Lions Basketball

Saturday was a great day

2011-05-16T10:15:00.004-05:00

Saturday May 14th was a great day for the Lions program. We had 5 people graduate from FHU. Three of our seniors from this year, one who finished his eligibility last year and our former player turned strength coach. They are all shown in the photo above. So far in our 6 years we have only had 2 players not receive their degrees and are both very close to finishing those.

Pictured from left to right are: Cedric Austin, Jesse Moulton, Logan Greer, Vince Barnes, and Troy Ledlow.

Lions hand No. 6 Martin Methodist first loss of season

2011-01-21T11:22:00.001-06:00

The Freed-Hardeman Lions have had some big wins this season, but perhaps none as important and impressive as tonight's win over the No. 6 Martin Methodist (Tenn.) RedHawks.

The RedHawks (16-1, 4-1) came into the night as one of only two unbeaten teams in the NAIA along with No. 1 LSU-Shreveport. When they left Henderson, though, they were no longer able to stake that claim.

The Lions (12-7, 4-1) got off to a strong start in the second half, then held off a RedHawk rally to pick up a 94-85 win on Thursday night in the FHU Sports Center. The win keeps FHU a half-game behind Union (Tenn.) University for the top spot in the TranSouth Conference ratings.

The first half was evenly fought throughout the entire 20 minutes, with nine ties and eight lead changes before Anthony Sampson's floater in the lane gave FHU a 36-34 halftime lead.

The Lions came out of the locker room as the aggressor and opened the second half on a 12-4 run. Eight of those points came from Brian Pearson, who drained a pair of 3-pointers from the right corner and picked up a lay-up on a hustle play after chasing down a loose ball.

Moments later, Freed-Hardeman gave itself a bigger cushion thanks to a 13-4 run capped off by a Cedric Austin 3-pointer to extend the lead to 61-47 with 11:58 to play.

As it turned out, it was a good thing that cushion was there.

The RedHawks regrouped and fought back, outscoring FHU 15-4 over the next four-plus minutes to pull back within three points on a James Justice 3-pointer. The Lions maintained their composure and pushed the lead back up to 10 points on a 3-pointer by Kyle Teichmann with 3:35 to play and again on a Teichmann basket at the 1:40 mark.

But Justice, a junior transfer from Memphis, almost single-handedly kept the RedHawks in the game scoring his team's next nine points on a pair of 3-pointers and three free throws after being fouled on a 3-point attempt to get MMC back within four points with just under a minute to play. After an FHU turnover, Derwin Gage hit one of two free throws to again turn the contest into a one-possession game with 34 seconds left.

Sampson, however, calmly drained both ends of a double bonus after being fouled on the inbounds pass to put Freed-Hardeman up by five. That was followed by a big defensive play by Austin, who got his hand on the ball while Justice was dribbling and called a timeout after diving on the loose ball.

Sampson again made a pair of free throws and then came up with a big defensive play of his own, stripping the ball away from LaQuantis Stewart after Stewart grabbed an offensive rebound in the lane. Two more free throws gave FHU a nine-point lead and effectively sealed the win.

Teichmann, who earlier in the week wasn't expected to play tonight's game, posted his sixth double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Sampson added 16 points and seven assists while Austin scored 17 and Pearson contributed 14.

Justice finished with 25 points to lead all scorers, with 20 of those coming in the game's final seven minutes.

The Lions will play their fourth game in eight days on Saturday as they travel to face Mid-Continent (Ky.) University at 4:00 PM.

Teichmann: An offensive technician

2011-01-17T10:02:00.000-06:00

Speed and length are two of the Union men's basketball team's strengths this season, but neither was a match for Freed-Hardeman's Kyle Teichmann on Saturday.

Teichmann tied a career-high 29 points by scoring inside and outside in a 94-89 loss to No. 17 Union.

The 6-foot-6 sophomore has eclipsed the 20-point mark eight times in 17 games this season, building upon this past season in which he was named TranSouth freshman of the year.

Teichmann may lack some of the physical strength that FHU fans were used to when former center Zack Frey was the cornerstone of the program.

But Teichmann brings various technical skills to the Lions' offense even with less than two collegiate seasons.

"He killed us (Saturday)," said Union coach David Niven. "He can go inside or outside. He can put it on the floor and drive.

"(FHU) got it to him on out-of-bounds plays and in the halfcourt. And we didn't play bad defense either. He is one of the best in our league."

Teichmann faced a Union roster with five players standing at least 6-foot-6, including a mixture of athletic low-post and perimeter defenders.

But he withstood a pounding in the post on offense and defense while creating shots on the perimeter for himself and others against quicker defenders.

"He's a really good player," said FHU coach Jason Shelton. "He's very solid in a lot of areas.

"He can always improve offensively and he is still learning about post defense. But he steps up and makes baskets in an unselfish way and looks for teammates as well."

Teichmann spread his points out in Saturday's game, but scored nine of FHU's first 11 points to offset Union's 7-2 start.

He opened the second half by completing a three-point play, handing the Lions their largest lead at 46-40.

The Brentwood native hit one of his two 3-pointers to tie the game at 62-62 before scoring his last 10 points in the final 5:30 to keep FHU close.

"It depends on the game," Teichmann said when asked if he had a preferred way to score. "We see what the defense is doing and find a mismatch.

"(Saturday) I played well outside."

Teichmann leads the team with 19 points and seven rebounds per game, and his efforts have become more important since FHU lost seniors Ken Bingham and Vincent Barnes.

Bingham, the team's second-leading scorer with 11 points, will have surgery on his Achilles tendon Tuesday while Barnes (five points, four rebounds) can play a lot of different positions.

Bingham played Jan. 8 in a win against Cumberland while Barnes (broken foot) has missed the past three games.

Both players could be out for the season.

"I do feel like I have a target on my back even more so," Teichmann said. "My teammates played really well (against Union), and we can carry that over.

"We are still adjusting to the injuries."

Copied from the Jackson Sun 1/17/2011. Matt Vines is the writer.

Boehler, Teichmann take conference player of the week honors

2011-01-13T15:28:00.001-06:00

Freed-Hardeman University swept the weekly TranSouth Conference basketball player of the week awards on Monday as Meribeth Boehler earned honors on the women's side while Kyle Teichmann did the same on the men's.

Boehler, a 6-foot-2 senior from Ramer, Tenn., regained the top spot on the NAIA's scoring list after averaging 27.3 points per game during the week. She surpassed 30 points for the third time this season in a 93-58 win over Blue Mountain (Miss.) College, scoring 31 to lead the way in the win. She also posted 27 points against Tennessee Temple and 24 against Cumberland (Tenn.) University as the No. 6 Lady Lions went 3-0 on the week.

The senior currently leads the nation in scoring, averaging 24.3 points per game.

Teichmann, a 6-foot-6 sophomore from Brentwood, Tenn., also had a big week offensively, averaging 23 points per game as the Lions went 2-1 for the week with a pair of conference wins. He scored 23 points in a 74-62 win at Blue Mountain and followed with 28 in a 66-64 win over Cumberland.

The Lady Lions are 13-3 on the season and 2-0 in conference play while the Lions are 10-6 overall and 2-0 in conference.

Lions post impressive win over No. 12 Lee, 90-67

2010-11-17T11:17:00.000-06:00

HENDERSON, Tenn. - It may or may not have been a statement game, but the Freed-Hardeman Lions should definitely turn some heads following a 90-67 win over No. 12 Lee (Tenn.) University on Saturday afternoon in front of a large Homecoming crowd.

The No. 23 Lions outscored Lee 40-20 in the second half, largely because the Flames' Jerel Blocker cooled off after a blistering first half that saw the senior score 20 points.

But while he and his teammates struggled from the field in the second half, the Lions didn't.

