January 11, 2007

For more information, contact: Kimberly Kreider (901) 333-4023

Lady Saluqis Off To a 13-1 Start This Season
Written by: Keith Gentry

Led by sophomore guard Ashley Shields, the Southwest women's basketball team is off to an impressive 13-1 start this season. Shields leads the Lady Saluqis in scoring (26.5), rebounding (11.1), assists (5.9), and steals (4.3) and is ranked among the national leaders in all four statistical categories. In the season-opener against Coahoma she scored a season-high of 41 points and has recorded triple-doubles against Cleveland State (18 points,14 rebounds, 13 assists) and Hiwassee (19 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists). Other top scorers for Coach Andrea Martre's team this season are sophomores Jasmine Massey (7.1 points), Tameka Wooten (6.9 points), and freshman Keona Brooks (7.1 points).

The Southwest men are 12-3 on the season and are currently ranked 19th nationally by the National Junior College Athletic Association. Sophomore guard Donald Boone leads a very balanced Saluqi team in scoring (17.0), rebounding (6.6) and field goal percentagte (.554). Other top players for Coach Verties Sails' squad are freshmen A.J. Nance (10.8 points), Deante Burgess (9.6 points, 5.3 rebounds), and Emmanuel Cheers (8.9 points, 5.2 assists), and sophomores Greg Grimes (9.1 points, 6.1 rebounds) and Nathan Walton (9.4 points).

Both teams are idle until Saturday, January 20 when the Saluqis and Lady Saluqis travel to Little Rock, Arkansas to take on Shorter College. The next home game will be on Wednesday, January 24 when Southwest hosts conference rival Jackson State at the Verties Sails Gymnasium.