Wesleyan Closes Regular Season
MACON, Ga. (02/22/09) - Wesleyan College put the finishing touches on the 2008-09 regular season with a 65-35 loss to Maryville College in Great South Athletic Conference competition on Sunday afternoon. Rachel Hornbustel's putback in the game's opening minutes gave the Pioneers (5-18, 0-12 GSAC) their only lead of the game at 4-2. The Lady Scots (17-8, 12-0) scored the next 13 points of the game to take control of the contest.
Jazzmine Favors finished with a team-high 13 points to run her double figure scoring streak to four games and five of her last six outings. Kevi Martin, the GSAC's top shot blocker, added four more rejections to go with six points and seven rebounds. Alexis Rouvelas scored a game-high 15 points off the bench for Maryville.
The seventh-seeded Pioneers will play at second-seeded Agnes Scott College on Tuesday at 7:00pm in the first round of the Great South Athletic Conference basketball tournament.
Favors Posts 2nd Straight Double-double in Wesleyan Loss
DEMOREST, Ga. (02/1809) - Jazzmine Flavors continued her inspired play, posting her second straight double-double in Wesleyan College's 79-38 loss at Piedmont College in Great South Athletic Conference action on Wednesday night. Favors, a native of Powder Springs, Ga., scored 10 points and grabbed 10 boards and is averaging 11.2 points per game over her last five contests.
The game started well enough for the Pioneers (5-18, 0-11 GSAC) who held a 10-7 lead after Bre' Solomon drained a jumper just over seven minutes into play. However, that was the end of the good news for Wesleyan as Piedmont (9-14, 7-4 GSAC) outscored the Pioneers 35-7 to close the first half. Brandy McDowell added nine points while Solomon finished with eight. Courtney Odum scored 18 points to pace five Lions in double figure scoring.
Second Half Lead Evaporates for Wesleyan College
MACON, Ga. (02/16/09) - For the first thirty minutes of the game, Wesleyan College looked like the better team in nearly every aspect, but a late second half surge by Agnes Scott College overtook the Pioneers in a 55-46 defeat at Porter Gymnasium.
In a preview of a probable first-round match-up at the upcoming Great South Athletic Conference Tournament, Wesleyan looked confident and well prepared. The first half featured 12 lead changes and seven ties between the two teams. Erinn Williams converted an old-fashioned three-point play to cap a 9-2 run, giving the Pioneers (5-17, 0-10 GSAC) their largest lead of the night at 17-11. The Scotties (12-9, 8-3 GSAC) scored the next seven points of the game to re-take the lead and neither team would enjoy an advantage of more than a basket until late in the second half. A jumper by Kevi Martin put Wesleyan up by a 32-30 margin heading into the intermission.
The back-and-forth competition continued in the second half until Kimberly Reeves sparked a 18-2 run by the Scotties. Reeves scored eight points during the run while teammate Am'Asa Baldwin reeled off seven straight points of her own, including a basket that left Wesleyan trailing 51-39 with less than seven minutes to play. The Pioneers managed to close within six points late in the game on another Martin field goal but could not cut the lead any further.
Williams and Shmyra Hopkins each chipped in 10 points and combined for 11 rebounds as Wesleyan's reserves outscored Agnes Scott's 20-5 on the night. Jazzmine Favors netted double figure points for the third time in four games with 11 points. Reeves finished with 15 points and 14 boards to pace the Scotties.
Wesleyan Extends Non-Conference Win Streak to Three
MACON, Ga. (02/14/09) - Jazzmine Favors scored a career-high 16 points while ripping down 12 rebounds as Wesleyan routed Warren Wilson 60-33 on Saturday afternoon. With the win, the Pioneers (5-16) extended their non-conference win streak to three straight games and eclipsed the program's win total from the last four years combined. Wesleyan limited Warren Wilson to just 17% shooting for the game and did not surrender a three-pointer in the entire contest. The 27-point margin of victory is the largest for Wesleyan since the Pioneers trounced Atlanta Christian College 85-24 on December 2, 2003.
Wesleyan scored the first six points of the game but Georgia Anton scored the game's next three points to make it a one possession game. However, the Pioneers answered with six more points to push their lead out to seven and never looked back. Favors posted her first double-double to lead the Pioneers. Brandi McDowell added 13 points while the Great South Athletic Conference's leading rebounder, Bre' Solomon, continued her great work on the boards, tracking down a game-high 14 rebounds to go with 12 points. Anton finished with 13 points to pace the Lady Owls.