After shooting 65.5 percent in the first half, FHU stayed hot with high-percentage looks and connected on 50 percent of its shots after halftime while Lee - which shot 63.3 percent in the first - could manage just 27.3 percent in the second half.

That helped FHU to go on runs of 10-0 and 8-0 as the Lions turned a 50-47 halftime lead into a 71-54 lead with 12:21 to play. Lee would only get as close as 13 points the rest of the way.

It was a rare double-digit win in a series that has produced close games over the last few seasons. Three of the last four meetings before today went into overtime, and the other was a two-point game decided at the buzzer.

Freed-Hardeman got a huge game from Kyle Teichmann, who had 18 first-half points on his way to a career-high 29. Cedric Austin was the only other Lion in double figures with 15.

For the second straight game, FHU connected on double-digits in 3-pointers making 13-of-23 from behind the arc. Austin and Anthony Sampson each went 3-for-4.

The Lions will play their first road game of the season on Nov. 18 as they travel to William Carey (Miss.) University for a 6:00 PM tipoff.

Lions hang on to win season opener over Bryan College

2010-11-08T09:51:00.001-06:00

The No. 23 Freed-Hardeman Lions held off an experience Bryan (Tenn.) College team in their season opener, starting the year off with a 64-58 win on Saturday afternoon.

The Lions got 29 points from their point guard combination of Anthony Sampson and Cedric Austin. Sampson tied his career high with 16 points while Austin, in his first game back after missing the 2009-10 season, contributed 13 off the bench. Both hit big shots in crucial moments and combined to go 5-for-6 from behind the arc.

FHU led for the majority of the game but couldn't quite put away Bryan (3-2), who stayed close by knocking down mid-range jumpers and playing an aggressive defensive style that resulted in 21 turnovers by Freed-Hardeman.

The Lions, though, canned 11 3-pointers, many of which seemed to come when Bryan was chipping away at the lead.

Freed-Hardeman heads to face Murray State (Ky.) University on Tuesday night in an exhibition contest. Last season, the Racers made a Cinderella run to the NCAA Sweet 16.

COACH MEYER'S BOOK SOON TO BE RELEASED!!! SPREAD THE WORD

2010-10-27T13:45:00.000-05:00

Coach Don Meyer represents everything that is good in our profession. He should be a standard that we all strive to reach in the way we treat our players, the way teach basketball, and the way respect the game. On November 9, a book on Coach Meyer's journey will be released. "How Lucky Can You Be" is written by Buster Olney. I've been fortunate to see some pre-writes and Buster has done an amazing job of telling Coach Meyer's story.

Here is a link with more information about the book including ways your can purchase it in advance on-line:http://bit.ly/9xlERg

I NEED A FAVOR! First, I would love for everyone that teaches or coaches any sport on any level to purchase this book. You will be a better coach/teacher for it. I purchased five for our staff. But we really need to spread the word about this book and I would very much appreciate it if everyone that reads my blog would copy this link:
...
http://bit.ly/a3Awkz
...
and email it to as many people in the coaching/teaching profession that you know.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!!

"Don Meyer is a dear friend to me and the entire Basketball Community. His passion to teach, to share, and to live is unmatched. Buster Olney does a magical job of capturing this truly unique man and presents him in a way that is surprising and unforgettable."
-Mike Krzyzewski, Coach of the Duke Blue Devils

"There are very few coaches who have positively impacted the game of basketball and the people who coach it as Don Meyer has done. His passion for the game, for teaching and for building character as well as his commitment to team are legendary. Coach Meyer has taught and given so much to us, and our game is better for it. This book chronicles not only his life as a coach, but his journey as a man through triumph and adversity. His story is a true inspiration and one which everyone should know."
-Pat Summitt, Coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols

"Those of us who savor fine sports journalism have long known that Buster Olney knows the baseball beat. Now, with this beautifully conceived and elegantly executed book Olney shows that he knows the beating heart of life and the pulse of humanity that makes sports matter."
-George F. Will, Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist

First review of Buster Olney's book on Coach Don Meyer!!! http://bit.ly/a8C0m8

Copied from Coach Starkey's Blog at http://hoopthoughts.blogspot.com/

Lions looking for a return to Kansas City in 2011

2010-10-27T08:36:00.001-05:00

HENDERSON, Tenn. - After narrowly missing out on a bid to the NAIA National Tournament last season, the Freed-Hardeman Lions are eager to earn another trip to Kansas City in 2011.

Though a solid nucleus returns, the Lions did graduate two-time All-American Zack Frey along with two other starters, Logan Greer and Kirtiss Brown.

"Those three guys had been in the program for four years and played significant roles from the time they got to Freed," said FHU head coach Jason Shelton. "Losing Zack, a two-time All-American, in the post is substantial."

With that in mind, the talent pool of the returning players is hardly shallow.

Leading the way are Ken Bingham and Kyle Teichmann. Bingham (6-4; Sr.) was named the TSAC Newcomer of the Year last season after averaging 15.4 points per game and shooting 83.1 percent from the foul line.

"Ken is a strong, physical wing," said Shelton. "He shoots it well, finishes at the basket and can get to the line."

Teichmann (6-6; So.) earned Freshman of the Year honors, averaging 12.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game while backing up Frey and Greer in the four and five spots. This year, he will be expected to fill the offensive void left in the post after Frey's graduation.

"Kyle plays differently than Zack," Shelton said. "He can face the basket and is a good passer out of the post. He's not as physical [as Zack] but is a very good player in his own right. He can stretch the defense with his ability to shoot the 3 and play on the perimeter."

Also returning in the backcourt are Jesse Moulton (6-4; Sr.) and Anthony Sampson (5-3; Jr.). Moulton led the team in 3-pointers made (66) while averaging 11.4 points per game.

"Jesse has a good understanding of how to play the game, particularly in our motion offense," said Shelton. "He is a very good post feeder and knows how to get others and himself open."

Sampson, meanwhile, came into his own midway through the season to lead the team in assists (4.1 per game) and steals (1.6 per game) while posting three games with double digits in assists.

Those two will be joined by Brian Pearson (6-3; Sr.), Cedric Austin (6-0, Sr.), Jonathan Milewski (6-0, So.) and Michael Young (6-2, So.) to give the Lions a deep and talented backcourt.

Versatile forward Vincent Barnes (6-3, Sr.) elevated his level of play last season and will be counted on as a key contributor in the frontcourt this year, as will James Haddix (6-9, So.).

Austin, Pearson and Barnes have all been with the program for five years.

"They bring an understanding of how we want to try to play," Shelton said of his seniors. "They all bring different things to the table."

The Lions also look for quality minutes from redshirt freshman Daniel Gravatt (6-7), an exceptional athlete who can play multiple positions.

Shelton, who begins his sixth season, will test his team with its non-conference schedule with six games against teams which played in the national tournament last year.

Lions ranked No. 23 in preseason NAIA coaches poll

2010-10-27T08:35:00.000-05:00

KANSAS CITY - For the second straight year the Freed-Hardeman Lions found themselves among the NAIA's top 25 preseason teams, coming in at No. 23 in the preseason poll released on Monday, Oct. 25.

The Lions were also picked to finish second in the TranSouth Conference behind defending champion Union (Tenn.) University, as was announced at the annual basketball media day held on Union's campus and broadcast on Jackson's EPlusTV6.

FHU was one of two TranSouth teams to rank in the top 25, with Union checking in at No. 10. The Bulldogs were the only conference team to play in the national tournament last March.

Ken Bingham and Jesse Moulton were among the 10 players selected to the preseason all-conference team, with Bingham finishing second in the voting behind preseason player of the year Michael France of Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.) University.

The Lions open their season on Saturday, Nov. 6, hosting Bryan (Tenn.) College at 4:00 PM.

