Force, Buffalo, New Mexico State, UTEP and others.

Mason Myers:  6-4, 254, Fr., OL, Moody, Ala. (Moody HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Unanimous 3-star recruit by On3, 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals … Ranked by On3 as the No. 60 player in the state of Alabama and No. 129 offensive tackle in the nation … Played in the North/South All-Star Game … Tabbed Second Team 5A All-State by the Alabama Sports Writers Association … Helped Moody’s offense shatter the school’s single-season scoring record by 110 points and win the program’s first playoff game since 2004 …Tabbed by ESPN as the 53rd-ranked player in Alabama and No. 130 offensive tackle … Offered by Army, Georgia Tech and Tulane.

Lucas Ott:  6-3, 220, Fr., DS, Webb City, Mo. (Webb City HS)

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Webb City High School … Was a defensive end, linebacker and long snapper … Was a two-time Class 5 First Team All-State selection on defense … Helped lead team to the state playoffs … A four-and-a-half star long snapper per Kohl’s Professional Camps … Attended the Kohl’s National Scholarship Camp and averaged a snap time of .69 seconds … At the Kohl’s Underclassmen Challenge, he finished with the eighth highest overall charting score … Recorded 89 tackles, four sacks, an interception and eight TFL as a senior … Finished with 125 tackles, nine TFL and two forced fumbles in 2021.

Gavin Potter:  6-2, 225, Jr.-R, LB, Broken Arrow, Okla. (Kansas)

KANSAS: Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Appeared in 37 career games across four seasons at Kansas, including 25 starts at linebacker … Played in five games in 2022 for the Jayhawks … Saw action in all 12 games in 2021 for the Jayhawks, drawing 11 starts … Finished third among KU defenders with 78 tackles with an interception and 3.5 tackles for loss … Played in eight of nine games in 2020, including five starts, finishing fourth with 35 tackles … 2019 Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year, earning Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors … Played in all 12 of KU’s games, starting on defense in the final eight contests … Fourth on the team with 56 total tackles … HIGH SCHOOL: Earned a three-star rating from 247Sports.com and Rivals.com … Helped lead Broken Arrow High School to a 6AI state championship with a perfect 13-0 record in 2018 … Finalist for Oklahoma Defensive Player of the Year by the Tulsa World … All-State First Team honoree by The Oklahoman and USA Today at linebacker, after playing on offense until his senior season … Recorded 92 total tackles with two sacks including 52 solos and 40 assists his senior season … He also added 23 tackles-for-loss, three fumble recoveries, two blocked kicks and an interception … Also a standout wrestler, winning two state titles.

Jaylen Raynor:  6-0, 198, Fr., QB, Kernersville, N.C. (East Forsyth HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Received 3 stars from On3 and 2 stars from Rivals … Ranked by On3 as the No. 18 player in North Carolina and 26th-best dual-threat quarterback … Led East Forsyth to a 12-1 record and the third round of the NCHSAA 4A playoffs … Honorable Mention all-state pick … Mr. North Carolina Football finalist … Completed 186 of 285 passes for 2,944 yards with 40 touchdowns to just three interceptions in 2022 … Also rushed for 1,259 yards on 145 carries and 17 scores … Scored 32 total touchdowns (19 passing, 13 rushing) as a junior, throwing for 2,304 yards and adding 973 more on the ground … Earned journalnow.com All-Area First Team and All-Central Piedmont 4A honors … Offered by Army, Air Force, Navy, UMass and Miami (Ohio).

Corey Rucker:  6-1, 212, So.-R, WR, Bentonia, Miss. (South Carolina)