The Pioneers close out their 2008-09 home schedule on Monday when they host GSAC rival Agnes Scott. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00pm at Porter Gymnasium and admission is free.
Lead Slips Away From Wesleyan
Macon, GA (2/11/09) - Wesleyan College grabbed a first half lead but saw it slip away midway through the second half in its 69-50 loss to LaGrange College in Great South Athletic Conference action on Wednesday night. Wesleyan added 13 more blocks to their GSAC leading total, including six for Kevi Martin and five Shmyra Hopkins.
A familiar script seemed to be playing out early in the game as the Panthers (13-7, 6-4 GSAC) took advantage of a slow start by the Pioneers to lead 11-2 just over five minutes into the game. Bre' Solomon loosened up Wesleyan by draining a three-pointer and the Pioneers played some of their best basketball of the season in the remainder of the first half. Solomon capped an impressive rally with a put-back bucket that gave the Pioneers (4-16, 0-9 GSAC) a 26-24 advantage with 1:20 left in the opening half. LaGrange responded by scoring the final five points of the half including a three-pointer by Heather Tidwell at the buzzer to carry a 29-26 lead into the intermission.
Twice in the second half Wesleyan managed to knot the score with the last coming at the 16:52 mark on another basket by Solomon. However, the pace of play caught up with the Pioneers in the second half, playing their second straight game without leading scorer Kassandra Epps. The Panthers answered Solomon's score with a 14-2 run that pushed the lead out to double figures and put the game away. Rachel Hornbostel finished with 14 points while Bre' Solomon continue to dominate the boards with 11 rebounds to go with 13 points. Valeree Williams posted a game-high 19 points to pace LaGrange.
Short-Handed Pioneers Fall to Spelman in GSAC Play
Atlanta, GA (02/07/09) -- Bre' Solomon posted her seventh double-double of the season including a career-high 22 points in Wesleyan College's 74-60 loss at Spelman College on Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers (4-15, 0-8 GSAC) lost leading scorer Kassandra Epps to injury just two minutes into the game and saw the Jaguars lead by as many as 14 points in the opening period. Solomon scored six of her points to help lead Wesleyan on a 17-4 run mid-way through the first half to get back into the game. Shmyra Hopkins made a basket with 3:33 remaining to draw the Pioneers within one point. They would trail by less than a basket until Shanda Kennedy hit a three-pointer for Spelman (5-16, 2-8 GSAC) in the closing seconds for a 36-31 advantage at halftime.
Jazzmine Favors completed the Weselyan rally when she drained a shot with 17:31 left in the game to tie the score at 38-38. However, Spelman answered with an Ashley Convington three-pointer on the next possession to regain the lead. The Jaguars wore down the Pioneers late in the game, stretching the lead out to double figures before settling for the 74-60 victory.
"We ended up only playing with six players after Kassie's injury," stated head coach Jason Henry. "We just ran out of gas at the end, but I'm proud of the way we competed today." In addition to Solomon's big day, Favors finished with a career-high 15 points, her third double figure scoring effort in the last seven games. Brandi McDowell also added 10 points in the loss. Shanda Kennedy scored a game-high 23 points to lead three Jaguars in double figure scoring.
First Half Lapse Derails Wesleyan
Atlanta, Ga (2/1/09) - Despite playing even with Agnes Scott College in the second half, another first half lapse derailed Wesleyan College in their 73-48 loss in Great South Athletic Conference action on Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers (4-13, 0-5 GSAC) trailed just 7-6 after a Brandy McDowell bucket five minutes into the game, but the second place Scotties (8-8, 5-2 GSAC) responded by picking up the tempo. Nikki Maples scored six of her game-high 19 points to spark a 21-4 run by the Scotties that put the game out of reach. McDowell finished with 14 points and three steals while Kassandra Epps added 13 points and five rebounds for the Pioneers. Maples dished out nine assists to go with her 19 points, leading three Scotties in double figures.
Late Scoring Surge Lifts Wesleyan Past Judson
Macon, Ga. (01/23/09) – Wesleyan College scored seven of the game's final nine points to thwart a late Judson College rally in the Pioneers' 83-79 victory at Porter Gymnasium on Friday night. Picking up their fourth win of the season, the Pioneers eclipsed the program's win total from the previous four seasons combined. An entertaining game from the opening tip, the contest featured nine ties and 15 lead changes between the Pioneers (4-11) and the Lady Falcons (0-12). Judson scored the first five points of the game and lead by as many as four points in the second half.