Follow the Lions on Twitter

2010-09-15T08:54:00.004-05:00

I have set up a twitter account for the program. If you would like to follow us, go to http://twitter.com/fhulionsbball and click follow. It will have quotes of the day from practice and also some inside info. I will be tweeting as well as one of our Senior players to give everyone a peak into the every day happenings of the program.

Lions ink Chandler Mack to incoming class

2010-08-17T10:48:00.001-05:00

The Freed-Hardeman Lion basketball team added another player to its incoming recruiting class with the recent signing of Chandler Mack of Huntsville, Ala.

Mack, a 6-foot-7 forward, played his senior season at Madison Academy in Huntsville under head coach Andy Blackston, where he helped lead the Mustangs to the AHSAA Class 3A state championship game. He averaged 14 points and four rebounds per game on his way to being named Northwest Regional MVP, Area MVP and second team All-State.

Before coming to Madison Academy, Mack played his freshman through junior seasons at Mary Carroll HS in Corpus Christi, Texas.

"The term 'tremendous upside' is thrown around a lot these days, but Chandler is definitely in that category," said FHU head coach Jason Shelton. "He is a 6-foot-7 athletic perimeter player who with added weight and strength will be able to excel at our level. Chandler's year with Coach Blackston has him on the right path to success."

Mack joins six other players in FHU's 2010-11 recruiting class: Vincent Dotson (Charlotte, Tenn./Creek Wood HS), Ben Meis (Memphis, Tenn./FCA Nighthawks), Michael Tomlin (Jackson, Tenn./North Side HS), Quintin Lee (Ripley, Tenn./Ripley HS), Reginald Gilmore (Chattanooga, Tenn./Tyner Academy) and Sam Fleischman (Hartselle, Ala./Hartselle HS).

Chandler is the son of Brenda Mack.

Lions sign Hartselle's Fleischman for 2010-11

2010-05-28T11:03:00.001-05:00

The Freed-Hardeman Lions expanded their incoming recruiting class for 2010-11 with the recent signing of Sam Fleischman of Hartselle, Ala.

Fleischman, a 6-foot-4 guard/forward, prepped at Hartselle High School where he averaged 16.5 points and 6.0 rebounds in his senior season. He is a two-time all-area and all-county selection and was named to the Decatur Daily All-Area 4A-6A team after his senior year. Fleischman shot 53 percent from the field as a senior and scored over 1000 career points.

"Sam's toughness and basketball IQ attracted us to him initially," said FHU head coach Jason Shelton. "His work ethic and skill will allow him to succeed on our level. He comes from a tremendously supportive community and family and we are blessed to have him joining our program."

Fleischman joins Vincent Dotson (Charlotte, Tenn./Creek Wood HS), Ben Meis (Memphis, Tenn./FCA Nighthawks), Michael Tomlin (Jackson, Tenn./North Side HS), Quintin Lee (Ripley, Tenn./Ripley HS) and Reginald Gilmore (Chattanooga, Tenn./Tyner Academy) in the Lions' signing class.

Sam is the son of John and Beth Fleischman.

Lions add Tyner's Gilmore to incoming class

2010-05-13T15:16:00.000-05:00

The Freed-Hardeman Lion basketball team picked up another player in its 2010-11 recruiting class with the recent signing of Reginald Gilmore of Chattanooga, Tenn.

Gilmore, a 6-foot-5 forward, prepped at Tyner Academy where he was an all-district, all-region and TSWA All-State selection after averaging 16.7 points and 7.6 rebounds during his senior season under the direction of Coach Gerald Harris. He led the Rams to their first appearance in the state tournament since 1999 and was also named to the Chattanooga Times Free Press "Best of the Preps" team.

"Reggie's work ethic and skill level will allow him to contribute for us right away," said FHU head coach Jason Shelton. "He's a very good rebounder with the ability to play both facing the basket and with his back to the basket. His three years with Coach Harris have prepared him to play at the college level. He comes from a very supportive family and we are excited to have him in our program."

Gilmore joins Vincent Dotson (Charlotte, Tenn./Creek Wood HS), Ben Meis (Memphis, Tenn./FCA Nighthawks), Michael Tomlin (Jackson, Tenn./North Side HS) and Quintin Lee (Ripley, Tenn./Ripley HS) in the Lions' 2010-11 signing class.Reggie is the son of Reginald and Yolanda Gilmore.

Lions' recruiting class grows with signing of Ripley's Lee

2010-05-05T16:57:00.001-05:00

The Freed-Hardeman Lions added a fourth player to their 2010-11 recruiting class with the recent signing of Quintin Lee of Ripley, Tenn.

Lee, a 5-foot-11 point guard, prepped at Ripley HS for Coach Ralph Turner where he posted an outstanding senior season, averaging 20.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game on his way to being named District 13-AA MVP. He was also named all-district tournament and all-region and played in the Golden Circle All-Star Game.

He was also an all-district selection following his junior season and played AAU with the Midstate Ballerz in the summer.

"Quintin is a true point guard with a great feel for making those he plays with better," said FHU head coach Jason Shelton. "His 3-point shooting ability allows him to be able to break down the defense off the dribble. His high school coaches, Coach [Blaine] Mahaffey and especially this last year with Coach Turner, have prepared him to be a contributor right away at the college level."

Lee joins Vincent Dotson (Charlotte, Tenn./Creek Wood HS), Ben Meis (Memphis, Tenn./FCA Nighthawks) and Michael Tomlin (Jackson, Tenn./North Side HS) in the Lions' recruiting class.

Quintin is the son of Curtis and Wanda Lee.

Lions sign North Side's Tomlin for 2010-11

2010-05-05T14:28:00.000-05:00

The Freed-Hardeman Lions remain busy on the recruiting trail, recently signing a third player to their 2010-11 class in Michael Tomlin of Jackson, Tenn.

Tomlin, a 6-foot-6 forward, prepped at Jackson North Side HS for Coach Tony Brown, where he averaged 10 points, six rebounds and four blocks per game in his senior season, which was just his second year of organized basketball.

Tomlin received the team's "most improved" award and also received the Indian Scholastic Award after posting a 3.54 GPA. He is expected to redshirt in his first season with Freed-Hardeman and plans to major in criminal justice.

"Michael has tremendous upside," said FHU head coach Jason Shelton. "Redshirting will help him get acclimated into our program, and hopefully he will be able to develop his game to allow him to compete on the floor for us."

"He is a very good student and we are excited to have him in our program. Coach Brown knows what it takes to play at our level and is working to build a program that North Side can be proud of."

Tomlin joins Vincent Dotson (Charlotte, Tenn./Creek Wood HS) and Ben Meis (Memphis, Tenn./FCA Nighthawks) in the Lions' signing class.

Michael is the son of Virginia Williams.

Lions add Memphis shooter for 2010-11

2010-05-02T12:06:00.001-05:00

The Freed-Hardeman Lion basketball team added another player to its 2010-11 recruiting class with the signing of Ben Meis of Memphis, Tenn.

Meis (pronounced MEES), a 6-foot-5 guard, was named the National Christian Homeschool Basketball Championships (NCHBC) National Player of the Year this spring after leading the Memphis FCA Nighthawks to the Class 6A championship game. Meis averaged 17.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game for the season.

In his career with the Nighthawks, Meis scored 1,809 points and was a two-time all-region selection as well as an NCHBC All-American and received the Christian Character Award. He played AAU ball in the summer with the Memphis Hoopers and the Memphis Mustangs.

"Ben is a tremendous shooter with range," said FHU head coach Jason Shelton. "His height allows him to get some shots that smaller guards can't get. He's a great student and a great person, and we are excited to have him in our program."

