Menlo College junior Mikayela Viramontes pitched 8.2 innings in the Oaks' 1-1 week and was selected as the California Pacific Conference Softball Pitcher of the Week for the dates of January 30^th through February 5^th, 2012.

Viramontes, a native of Reedley, California, pitched 8.2 innings and pitched in both of the Oaks' games last week as the Oaks went 1-1 on the week. She allowed eight hits and four runs, three of which were earned, and walked four batters while striking out six batters. Viramontes personally went 1-0 on the week. The Oaks split their doubleheader with CSU Stanislaus on Thursday in Rocklin. As of February 1^st, Viramontes was first in the conference in ERA (2.42), innings pitched per game (4.43), strikeouts per game (3), sacrifice bunts allowed per game (1.5) and wins (1), second in hits allowed per game (4) and hit batters per game (.5) and third in runs allowed per game (2), earned runs allowed per game (1.5) and walks allowed per game (2)

Menlo College has six games this week. They will host Corban University in a doubleheader on Thursday in Atherton. The Oaks will then travel to Redding to take part in the Simpson Invitational. They will take on Concordia University of Portland and Northwest Christian University on Friday and will play University of British Columbia and Southern Oregon University on Saturday. All four games, both Friday and Saturday, will be held in Redding.

Menlo College freshman Shannon Chapman went two for four in two games and was selected as the California Pacific Conference Softball Player of the Week for the dates of January 30^th through February 5^th, 2012.

 

Chapman, a native of Las Vegas, Nevada, went two for four at the plate with four home runs and one RBI. The RBI was the go-ahead run for the Oaks in the second game of their doubleheader versus NCAA Division II member CSU Stanislaus last Wednesday. The Oaks split their doubleheader with CSU Stanislaus, losing the first game 9-1 in five innings and winning the second game 5-4. Both games were in Turlock. As of February 1^st, Chapman was second in the conference in batting average (.500), slugging percentage (.500), hits per game (1) and sacrifice bunts per game (.5) and third in on base percentage (.500), RBIs per game (.5) and total bases per game (1).

Menlo College has six games this week. They will host Corban University in a doubleheader on Thursday in Atherton. The Oaks will then travel to Redding to take part in the Simpson Invitational. They will take on Concordia University of Portland and Northwest Christian University on Friday and will play University of British Columbia and Southern Oregon University on Saturday. All four games, both Friday and Saturday, will be held in Redding.

CSU Maritime Academy senior Alexsis Brown averaged 37.5 points in two games for the Keelhaulers and was selected as the California Pacific Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Week for the dates of January 30^th through February 5^th, 2012.

The Richmond, California native averaged 37.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals in the Keelhaulers' 1-1 week. CSU Maritime lost 73-67 on Thursday to CSU San Marcos in Vallejo, in a non-conference game, and won 90-80 over Simpson University in Vallejo on Saturday in a California Pacific Conference contest. As of February 5^th, Brown was first in the conference in points per game (24.1), rebounds per game (8.9) and defensive rebounds per game (6.5), third in three point field goal percentage (38%) and free throw percentage (75.4%), fourth in field goal percentage (45.9%) and offensive rebounds per game (2.46), fifth in assists per game (3), sixth in fouls per game (3.1), seventh in three point field goals per game (1.46), ninth in steals per game (1.92) and tenth in assist to turnover ratio (.82). Brown also ranks first in NAIA Division II women's basketball nationally in points per game (24.1), twelfth in defensive rebounds (6.5), twenty-second in rebounds per game (8.9) and twenty-ninth in field goal percentage (45.9%). Brown also holds NAIA women's basketball single game highs in free throws made (19) and attempted (24).

The Keelhaulers have two California Pacific Conference games this week. They will take on William Jessup University in Rocklin on Thursday and will play Holy Names University on Saturday in Oakland.

Other Nominees: Britney Potestio of Holy Names, Carly Tristao of Menlo, Nichole Jones of Simpson, Cassie Davidson of William Jessup

CSU Maritime Academy junior Keven Campbell and William Jessup University junior Jordan Wilson were selected as the co-California Pacific Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week for the dates of January 30^th through February 5^th, 2012.

