Troy University Athletics

COURTSIDE Preview: St. Francis
8/7/2009 2:00:00 PM | Basketball (W)

TROJANS HIT THE BIG APPLE TO FACE ST. FRANCIS.
2:52 P.M., FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2009
TRAVIS JAROME [EMAIL]
After opening the conference season against New Orleans on a Saturday, the Trojans will venture up north for a non-conference the following Tuesday, December 22. The Trojans will hit the Big Apple for the second time in three years, and the fourth time in four years. The last trip to the Big Apple resulted in a third-place finish at the Fordham Holiday Invitational Tournament, while the trip prior to was a loss to Army at West Point.
This trip is different however as the Trojans will play a conference game on Saturday, fly out on Sunday or Saturday night, and fly back on Wednesday. There will be time for sight-seeing, but there is also time to focus on the task at hand which is playing against a good St. Francis team on their home floor in Brooklyn Heights.
LAST TIME (First Meeting)
This will be the first meeting between the Trojans and St. Francis. It will mark the third trip, however, to New York for the Trojans under head coach Michael Murphy. The Trojans are 1-2 all-time in the Big Apple with a victory over Fordham, and losses to Fairfield (Fordham Tournament) and Army.
THIS TIME LAST SEASON (December 20, 2008)
The Trojans took on Middle Tennessee in their first conference game of the season, falling to the Blue Raiders 82-46 on the road. On this date last season, the Trojans took on Western Kentucky and fell 75-66 despite a double-double performance by Alyce Shearing.
COURTSIDE PREVIEW TOUR, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009
Monday, August 3: at Georgia State Tournament (November 28-29)
Tuesday, August 4: vs Belhaven (December 5)
Wednesday, August 5: vs Austin Peay (December 12)
Thursday, August 6: vs New Orleans (December 19) - conference opener
Friday, August 7: at St. Francis (NY) (December 22)
ST. FRANCIS TERRIERS
[Website | Roster* | Schedule | Statistics*]
*SFCAthletics.com does not have an updated schedule or 2008-09 statistics listed on their website.
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Founded: 1884

Enrollment: 2,300
Colors: Red and Blue
Arena (Capacity): Peter Aquilone Court (unknown)
Conference: Northeast
2008-09 Record: 4-25
NEC Record (Finish): 3-15 (t-10th)
Starters R/L: 2/3
Letterwinners R/L: 7/4
Head Coach: Brenda Milano
Record at St. Francis: 50-122 (Six seasons)
Career Record: 50-122 (Six seasons)
Assistant Coaches: Dionne Dodson and Sue Wicks
Top Returners:
Kendra Williams, Sr., F (11.4 ppg, 6.7 rpg)
Kristin Leithauser, Jr.,G/F (6.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg)
Vianca Tejada, So., G (4.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg)
COURTSIDEKnowledge: St. Francis head coach Brenda Milano played at Wagner College before
becoming the coach at the school. She was one of the all-time greats at the institution.
For a quick review of the Trojans ninth opponent of the season ... St. Francis ... the Terriers return just two starters from last season, neither is the leading scorer from a team that finished at the bottom of the Northeast Conference. They do return Kendra Williams in the low post where she averaged 11.4 points per game and 6.7 rebounds per game last season. The Terriers will be getting the Trojans after a long flight and some sight-seeing, and the team has shown marked improvement under head coach Brenda Milano up each season up until last year. So what will the outcome be?
Remember
I am not a psychic, and this is just for fun when it comes to wins and
losses, so don't hold it over my head when the season begins if I miss
on one or two.
I am predicting ... well it just wouldn't be fun to tell you today. Instead I will make you have to wait until Monday when we get ready to look at the next five opponents for the Trojans which include conference opponents and a military academy paying a visit to Southeast Alabama.
Until then, I bid you adieu ... or in German, Guten Tag. Any way you want to say it, until Monday .. enjoy your weekend.
TROJANS KICKOFF CONFERENCE SEASON AGAINST NEW ORLEANS AT HOME.