Ben is the son of Randy and Lani Meis. He joins Vincent Dotson (Charlotte, Tenn./Creek Wood HS) in the Lions' incoming class.

Lions begin signing class with Creek Wood's Dotson

2010-04-30T09:18:00.000-05:00

The Freed-Hardeman Lion basketball team kicked off its 2010-11 signing class by addressing a need from last season with the signing of Vincent Dotson of Charlotte, Tenn.

Dotson, a 6-foot-5 forward, prepped at Creek Wood HS where he was one of the state's premier shot blockers, averaging 6.2 blocks per game in his senior season. He also averaged 9.1 points and 9.9 rebounds per game on his way to all-district honors.

He holds the school record for blocks in a season (167) and blocks in a career (312). His defensive presence helped lead the RedHawks to a 24-3 record during his senior season as the team achieved its first-ever state ranking, peaking at No. 7 in the TSWA Class AA poll.

"We are excited that Vincent has chosen to be part of our program," said FHU head coach Jason Shelton. "He is gifted with the ability to block shots without fouling, which is not something many people have. He also uses his length well on the glass. He played in a good system under Coach Taylor and will be well-prepared to compete at the next level."

Vincent is the son of Martha Dotson.

Frey named second team NAIA All-American again

2010-03-24T11:18:00.001-05:00

Freed-Hardeman University senior Zack Frey became the Lion basketball program's first two-time NAIA All-American after being named to the second team for the second straight year.

The 6-foot-8 center from Nashville, Tenn., posted career highs in both points (17.6 ppg) and rebounds (6.6 rpg) while shooting 58.1 percent from the field. Frey ranked 11th in the NAIA in field goal percentage and 14th in the nation in scoring.

He finished his career with 1872 career points, tying him for sixth all-time in Lion basketball history.

Frey played an instrumental role in helping FHU to its first national tournament appearance in 11 years as the Lions advanced to the tournament in 2009. He also helped lead the Lions to three consecutive 20-win seasons for the first time since 1999-2002.

Frey was one of three players from the TranSouth Conference to be selected to the second team, along with TSAC Player of the Year Brandon Springer of Cumberland (Tenn.) University and Greg Truvillion of Union (Tenn.) University.

Lions gut out win over Mid-Continent, head to TSAC finals

2010-03-08T14:59:00.000-06:00

After an all-around team effort tonight, the Freed-Hardeman Lions will get another crack at making history.

The Lions fought back from a nine-point deficit in the second half, outscoring Mid-Continent (Ky.) University by 16 points over the last 13:30 to post a 98-91 win over the Cougars in the TranSouth Conference semifinals.

In doing so, FHU became the only TranSouth team to beat MCU on its home floor this season.

The win means that Freed-Hardeman advances to its second TranSouth Conference championship game in as many years and will travel to face the team that defeated them there last season, No. 11 Union (Tenn.) University.

And an upset that took place in Chicago just moments before FHU closed out tonight's win puts more on the line in that game than a chance at program's first conference championship.

There's also a bid to the national tournament hanging in the balance for the Lions.

St. Xavier's win over Robert Morris most likely eliminated Freed-Hardeman from receiving an at-large bid to the tournament, meaning the Lions must defeat Union to receive the lone automatic bid from the TranSouth Conference.

That's what made tonight's win all the more important, though the Lions didn't know it until afterward.

After building an early nine-point lead, FHU began to fall victim to foul trouble with Zack Frey, Logan Greer and Ken Bingham all picking up two fouls in the first half. With a shallow bench in the post, Lion coach Jason Shelton had little choice but to go with a lineup that featured its tallest player at 6-foot-4 in order to keep any of Frey, Greer or Bingham from getting a third foul.

The calculated risk worked.

Despite Mid-Continent getting a significant size advantage of the last seven minutes of the half, the Cougars could only gain four points on the Lions as the teams went into halftime tied at 47.

The Cougars, though, began to pull away early in the second half. FHU made only three of its first 10 shots from the floor while MCU scored on seven of its first eight possessions of the half to open it on a 17-8 run and take a 64-55 lead with 13:45 to play.

But Freed-Hardeman answered with six straight points to set the stage for the half-minute that Shelton said changed the game.

After a basket by MCU's Donovan Willis, Anthony Sampson nailed a 3-pointer and followed with an acrobatic shot in the lane 20 seconds later to erase a five-point deficit and tie the game at 68-68 with 9:20 left. It was the starting point for a 21-4 run that saw the Lions go ahead by 12 points with 3:31 to play.

The Cougars began fouling shortly thereafter to stop the clock, and FHU connected on 13-of-18 free throws in the final 2:30 to make a late push by Mid-Continent come up a little short. MCU got within five points on a Joshua Woodley 3-pointer with :16 left, but Bingham hit 1-of-2 from the line and David Gratton missed a 3-pointer with :11 left that would have made it a one-possession game.

The five misses from the line near the end of the game were the only free throws that were off the mark for FHU, which made its first 23 attempts from the foul line and finished 36-of-41 for the game.

The Lions also got big nights from four players who normally aren't counted on for scoring.

Sampson, who was coming off a 1-for-8 shooting performance on Thursday, scored a career-high 16 points while hitting 4-of-5 shots from the floor and 3-of-4 from 3-point range. Vince Barnes scored a career high 13 points for the second straight game while grabbing a team-leading six rebounds.

Kirtiss Brown, who has battled an ankle injury since January, had a season-high 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting, and Brian Pearson nailed two big 3-pointers in the first half on his way to nine points.

Their performances helped make up for a rough outside shooting night from Bingham, Greer and Jesse Moulton, who combined to shoot just 1-of-16 from behind the arc. Bingham, however, made 15-of-16 from the foul line on his way to posting a team-high 17 points.

Zack Frey also had 14 points for Freed-Hardeman, which shot 47.5 percent from the floor for the game.

The Lions face Union at 7:00 PM on Tuesday night at Union's Fred Delay Gymnasium, where the Bulldogs beat FHU 105-78 for the conference title last season.

Frey, Bingham, Teichmann among seven Lions honored by TSAC

2010-03-03T15:07:00.001-06:00

The Freed-Hardeman Lions were well-represented in the 2010 TranSouth Conference postseason awards released on Wednesday, March 3, placing three players on the all-conference squads while also taking honors for newcomer of the year and freshman of the year.

Zack Frey and Ken Bingham were both first-team selections while Jesse Moulton was named to the second team. Bingham was also named TranSouth Newcomer of the Year and Kyle Teichmann was honored as the TranSouth Freshman of the Year.

Frey was named to the first team for the third straight season after scoring 17.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game while shooting 59.0 percent from the field.

Bingham, who transferred to FHU from Three Rivers (Mo.) Community College, was second on the team in scoring behind Frey at 15.1 points per game and shot 40.4 percent from 3-point range.

Moulton finished the regular season averaging 11.1 points per game and made a team-leading 57 3-pointers in being named to the second team for the second straight year.

Teichmann had an impressive freshman season, coming off the bench to average 12.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

Frey was also a TranSouth Conference Scholar Athlete along with Tyler Jean, Brian Pearson and Logan Greer after meeting the qualifications with a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

Frey leads Lions to senior night win

2010-02-26T00:04:00.000-06:00

It didn't take long for Zack Frey to establish that senior night belonged to him.

Frey scored 15 points in the first half and 27 for the game as Freed-Hardeman dominated Lyon (Ark.) College, 97-56, on Thursday night in the Sports Center.

The 6-foot-8 senior was key in a 12-3 run that saw the Lions build an 11-point lead with 6:30 left in the first half, scoring eight of FHU's points during the three-minute stretch. After a Slater Belew putback brought Lyon back within nine points, Freed-Hardeman closed the half by outscoring the Scots 15-5 over the last six minutes.