Campbell, a native of Stockton, California, averaged 17.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal in a 2-0 week for the Keelhaulers. CSU Maritime beat UC Merced 72-66 in Merced on Thursday and won 90-66 on Saturday in Vallejo over Simpson University. As of February 4^th, Campbell was first in the conference in three point field goal percentage (45.5%), fourth in three point field goals made per game (1.9), fifth in free throw percentage (76.4%), ninth in field goal percentage (42.9%), eleventh in points per game (12.5) and twelfth in steals per game (1.04).

A native of Rocklin, California, Wilson scored 19 points and had 6 rebounds and 1 assist in the 1-0 week for the Warrior. William Jessup beat Menlo College 70-52 in Atherton on Thursday. As of February 4^th, Wilson was first in the conference in field goal percentage (57.6%), fourth in assists per game (2.3), eleventh in fouls per game (2.57), thirteenth in points per game (10.4) and in assist to turnover ratio (.87) and fourteenth in free throw percentage (62.6%)

Both teams have two California Pacific Conference games this week. The Keelhaulers and the Warriors will play each other on Thursday in Rocklin. On Saturday, the Keelhaulers will take on Holy Names University in Oakland and the Warriors will take on Simpson University in Redding.

Other Nominees: Karlos Grier of Holy Names, ChaRunn Jones of Menlo, Javon Barrino of UC Merced

After CSU Maritme's men's basketball win last night over Simpson, the Keelhaulers have clinched at least a tie for the California Pacific Conference men's basketball regular season championship.After Holy Names' loss last night to UC Merced, the only team that can mathematically tie the Keelhaulers is William Jessup. The two teams will play Thursday night in Rocklin at 7:30 pm.

 

This Week In the California Pacific Conference

- CSU Maritime's men's basketball team is atop the league with a 7-0 record, in conference play, for the first time in conference history. The Keelhaulers have a whopping three game edge with five games to play.

· CSU Maritime's women's basketball team is also perfect in conference play. CSU Maritime joins Cardinal Stritch University (IL) as the only schools to have both their men's and women's basketball teams have a perfect record in conference play.

· In addition to their perfect record, the Keelhaulers have been dominant in winning. The men's team average margin of victory in conference play is 20.4 points and the women's average margin is 11.2 points.

· Alexsis Brown, a senior guard for CSU Maritime Academy, is second in the nation in points per game with 22.86 points per game. This average is only .56 of a point behind Grand View College's Jennifer Jorgensen, who is averaging 23.42 points per game. This average is the highest a conference player has stood in the national scoring rankings in the last five years.

· Simpson's men's and women's basketball teams have won two conference games in a row. The men's team is led by reigning conference player of the week Travis Derochowski with 8.7 points per game and leads the conference in blocks with 1.33 per game. The women's team is also lead by the reigning conference player of the week in Bekah Eppler who averages 15.7 points per game.

· Among the top ten players in scoring in men's basketball, CSU Maritime has three players in Keven Campbell, Josh Greenwell and Isaiah Moore. Menlo has two players - ChaRunn Jones and Tim Tatum - and William Jessup have two players - Anthony Anderson and Marqus Crawford.

· Among the top ten players in scoring in women's basketball, CSU Maritime has three players in Alexsis Brown, Sabrina Domingo and Kelly Stephens. Menlo has two players - Erika Garcia and Jolise Limcaco - and Pacific Union has two players - Carla Bartlett and Lara Canders.

Conference Statistical Leaders

· Leading all scorers is UC Merced's Aki Chambers with a 20.5 scoring average in 15 games played (307 points). There are 12 other individuals who average over 10 points per contest. As UC Merced is in its first year of eligibility, Chambers' stats are not included in the national leaders. If they were, he would be fourteenth in the nation in points per game.

· Tim Tatum of Menlo is the rebounding leader in the conference and is tenth in the nation with 9.3 rebounds per contest.