3:15 P.M., THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2009
TRAVIS JAROME [EMAIL]
Well let's see, we have all ready done previews for Troy opponents' Auburn, Jacksonville State, Longwood, Georgia State, Murray State/Morgan State, Belhaven and Austin Peay. I told you going into the last game I thought the Trojans could be 4-1, and I have to say no matter what the experience that Austin Peay has coming back, playing at home has a lot to do with the outcome of the game. So I am thinking another victory by the Trojans, upsetting Austin Peay to improve to 5-1 overall heading into conference play against New Orleans.
Ah ... that time of the year, Christmas time is upon us as we get ready to open our gifts. Only six more days left as the Trojans take to the floor to take on New Orleans on December 19 ... wait, actually we still have 141 more days left 'til Christmas, boo! I had my hopes up as I was typing this and then remembered that is actually still August.
So anyway, the Trojans will be playing their third consecutive game at Trojan Arena on December 19 when they open up Sun Belt Conference play against the University of New Orleans.
LAST TIME (January 21, 2009)
The Trojans took on New Orleans in the midst of a four-game losing streak, and dropped the third consecutive game in that streak to New Orleans 64-59. The Trojans led for the majority of the game until the final few minutes when New Orleans took the lead and never relinquished. That loss is one of the losses that stung the Trojans at the end of the season. The loss to New Orleans and the subsequent loss to Denver cost the Trojans the third seed in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament a bye into the quarterfinals.
Kylie Morrissy led the Trojans in the loss with 18 points, while Donette McNair posted a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. The Lady Privateers were led by Brittany Helm with 17 points, pacing four players in double figures for the visitors.
THIS TIME LAST SEASON (December 16, 2008)
The Trojans were on another road trip early in the season, this time to the nation's capital. After a couple of days of site-seeing, the Trojans took to the floor against one of the nation's elite programs in George Washington. They took the perennial power from the Atlantic-10 to the wire, although they were trailing for most of the contest. The Trojans used a big run late in the second half, coming back from a deficit to actually take the lead with a minute to go in the contest; however, they were unable to pull it out as GWU used their home court advantage for the 63-61 victory. Kylie Morrissy led the way for the Trojans with 20 points, while Sarah McAppion came off the bench to add 12 points and Alyce Shearing 11 in the loss.
COURTSIDE PREVIEW TOUR, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009
Monday, August 3: at Georgia State Tournament (November 28-29)
Tuesday, August 4: vs Belhaven (December 5)
Wednesday, August 5: vs Austin Peay (December 12)
Thursday, August 6: vs New Orleans (December 19) - conference opener
Friday, August 7: at St. Francis (NY) (December 22)
NEW ORLEANS LADY PRIVATEERS
[Website | Roster | Schedule* | Statistics]
*UNOPrivateers.com does not have an updated schedule listed on their website.
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Founded: 1958

Enrollment: 11,466
Colors: Royal Blue and Silver
Arena (Capacity): Lakefront Arena (10,000)
Conference: Sun Belt
2008-09 Record: 14-17
SBC Record (Finish): 8-10 (9th)
Starters R/L: 4/2
Letterwinners R/L: 6/6
Head Coach: Amy Champion
Record at New Orleans: 41-105 (Seventh season)
Career Record: 41-105 (Seventh season)
Assistant Coaches: Keeshawn Carter, Sally Jeter, Angela Marin, Andrea Williams
Top Returners:
Brittany Helm, Sr., G (11.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg)
Candice McGee, Sr., F (8.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg)
Nicole Holmes, Sr., G/F (6.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg)
COURTSIDEKnowledge: The University of New Orleans returned to Lakefront Arena last season
after having to play in the Human Performance Center due to Hurricane Katrina.
For a quick review of the Trojans eighth opponent of the season ... New Orleans ... the Lady Privateers return four starters from last season's team that made the quarterfinals of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. They also have two of their top three scorers returning from last season's team, and their top rebounder in Candice McGee. They also defeated the Trojans at Trojan Arena last season, and have won the last two meetings against Troy. So what will the outcome be?
