October 30, 2013
SF BASKETBALL PREVIEW
Gainesville, FL – Final preseason practices and preparations are taking place for the men’s and women’s basketball teams at Santa Fe College as they gear up for their season openers on November 1. The women tip things off at 6:00 PM in the SF Gym against East Georgia State College and the men follow at 8:00 PM against Middle Georgia State College at 8:00 PM. The originally scheduled broadcasting of the game has been cancelled due to unforeseen technical issues.
Coach Chanda Stebbins and the women return just one player from last year’s FCSAA State Tournament qualifying squad. Guard Jaquasha Sesler is the lone holdover and will be counted upon to provide veteran leadership and a smooth transition of Coach Stebbins system for the other 12 players. As a freshman she averaged 7.0 points and 3.0 rebounds per contest with nearly two steals per game.
“We are so excited about the potential we have this year,” said Stebbins. “This group of young ladies, with only one returner, really has come together and has great chemistry. The exciting part is seeing how that chemistry develops as we begin to play other teams. I am thrilled to see how these young players have really improved up until now and I look forward to seeing their development during games.”
Stebbins expects the team to thrive on their aggressive fast paced play and ability to create matchup problems. 6’2” transfer forward Jocelyn Mousty (Indiana University) leads a group of talented incoming players that should help the Saints compete for a Mid-Florida Conference title.
The women will continue the SF Tip-off Classic on Sunday against Miami Dade College at 12:00 PM.
The SF men open their season at 8:00 PM on Friday against Middle Georgia State College.
“We are excited about opening up Friday night against Middle Georgia College,” said SF Coach Chris Mowry. “The team has been working hard in practice to develop the defensive intensity and offensive chemistry that will lead to another successful season.”
The team returns three players from last year’s 20-12, State Tournament squad, guard Chad Milliken (8.4 ppg), Jordan Banks (5.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg), and Takija Knight (6.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg). Joining them are 10 new comers include ng big men Josh Huntley and Andre Horne, both of whom will look to give the Saints the size and bulk down low to compete in the FCSAA.
“We have three returners who all played significant minutes last year: Chad Milliken, Takija Knight, and Jordan Banks,” Mowry said. “Takija and Jordan will again play major minutes up front, along with freshman Andre Horne and Josh Huntley. Chad will be among seven guards who will play on the perimeter for us this year. The others include D1 transfer Shea Jones, Tallahassee Community College transfer Jon Hood, Peninsula JC transfer Salim Gloyd, redshirt freshman Tre Ford, freshmen Reggie Hart and freshman Morris Marshall. Adding depth and competing for time while coming back from knee injuries will be NCAA D1 transfer Umut Akkepenek and freshman Kevin O’Brien.”
On Sunday the Saints finish out the SF Tip-off Classic against Impact Academy at 2:00 PM.
For complete schedules and more information on Saints Athletics please visit www.sfcollege.edu/athletics. To see game photos and other updates, follow Santa Fe College Athletics on Facebook.
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