· Mike McElroy of Holy Names dishes out 4.4 assists to lead the conference and is 15^th in the nation in that category.

· In addition to leading the conference in scoring, Alexsis Brown leads the conference in rebounding with 8.96 rebounds per game and is 19^th in the nation in that category

· Danika Potestio leads the conference in assists with 4.25 per game and ranks 16^th in the nation in that category

In The Top 25

· CSU Maritime stayed within reach of the NAIA Division II Men's Basketball Top 25 this week. The Keelhaulers are in the #36 slot three votes behind Morningside College (IA) for #35.

· On the women's side, CSU Maritime are at #38, tied with six other schools with one vote each

UC Merced head women's volleyball coach Allen McCreary has the announced the signing of five players for his 2012 recruiting season in high school seniors Genna Garrett, Justina Keith, Vickie Rouse and McKenzie Willett and college transfer Kathryn Blake.

Garrett finished an outstanding season with Modesto High School. She was a three year varsity starter and was a two-time First Team Modesto Metro Conference selection. With her quickness and agility, she will add yet another dimension to the Bobcat offense.Coach McCreary said about Garrett, "Genna is going to be a huge addition to our program. Most importantly, she brings a high level of experience and competitiveness.Combine those attributes with her maturity and drive to win, she will provide an immediate boost to our program."

Keith, a native of Newman, California, is a 5-8 All-Valley Oak League first team selection.Keith will bring ball control and versatility to the line-up. Coach McCreary said about Keith, "Justina has a ton of potential. She is athletic, quick, and has a knack for the ball. She is fearless and a very smart player who can find the open spots on the floor."

Rouse is a graduate of Pitman High School in Turlock, California. She has a combination of power, speed and finesse. McCreary said about Rouse, "Watch out for Vickie. She has started for one of the top teams in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section, knows how to win, and has a huge upside. She can attack in front or behind the setter." She was named a Central California Conference first team member this past season.

The final high school senior joining the Golden Bobcats for the 2012 season is McKenzie Willett. She is a 6-0 left-handed right-side player from Oakdale High School.She is a two-time All-Valley Oak League first team selection and was selected as the Offensive Player of the Year. Coach McCreary said about Willett, "McKenzie has the chance to be an immediate impact player on our team. She hits a heavy ball. When she combines this with her ability to read the block, she will be a dominating player."

The collegiate transfer for the Golden Bobcats is 6-2 middle hitter Kathryn Blake.A local Merced product from Golden Valley High School, she transferred from Fresno Pacific University.Blake helped Golden Valley capture the 2010 Central California Conference title and was a first team All-Central California Conference selection. McCreary said about Blake, "To say Kat will have an immediate impact on our lineup is an understatement. She brings size, and an aggressive style of play, and will compliment Vickie as the other middle."

Simpson University senior Bekah Eppler averaged 20.5 points in two California Pacific Conference games for the Red Hawks and was selected as the California Pacific Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Week for the dates of January 23^rd through 29^th, 2012.

The San Diego, California native averaged 20.5 points, 6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1 steal in the Red Hawks' 2-0 week. Simpson won 77-58 on Thursday over Pacific Union College in Angwin and won 79-68 over Menlo College on Saturday in Redding.

As of January 28^th, Eppler was first in the conference in free throw percentage (81.7%), third in points per game (15.7), fourth in fouls per game (3.3), tied for sixth in rebounds per game (6.1), seventh in defensive rebounds per game (3.9), eighth in three point field goal percentage (30.9%), three point field goals made per game (1.3) and offensive rebounds per game (2.2), ninth in field goal percentage (40.9%) and eleventh in steals per game (1.6).

The Red Hawks have two games this week. They will have a California Pacific Conference game on Saturday versus CSU Maritime Academy in Vallejo and will have a non-conference game on Sunday as they take on Walla Walla University in Redding.

Other Nominees: Kelly Stephens of CSU Maritime Academy, Britney Potestio of Holy Names, Jolise Limcaco of Menlo, Cassie Davidson of William Jessup

Simpson University senior Travis Derochowski averaged a double double in points and rebounds in two California Pacific Conference games last week for the Red Hawks and was selected as the California Pacific Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week for the dates of January 23^rd through 29^th, 2012.