SOUTH CAROLINA:  Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Appeared in just two games at South Carolina in 2022 before going down to injury, recording one catch for 52 yards against Charlotte (Sept. 24), going for a touchdown … ARKANSAS STATE: Spent two seasons at Arkansas State, seeing action in 20 total games in his first stint in Jonesboro … Tabbed a FWAA Freshman All-American in 2021, also earning Second Team All-Sun Belt Conference honors … Phil Steele Second Team All-Sun Belt … CoSIDA First Team Academic All-District 6 … During A-State’s spring camp, earned the team’s offensive “consistency in performance” award … Led the team and ranked fifth in the Sun Belt with 826 receiving yards on 59 catches … Scored nine receiving touchdowns, leading the team and ranking second in the league … Finished with three 100-plus yard receiving games including a career-high 138 yards receiving against Central Arkansas in the season opener … Recorded a long reception of 37 yards at Tulsa, a game where he also finished with 115 receiving yards … Had four games with at least seven catches … Scored a season-high three touchdowns against Central Arkansas … Had two multi-touchdown games … Finished with two carries for 20 yards and a touchdown … Recorded one solo tackle versus Georgia Southern … Saw action in eight games as a true freshman, hauling in 16 receptions for 453 yards and five touchdowns … Broke the NCAA FBS record for single-game receiving yards by a freshman against ULM, recording a school-record 310 yards and four touchdowns on nine catches, earning CFPA National Performer of the Week and College Sports Madness National Player of the Week honors, as well as Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week laurels … HIGH SCHOOL: Completed his senior season at Yazoo County with 56 receptions for 996 yards and 14 total touchdowns … Averaged 76.6 yards per game and almost 18 yards per catch … Named Class 3A First Team All-State by the Mississippi Association of Coaches … Played in the All-Star Football Classic game, helping lead the North squad to a 28-7 victory … Helped lead team to the state playoffs … Played his junior year at Madison Central, catching 21 passes for 324 yards and four touchdowns … Listed as a 3-star prospect by 247Sports, which tabs him as the No. 38 overall player in the state and No. 213 wide receiver in the nation … ESPN 3-star prospect rated as the No. 27 player in the state and No. 151 wide receiver in the country … Rivals two-star prospect … Also recruited by schools such as South Alabama and ULM.

Jordan Sample:  6-2, 194, Fr., LB, Missouri City, Texas (Fort Bend Marshall HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by On3, 247Sports and ESPN, while rated as a 2-star by Rivals … Ranked by ESPN as the No. 90 linebacker in the nation and No. 228 overall player in Texas … Tabbed by 247Sports as the 124th-ranked linebacker nationally and No. 232 overall in Texas … Helped lead Fort Bend Marshall to a 12-2 overall record and unbeaten 7-0 mark in district play, reaching the state quarterfinals … Part of two district-championship squads at Fort Bend Marshall … Totaled 167 tackles over the last two seasons, including 104 as a senior in 2022 … Tallied 27 total tackles for loss, including 18.0 this past season … Also offered by Missouri, Marshall, Memphis, Texas State and Wyoming, among others.

J.T. Shrout:  6-3, 210, Sr.-R, QB, Santa Clarita, Calif. (Colorado)

COLORADO: Played in nine games in 2022, completing 90 passes for 1,220 yards and seven touchdowns … Came off the bench to throw the game-winning touchdown against Cal in overtime, completing 8-of-12 passes for 69 yards … Completed 13-of-23 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown against eventual CFP runner-up TCU … TENNESSEE: Played in eight games for the Volunteers, starting one … Completed 37-of-69 passes (.536) for 494 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions … In 2020, he played in four games, completing 24-of-42 passes (.571) for 315 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions …  Had two passing touchdowns against Vanderbilt … Against No. 6 Florida, he completed a career-high 12 passes and threw a touchdown … In 2019, he played in four games with one start, going 13-of-27 passing for 179 yards and a touchdown… He did not see action in 2018 as a true freshman … HIGH SCHOOL: Consensus three-star prospect … Ranked by 247 Sports as the No. 26 pro-style quarterback in the 2018 class and a top-70 player out of California … ESPN ranked him as the No. 34 pocket passing quarterback and a top-60 player in the state … Rivals listed him as the No. 15 pro-style quarterback in the class… Prepped at Hart High School, helping his team to an 8-4 mark in his senior season and a trip to the state playoff quarterfinals … Compiled a 233-of-450 passing mark in his career for 3,304 yards with 29 touchdowns and 84 rushes for 311 yards and five touchdowns … Started his senior season and completed 211-of-414 passes for 3,064 yards and 27 touchdowns that season … Also had 70 rushes for 262 yards and four touchdowns … Recorded four 300-yard passing games his senior season with Hart compiling a 3-1 record in those games, while throwing for three-plus touchdowns five times.