Wesleyan seemed to put the game out of reach late in the second half after Kassandra Epps capped a 13-3 run with a steal and transition lay-up that put the Pioneers ahead 76-67 with less than three-and-a-half minutes to play. However, the Lady Falcons answered by scoring 10 straight points in less than two minutes to regain a 77-76 advantage following Sarah Fowler's third three-pointer of the night. On the next possession, Brandy McDowell buried a clutch three-pointer to hand the lead back to Wesleyan and Erin Williams would nail four straight free throws in the final 25 seconds to seal the victory.
"This is probably one of the first games we have won on free throw shooting," commented second-year Wesleyan head coach Jason Henry. "We showed a lot of heart to pull that game out at the end."
McDowell and Epps each scored a game-high 22 points while Williams finished with 16 points highlighted by a 12-of-14 effort from the line. The Pioneers scored a season-high 83 points despite not denting the scoreboard until three minutes into the game. Simone Paige finished with 19 points pacing five Lady Falcons in double figures.
Pioneers Drop Homestand Opener to Huntingdon
Macon, GA (January 21, 2009) -- A strong second half by Wesleyan College proved not enough to overcome the Lady Hawks of Huntingdon College, who downed the Pioneers 74-58 on Wednesday evening. A slow start to the ball game once again hampered the Pioneers (3-11, 0-4 GSAC), who did not score their first field goal of the game until 12:33 remaining in the first half. By that point, the Lady Hawks (8-7, 4-1GSAC) had built a 15-point lead and ultimately went into the intermission leading 42-21.
Wesleyan outscored Huntingdon 37-32 in the second half, holding the Lady Hawks to just 32% shooting from the floor. The Pioneers were led by Brandi McDowell, who scored all 10 of her points during the second half. The second half result gives Wesleyan something to build on heading into the final month of the season.
“The second half is the way we should play all the time,” stated Wesleyan Head Coach Jason Henry. “This team seems to just have a tough time getting started. Even though we lost, I still feel like we’ve improved, even since our last game.” The Hawks were paced by three players in double digits, led by Meagan Jackson who finished the night with 19 points and nine rebounds. Kassie Epps pitched in 12 points to lead the Pioneers.
Wesleyan Halftime Lead Not Enough Against ACC
Macon, Ga. (Jan. 10, 2009) - Wesleyan College held a one-point advantage at the intermission, but Atlanta Christian College scorched the nets in the second half on their way to a 70-58 victory at Porter Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon.
A back-and-forth start to the first half saw ACC grab an early 12-11 lead after Farrah Lewis made one-of-two free throws. Shmyra Hopkins’ jumper with just under four minutes left in the half capped an 11-1 spurt by the Pioneers. Erica Darden came off the bench to score all seven of her points during the run which left Wesleyan (2-7) leading 22-13. However, the Chargers scored the final eight points of the first half including six straight by Amanda Lampley to head into the locker room trailing 22-21.
The hot hand followed Atlanta Christian (8-6) out of the intermission as the Chargers shot 62% from the floor in the second half, highlighted by a 4-of-6 effort from the three-point line. Wesleyan trailed by as many as 14 in the second half, but had their chances to close the gap.
“(ACC) is much improved and we played well with them,” commented head coach Jason Henry. “Without those couple of minutes worth of lapses, we would have been right there at the end. If we continue to improve, we’ll be good to go in conference play.”
Despite the scorching shooting by ACC, Wesleyan’s defense forced 28 turnovers while the Pioneers once again held the rebounding advantage. “We hit the boards and played tough defense which have become our trademarks,” stated Henry. “Once we start putting it in the basket, we’ll be fine.”
Chauntel Herrod led four Chargers in double figures, filling the box score up to the tune of 16 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and five steals in only 23 minutes. Wesleyan’s Kassandra Epps finished with a double-double of her own with 16 points and 10 boards while Brandi McDowell added 13 points and five steals while Bre’ Solmone just missed a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds.
Pioneers Basketball Wins at Home, 62-53
Macon, GA (Dec. 12, 2008) – The Wesleyan College Basketball Team recovered from a slow first half to defeat Johnson Bible College 62-53 at Porter Gymnasium.