Derochowski, a native of McMinnvile, Oregon, averaged 11 points, 12 rebounds and 3.5 assists in a 2-0 week for the Red Hawks. The Red Hawks beat Pacific Union College 66-45 on Thursday in Angwin and won 56-52 on Saturday over Menlo College in Redding. As of January 28^th, Derochowski was first in the conference in blocks per game (1.3), fourth in field goal percentage (49.3%) and offensive rebounds per game (2.4), seventh in rebounds per game (5.9), ninth in defensive rebounds per game (3.4) and fifteenth in points per game (8.7).

The Red Hawks have one game this week. They will take on CSU Maritime Academy in Vallejo on Saturday in California Pacific Conference play.

Other Nominees: Isaiah Moore of CSU Maritime, Tim Tatum of Menlo, Marqus Crawford of William Jessup

Holy Names University men's basketball coach Omar Sanchez announced his first signing for the 2012-2013 recruiting season in Sacramento, California native Carl Dorn

Dorn transfers from Yuba Community College where, over the last two years, he helped the 49ers win back to back Bay Valley Conference championships and two "Sweet Sixteen" finishes in the California Community College Athletic Association State Playoffs. The 49ers finished with an overall record of 51-11 and 26-0 in Bay Valley Conference play in Dorn's two seasons.

As a high school standout at Florin High School, Dorn was two-time most valuable player and First Team All-Metro League. In his senior year, Dorn participated in the Regional All-Star game and the Foster Awareness All-Star game, in which he was the most valuable player.

Off the court, Dorn is very involved in his community. As a volunteer, he spent time with Youth for Christ, assisted in Bible study with the young adult community service and over the last 15 years he has volunteered with Crossover Youth Basketball.

Coach Sanchez said about Dorn, "I am extremely pleased with this signing. He comes highly recommended from a very successful program and after sitting down and talking with Carl, I was impressed with his natural ability to be a leader and this is just one of his many great qualities." Dorn said, "I redshirted the fall semester of 2011 and after considering Biola University, Holy Names was my choice and a great one at that! My hope for us is to perform for Holy Names in more ways that in between the lines by modeling character, confidence, responsibility, and faith in my savior Jesus Christ."

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Marymount College and Soka University will join the California Pacific Conference for the 2012-13 season, Commissioner Don Ott announced today. The move expands the Cal Pac into two new geographic regions and brings the number of members to nine for the next academic year.

"Each of these institutions brings a unique and promising set of qualities into our conference, which is already one of the most diverse in the NAIA." Ott said. "Moreover, they are institutions with outstanding academic reputations which are intent on excellence in the classroom, in the community, and in athletics. We are overjoyed they have joined the Cal Pac, and look forward as all our programs grow during this new era."�

All three new members previously participated in the Association of Independent Institutions. AII commissioner Ted Breidenthal helped in the Cal Pac expansion.

Embry-Riddle, located in Prescott, Ariz., is the first Cal Pac member from outside of California. The aptly named Eagles will participate in women's volleyball, men and women's soccer, and men's golf in their first year of membership. ERAU is noted for its focus on aviation and security.

 Marymount, from Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., is a Catholic institution perched with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean just south of Los Angeles. The Mariners join the Cal Pac in men's and women's soccer, along with adding men's and women's cross country in the Fall of 2012, and men's golf for 2013 spring.

Soka, in Aliso Viejo, Calif., has a stunning campus in coastal Orange County hills. The Lions will compete initially in men's and women's soccer and cross country in their first year in the Cal Pac.

The Cal Pac, founded in 1996, sponsors nine sports for men and women and is a Five-Star Conference of Character within the NAIA. The three new members will join California Maritime Academy, University of California-Merced, Menlo College, Pacific Union College, Simpson University, and William Jessup University in 2012-13.

CSU Maritime Academy senior Alexsis Brown averaged a double-double, in points and rebounds, in two California Pacific Conference games for the Keelhaulers and was selected as the California Pacific Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Week for the dates of January 16^th through 22^nd, 2012.