Frey then scored the Lions' first six points of the second half as Freed-Hardeman continued to build its lead. A 17-4 run midway through the second half all but closed the door on the Scots, with the Lions opening up an 84-48 lead with 7:30 left in the game.

Frey's game-high scoring performance came on 13-of-17 shooting from the field, the 13 field goals tying his season high. Jesse Moulton and Anthony Sampson each had 12 points and senior Logan Greer added 10.

The win keeps FHU (19-10, 11-4) in a tie for second place in the TranSouth Conference with Mid-Continent (Ky.). Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.) fell out of the tie with a loss to Union (Tenn.) tonight, putting the Trojans a game behind in fourth place.

The Lions need a win at Bethel (Tenn.) on Saturday and a Mid-Continent loss to Cumberland (Ky.) in order to take the No. 2 seed into next week's TranSouth Conference tournament.

Lions win big over Martin Methodist, 77-51

2010-02-16T10:14:00.000-06:00

The Freed-Hardeman Lions haven't had a lot of success when making five or fewer 3-pointers but thanks to some solid defense, an off night from behind the arc never became a factor.

The No. 20 Lions held Martin Methodist (Tenn.) College to 33 points below their season scoring average in a 77-51 win on Monday night in the FHU Sports Center to sweep the regular season series between the two schools for the first time since 2004.

Freed-Hardeman was 5-4 when making five or fewer shots from behind the arc entering the game tonight.FHU (17-8, 10-2) closed the first half on a 16-4 run that saw the Lions make six straight field goal attempts to take a 42-27 lead into halftime. Despite going 3-of-11 from 3-point range, the Lions still shot 57.1 percent from the field in the half thanks in large part to a 7-for-7 performance from Zack Frey.

The RedHawks (17-9, 5-7) pulled within 10 points early in the second half, but Freed-Hardeman answered with a 14-1 run to take a 60-37 lead with 12:43 to play. Martin Methodist would not get closer than 16 points the rest of the way as FHU cruised to the win despite suffering one of its worst 3-point shooting nights of the season, going 5-of-24 for 20.8 percent.

Frey finished the game with 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting to lead all scorers. Ken Bingham added 11 points while Kyle Teichmann contributed 10.

The Lions remain in second place in the TranSouth Conference and now have two games upcoming this week against the two teams directly below them in the standings - Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.) and Mid-Continent (Ky.). FHU hosts Trevecca on Thursday before traveling to MCU on Saturday.

John Wooden’s Desirable Coaching Traits

2010-02-09T10:50:00.001-06:00

1. Attentiveness to Detail You must prepare to win in order to be a winner. Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.

2. Impartiality This is a must, but you must remember that you must not treat everyone alike as they are all different. Give each one the treatment earned and deserved.

3. Teaching Skill It isn’t enough that you know the game, you must be able to teach it. Follow the laws of learning.

4. Discipline Most essential for proper concentration and group organization.

5. Affability The coach must be of an affable disposition because of the various groups with who he must associate.

6. Forcefulness You must be firm without being bullheaded.

7. Alertness Constant observation of all going on around and about are necessary for improved learning and decision making.

8. Optimism The pessimist isn’t likely to produce a confident team that will play near to their full capability.

9. Desire to Improve Lack of ambition will result in complacency and laziness.

10. Vision A Picture of the possible must be shown to your players to provide a goal for them.

11. Consideration For Others You must be truly considerate of others if you expect them to be considerate of you. You must listen to them if you want them to listen to you.

12. Resourcefulness You must be ever ready to make necessary adjustments according to the situation and the personnel that you have available.

13. Cooperativeness An essential for all who work with others and are dependent on others in various ways.

14. Leadership Trust be commanded, not demanded. Others are working with you, not for you. Be interested in finding the best way rather than having your own way.

15. Industriousness There is no substitute for work. Worthwhile things should never be easy to attain.

16. Enthusiasm If you are to stimulate others, your heart must be in your work. Enthusiasm brushes off upon those with whom you come in contact.

17. Sympathy You must be truly interested in those under your supervision and be sympathetic with their problems.

18. Self-control Good judgment must be exercised in your decisions and they must be made through reason not emotion.

19. Sincerity Insincerity can be spotted very quickly and cause loss of respect.

Lions jump two spots to No. 21 in latest NAIA ratings

2010-02-08T21:30:00.000-06:00

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - After a perfect week, the Freed-Hardeman Lions moved up two spots to No. 21 in the latest NAIA national ratings released on Monday, Feb. 8.

The Lions, winners of eight in a row, are 16-7 on the season and 9-1 in the TranSouth Conference, putting them in a first-place tie with No. 10 Union (Tenn.) University. The two teams will square off on Saturday.

FHU scored wins over Bethel (Tenn.), Blue Mountain (Miss.) and Cumberland (Tenn.) this week by an average of 17 points per game. The Lion defense allowed an average of just 58 points per game on the week.

Freed-Hardeman's matchup with Union is the Lions' only game during the week.

Lions grind out win, move into first place tie in TranSouth

2010-02-02T09:27:00.000-06:00

HENDERSON, Tenn. - It wasn't pretty, but it was good enough to get the job done.

The Freed-Hardeman Lions fought through a cold shooting night to post a 71-59 win over Bethel (Tenn.) University on Monday night in the FHU Sports Center and pulled into a tie for first place in the TranSouth Conference in the process.

Earlier in the day, Freed-Hardeman made it back into the NAIA top 25, coming in at No. 23 in the sixth poll of the season. The Lions reached No. 16 earlier in the year before dropping out of the top 25.

The Lions (14-7, 7-1) never trailed in the game but never could quite pull away despite having several double-digit leads. FHU led by 13 at halftime and extended it to as many as 16 points in the second half but the Wildcats (10-12, 2-6) refused to let the Lions put the game out of reach, always going on a short burst to keep the game around a 10-point margin for much of the second half.

Freed-Hardeman, though, never allowed Bethel's short bursts to turn into runs as the Lions relied on pounding the ball inside to their post players or cutting to the basket to get shots in the lane. It was enough to keep the Wildcats at arm's length and pick up their sixth straight win.

Zack Frey and Kyle Teichmann each had 16 points for FHU, followed by Ken Bingham with 15. Logan Greer added 13 points and eight rebounds.

FHU, which had made an average of 10.8 3-pointers per game in its last five games, connected on only 1-of-6 from behind the arc. For the game the Lions shot 42.0 percent from the field, their worst shooting performance since their loss to Union (Tenn.) on Jan. 16.

However, Freed-Hardeman's defense helped make up for any offensive struggles as the Lions held their opponent to 59 points for the second straight game. FHU has allowed just 62.2 points per game during its current win streak.

The Lions return to the floor on Thursday with a trip to Blue Mountain (Miss.) College for an 8:00 PM tipoff.

Men's Basketball: FHU's Moulton Week 11 Player of the Week

2010-02-01T10:07:00.001-06:00

Jesse Moulton of Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) University has been selected as the TranSouth Conference men's basketball Player of the Week for the week ending Sunday, January 31, 2010.

Moulton, a six-foot-four junior guard from Pleasant View, Tenn., led the Lions to a 2-0 week by averaging 20 points and six rebounds per game. Moulton shot 14-21 (67%) from the field, 9-15 (60%) from 3-point range, and hit all four free throws.

Moulton saved his best performance for the road, where the Lions defeated Lyon College 85-59. In that game Moulton scored 26 points, grabbed eight rebounds and hit 6-9 from 3-point range.

Freed-Hardeman is tied for the TranSouth led in the loss column with Union University. The Lions are 13-7 overall and 6-1 in TranSouth play.