Remember
I am not a psychic, and this is just for fun when it comes to wins and
losses, so don't hold it over my head when the season begins if I miss
on one or two.
I am predicting the Trojans to end the back-to-back losses to open conference season in a big way, by defeating New Orleans at Trojan Arena and begin what could be a big year for the Trojans. But then again, I am the media relations contact for the women's basketball at Troy, so why would I pick against them ... call it a feeling, and I just feel that way!
Until then, I bid you adieu ... or in German, Guten Tag. Any way you want to say it, until tomorrow .. enjoy the rest of your day.
TROJANS HOST AUSTIN PEAY AT TROJAN ARENA FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE HOME GAME.
2:56 P.M., WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2009
TRAVIS JAROME [EMAIL]
Once again, for the second consecutive day, I am a little late in getting this up for you and I apologize for the wait. Another dry day, and as soon as I say that the weather alert comes across the radio with a thunderstorm warning for north of Montgomery. So it is still a dry day here in Pike County as the campus is coming alive with incoming students getting a first hand look at where they will be living for the upcoming four years.
With that being said, the Trojans will be hosting their second consecutive game at Trojan Arena December 12. This is will be the toughest home game to date, third overall, for the Trojans as they will be playing defending Ohio Valley Conference champion Austin Peay. It is also the sandwich game at home, as they will have hosted Belhaven December 5, and then New Orleans on December 19.
If you remember, last time I guessed on the Trojans record entering their last game would be 4-1 ... and I am predicting a victory over Belhaven (and in the words of Lee Corso, "closer than the experts think" ... well maybe not that close, but close enough for a while). Let's take a look at the next opponent and set the stage for what the Trojans can expect.
LAST TIME (November 21, 2008)
Another one of those games that I missed due to not traveling with the team after my daughter was born. Ms. Riley Grace was 11 days old when the Trojans took the floor against Austin Peay, and when the two face each other December 12, she will be 13 months old and fresh off her first birthday party.
Anyway ... back to the game, the Trojans defeated Austin Peay last season 65-61 having to wait for 10 minutes for a replay of a jump shot that was originally ruled a two-pointer. The Lady Govs wanted a three, but were giving a two nonetheless after the replay. The Trojans were led by Kylie Morrissy with 14 points, while Kirsten Smith came off the bench to score 12. Donette McNair, starting her first collegiate game of her career recorded a double-double in the victory to get the Trojans to 1-1 on the season.
THIS TIME LAST SEASON (December 13, 2008)
The Trojans ended a three-game losing streak in a big way, by scoring 93 points at Trojan Arena - the largest output by a Michael-Murphy coached team at Troy. The Trojans defeated Spring Hill 93-45 behind 25 points by Kylie Morrissy and 19 by Alyce Shearing. The Trojans improved their record 3-4 after the victory.
COURTSIDE PREVIEW TOUR, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009
Monday, August 3: at Georgia State Tournament (November 28-29)
Tuesday, August 4: vs Belhaven (December 5)
Wednesday, August 5: vs Austin Peay (December 12)
Thursday, August 6: vs New Orleans (December 19) - conference opener
Friday, August 7: at St. Francis (NY) (December 22)
AUSTIN PEAY LADY GOVS
[Website | Roster* | Schedule | Statistics]
*APSUGovernors.com does not have an updated roster listed on their website.
Location: Clarksville, Tennessee
Founded: 1927

Enrollment: 9,207
Colors: Red and White
Arena (Capacity): Winfield Dunn Center (unknown)
Conference: Ohio Valley
2008-09 Record: 17-16
OVC Record (Finish): 10-8 (Conference Tournament Champions)
Starters R/L: 4/2
Letterwinners R/L: 11/2
Head Coach: Carrie Daniels
Record at Austin Peay: 33-57 (Fourth season)
Career Record: 33-57 (Fourth season)
Assistant Coaches: Laphelia Doss, Marcus Payne and Charlotte Marshall
Top Returners:
Ashley Herring, So., G/F (11.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg)
Nicole Jamen, Sr., F/C (11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg)
Whitney Hanley, So., G (8.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg)
Austin Peay returns four players who started games for the Lady Govs last season in their run to the NCAA Tournament. They also return four of their top five scorers from last season's team, only missing leading scorer April Thomas who was lost to graduation. The Lady Govs will be playing Troy in the middle of three home games, and can be caught looking ahead to their home game against Pittsburgh on December 20 when they make the trip to Troy. The Lady Govs are led by head coach Carrie Daniels who doubled her win total with the 17 victories a season ago, and is entering her fourth season at the helm.