Brown, a native of Richmond, California, averaged 30 points, 10.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.5 steals in the Keelhaulers' 2-0 week. CSU Maritime won 87-84 over Holy Names University in Vallejo on Thursday and then defeated Menlo College 61-55 on Saturday in Atherton. Both of those games were in California Pacific Conference play. As of January 21^st, Brown was first in the conference in points per game (22.7), rebounds per game (8.7) and defensive rebounds per game (6.3), third in three point field goal percentage (40%) and free throw percentage (73.1%), fifth in field goal percentage (45.5%) and assists per game (3.1), sixth in fouls per game (3.2), seventh in three point field goals made per game (1.4) and offensive rebounds per game (2.3) and ninth in steals per game (1.8) and assist-to-turnover ratio (.86). During Thursday night's contest with Holy Names, Brown shot a NAIA Division II women's national game-high with 24 free throws attempted and is currently second in the nation in points per game with 22.68.

The Keelhaulers have two games this week. They will have a non-conference game on Thursday versus NCAA Division III member UC Santa Cruz in Vallejo and will have a California Pacific Conference game on Saturday as they take on Pacific Union College in Vallejo.

Other Nominees: Renique Fitzpatrick of Holy Names, Laurel Donnenwirth of Menlo, Lara Canders of Pacific Union, Charissa Murakami of Simpson, Cassie Davidson of William Jessup

University of California Merced junior Aki Chambers averaged 21.6 points a game in three games last week for the Golden Bobcats and was selected as the California Pacific Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week for the dates of January 16^th through 22^nd, 2012.

 

Chambers, a native of San Anselmo, California, averaged 21.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, .33 assists and 2 steals in a 2-1 week for the Golden Bobcats. The Golden Bobcats defeated Pacific Union College 66-61 in Angwin on Thursday and won 77-66 over Simpson University on Saturday in Merced. Both of those games were in California Pacific Conference play. The Golden Bobcats played NCAA Division III member UC Santa Cruz, in a non-conference game, on Sunday in Merced and lost that contest 76-71. As of January 22^nd, Chambers was first in the conference in points per game (21.3), rebounds per game (8.6), steals per game (2.2) and offensive rebounds per game (3.3), third in defensive rebounds per game (5.2), sixth in field goal percentage (44%), seventh in fouls per game (2.7), tenth in three point field goals made per game (1.3), eleventh in three point field goal percentage (30.5%) and fifteenth in free throw percentage (67.7%).

The Golden Bobcats have two games this week. They will take on William Jessup University in Rocklin on Thursday, in California Pacific Conference play, and on Saturday they will take on UC Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz in a non-conference game.

Other Nominees: Josh Greenwell of CSU Maritime, Alexander Engel of Menlo, Josh Jewett of Pacific Union, Anthony Anderson of William Jessup

Coaches from around the California Pacific Conference are participating in the Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers awareness weekend, a collaborative initiative of the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the American Cancer Society. The event is slated for Saturday January 28^th, 2012.

The coaches and their staffs will wear sneakers instead of dress shoes with their usual game attire during their January 28^th games to demonstrate their support for the American Cancer Society's fight to save lives from cancer. Fans are encouraged to wear sneakers to support the coaches in the cause.

By lacing up sneakers with their suits, participating coaches nationwide will spotlight the fact that while cancer remains a major health concern, everyone can take daily steps to reduce their risk of the disease. For those who do not smoke, weight control, regular exercise and a healthy diet are the best ways to improve health and reduce cancer risk. Obesity has been shown to increase the risk for many forms of cancer, including breast, prostate and colon cancers and may account for twenty percent of cancer deaths in women and fourteen percent in men.

Jim Satalin, the director of the Coaches vs. Cancer program, said, "The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a vital, year-round link between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketbal Coaches (NABC) that empowers basketball coaches, their teams and communities to join the fight against cancer. The program draws from the personal experiences, community leadership and the professional excellence of coaches nationwide to increase public awareness of the Society's mission to save lives and prevent cancer and to raise funds to fight the disease on a variety of fronts."

