Bears use size to beat Riders

Conway — Senior Stephin Booth made the best of senior night. The transfer from Cal State Bakersfield scored a season-high 17 points off the bench for the Bears on their way to a comfortable 73-56 win over Southern Arkansas University in the Farris Center on Thursday night.

"Stephin played really well," UCA coach Rand Chappell said. "He got a lot of balls around the basket and finished a bunch of them. That’s what we need out of him."

The first half began with a layup after a backdoor cut by UCA’s Joey Cortez, who was fouled and made the free throw to give the Bears a 3-0 lead. But SAU made four of their first six 3-point attempts to start the game and took a 11-8 lead with 15:53 left to play.

"We had a hard time, I felt like, defending them at times," Chappell said. "They shot the 3-point shot well in the first half. We knew they would."

With the game tied at 17-17 after senior Brandon Lipsey hit a 3, Lipsey then had two blocks on a single SAU possession. [Note: I know the stats say he only had one in the game.] The blocks led to a reverse lay-in by Chad Wise to give the Bears a 19-17 advantage.

SAU’s Brandon Bealer answered with the teams final 3-pointer of the half to give the Muleriders their final lead of the game at 20-19.

Senior Alexi Koralev took advantage of his three minutes of playing time by snagging an offensive rebound and making the putback for two of the Bears 16 first-half points in the paint.

The largest lead of the half was seven points by UCA, and they took a 36-33 edge to halftime although SAU had shot a higher percentage from the floor.

The Bears defense picked up and only allowed the Riders to shoot an abysmal 26% in the second half, including just 2-of-9 from outside the 3-point arc, which was their hotspot in the first half.

"When we play good defense and hold that other team around 30%, even high 30% range, that gives us a great chance to win game," Chappell said.

SAU decreased the lead to 50-45 with 11:57 remaining, but the Bears used the next two minutes to expand the lead to 10.

Senior Darryl Jones, who finished with 11 points, scored his final two of the game to start a 12-2 Bear run that included Wise’s second 3 of the game and Booth’s second dunk and gave UCA a 62-48 upper hand.

For a 4:12 stretch late in the game, neither team made a field goal. The Bears scored the last 7 points of the game.

Jones, Booth, Cortez and LeMar Phillips all finished in double figures.

"I guess that’s the winning formula is to have four people in double-figures or five if possible. We’ve improved all year long, and where we sit in this league at 10-6, that’s not bad.

The Bears took advantage of a size advantage to outrebound SAU. They also scored 40 of their points in the paint.

"Offensively, they pressured hard again. We did a little bit better job of handling it this time. We got a few backdoor layups, were able to get to the paint and score some points."

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Sugar Bears win, lockup GSC tourney berth

Conway —It was hard to tell if the Sugar Bears just wanted it more or if Southern Arkansas University was just that overmatched, but it didn’t take long for UCA to take control of the game. But, the comfortable lead UCA took into halftime was slowly chipped away at by SAU. UCA (17-10, 9-7) managed to wrap up the regular season with a 75-65 win in the Farris Center.

"It feels great to get a win," head coach Checola Seals-Horton said. "The kids did a really good job."

The first half was just ugly for SAU (12-14, 7-8). One-third of their points came from the free throw line, and until about eight minutes left in the half, the Lady Muleriders made just one shot from the floor.

Even the Sugar Bears were scoreless for the first two minutes, but after putting the first points on the board, Caronica Randle scored six straight to give the Sugar Bears an 8-0 lead.

The Riders finally scored their first pointsafter more than three minutes.

Then, UCA, specifically Allicia Kellogg, got hot from outside. Kellogg gave UCA a 10-point lead, and Micaela Thomas followed with a 3-pointer of her own. After two SAU free throws, Kellogg hit another three to extend the Sugar Bear lead to 19-5. That three was the start of an 11-point run that already put the game well in hand, 27-5.

SAU was able to cut the lead back down to 15 before they saw Kellog hit her third 3-pointer of the half in almost exactly the same spot on the floor as the first two.

Both teams traded baskets the rest of the half, and the Sugar Bears entered halftime up 46-24.

Remember what I said about the first half (it was ugly)? The second half was even worse, but this time is was UCA struggling.

The Sugar Bears did their best to let SAU back in the game in the second half. The Lady Riders came out a different team offensively, scoring the first seven points to cut the lead back to 15, at 46-31.

"[SAU] couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn in the first half," Seals said, "and we took advantage of that. In the second half they came out and hit six straight points. They were able to get their shot off and were able to actually knock it down."

UCA finally got the stop Coach Seals was yelling for from the bench, and the Sugar Bears scored their first points of the half. But UCA could never get on track and SAU kept the lead cut, and with 43 seconds finally had it back down to 10 points.

"We weren’t getting the defensive stops that we needed, and when we were going to the rack, we weren’t making our shots," Seals said.

The Sugar Bears never allowed it to slip to single-digits, and the game ended at the same 10-point lead, 75-65.

"This was a big game for our two seniors as well as for Mariesha [Piggee]," Seals said. "So, we came out in the first half and did a really good job. We were able to get some stops and able to score. Then we had our little drought, but we were able to come out with a victory."