Lions win fourth in a row with 104-60 rout of Blue Mountain

2010-01-26T09:10:00.000-06:00

The Freed-Hardeman Lions continued to make their case to get back into the NAIA's Top 25, winning their fourth straight game after downing Blue Mountain (Miss.) College, 104-60, on Monday night in the Sports Center.

Freed-Hardeman, which received 13 votes in today's national poll, is now tied for second place in the conference with Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.) and a half-game behind Union (Tenn.) for the top spot.

As they did two days ago against Mid-Continent (Ky.), the Lions exploded in the second half. Tonight, FHU led at halftime (44-33) but the Toppers were able to get within seven points early in the second half before the Lions caught fire.

After BMC's Mike Chatham made two free throws to make the score 48-41 with 17:05 to play, FHU (12-7, 5-1) took control by outscoring the Toppers 27-5 over the next eight minutes to turn a close game into a comfortable lead. The Lions made 11-of-16 shots during that stretch, including five 3-pointers.

The trend continued for the remainder of the game. After the Toppers got five unanswered points to make the score 79-55, FHU finished by outscoring BMC 25-5 in the game's final 7:18.

The Lions knocked down a season-high 15 3-pointers in the game, marking the fourth straight game in which FHU has connected on 10 or more from beyond the arc. Freed-Hardeman is 7-0 this season when making 10 or more 3-pointers. The Lions also out-rebounded the Toppers, 47-31.

Ken Bingham led all scorers with 24 points, while Jesse Moulton and Kyle Teichmann each had 15. Jonathan Milewski added a career-high 11 points and Zack Frey rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points, all of which came in the first half. Anthony Sampson posted his second straight game with double digits in assists, dishing out 10 tonight. The sophomore is averaging 7.1 assists per game over FHU's last seven contests.

The Lions also kept Renell Collins, BMC's leading scorer, in check. Collins, who was averaging 29.2 points per game in conference play entering tonight, was limited to nine points.

The Lions return to the floor on Thursday as they travel to face Lyon (Ark.) College at 8:00 PM.

Video Highlights from Trevecca 1/18

2010-01-20T13:42:00.001-06:00

You can see some highlights from the Trevecca game at the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xNaaXlOnGA

Lions bust shooting slump, rout No. 11 Trevecca

2010-01-20T11:13:00.000-06:00

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Freed-Hardeman Lions broke out of their recent 3-point slump and turned it into an 81-62 win over No. 11 Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.) University on Monday night.

The Lions, who were shooting under 30 percent from behind the arc over their last seven games, knocked down 11-of-27 attempts tonight against a team that ranked second in the nation in 3-point percentage defense.

By contrast, Trevecca - who entered the game as the nation's top 3-point shooting team - missed on its first 13 shots from long distance.

FHU (9-7, 2-1) took a double-digit lead midway through the first half on the heels of an 13-2 run and led by as many as 16 points in the half before taking a 44-34 lead into halftime. Trevecca (12-5, 4-1) got back within nine points early in the second half, but the Lions the next seven points and never allowed the Trojans to get back within single digits again.

Ken Bingham had a big night for Freed-Hardeman with 21 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Kyle Teichmann added 15 points off the bench in place of Zack Frey, who was limited to 17 minutes because of foul trouble.

FHU returns to the floor on Thursday as the Lions visit Martin Methodist (Tenn.) College at 8:00 PM.

Thought for the day 1/14

2010-01-14T10:33:00.000-06:00

I make my practices real hard because if a player is a quitter, I want him to quit in practice, not in a game. Bear Bryant - Former College Football Coach

Thought for the day 1/13

2010-01-13T11:39:00.001-06:00

Sorry I've been slipping lately. Hope to start back posting more. But here's a thought for the day:

Discipline is the whole key to being successful. We all get 24 hours in a day. That's the only fair thing; it's the only thing that's equal. What we do is with those 24 hours is up to us. - Sam Huff, Former NFL Linebacker

Lions up two spots to No. 16 in latest NAIA poll

2009-12-08T10:51:00.001-06:00

KANSAS CITY - The Freed-Hardeman Lions moved up two spots to No. 16 in the first regular season NAIA top 25 coaches poll released on Monday, Dec. 7.

The Lions (7-3) debuted at No. 18 in the pre-season poll for the first time since the 2002-03 season and rose based on strength of four wins over pre-season top 25 teams.

This is the ninth consecutive poll in which the Lions have appeared dating back to Jan. 19, 2009, marking the program's longest streak since the 2002-03 season when FHU was in 13 straight polls.

Pre-season TranSouth favorite Union (Tenn.) University moved up one spot to No. 10. Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.) and Martin Methodist (Tenn.) both were in the receiving votes category.

Freed toughs out a victory (From the Jackson Sun)

2009-11-18T09:36:00.001-06:00

HENDERSON - No. 18 Freed-Hardeman toughed out a 68-61 win against Lindsey Wilson, but the Lions have the bumps and bruises to show for their fifth consecutive victory to start the season.

Although no one suffered major injuries and only 15 fouls were called on each team, both teams played through physical contact most of the night.

FHU senior center Zack Frey thrived in the intense environment, scoring a season-high 31 points.

Frey scored 17 of those in the second half when the Lions' offense attempted only 22 shots partly because of their 12 turnovers in the half.

"I would be fine if he took every shot," said FHU coach Jason Shelton. "He is an All-America post player and a senior ... and I thought we did a nice job of getting the ball inside to him.

"(Frey) isn't going to handle the ball and create his own shot, so it takes teamwork to get the ball to him. He took a pounding on the inside, but each team only shot nine free throws so there was no bias in the officiating."

Frey was three points shy of his career-high 34, and finished the night 13-of-17 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line.

"We knew this was going to be a physical game because Lindsey Wilson plays in a really physical (Mid-South) league," Frey said. "(Shelton) just told us to stay aggressive, and that's what we did.

"The biggest thing so far this season has been the productiveness of transfer Ken Bingham and our freshmen."

Frey scored the first nine FHU points to help the Lions get a 13-2 lead, highlighted by a three-point play to finish a possession that included four offensive rebounds.

The Lions owned a 39-22 rebounding edge, including a 12-5 offensive rebounding advantage.
Lindsey Wilson cut into FHU's lead several times, but a Jesse Moulton steal and layup extended the halftime lead to 36-24.

Moulton and Kirtiss Brown scored nine points each with Frey being the only double-digit scorer. Moulton and Logan Greer added seven rebounds each.

Frey dominated the start of the second half with six points in the opening minutes and FHU took its biggest lead at 49-30.

The Blue Raiders answered with a 16-6 run that cut the FHU lead to 55-46 with 9:50 remaining when Eric McPherson scored three of his team-high 15 points.

Despite slugglish offensive play, FHU never let Lindsey Wilson closer than seven points.
The Blue Raiders tight defense combined with FHU's 19 turnovers helped contribute to the Lions lowest point total of the season with 68 points, but Lindsey Wilson's 61 points is also the second-fewest FHU has allowed.

"Lindsey Wilson is an experienced team that makes the NAIA tournament most years, so we knew they weren't going away," Shelton said. "We made some good adjustments on defense, and we took away some things they like to do."

Lindsey Wilson (3-2) is the third team FHU (5-0) has beaten that is involved in the NAIA poll.
The Lions beat No. 20 Auburn-Montgomery and No. 21 Tougaloo and the Blue Raiders were receiving votes this preseason.

Ten of FHU's opponents are currently ranked in the Top 25, including No. 8 Florida Southern from NCAA Division II.

FHU continues it's brutal non-conference Saturday with a trip to Campbellsville (receiving votes), and its next three opponents after that are ranked.