Manny Stokes Jr.:  5-10, 165, Jr., CB, Orlando, Fla. (Coastal Carolina)

COASTAL CAROLINA: Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Played in nine games for Coastal Carolina in 2022, racking up a career-high 24 total tackles (14 solo) … 2021 Phil Steele Sun Belt Conference fourth team (kick returner) … Saw action in all 13 games for the Chanticleers on defense as a cornerback and nickel back, but primarily on special teams, lining up on kickoff returns, kickoff defense and punt defense … Returned a team-high 13 kickoffs for 239 yards, including a season-long 41 yards at Buffalo (9/18/21) … Played in all 12 games as a true freshman in 2020, mostly on special teams … HIGH SCHOOL: Three-star cornerback by ESPN and 247 Sports … Ranked as high as No. 30 in the Orlando Sentinel‘s Central Florida Super60 class of 2020 rankings … Played both cornerback and wide receiver at Lake Nona High School … Helped lead team to the state playoffs … First team All-Area as a senior by the Orlando Sentinel as a senior … Tabbed 2019 All-Metro East Team as both a wideout (first team) and defensive back (second team) … Named the DB MVP at the Nike Opening Camp in Orlando in spring 2019 … Received an invitation to play in the Florida vs. Georgia High School Showcase game, as well as the Central Florida All-Star Game.

Donte Thompson:  5-11, 175, Jr., DB, Pensacola, Fla. (UIW)

INCARNATE WORD: Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … First Team All-Southland Conference … Had an FCS semifinal appearance before falling to North Dakota State … Southland Conference champion … Third in FCS with 17 pass breakups … Finished the 2022 campaign with 37 tackles and 2.5 TFL … Had four games with at least four tackles … Finished with a career-high six tackles against Northwestern State … Also forced a fumble against Northwestern State … Recorded an interception returned for 25 yards against Houston Christian … Had four games with multiple pass breakups … HIGH SCHOOL:  Attended West Florida High School … Helped lead his team to a District 1-5A championship on defense … Was invited to the VTO Elite Showcase in Birmingham, Ala. … Recognized as one of the Top Four defensive backs in the competition and was invited to VTO’s National All-American Challenge in Charlotte, N.C. … Received multiple offers, including to FAU, Southern Miss, UAB, and Western Kentucky.

Clune Van Andel:  6-0, 195, Fr., K. Grand Rapids, Mich. (Forest Hills Eastern HS)

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Forest Hills Eastern High School … Ranked the No. 12 kicker for the Class of ‘23 at Chris Sailer Kicking … A Division 4 MHSFCA First Team All-State selection in 2022 … Named to the Chris Sailer Award 2022 Preseason Watch List … Ranked a five star kicker per Chris Sailer Kicking … Field goal range is over 55 yards … Was a member of his high school soccer team.

Zak Wallace:  6-0, 220, Jr.-R, RB, Benton, Ark. (UT Martin)

UT MARTIN:  Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference first team honoree (2021, 2022) … Four-time OVC Offensive Player of the Week, three times in 2022 … Rushed for 1,012 yards on 169 carries (6.0 yards/carry) and 16 touchdowns for UT Martin in 2022, averaging 92.0 yards per game … Preseason All-OVC, while also being named to Phil Steele’s Preseason All-OVC first team … Played in 13 games in 2021, helping the Skyhawks to the OVC Championship and second round in the NCAA FCS Playoffs … Rushed for 807 yards on 148 carries (5.5 yards/carry) and 15 touchdowns, which led the OVC and ranked sixth in the FCS … Led the OVC in scoring with 90 points … Garnered Freshman All-American honors from Phil Steele and HERO Sports, while also being billed second-team All-OVC by Steele … Played in seven games for the Skyhawks in 2020-21, tallying 113 yards on 39 carries with a score … Redshirted in 2019 as a true freshman.  HIGH SCHOOL:  Prepped at Benton High School … Posted 1,438 yards and 21 touchdowns as a senior, averaging 10.5 yards per carry … Tallied 171 carries for 1,260 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior … Tabbed to the 6A All-State squad … Named the top running back in 6-A West … Honored as the Tri-Lakes Edition Offensive Player of the Year and to All-Area team … Named to AHSCA All-Star Game … Won 6A/7A State Weight Lifting championship … Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports and Rivals.

Jamil Williams:  5-11, 202, Fr., LB, Palmetto, Fla. (Palmetto HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by On3, 247Sports and ESPN, while being tabbed a 2-star player by Rivals … Ranked by ESPN AS THE No. 133 safety in the class of 2023 and No. 227 overall player in Florida … No. 169 safety by On3 and No. 272 in the Sunshine State … Has seen time at safety and as an edge rusher … All-District selection … Totaled 17.0 tackles for loss and four sacks as a senior, helping Palmetto to a playoffs bid and 6-4 record in 2022 …  As a junior in 2021, tallied 60 tackles, 11 for loss, with four forced fumbles (3 recoveries) and a pair of interceptions … Boasts Power-5 offers from Tennessee and Duke, along with offers from Charlotte and Florida Atlantic.