Kellogg, who played 14 first-half minutes, only played five in the second. Randle finished with 16 on 5-of-10 shooting and six free throws. Thomas and fellow senior Victoria Richards were the only other UCA players to finish in double-figures. Both had 10 in their final appearance inside the Farris Center.

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Finally breaking the streak

Conway —It was probably a little closer than hoped for, but the Sugar Bears finally got the win they needed to stop their three-game skid. Caronica Randle led UCA with 32 points en route to a 80-74 win over Harding University Monday night in the Farris Center.

"The only thing that can fix losing is to win one," Coach Checola Seals-Horton said. "A win is a win."

The outing by Randle was the first time she’s scored over 30 in conference play.

"If [Randle] scores more, it’ll open them up for some other people," Seals said. "We just tried to get [Caronica] in the mindset that hey we need you to score more tonight. Because if she scores more, it’s going to open up for some other people."

Ten Sugar Bear players got into the game. Nine of those put points on the board.

The Sugar Bears had been beaten on the boards almost all night, but Victoria Richards got the most important rebound of the game. After Caronica Randle penetrated and put up an airball, Richards used her height advantage to get the rebound. She then made her only shot of the night.

"[Richards] came over to the sideline saying I made one! I made one!," Seals said. "That was a huge rebound."

That shot gave UCA a three point lead, 77-74, to virtually ensure they couldn’t lose on a single possession.

On Harding’s next possession, Brittany Greer grabbed her only rebound of the game.

The Sugar Bears hit three free throws in the final 13 seconds to set the final score.

The final stats were almost identical. Same field goal percentage. Neither team really won the turnover or rebound games. The difference might have come from the UCA free throw line where they shot 15-of-16.

Harding pushed the ball in transition throughout the game, resulting in some easy baskets. Whenever UCA was able to set up their defense, they were able to control the scoring.

The first half was a strange one. The Sugar Bears shot a blistering 50% from inside the 3-point line. But they were 1-for-9 behind it.

The defense forced Harding to shoot just 35%. But the points off rebounds – offensive and defensive – kept the Lady Bisons in it. Harding grabbed 10 offensive rebounds in the first half alone.

The lead went back and forth throughout the half. UCA’s largest lead was four. The Lady Bisons at one point had a XX point lead.

After the entire UCA team made just one shot from behind the arc in the first half, Allicia Kellogg came out making her first two attempts in the second half putting UCA on top 56-51.

"We wanted Allicia to keep shooting," Seals said. "We told our kids, ‘you know, just one person has to step up and hit one and then it’s going be a chain reaction.’ It was a small chain, but we’ll take any kind of chain we can get."

The game was tied at 56-56 with 9:37 left to play. UCA went on a 10-2 run to take a 66-58 lead.

Six of those 10 came from Randle. But the big story during the streak was the three steals by Randle and Williams.

UCA’s second leading scorer was Renita Dobbins, who didn’t make her first appearance until halfway through the first half. Dobbins scored 10 points, eight in the second half and six of those were free throws.

"Renita played a good game for us tonight," Seals said. "She earned those [minutes]. She did well in the game. When you play well you earn your time. Lauren had some good minutes, but Renita with her quickness was able to penetrate and get past that press. It forced them to get out of it."

The win was critical for UCA’s hopes to make the GSC tournament as they now hit the road to first place Delta State and then to Monticello. Delta has already qualified for the tournament, but UAM is one of four teams fighting for the third and fourth spots in the west division. UCA got some help from Delta State on Monday as they knocked of SAU who was tied with UCA entering the night with 7-5 conference records.

"Was it one of our great efforts? No, but it was good enough for us to get a win," Seals said.

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Bears add 33 players for move to new division

The University of Central Arkansas collected the signatures of 28 high school football players on national signing day.

The coaching staff had to work under Division II contact rules, lost a few weeks due to the playoff games, and had to answer questions about not competing for championships until 2009. But the late start was "a super jumping off point."

Head Coach Clint Conque compared the press conference to the State of the Union address.

"This is a historical day. These five young men that are up here and these 28 contracts signify the future of Division IAA football in the Southland Conference.

"It’s a comprehensive class. We still are recruiting, today is just a bump in the road. There are other a couple of other young men out there that we have identified that are out there."

Conque continues to call the current and incoming players "pioneers," the foundation of the program’s future.

"These recruits and players should not be judged by wins and losses," Conque said, "but a commitment to an effort and a cause.

"Our expectations to win will not change. We will never waver on our expectations."

"If you look at all these HS, these guys are winners," Conque said. "They are coming from winning programs."

The signees from today include 15 offensive players, 11 defensive players, and two athletes.

After losing three seniors (Michael Norvell, Ben Farris, and Miller McVay), the staff decided to "go big at receiver." They come in at 6-0, 6-2, 6-4, and 6-5.

There may be some shuffling of current players. Conque mentioned the lack of experience at running back and the possiblity of Lance Boykins making the move to join Ross Brown. Three new signees will compete for playing time in the backfield.

When asked about the possibilities of redshirting players, Conque said he didn’t want to make predictions at this point.