"We are preparing for the TranSouth, and these are also the types of games that are played in the NAIA national tournament," Shelton said. "Coaches have asked me why I scheduled this way, and I say I am a lazy scheduler and I will say yes to anybody who wants to play."
-Matt Vines, 425-9634

Lions blister the nets in 111-60 victory

2009-11-11T10:20:00.000-06:00

HENDERSON, Tenn. - There's hot shooting, and then there's what the Freed-Hardeman Lions did on Tuesday night.

The No. 18 Lions shot a blistering 63.3 percent from the field - including 66.7 percent in the first half - on their way to a 111-60 blowout over visiting Brescia (Ky.) University.FHU (3-0) opened the game with a Zack Frey turnaround in the paint on its first possession, and held the lead for the entirety of the game. The Lions used an early 17-3 run to build a 28-11 lead with 10:58 to play in the first half, after which Brescia would get no closer than 14 points.

Neither Frey nor Jesse Moulton missed a shot in the first half. Frey was 5-of-5 from the field while Moulton was 6-of-6, including 5-of-5 from 3-point range.

The Lions only slightly cooled off in the second half, shooting 60.0 percent in the final 20 minutes. The Bearcats cut FHU's lead to 20 points on the heels of an 11-3 run, but Frey and Logan Greer triggered a 17-2 burst that extended the Freed-Hardeman advantage to 37 points with 9:46 to play.

Frey led all scorers with 22 points and recorded his first double-double of the year with 10 rebounds. Moulton had 20, 17 in the first half. Once again, FHU's reserves produced a lot of offense with James Haddix (17), Kyle Teichmann (12) and Vincent Barnes (10) accounting for 39 of the bench's 59 points. Teichmann also posted a double-double with 10 rebounds.

The Lions are back in action on Saturday at 3:00 PM as they host No. 21 Tougaloo (Miss.) College, who defeated NCAA Division I Alcorn State (Miss.) University, 109-86, earlier this season.

Bingham, Frey lead Lions past No. 20 AUM

2009-11-02T09:57:00.002-06:00

HENDERSON, Tenn. - The Freed-Hardeman Lion basketball team passed its first real test of the season on Saturday afternoon with a 79-77 win over No. 20 Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) in the FHU Sports Center in the final game of the LionBacker Classic.

It was the first of eight games in FHU's non-conference schedule against teams ranked in the preseason top 25.

The No. 18 Lions (2-0) used a 10-2 run to build their largest lead of the game at 26-16 with 10:57 left in the first half. But the Senators, a team known for physical and aggressive defense, began to cause problems for FHU on the offensive end. Freed-Hardeman shot just 4-of-16 from the field for the rest of the half while AUM turned the 10-point deficit into a 41-38 halftime lead.

The Senators scored the first four points on the second half to extend their lead to 45-38, but 3-pointers on back-to-back-to-back trips by Jesse Moulton, Logan Greer, and Anthony Sampson helped FHU pull within two points at 52-50 with 16:13 left. After two AUM buckets, the Lions followed with a quick 7-0 burst to take the lead for the first time in the second half with 12:17 remaining.

From there, the teams would trade buckets until Freed-Hardeman's 8-0 run - highlighted by Sampson going coast-to-coast for a layup - put FHU up by six at 67-61 with 5:28 to play.

AUM fought back and answered with a 10-3 run of their own to retake the lead on Kip Small's traditional three-point play with 3:13 to go. But Ken Bingham drilled a deep 3-pointer off right wing after the Senator defense sagged off of him, then stole the inbound pass and made a pair of free throws to give FHU a lead it would not surrender. Auburn-Montgomery's Charles Perona sank two free throws with :19 left to make it a 79-77 game, but the Lions were able to play keep-away from the Senator defenders for the remaining time to seal the win.

Bingham and Zack Frey each scored 18 points for the Lions, while Sampson added a career-high 13. Frey also had nine rebounds to finish just shy of a double-double. AUM shot 50.8 percent to FHU's 44.1 percent, but the Lions made up for the difference by going 11-of-25 from behind the arc.

Freed-Hardeman heads to Nashville, Tenn., on Thursday for its annual exhibition game with former rival and NCAA Division I opponent Lipscomb (Tenn.) University at 7:00 PM.

Notes: This was the first-ever meeting between the two schools. The FHU and AUM women's programs have met three times, twice in the national tournament...Zack Frey moved into 18th place on the all-time scoring list at FHU, passing Tony Shell with tonight's 18 point performance...One night after getting 53 points from the bench, the Lion reserves combined for 28 points tonight. Sampson had 13 of those points...AUM only got eight points from its bench...Frey and Bingham combined to shoot 25 of FHU's 26 free throws.

Lions in preseason poll for first time since 2002

2009-10-29T10:33:00.000-05:00

KANSAS CITY - The Freed-Hardeman Lion basketball team appeared in the NAIA's preseason top 25 for the first time since 2002, coming in at No. 18 in the poll released on Monday, Oct. 26.

In 2002, the Lions came in at preseason No. 16. That season was the last time that FHU appeared in the top 25 until 2009, when the Lions climbed as high as No. 10 before finishing No. 15 in the final poll.

Freed-Hardeman is coming off one of its best seasons in school history, finishing 2008-09 with a 24-10 overall record and 13-3 conference record. The Lions qualified for the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in 11 years, where they lost to eventual national champion Rocky Mountain (Mont.) College in overtime in the first round.

FHU opens up the 2009-10 season on Friday, Oct. 30, against Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) College at 8:00 PM in the Sports Center.

TEAMWORK BEGINS & ENDS WITH COMMUNICATION

2009-10-27T13:25:00.001-05:00

Effective teamwork begins and ends with communication. The word, or course, means to convey a message. In order to communicate with your teammates, coworkers, or family, you must ask yourself and one another two critical questions:

How do we talk to one another?

How do we listen?

My team has one rule regarding communication: when you talk to one another, you look each other in the eye.

In our team’s prepation, there are three systems that I and my coaching staff try to instill. Of course, there is an offensive system and a defensive system consisting of basketball X’s and O’s, but there is also a communication system.

On our Duke Basketball teams, I never want to be the only communicator. In order for a message to get across, it must be echoed by every member of the group.

From “Beyond Basketball” by Mike Krzyzewski with Jamie Spatola

Thought for the day 10/22

2009-10-22T19:09:00.003-05:00

You're never as good as everyone tells you when you win, and you're never as bad as they say when you lose. - Lou Holtz, Former College Football Coach

Season Preview

2009-10-21T15:00:00.001-05:00

HENDERSON, Tenn. - The Freed-Hardeman University Lions enjoyed one of the best seasons in program history in 2008-09. With two starters and a solid nucleus back on the floor for the upcoming season, Coach Jason Shelton and the Lions will look to make 2009-10 even better.

The Lions posted an overall record of 24-10 last season and a conference record of 13-3, the best in program history. They also advanced to the conference tournament finals for the first time in program history and qualified for the NAIA National Tournament for the first time since 1997.

The season ended with a pair of heartbreaking losses, to Union (Tenn.) in the conference finals and a one-point overtime loss to eventual national champion Rocky Mountain (Mont.) College in the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament. Shelton hopes those games could provide this year's team with additional motivation to make a deeper run in the postseason.

The two returning starters are one of the most potent one-two punches in the conference. Senior Zack Frey (6-8; Nashville, Tenn.) averaged 16.2 points per game and shot 55 percent from the field on his way to being named a 2nd Team NAIA All-American. As Frey gives the Lions a dominant inside presence, junior guard Jesse Moulton (6-4; Pleasant View, Tenn.) provides balance on the perimeter with his long-range shooting ability. Moulton came into his own last year, averaging 11.7 points per game while connecting on 90 3-pointers at a 44.8 percent clip.