Austin Peay ended the regular season with a victory over Southeast Missouri, ending a five-game losing streak heading into the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament. After the regular season finale, the Lady Govs put together a three-game winning streak, with victories over Morehead State, Murray State and Eastern Illinois to claim the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament and a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
But that was last year, and 2009-10 is a different year. Can the Lady Govs reclaim the momentum that led them to the NCAA Tournament in 2009, or will they be the team that was 13-15 heading into the final regular season game last season? Only time will tell, and they will have played eight games before facing the Trojans; including games against Chattanooga, Middle Tennessee, Vanderbilt and two conference games.
COURTSIDEKnowledge: Austin Peay earned the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament by winning
the OVC...their reward, a match-up with Duke in the first round, ending their run in the first round.
For a quick review of the Trojans seventh opponent of the season ... Austin Peay ... the Lady Govs return all but two players, and return four starters from last season's NCAA Tournament team. They lost to the Trojans early in the season in 2008 by four points, before winning four consecutive games at the end of the year to get into the tournament. They return four of their top five scorers and two of their top three rebounders from last season. Can this be the first home loss for the Trojans or will it be another Troy victory at Trojan Arena? I am calling .... well, you will have to wait until tomorrow to see what the outcome of this game could be for the Trojan.
Remember I am not a psychic, and this is just for fun when it comes to wins and losses, so don't hold it over my head when the season begins if I miss on one or two.
Until then, I bid you adieu ... or in German, Guten Tag. Any way you want to say it, until tomorrow .. enjoy the rest of your day.
TROJANS RETURN HOME FOR SIXTH GAME OF THE SEASON, KICK OFF HOMESTAND AGAINST BELHAVEN COLLEGE.
12:38 P.M., TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2009
TRAVIS JAROME [EMAIL]
Sorry for the delay in getting the next opponent up on the site for the Trojans, ran into some snags this morning trying to get media CD's ready for Football Media Day which is this Saturday after the first scrimmage. Hope everyone, especially in this state, enjoyed a rain-free night and thus far a rain-free day. I know we need the rain, but after a week's worth of showers everyday, it kind of starts wearing you down a little; and if anyone is like me change is good.
But anyway, back to the task at hand as the Trojans prepare for their sixth game of the season against Belhaven coming off the Georgia State Tournament. The Trojans will take on the NAIA-member institution at Trojan Arena on December 5 in just the second home game of the season for Troy.
Is this a winnable game for the Trojans? Why certainly it is, and the Trojans will need to capitalize on the Lady Blazers coming to town and pick up a victory before conference season starts in two games.
What will the Trojans record be by this time in the season, well let's take a look back at the schedule thus far. And by no means am I predicting this to happen, I am just guessing and that is what I do best at ... Wins could be against Longwood, Jacksonville State, Georgia State and whomever they play in the second game of the tournament; Losses could be against Auburn, Jacksonville State (since it is a road game) and Georgia State since it is a road game. But I am going to go out a limb and say the Trojans could be 4-1 heading into this contest against Belhaven.
