Lees-McRae

sweeps St. Andrews
From staff reports
BANNER ELK — Lees-McRae beat St. Andrews 68-64 Saturday in Conference Carolinas men’s basketball action at Williams Gymnasium.

The Bobcats used a balanced attack as all 11 players who stepped on the court hit the score sheet for at least two points. Nick DeSchepper picked up a team high 15 points with five 3-pointers, shooting 5-for-8 from beyond the arc. Raysean Hairston, chipped in 12 points while Jesse Hoots added nine.

St. Andrews’ Joseph Gripper went 4-for-5 from beyond the 3-point and led all scorers with 23 points. Marcus Hoke added 18 for the Knights and also pulled down a game high nine boards.

After a sluggish start that saw the Bobcats (4-15, 3-10 CC) down nine 17-6 halfway through the first, the home side clawed their way back into the game and took a 20-19 lead with 6:52 to play in the first half. The Bobcats would not let up, outscoring the Knights (5-15, 4-9) by six down the stretch to take a seven point cushion into halftime, 40-33.

The Bobcats, who start four of their 10 freshman each game, managed to control the play for much of the half. The Knights would give the rookie-laden team all it could handle, tying the score on four occasions, however the Bobcats would regain the lead each time, finally outlasting the visitors for the second win in three games.

“We had a great team effort today,” coach Scott Polsgrove said. “We were able to get defensive stops late in the game that we didn’t get Thursday, and once again it was the difference. Fortunately we were able to come out on the right end this time. It was a great game by both teams, but now it’s over with and we just have to keep working hard and trying to get better each and every day.”

The Bobcats play at Belmont Abbey Monday night.

L-M women 68, St. Andrews 56
BANNER ELK — The Lees-McRae College Lady Bobcats earned its second win in three games Saturday afternoon, defeating St. Andrews at Williams Gym.

Stephanie Mullinax finished with a game high 16 points and 16 rebounds, while Chahkia Harrison tied Mullinax with 16 points. Brittany Roberson and Cortney Furr chipped in with 12 and 10 respectively.

Jackie Cromer led the Knights with 15 points while April Johnson scored 14.

After trading baskets for the first three and a half minutes and the score knotted at six, the Bobcats (6-13, 5-8) went on an 11-4 run to grab a 17-10 lead.

The Knights (5-15, 4-9) would respond by topping the Bobcats by one with a 12-4 run to gain the 22-21 advantage with 7:34 remaining in the half. The teams would revert back to trading baskets for the remainder of the half, totaling seven ties and seven lead changes before the break with the visitors up one, 32-31.

In the second half, the Bobcats would tighten up defensively and control the pace of the game, outscoring the Lady Knights 21-10 late in the gameto earn the victory.

“I am happy with the way we played today,” Lees-McRae coach Sebastian Wild said. “We made some adjustments at halftime and focused more on the defensive side of the ball in the second. We received a great game from Steph. She was all over the place out there.”

Goode named player of the year
PINEHURST — The North Carolina Tennis Association named Lees-McRae tennis coach Paul Goode the 2007 J.S. Love Adult Male Tennis Player of the Year.

His award was presented during the Annual Awards Luncheon as part of North Carolina’s 2008 Tennis Weekend. The luncheon was held in the Pinehurst Resort’s Carolina Hotel this past weekend.

Goode is currently in his third season as head tennis coach for both men and women at Lees-McRae College.

He still plays tournaments whenever his schedule allows and loves the aspect of one-on-one competition that tennis offers.

Goode has amassed a list of playing achievements, which includes a first place in the 2007 State Open division singles title and a second place finish in the 2005 National Clay Court Championships in the Open division.

The North Carolina Tennis Association (NCTA), a not-for-profit organization, is the state affiliate of the United States Tennis Association in North Carolina and is commonly referred to as USTA North Carolina.

The NCTA was founded in 1973.

Lees-McRae falls in first home match
BANNER ELK — In their first home match of the season the Lees-McRae men’s volleyball team fought rival Mt. Olive College in a five game battle Friday in Williams Gymnasium losing 3-2 (23-30, 30-21, 31-29, 27-30, 9-15). The Trojans are 5-4, while the youthful Bobcats fall to 0-4.

In game one it was the Trojans, took advantage of a few mistakes on the Bobcat side to forge ahead early, maintaining the lead for a 30-23 win.