"The best fb players play. We recruited depth at receiver and linebacker. We went ahead and said we’re going to recruit young there. Outside of that you never know."

He did say that with quarterback Nathan Brown already established and the addition of mid-term signee Robby Park (see mid-term transfer link) Anthony Mask of Bryant will likely redshirt.

Transition period won’t change the strategy of when players will see action according to Conque.

"We’re going to win football games. Our goal is to win football games and put the best product on the field now."

The 2006 schedule has received a lot of talk lately. There are currently nine games scheduled, two of those in Conway. Negotiations are on-going with I-AA teams for home games and a IA school for another road game.

"That’s fine," Conque said. "Anyone, anywhere, at anytime. These guys aren’t going to back down. The challenges are great, but the rewards are even bigger. I ask everyone to see the big picture and be patient.

"We’re going to build a nationally respected division one program and I’m proud to be their leader," Conque said to wrap up his comments.

Offense Signees

Offense

QB

• Anthony Mask – probably looked at about 16 QBs. Can make all the throws. He’s young. He’s going to get bigger. I think he’s going to have a great future here. He played in a similar system.

RB

• Broderick Franklin – got a chance to make an immediate impact. Only fumbled four times in over 500 attempts. Offered by SMU.
• Brent Grimes – MVP of his state championship game. Cancelled visit to ASU after visiting UCA.
• Matt Clinkscales – From the Sprindale six, not the springdale five. The guy knows how to catch the ball. He’s a winner, he’s gifted, he’s intense, he’s tough. Offer/Interest from Arkansas State.

WR

• Vincent Starwood – this guy is impressive. He’s big. He’s athletic. Huge hands. This guy has unlimited ability. Big upside to this young man.
• Preston Echols – great vision. Great hands. Got to get a little bit faster.
• David Robinson – The sleeper in the class; only started one year. All-district in only year to play HS football. Tremendous upside. Still learning the game. High-jumped 6’7” as a junior.
• Willie Landers – Chose UCA over ULM. Will join former teammate Brandon Payne.

TE

• Hutton Andrew – Played TE and DE. Owasso is not a big passing team, but he averaged 18 ypc. Also had 83 tackles and 13 sacks on defense. Was a team captain, intense and a leader.
• Chris Johnson – also plays deep snapper and defense. Pretty good athlete for a guy his size. All of these te are going to have to come in and give us some snaps next year.

OL

• Tyler Gray – His best football is in front of him.
• Tyler Smith – One of two from Owasso High School. Could play guard or tackle.
• Jesse Ward– Four-year starter in a private school. Fundamentally the best OL we’ve seen on tape. Chose UCA over Liberty and Charleston Southern.
• Will Merritt – nicknamed “Big Country”. Cancelled visit to Louisiana-Lafayette. Offer from NWState.
• Casey Thurber – I tell you one thing: this guy here is amazing. Maybe the best football player in this class. We have him listed at 6’, he’s 5’11”. You watch him on tape here and you know why we’re excited as a coaching staff. High school (Union) won 6A champs three straight years. Offers from Missouri State and Pittsburg State.

Defense Signees

Defense

S

• Andrew Summerset – “not only is this guy a great player, but this guy jumped out on film to me.” A big hitter. Offered by SFA. Could eventually grow to play OLB.
• Jarrod Dale – Could upsize and move to OLB in time. His dad played at LSU and SD Chargers. His mom was a sprinter at LSU. He had 19 career ints. Cancelled visits to OVC and SWAC schools.

CB

• Anthony Gambles – maybe one of the best athletes. Plays bigger than his size. Chose UCA over Jackson State and other SWAC schools. (Olive Branch plays South Panola)
• Kirklond Risby – Also from Cedar Hill. Senior year cut short with an injury. Without his injury, UCA probably isn’t in the picture. He had 72 tackles in 5 games.

LB

• Tok Opeloye– He’s a hitter. Quality program on the rise in the Dallas area. Projects as OLB. Put up unbelievable stats.
• James Lancaster – played QB, OLB, returned punts, and kicked xtra points. Holds two Tennessee state records for weight lifting. Offer from North Alabama.
• Stephen Degrate – If he was 6’2” we couldn’t touch him. Exudes enthusiasm.

DE

• (Clint Conque —–"These next two guys, I am excited about.")
• Matt Holmes – Only a one year starter, but still made Max Emfinger All-American bowl. Turned down military academies.
• Taylor Scott – two-time state champion hs. Senior stats: 118 tackes, 13, TFL, 8 sacks. Visited UCA, then Tulane. Got offer from both. Chose UCA.

DT

• Kadem Ray – This guy is a football player. Visited La Tech. Offered by Houston. (Coach Cooley is from Nashville, probably helped) Will start out on defense.
• Lendrell Barksdale – twin brother of KB. Gonna bring great experience along with Kendrell. We feel like we’ve got some bigtime players inside.

ATH

• Leonard Ceaser, III – was originally committed to NWLA. Blocked 6 punts. Versatile, could play offense or defense. Going to have a great career here.
• Rico Moss – great hips, great quickness, great speed. Can get it done on both sides of the ball. Hope also gave us Isaac Hendrix.