LAST TIME (November 30, 2007)
Troy and Belhaven last met at Trojan Arena in the last game of the month of November back in 2007, and the Trojans walked away with a 40-point victory that night. They were led by Amy Lewis with 18 points, while Zena Lawrence added 14, and Kylie Morrissy and Brittnie Davis each added 12 in the victory. The game was never close as Troy opened up a 45-24 halftime lead over the Lady Blazers and outscored the opposition by 19 points in the second half. The Trojans connected on 62 percent of their shots from the floor and held Belhaven to just 17.6 percent shooting from the floor, and just 15.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
THIS TIME LAST SEASON (December 3, 2008)
The Trojans dropped their third consecutive game of the season, falling to Kennesaw State 64-58 at Trojan Arena. The loss came on the heels of losses to Akron and Richmond at the UT-Chattanooga Doubletree Thanksgiving Classic. The Trojans fell despite a pair of 20-point performances from Donette McNair and Kylie Morrissy on that night.
COURTSIDE PREVIEW TOUR, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009
Monday, August 3: at Georgia State Tournament (November 28-29)
Tuesday, August 4: vs Belhaven (December 5)
Wednesday, August 5: vs Austin Peay (December 12)
Thursday, August 6: vs New Orleans (December 19) - conference opener
Friday, August 7: at St. Francis (NY) (December 22)
BELHAVEN LADY BLAZERS
[Website | Roster* | Schedule* | Statistics]
*Blazers.Belhaven.edu does not have an updated roster or schedule listed on their website.
Location: Jackson, Mississippi
Founded: 1883

Enrollment: 1,800
Colors: Forest Green and Vegas Gold
Arena (Capacity): Charles A. Rugg Gymnasium (2,000)
Conference: Gulf Coast Athletic
2008-09 Record: 17-14
GCAC Record (Finish): 8-10 (5th)
Starters R/L: 3/2
Letterwinners R/L: 12/6
Head Coach: Billy Evans
Record at Belhaven: 84-177 (Ninth season)
Career Record: 84-177 (Ninth season)
Assistant Coaches: Rakeisha Gray
Top Returners:
Jira Williams, Sr., F (13.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg)
Mallory Hammock, Sr., G (5.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg)
Courtney Ward, Sr., G (3.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg)
COURTSIDEKnowledge: John Brady, the men's head basketball coach at Arkansas State and
formerly of Samford and LSU, is an alum of Belhaven College.
The month of December starts anew with Belhaven beginning the month for the Trojans. Here is a Cliff Notes version on Belhaven ... the Lady Blazers are an NAIA school from Jackson, MS, where they can challenge for the league title. They return three starters and seven letterwinners from last season's team, including Jira Williams who averaged 13.8 points per game last season. They have played Troy three times, winning once (31 years ago), but have lost the last two by a combined 82 points. Is this a sure win for Troy? There are no sure wins in basketball, but the Trojans willl be heavily favored to win this contest at home.
With this game in the bag, so to speak, we will focus on another non-conference game, the last before conference season begins the next game. The Trojans will host NAIA Tournament participant and defending Ohio Valley Conference champion, Austin Peay, at Trojan Arena in their seventh game of the season on December 12. And I have to mention that this game will take place two days before my wife's birthday, so what a gift it would be for the Trojans to take home a victory for an early birthday present.
Until then, I bid you adieu ... or in German, Guten Tag. Any way you want to say it, until tomorrow .. enjoy the rest of your day.
TROJANS PLAY IN THANKSGIVING TOURNAMENT AT GEORGIA STATE IN "THE ATL."
9:45 A.M., MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2009
TRAVIS JAROME [EMAIL]
After a short weekend in preparation for football season, and a two-day hiatus of COURTSIDE, welcome back to the 2009-10 opponent preview. There is a lot going on involving Troy athletics, so before we get started on the preview, let's look at what's going on in the world of Trojan athletics ... the men's basketball team, at this point in time (10:45 EST) are boarding a plane bound for Newark then onto Europe for their preseason trip; the football team has begun workouts in preparations for the season and the countdown is on for the season opener; and the countdown is on for the rest of the student-athletes to start arriving on campus as classes start in nine days for all students on the Troy campus.