Leading 20-19 at the half, the Pioneers (2-5) used a 14-4 run to open the second half, increasing the lead to 34-23 at the 15 minute mark. Wesleyan was able to withstand multiple mini-runs by the scrappy visitors over the final minutes of the game to earn their second victory of the season and first at home.
Pioneers Basketball Fall at Home, 81-57
Macon, GA (Dec. 4, 2008) – The Wesleyan College Basketball Team lost at home Thursday evening to Wesley College, 81-57 in a hard-fought non-conference game. With the score 23-18 with 5:30 remaining in the first half, Wesley closed out the half on a 13-4 run to lead 36-22 at the break. Behind the inside presence of center Myeshia Johnson’s 17 points, Wesley was able to pull away through the second half and earn the victory.
The Pioneers (1-5, 0-1 GSAC) were led in scoring by freshmen Kassie Epp’s 15 points. Bre’ Solomone chipped in 11 points and eight rebounds while Rachel Hornbostel scored 10 points with five assists and three steals. Three Pioneers played with foul trouble most of the game including Kevi Martin (fouled out), who drew the defensive assignment of Johnson. Wesleyan fell to 1-1 on its current five-game home stand.
Pioneers Basketball Victorious in Home Opener, 61-51
Macon, GA (Dec. 2, 2008) – The Wesleyan College Basketball Team earned its first victory of the season, 61-51 over Toccoa Falls Tuesday evening in front of a raucous crowd at Porter Gymnasium. The victory came in the Pioneers home opener and avenged a two point loss at Toccoa to open the season two weeks prior.
The Pioneers (1-4, 0-1 GSAC) were led by freshman Bre’ Solomone’s 15 points and 12 rebounds, while all nine players that dressed scored for the Pioneers. Wesleyan controlled the game from the onset, jumping out to a 14-3 lead eight minutes into the first half. After leading by as many as 14 points the Pioneers finished the half leading 31-19. Toccoa crept within seven points (48-41) with 4:38 remaining in the game, but were unable to get any closer as Wesleyan responded with a 9-3 run to extend its lead to 57-44. The Pioneers sank 5-7 free throws in the closing minutes to hold off the Eagles.
Pioneers Basketball Fall in GSAC Opener, 101-35
Macon, GA (Dec. 1, 2008) – The Wesleyan College Basketball Team opened Great South Athletic Conference play Sunday afternoon at Maryville College, losing 101-35. The Pioneers (0-4, 0-1 GSAC) fell behind 50-17 at the half and were unable to recover from a poor shooting performance. The team shot just 24 percent for the game. Freshman guard Rachel Hornbostel led the Pioneers with seven points, four assists and two steals. Fellow freshman Jazzmine Favors recorded six rebounds. Maryville (2-3, 1-0 GSAC) was led by Natalie Munday’s 19 points and four rebounds.
Pioneers Basketball Lose Twice at Peace College Tip-Off Classic
Macon, GA (Nov. 25, 2008) – The Wesleyan College Basketball Team lost a pair of games at the Peace College Tip-Off Classic over the weekend in Raleigh, NC. Freshman guard Kassandra Epps was named to the All-Tournament team after averaging 12.5 points and five rebounds.
On Friday evening the Pioneers (0-3) fell to host Peace College 65-49. Trailing 26-24 at the half, Peace used a 23-7 run to open the second half and defeat the Pioneers. The Pacers finished runner-up to tournament champion Wittenburg. Wesleyan was led by Epps’ 16 points, six rebounds, while forward Bre’ Solomone chipped in 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Pioneers tangled with Salem College Saturday afternoon, falling behind 45-25 at halftime while shooting just 21 percent. Wesleyan opened the second half outscoring Salem 15-6 to climb within 52-40 with 13 minutes remaining, but was unable to get any closer, losing 75-54. Solomone posted her second double-double of the tournament, with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman Kevi Martin added seven points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.
Pioneers Basketball Cruise to Victory Over MGTC in Scrimmage
Macon, GA (Nov. 14, 2008) – The Wesleyan College Basketball Team defeated Middle Georgia Technical College Friday evening in its final tune up before opening the regular season. The Pioneers inspired play gained the approval of a Porter Gymnasium crowd as the noise volume increased throughout the scrimmage.
Pioneers Basketball Team Returns Home Victorious in Scrimmage
Macon, GA (Oct. 26, 2008) – The Wesleyan College Basketball Team returned home late Saturday evening after earning a victory over Andrew College in its first scrimmage of the season. The successful showing in the scrimmage was a step in what the team expects to be a promising season.
|