Other active participants who support the Society through the Coaches vs. Cancer program are some of nation's most recognizable coaches - five of whom have won NCAA championships, including Mike Krzyzewski, Jim Calhoun, Jim Boeheim, Roy Williams, Tubby Smith, Mike Brey, Mark Few, Phil Martelli, Fran Dunphy and Bill Self.

Since 1993, Coaches vs. Cancer participants have raised nearly $45 million since 1993, in no small part to the dedicated efforts of college and high school coaches across the country. The funds help the American Cancer Society save lives by educating and empowering people to avoid cancer or find it early, helping people facing cancer make decisions and overcome obstacles in their personal fight investing in research that yields groundbreaking discoveries into cancer's causes and cures and helping pass laws that fight cancer and keep our communities healthy.

Article by Jose San Mateo of the Vallejo Times Herald - printed originally Friday January 20^th, 2012

The Cal Maritime women's basketball team has been stuck in neutral for several years now, but senior Alexis Brown has injected life into a team that was once in middle of the pack.

The Keelhaulers were a combined 17-68 overall the past three seasons and 11-14 in the California Pacific Conference. Cal Maritime finished no better than fourth place in that span, but this season they are poised to turn that trend on its head.

The Keelhaulers are 4-0 in conference after an 87-84 win over Holy Names on Thursday. The four wins already surpasses their total from last year and their 10-10 overall record already exceeds their final win totals the past three seasons.

One of the major differences is Brown, who ranks third in NAIA Division II in points per game, just behind Jennifer Jorgensen of Grand View (Iowa) and Steffani Liscum of Arizona Christian.

She has won the Cal-Pac player of the week award five times this season.

It's a feat that head coach Dave Covell said had never been done since he's been the coach.

"She has to be one of those special players to improve like this," Covell said.

She not only leads the conference in points per game (21.8) but rebounds per game (8.5). She won player of the week in January, averaging 22 points, 8.5 rebounds and three assists in the Keelhaulers' wins over Simpson and William Jessup.

"To be honest, words can't explain," Brown said of her accolades. "After working so hard, it's the greatest feeling ever. I wouldn't be the leading scorer if it wasn't for my teammates. They trust me with the ball."

When Brown played her first season at Maritime in 2009, Covell said that she was "a little immature" but her ability to play outstanding defense fits in with top seniors at the time, Lauren Westbrook and Taylor Himmelspach.

"On the court she had a pouty kind of attitude. She has since gone away from that," Covell said. " People grow up and become adults. She's bought into our program and system."

Bunions on her feet forced Brown to take a medical redshirt wiping out her entire junior season. Surgery kept her off the court for five months, but the layoff forced her to watch and learn from the bench.

"I was mad. I had to tell myself 'Wait and patient,'" Brown said. "Now I want it so much more. (Basketball) is what I want to do in life."

The layoff also led to an attitude adjustment, as the Richmond product toned down the intensity that made her a great player at Richmond High and Mt. San Antonio College.

"I've turned it down a lot," Brown said. "Coach told me ' Lexi, you're good but your teammates think you're a hot head.' I dealt with that and for me it was a learning experience."

The Keelhaulers slogged through a 5-22 season that ended with just three conference wins and fifth-place finish in conference. The poor season led Covell to install a wide-open offense that emphasized ball movement and the 3-pointer.

Brown is well suited to the Keelhaulers' change in philosophy and said she feels more comfortable in a more wide-open system. Suddenly a role player known for her defense developed an all-around offensive game to go along with it.

Brown came to Cal Maritime with a penchant for defense and she fit in perfectly with Westbrook and Himmelspach handling much of the scoring load.

"When I first came here, I wasn't expecting to score," Brown said. "We had a great scorers and I wasn't one of them."

Covell said that now Brown does it all, whether it's shooting the 3-pointer, pulling down a rebound or guarding the opposing team's best player. The Keelhaulers benefit from all the extra attention when she drives into the lane by knocking down wide-open jumpers. Cal Maritime has four players averaging in double figures.