But back to the task at hand, the Trojans will be on the road on Thanksgiving for the third consecutive season, playing in their third consecutive tournament over that time period. Although at this point in time, the Trojans have no idea who they will be playing; hopefully by the time this blog goes up, I can find out who the other two teams will be in the tournament besides Troy and Georgia State. But speaking of Georgia State, since we do not know who the opponents will be for the tournament, we will just take a look at Georgia State and the past two years of Thanksgiving tournament basketball.
** Like I said, I hoped I would have the opponents by the time this went up, and we will play Georgia State in the first game of the tournament on Friday; and then take on either Murray State or Morgan State in the second game.
LAST TIME (MARCH 11, 2005)
Troy and Georgia State last met on March 11, 2005 when the Panthers won 80-56 in the Atlantic Sun Tournament, subsequently ending the Trojans season and their last in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
THE SERIES (25 meetings)
Troy and Georgia State have met 25 times over the course of history, and 20 of those meetings the Trojans would like to forget as Georgia State leads the all-time series 20-5. The two team have split the last four meetings between themselves with tthe Trojans winning 60-57 in Atlanta (February 7, 2004) and 77-64 in Troy (March 5, 2005). The longest streak for either team in winning games in the series is 13 games by Georgia State from March 5, 1998 until January 29, 2004.
TROJANS IN ATLANTA (14 games)
Troy has played 14 games either in the city of Atlanta or a suburb since they started the women's basketball program. During that time, the Trojans are 2-12 all-time with victories over Kennesaw State (November 19, 2007) and Georgia State (February 7, 2004).
THANKSGIVING TOURNAMENTS
The Trojans have played the last two seasons in Thanksgiving tournaments, playing in Tulsa (2007) and Chattanooga (2008). In both instances the Trojans played teams that played in the postseason (Tulsa - Western Illinois and Tulsa; Chattanooga - Richmond and Akron). Last season, the Trojans lost both of their games at the UT-Chattanooga Doubletree Thanksgiving Classic; while they brought home the championship trophy from the Holiday Inn Select Thanksgiving Classic in Tulsa the year before.
THIS TIME LAST SEASON (November 28-29, 2008)
The Trojans dropped both of their games at the UT-Chattanooga Doubletree Thanksgiving Tournament last season. Then-sophomore Donette McNair was named to the All-Tournament team with her double-double performances in losses to Akron and Richmond. The Trojans had chances to win both games, but both Akron and Richmond hit key shots and free throws down the stretch to claim the victory.
COURTSIDE PREVIEW TOUR, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009
Monday, August 3: at Georgia State Tournament (November 28-29)
Tuesday, August 4: vs Belhaven (December 5)
Wednesday, August 5: vs Austin Peay (December 12)
Thursday, August 6: vs New Orleans (December 19) - conference opener
Friday, August 7: at St. Francis (NY) (December 22)
GEORGIA STATE PANTHERS (TOURNAMENT HOSTS)
[Website | Roster | Schedule | Statistics]
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Founded: 1913

Enrollment: 28,000
Colors: Red, Blue and White
Arena (Capacity): Georgia State Sports Arena (capacity unknown)
Conference: Colonial Athletic (CAA)
2008-09 Record: 12-18
CAA Record (Finish): 4-14 (11th)
Starters R/L: 4/2
Letterwinners R/L: 7/7
Head Coach: Lea Henry
Record at Georgia State: 230-207 (16th season)
Career Record: 288-265 (20th season)
Assistant Coaches: Jonathan Barbaree, Bridgette Gordon, Dee Dee Meriweather, Kelcey Roegiers-Jensen
Top Returners:
Danyiell McKeller, Sr., F (12.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg)
Chandra Harris, Jr., F (10.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg)
Crystal Johnson, So., G (8.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg)
COURTSIDEKnowledge: The Trojans have played 25 times against Georgia State, including
11 times in Atlanta and are 1-10 all-time against Georgia State on their home floor.
As the month of December begins, the Trojans will play three consecutive home games and we will begin tomorrow with the first of those opponents, Belhaven (MS) College. We will not be looking at the other tournament participants, but instead tomorrow will provide you a link to the homepage since we will not know who we are playing until Friday night after the Georgia State game.