Nevada announces seven signees Wednesday

NCAAFB Editor
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Nevada announces seven signees Wednesday

RENO, Nev. – Nevada Football announced seven signees on Wednesday’s start to the February signing period, bringing its 2023 class to 25. Joining the Wolf Pack during the first day of the signing period are running back Ashton Hayes (Reno, Nev. / California / McQueen HS), defensive end Henry Ikahihifo (Lancaster, Calif. / California / College of the Canyons / Nevada / Paraclete HS), tight end Keleki Latu (Sacramento, Calif. / California / Jesuit HS), defensive tackle Mackavelli Malotumau (Oceanside, Calif. / Utah Tech / El Camino HS), defensive back Tory Mulkey (Ozark, Ala. / East Central CC / Carroll HS), tight end Jayden O’Rourke (Tweed Heads, Australia / Gold Coast Stingrays / Lindisfarne Grammar School), and defensive back Tre Weed (Sumner, Wash. / Eastern Washington / Sumner HS).

The Wolf Pack announced 17 signees back on Dec. 21, the beginning of the early signing period, and added Colorado transfer quarterback Brendon Lewis on New Year’s Day.

Wednesday’s group of signees features six transfers and one international signee. Three of the transfers come from the FBS level, two from the FCS level, and one from the junior college ranks.

Ikahihifo makes his return to Nevada after previously spending the 2019-20 campaigns in Reno. Ikahihifo, who appeared in 20 games for the Wolf Pack and made seven catches for 47 yards, returns as a defensive end after converting to the other side of the line at College of the Canyons in 2021, and spending the 2022 campaign at California.

Hayes is another transfer from California making his return to Reno. Hayes was a two-time All-Nevada and Northern Nevada Player of the Year selection during his time at McQueen High and, prior to that, Damonte Ranch High. He earned the honors at both McQueen as a 2021 senior and Damonte Ranch as a 2019 sophomore, with the programs combining for a 37-6 record, three conference titles and one regional crown, in addition to reaching the state finals once and Northern Nevada finals on two occasions.

Latu also joins the Wolf Pack from California, where he caught 22 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns over the past two seasons.

Malotumau spent his freshman season at Utah Tech last year, playing in 10 games and recording 2.0 sacks and 3.0 tackles-for-loss.

Mulkey, a transfer from East Central CC, picked off three passes over the past two seasons while making 87 tackles

Weed, a defensive back from Eastern Washington, was an All-Big Sky selection and posted six interceptions over his five seasons for the Eagles (2018-22).

O’Rourke comes to Reno from New South Wales, in Australia, where he starred for the Gold Coast Stingrays, an American football club in Queensland.

Overall, Nevada’s 25 signees are split nearly evenly on both sides of the line, with 13 on offense and 12 on defense. The Pack’s signees on offense feature two quarterbacks (Lewis, Jax Leatherwood), four running backs (Hayes, Amine Amone, Sean Dollars, Conner Noah), two wide receivers (Brown, Nate Burleson II), two tight ends (Latu, O’Rourke), and three offensive linemen (John Bolles, RJ Esmon, Josiah Timoteo). On defense, the Pack welcomes two defensive tackles (Malotumau, Sosefo Moeaki), a defensive end (Ikahihifo), a RUSH (D’Angelo Davis), two linebackers (LaDuke, Hezekiah Anahu-Ambrosio) and six defensive backs (Mulkey, Weed, Michael Coats Jr., Jonah Lewis, Journey McKoy, Bishop Turner).

A full roster, including bios and highlights, can be found at Nevada’s 2023 Signing Day Central page.

2023 Nevada Signing Class (through Feb. 1)

Player                                     Pos.     Ht        Wt       Hometown (Prev. School) 

Amine Amone                       RB        5-10    210      South Salt Lake City, Utah (East HS) 

Hezekiah Anahu-Ambrosio LB        6-0       215      Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (Konawaena HS) 

John Bolles                            OL        6-5       275      Daly City, Calif. (College of San Mateo / Jefferson HS) 

Marshaun Brown                 WR      6-4        195      Reno, Nev. (Bishop Manogue HS) 

Nate Burleson II                   WR       6-3       160      Newcastle, Wash. (Ramapo HS (N.J.)) 

