November 15, 2008 01:59 am
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By Jeremy Short
Phoenix Correspondent
After a strong finish last year, the Northeastern State’s men’s basketball team looks ready to break out and return to the Lone Star Conference elite status the team has become accustomed to under coach Larry Gipson.
“From a coaching standpoint everyone wants to compete for championships,” said Gipson. “I just want the team to mesh and be as good as we can be.”
After finishing third in the LSC North last season, the RiverHawks were picked to finish fourth in the preseason poll behind Central Oklahoma, Southwestern Oklahoma, and Texas A&M-Commerce.
Much of the RiverHawks’ success will be dictated by talented senior guard Aaron Arango, who was selected as LSC North Preseason Player of the Year. Arango was the team’s second leading scorer last season at 12.3 points a game.
“I think Arango came to us more as an athlete than a basketball player,” said Gipson. “I think Aaron is one of those guys who are invaluable. I expect him to guard the other team’s best player and score points for us.”
The other returning starters are senior guards Ben Rovenstine (6.1 points a game last season) and Ricky Branham (8.9 points and 3.7 assists). Arango, Branham, and Rovenstine figure to combine for a strong backcourt.
The biggest question mark will be in the frontcourt where the graduation of leading scorer Steve Neal leaves a hole. Returning letterman Ja’Mal Stewart and newcomers Tarod Sanders along with Drury University transfer Jason Jones figure to be in the mix for the two frontcourt spots.
The RiverHawks tip off their season tonight when they go on the road to face Arkansas Tech, a team they lost 60-56 to last year.
NSU women
NSU’s women’s basketball team comes into its season opener today against Southwest Baptist University with a lot of question marks, but with good returning players and a talented group of newcomers, the team hopes to make some noise in the Lone Star Conference this season.
After going 9-3 in the LSC last season, Northeastern State was picked to finish third in the North in the preseason poll behind Texas A&M-Commerce and Central Oklahoma.
“I think they’re capable of winning any game they play,” Gipson said about his team. “I expect us to win a lot of games. I maintain the same expectations; to win the North championship and lead us into the postseason.”
Junior Jessica White and lone senior Lindsey Sams highlight the group of returning players. In addition to their vital roles on the court, the pair will also be called on to provide leadership for the RiverHawks’ six freshmen.
“They’re good players and good people,” said Gipson. “They will be called on to lead this team.”
Sams started 27 of 28 games last season and led the team with 4.8 assists a game. She also averaged 7.6 points a game.
White started 25 games a season ago and was the team’s second leading scorer at 10.4 points a game. She was also second on the team in rebounds and third in assists.
“Right now we’re about nine deep,” said Gipson. “All of them are good enough to play.”
The freshmen will also be called on to contribute for the RiverHawks. Among the newcomers is Fort Gibson product Kendra Dean. In her four years as a prep, Fort Gibson went 101-12. In her career she was a part of four state tournament appearances. Other freshmen to look out for are Cristy Nitz (Dewey) and Alix Perkins (Tulsa Hale).
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