"(Alexsis) always had the skills, she's just honed them and gotten a lot tougher," Covell said. "Two years ago, she was more of a role player and now she's probably the best all-around player that I've coached."

While Brown's stellar season has not opened the eyes of scouts quite yet, she has dreams of continuing in basketball whether it's playing overseas or perhaps the WNBA.

"I want to go to China, Brazil, or maybe Rome," Brown said. "I want to go somewhere where I can learn."

CSU Maritime Academy senior Alexsis Brown averaged 22 points in two California Pacific Conference games for the Keelhaulers and was selected as the California Pacific Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Week for the dates of January 9^th through 15^th, 2012.

Brown, a native of Richmond, California, averaged 22 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.5 steals in the Keelhaulers' 2-0 week. CSU Maritime defeated Simpson University 77-72 in Redding on Thursday and won 72-46 over William Jessup University in Rocklin on Saturday. Both of those games were in California Pacific Conference play. As of January 14^th, Brown was first in conference in points per game (21.8), rebounds per game (8.5) and defensive rebounds per game (6.3), third in three point field goal percentage (40%) and free throw percentage (75.3%), fifth in field goal percentage (44.9) and fouls per game (3.3), sixth in three point field goals made per game (1.4), sixth in assists per game (3), eighth in offensive rebounds per game (2.2), tenth in steals per game (1.7) and twelfth in assist to turnover ratio per game (.8). Brown is also third in NAIA Division II women's basketball in points per game.

The Keelhaulers have two California Pacific Conference games this week. They will take on Holy Names University in Vallejo on Thursday and will travel to Atherton on Saturday to take on Menlo College.

Other Nominees: Laurel Donnenwirth of Menlo, Lara Canders of Pacific Union, Maria Viola of William Jessup

William Jessup University senior Marqus Crawford averaged 17 points a game last week and was selected as the California Pacific Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week for the dates of January 9^th through 15^th, 2012.

Crawford, a native of San Jose, California, averaged 17 points, 7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 3 steals in a 1-1 week for the Warriors. The Warriors defeated NAIA Division I Men's Basketball #24 CSU San Marcos 67-61 in Rocklin, in a non-conference game, on Thursday and lost to CSU Maritime Academy 74-52 on Saturday in Vallejo in California Pacific Conference play. As of January 14^th, Crawford was second in the conference in steals per game (2.1), fifth in rebounds per game (6) and defensive rebounds per game (4.3), sixth in points per game (14.8) and free throw percentage (73.1%), eighth in offensive rebounds per game (1.7), ninth in blocks per game (.5) and assists per game (2) and twelfth in field goal percentage (39.4%).

The Warriors have two California Pacific Conference games this week. They will take on Simpson University on Thursday in Rocklin and on Saturday they will take on Pacific Union College in Angwin.

Other Nominees: Isaiah Moore of CSU Maritime, Richard Craig of Holy Names, Karlos Grier of Holy Names, Tim Tatum of Menlo, Marcus Carter of Pacific Union

Rocklin, CA - The William Jessup University men's basketball team temporarily traded in their high-tops for the morning and fulfilled the opportunity to read to local area elementary students in support of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Reading Program.

 

The Warriors took part in the program on January 12^th when the fifteen member team visited Blue Oaks Elementary School in Roseville. They visited three fourth grade classrooms while at Blue Oaks Elementary. The agenda in the classrooms included player introductions as well as sharing their favorite book, activities as a child, and tips for students to improve their reading skills. Players read poems aloud to students and also participated in a reading related activity selected by the teachers. All sessions included a question and answer period and provided students with a certificate of completion. The players accompanied the students to recess, where they participated in basketball, wall ball, and foursquare games.

As part of the annual national literacy program sponsored by the NABC, players and coaches from the NCAA, NAIA and junior college ranks visit selected elementary schools in their area to promote the importance of reading and education to elementary aged children. The NABC Reading Program was founded to assist the literacy movement in America. The program hopes to motivate and encourage children to read for enjoyment as a lifelong practice.