Michael Coats Jr.                  CB        5-10     170      Biloxi, Miss. (East Central CC / La Tech / Biloxi HS) 

D’Angelo Davis                     RUSH   6-0       240      Carson, Calif. (St. Pius X – St. Matthias Academy)

Sean Dollars                          RB        5-10     195      Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. (Oregon / Mater Dei HS)

RJ Esmon                               OL        6-6       280      Santa Margarita, Calif. (Mission College Prep) 

Ashton Hayes*                RB        6-0        195      Reno, Nev. (California / McQueen HS)

Henry Ikahihifo*                  DE        6-3        260      Lancaster, Calif. (California / College of the Canyons / Nevada / Paraclete HS)

Jackson LaDuke                    LB         6-3       240      Sparks, Nev. (Oregon / Spanish Springs HS)

Keleki Latu*                          TE         6-7       230       Sacramento, Calif. (California / Jesuit HS)

Jax Leatherwood                 QB        6-8       235      San Diego, Calif. (Scripps Ranch HS) 

Brendon Lewis                     QB        6-2       215      Melissa, Texas (Colorado / Melissa HS)

Jonah Lewis                          CB         5-11     180      Palmdale, Calif. (Inglewood HS)

Mackavelli Malotumau*     DT        6-1       290      Oceanside, Calif. (Utah Tech / El Camino HS)

Journey McKoy                     S           5-9       170      Pittsburg, Calif. (De La Salle HS) 

Sosefo Moeaki                      DT        6-1       280      Portland, Ore. (De Anza College / Parkrose HS)

Tory Mulkey*                        DB        5-9       180      Ozark, Ala. (East Central CC / Carroll HS)

Conner Noah                        RB         5-10     200      Kelso, Wash. (Kelso HS)

Jayden O’Rourke*                TE         6-8        245      Tweed Heads, Australia (Gold Coast Stingrays / Lindisfarne Grammar School)

Josiah Timoteo                     OL        6-4        300      Waianae, Hawaii. (Waianae HS) 

Bishop Turner                       S           5-11     170      Glendora, Calif. (Charter Oak HS)

Tre Weed*                            DB         6-0       190      Sumner, Wash. (Eastern Washington / Sumner HS)

* – Signed/Announced Feb. 1, 2023

Sabres’ Luukkonen Named NHL ‘Rookie of the Month’ for January

NHL Editor
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Sabres’ Luukkonen Named NHL ‘Rookie of the Month’ for January

NEW YORK – Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who led rookie netminders with six wins in nine starts (6-2-1, 3.05 GAA, .907 SV%) to help Buffalo climb within one point of a playoff spot, has been named the NHL’s “Rookie of the Month” for January.

Luukkonen edged Calgary Flames goaltender Dan Vladar (5-0-1, 2.63 GAA, .908 SV%), Nashville Predators center Juuso Parssinen (2-10—12 in 13 GP), Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers (6-5—11 in 13 GP), Winnipeg Jets center Cole Perfetti (1-8—9 in 14 GP) and Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Kirill Marchenko (8-0—8 in 16 GP) for the honor.

Luukkonen made at least 25 saves in seven of his nine January appearances, including five contests with 30 or more stops. He made 39 saves (two shy of his career high) Jan. 7 vs. MIN to extend his personal winning streak to a career-best six games dating to Dec. 15, the longest such run by a Sabres rookie since Ryan Miller also won six straight from Jan. 24 – Feb. 7, 2006.

Luukkonen, who went 6-2-0 in eight December starts (3.12 GAA, .908 SV%), became Buffalo’s first rookie goaltender with six or more victories in consecutive calendar months since Don Edwards in February (6-2-2 in 10 GP) and March (6-3-3 in 12 GP) 1978 and the first rookie netminder on any team to do so since Jordan Binnington in February (10-1-0 in 11 GP) and March (6-3-0 in 9 GP) 2019 with the St. Louis Blues.

The 23-year-old Luukkonen, a second-round pick (54th overall) in the 2017 NHL Draft, shares second place among rookie goaltenders with 13 wins in 20 total contests this season (13-5-2, 3.26 GAA, .900 SV%).

