Bearcats' Byrdfinds his touch

College notebook

Date published: 12/13/2006

By KURT NICOLL

NEW LEAGUE, FRESH challenges and a doctor's clean bill of health has rekindled Raymar Byrd's passion for basketball.

Two seasons ago, Byrd was a key component in St. Vincent's march to the NAIA playoffs. The Bearcats reached the Sweet 16 before bowing to Indiana Tech, 95-85, to finish 25-5.

Last season was the pits as the former Louisa County High athlete and Jefferson County District player of the year appeared in only seven games before undergoing season-ending knee surgery. St. Vincent wound up 18-12 in its final season of American MidEast Conference play.

Although not eligible for the NCAA Division III playoffs for the next three years, the Bearcats (6-2) hope to make a name for themselves come tournament time in the Presidents' Athletic Conference.

The league consists of eight Pennsylvania schools and will add two more--Geneva and Chatham, next season.

The 6-foot-7, 230 pound Byrd is averaging 17 minutes per outing and has started four games. He is averaging 6.6 points and 5.1 rebounds a game and has a club-high six blocks.

The Bearcats look to extend their five-game winning streak this weekend at Franciscan University, then play host to Lake Erie College on Tuesday prior to going on holiday break.

The Louisburg women's basketball team is a perennial participant in the National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament and this season appears to be no exception.

The Hurricanes are off to an 8-2 start and have been sparked by two talented freshman from Virginia--Jessica Nelms (Riverbend) and Marquena Delk (Bruton), two of six players averaging in double figures.

Nelms is averaging 11 points and 2.9 rebounds per game and is a proficient free-throw shooter, converting 86 percent of her attempts.

The Hurricanes are shooting for their 20th national tournament appearance over the past 28 years.

Sophomore Dominique Hull (Liberty) threw the shot put a winning 36 feet, 1 inches in leading the Eastern Mennonite women's track team to a fifth-place finish in its opening meet at the DuCharme Invitational, held at Carlisle, Pa.

Nine of the Royals' efforts gained spots in the school's all-time top-10 lists.

Senior tackle Jermon Bushrod (King George) received the Tigers' lineman of the year award during Sunday's football awards banquet at Towson University.

The 6-3, 325-pounder started the final 38 games of his career and served as team captain this fall. He achieved All-Atlantic Conference first-team honors this season after receiving third-team recognition both his sophomore and junior years.

Junior David Emison (North Stafford) of George Mason dominated his two 141-pound opponents on Saturday, winning his two technical falls by a combined 32-0 score. The Patriots defeated James Madison (32-12) and Delaware State (25-15).

To reach KURT NICOLL: 540/374-5441
Email: knicoll@freelancestar.com

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Date published: 12/13/2006