William Jessup junior Julius Smith said, "I had such a great time with the students. I love being around kids. It's refreshing to see their excitement and interest in what we're doing. The students were full of energy and very engaging." William Jessup head coach Aaron Muhic said, "This proved to be a great occasion for our athletes and coaches to make an impact in our local community. We had the opportunity to serve as role models and give back to the next generation. It was great to inspire and instill the value and importance of reading during the time we spent with these students. This is a way to create relationships with the students and show that part of being a good athlete is being a good student."

Rocklin, Calif. - William Jessup University ended NAIA Division I #24 CSU San Marcos' six game winning streak Thursday night with a 67-61 victory over the Cougars. The Warriors used a spirited defensive effort and clutch shooting to avenge a 56-44 loss to the Cougars in November.

The Warriors came out tentative in the opening moments as the Cougars built a 7-2 advantage on a bucket by Aaron Chamberlain Jr. at the 13:58 mark. However, the Warriors' defenses kept the Cougars off balance over the next seven minutes as the Warriors used a 13-2 run, capped by a Marqus Crawford layup and foul with 6:40 to go in the half. The Cougars closed the gap to 17-15 on another bucket by Chamberlin with 3:23 left in the half. The Warriors would then use a 6-1 run to take a 23-16 advantage into halftime.

The Cougars picked up the pace in the second half as they climbed back into the game to cut the Warriors' lead to one with 11:00 left in the game. The Warriors would go on an 11-3 run and would have their largest lead at twelve, at 61-49, with 1:49 left in the game. The Cougars would trim the lead to three, at 63-60, but the Warriors would make four free throws in the waning seconds for the 67-61 victory.

For William Jessup, Anderson led the Warriors in double figures with game high nineteen points. Crawford added fifteen points, while Preston Bramow recorded a double double with thirteen points and ten rebounds. Chamberlain led five Cougars in double figures with thirteen points.

The Warriors shot 53.8% (21-39) from the field, 33.3% (4-12) from the three point line and 65.6% (21-32) from the free throw line. CSU San Marcos shot 38% (23-58) from the field, 16.7% (2-12) from the three point line and 59.1% (13-22) from the foul line. William Jessup's defense forced thirteen Cougar turnovers scoring eight points off the turnovers while the Cougars defense forced eighteen turnovers by the Warriors scoring ten points. The Warriors outrebounded the Cougars 30-27.

"I am really proud of the defensive effort our guys put in tonight," stated head coach Aaron Muhic. "CSU San Marcos is a very talented team, but our guys did a great job of understanding the game plan and executing it. We knew they would make a run in the second half, but we responded well when they did."

Holy Names University sophomore Soulijah Evans averaged 15.5 points in four game for the Hawks weekend and was selected as the California Pacific Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Week for the dates of December 19th, 2011 through January 8th, 2012.

 

Evans, a native of San Diego, California, averaged 15.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, .25 assists and 1.3 steals in the four games the Hawks played over the three week span. On December 29th, the Hawks lost to NAIA Division I #3 Freed-Hardeman University 79-49 and on December 30th, the Hawks lost to Fresno Pacific University 90-72. Both of those games were in Atherton as a part of the Peninsula Hoops Classic hosted by Menlo College. This past week, the Hawks won 56-55 over William Jessup University in Oakland on Thursday and 103-82 over Pacific Union College in Angwin on Saturday. Both of those games were in California Pacific Conference play.As of December 21st, Evans was first in the conference in blocks per game (1.1), second in field goal percentage (51.1%) and rebounds per game (7.6), third in offensive rebounds per game (2.7) and defensive rebounds per game (4.9) and fifth in points per game (14.1).

 

The Hawks have two games this week. On Tuesday, they have a non-conference game versus UC Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz and on Saturday, they will have a California Pacific Conference game versus Simpson University in Oakland.

 

Other Nominees: Alexsis Brown of CSU Maritime, Erika Garcia of Menlo, Carla Bartlett of Pacific Union, Cassie Davidson of William Jessup