The first Sabres player to win “Rookie of the Month” honors since left wing Victor Olofsson in December 2019, Luukkonen joins Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto (October), Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Logan Thompson (November) and Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov (December) as a recipient in 2022-23.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in January

DateOpponentSASVGAMINResult
Jan. 3at Washington3228463:005-4 OT W
Jan. 7MINNESOTA4439564:416-5 OT W
Jan. 12WINNIPEG2623358:354-2 L
Jan. 14at Nashville4138360:005-3 W
Jan. 16FLORIDA3330359:124-1 L
Jan. 19NY ISLANDERS2624259:413-2 OT W
Jan. 21ANAHEIM3734359:516-3 W
Jan. 24at St. Louis2825360:005-3 W
Jan. 28at Minnesota3533265:003-2 SO L
Totals 30227428550:006-2-1

Hughes, Pastrnak and Dunn Named NHL ‘Three Stars’ for January

NHL Editor
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Hughes, Pastrnak and Dunn Named NHL ‘Three Stars’ for January

NEW YORK – New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes, Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak and Seattle Kraken defenseman Vince Dunn have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the month of January.

FIRST STAR – JACK HUGHES, C, NEW JERSEY DEVILS

Hughes led the NHL with 13-10—23 in 13 games – and ranked second with 67 shots on goal – to propel the Devils (32-13-4, 68 points) to a 9‑2-2 January. He found the scoresheet in 12 of his 13 outings, including each of his last eight to close the month (Jan. 13-27: 7-8—15). Hughes recorded nine multi-point games (including four straight to end January: 4-4—8), four multi-goal performances (highlighted by three in four contests from Jan. 5-13: 6-2—8), two three-point efforts (Jan. 7 vs. NYR: 2-1—3 and Jan. 13 at ANA: 2-1—3) and a pair of game-winning goals (Jan. 13 at ANA and Jan. 27 at DAL). He became the fastest player in franchise history to reach the 60-point milestone, doing so in his 47th contest of 2022-23 (Jan. 24 vs. VGK), and the third-fastest to compile 30 goals (46 GP; Jan. 22 vs. PIT) – behind only Paul Gardner (44 GP in 1977-78 w/ CLR) and Claude Lemieux (45 GP in 1991-92). The 21-year-old Hughes, who this week will become the first Florida-born player in NHL history to skate in multiple All-Star Games (also 2022), ranks among the League leaders in shots on goal (4th; 220), goals (t-5th; 33) and points (9th; 64) through 49 total appearances this season (33-31—64).

SECOND STAR – DAVID PASTRNAK, RW, BOSTON BRUINS

Pastrnak shared the League lead with 13 goals and placed third overall with 21 points (13-8—21) in 14 contests to power the Bruins (38-7-5, 81 points) to a 10-3-1 January en route to becoming the fastest team in NHL history to reach the 80-point milestone (47 GP). He found the scoresheet in 10 of his 14 appearances, highlighted by four-point performances Jan. 8 at ANA (3-1—4) and Jan. 24 at MTL (1‑3—4). Pastrnak produced four other multi-point outings, a total of four multi-goal games (including three straight from Jan. 5-8: 7-1—8) and a pair of game-winning goals (Jan. 7 at SJS and Jan. 16 vs. PHI). He also hit the 30-goal milestone for a sixth time Jan. 8 at ANA (40 GP), becoming the fastest Boston player to do so since Cam Neely in 1993-94 (27 GP). The 26-year-old Pastrnak, who will be making his third career All-Star Game appearance this week (also 2019 and 2020), sits among the League leaders in shots on goal (1st; 243), goals (2nd; 38), power-play goals (t-3rd; 14), points (4th; 71), power-play points (5th; 28) and plus/minus (t-10th; +24) through 50 total games this season.

THIRD STAR – VINCE DUNN, D, SEATTLE KRAKEN

Dunn topped defensemen with 5-12—17 in 15 games and tied for the League lead among all skaters with a +18 rating to lift the Kraken (29-15-5, 63 points) from fifth to first place in the Pacific Division on the strength of an NHL-best 11-3-1 January. Dunn, who nearly doubled his scoring from his first 34 games of the season (4-15—19), collected points in 11 of his 15 appearances – including a career-high nine straight outings from Jan. 5-19 (5-8—13). He also posted an even or better plus/minus rating 11 times, highlighted by a career-best +6 performance Jan. 14 at CHI. The 26-year-old Dunn, who played the fourth-most minutes of any skater in January (365:37), sits 11th among defensemen with 9‑27—36 and tied for fifth among all players with a +26 rating in 49 total contests this season. His 36 points already are a career high, ahead of the 35 he compiled in 78 games in 2018-19 (12-23—35 w/ STL) and matched in 73 appearances in 2021-22 (7-28—35 w/ SEA).

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