Though only two starters return, seniors Kirtiss Brown (6-0; Antioch, Tenn.) and Logan Greer (6-9; Greenbrier, Tenn.) and junior Brian Pearson (6-3; Amory, Miss.) all averaged more than 10 minutes per game last season. Brown is a slasher with an amazing vertical that often produces crowd-pleasing dunks while Greer and Pearson both are threats to knock down shots from behind the arc.

The point guard spot will likely be shared by senior Cedric Austin (6-0; Harvest, Ala.) and sophomore Anthony Sampson (5-3; Jackson, Tenn.). Austin started 26 games there as a sophomore, averaging 7.3 points and 2.9 assists per game. Both Austin and Sampson are very tough on-ball defenders, and Sampson has the ability to create for his teammates with his floor vision.

Newcomers will also be expected to play key roles for the Lions in the upcoming season with junior college transfer Ken Bingham (6-4; Selmer, Tenn.) set to make perhaps the biggest impact. Bingham comes to FHU after spending two seasons at Three Rivers CC. He averaged 10.6 points per game as a starter for a team that went 57-13 in his two seasons. Bingham's ability to score in multiple ways will add an important dimension to the Lions' offense.

Seven freshmen join Bingham in FHU's recruiting class. Jonathan Milewski (6-0; Memphis, Tenn.) and Michael Young (6-1; Franklin, Tenn.) will both look for time in the Freed-Hardeman backcourt. Milewski played in high school for Memphis-area legendary coach Terry Tippett, averaging 16.7 points per game and shooting 43 percent from 3-point range as a senior. Young was a three-year starter at Franklin HS, averaging 14.0 points per game as a senior, and can play both guard positions. DeAngelo Williams (6-3; Columbia, Tenn.) and Jonathan Williams (6-4; Clarksville, Tenn.) could see action at both guard and forward positions.

In the frontcourt, James Haddix (6-9; Franklin, Tenn.) and Kyle Teichmann (6-6; Brentwood, Tenn.) will both be expected to provide key minutes. Teichmann averaged 22 points and 13 rebounds per game as a senior and finished his career as his school's second-leading all-time scorer. Daniel Gravatt (6-7; Memphis, Tenn.) is another newcomer who has a lot of potential to develop his game at the college level. Gravatt averaged 20.6 points per game as a senior while playing at Central Baptist School.

Thought for the day 10/16

2009-10-16T10:19:00.001-05:00

Opportunities often go unrecognized because they are disguised as hard work.

Thought for the day 10/13

2009-10-13T13:18:00.002-05:00

There is a choice you have to make in everything you do, and you must always keep in mind, the choice you make makes you. - John Wooden

Tomorrow (October 14th) is Coach Wooden's 99th birthday. There is a website set up for people to go and send him a birthday wish. I encourage everyone to go to it and send him a note. The website is www.happybirthdaycoachwooden.com.

Thought for the day 10/5

2009-10-05T14:41:00.000-05:00

Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness that cannot wither. - 1 Corinthians 9:25

Thought for the day 9/30

2009-09-30T08:13:00.003-05:00

Young athletes, like all young people, must realize that the future holds extraordinary challenges for everyone, and they must accept those challenges as a part of life. Honesty and integrity are most important. Never compromise on what you know is right. - Lenny Wilkens, Former NBA Coach

Thought for the day 9/25

2009-09-25T14:19:00.000-05:00

It only takes 10 seconds to mess up what you've been trying to build for a lifetime. Surround yourself with good people. - Mike Martin, College Baseball Coach

Brian Tracy's 11 Keys to Increasing Your Productivity

2009-09-21T12:38:00.002-05:00

**I found this on another blog and thought it was very interesting and wanted to share it. I personally agree with all of them but I definitely need to work more on numbers 4 and 6.***

There's just nobody better than Brian Tracy at helping us with time management. It is one of the key components to be a successful coach as well as a successful spouse and parent, all at the same time. Here is the list that Brian put out in his email today:

1. Develop clear goals and write them down.
Because higher productivity begins with clear goals, goal setting is a key component of our coaching program. As you know, a goal must be specific and measurable to be effective in guiding your behavior. It must reflect your beliefs and be within your power to achieve.

2. Write a clear action plan.
Next, if you want to turbo-charge your productivity, make sure you have a clear, written plan of action. Every minute you spend in careful planning will save you as many as ten minutes in execution.

3. Set your priorities.
The third step is to prioritize your list. Analyze your list before you take action. Identify and start with the high-value tasks on your list.

4. Concentrate and eliminate distractions.
In this step, choose a high-value activity or task, start on it immediately, and stay with it until it is done. Focusing single-minded attention on one task allows you to complete it far more quickly than starting and stopping.

5. Lengthen your workday but increase your time off.
By starting your workday a little earlier, working through lunchtime, and staying a little later, you can become one of the most productive people in your field.

6. Work harder at what you do.
When you are at work, concentrate on work all the time you are there. Don't squander your time or fall into the habit of treating the workplace as a community where socializing is acceptable.

7. Pick up the pace.
At work, develop a sense of urgency and maintain a quicker tempo in all your activities. Get on with the job. Dedicate yourself to moving quickly from task to task.

8. Work smarter.
Focus on the value of the tasks you complete. While the number of hours you put in is important, what matters most is the quality and quantity of results you achieve.

9. Align your work with your skills.
Skill and experience count. You achieve more in less time when you work on tasks at which you are especially skilled or experienced.

10. Bunch your tasks.
Group similar activities and do them all at the same time. Making all your calls, completing all your estimates, or preparing all your presentation slides at the same time allows you to develop speed and skill at each activity.

11. Cut out steps.
Pull several parts of the job together into a single task and eliminate several steps. Where you can, cut lower-value activities completely.

First 2 weeks of practice

2009-09-18T11:19:00.002-05:00

Well it's been a while since I've updated so I guess it's time. We've made it through 2 weeks of Defensive drills in practice. (Coach spends the first two weeks on defense and then concentrates on offense the rest of the time.) It's been a struggle with 9 new people in practice but we are definitely seeing some improvements.

It's been a good two weeks but a couple of rough patches as well since we've had one guy out with the flu, one guy out with a concussion, two guys out with hamstring issues and others missing a practice here and there for various reasons.

The new guys have been very impressive for the most part and I know we are excited about the upcoming season. I just wish it was closer.

We remind ourselves every day that we need to get back to Kansas City and we plan to be there a lot longer this time.

Hope everyone is doing well as practices are getting started all over the country and we hope to see you play soon.

Thought for the day 8/31

2009-08-31T14:57:00.001-05:00

I've always made a total effort, even when the odds seemed entirely against me. I never quit trying; I never felt that I didn't have a chance to win. - Arnold Palmer, Former Professional Golfer

Thought for the day 8/24

2009-08-24T09:28:00.000-05:00

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather the lack of will.

Thought for the day 8/17

2009-08-17T13:47:00.002-05:00

Do you believe you're a starter or a benchwarmer? Do you believe you're an all-star or an also-ran? If the answers to these questions are the latter, your play on the field will reflect it. But when you've learned to...believe in yourself, there's no telling how good a player you can be. That's because you have the mental edge. - Rod Carew, Former Major League Baseball Player

Thought for the day 8/10

2009-08-10T10:22:00.000-05:00

I feel it's important to bounce back after a bad performance. The sooner you get back our there, the better you feel inside. The only people who are failures are those who give up and don't continue fighting. Look at it this way: How would we be able to judge success if we didn't experience failure? - Dan Marino, Former NFL Quarterback

Thought for the week 8/3

2009-08-03T11:17:00.001-05:00

Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome. - Booker T Washington

Thought for the week 7/27

2009-07-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

The true warrior understands and seizes that moment by giving an effort so intense and so intuitive that it could only be called from the heart. - Pat Riley, former NBA Player and Coach

Thought for the day 7/8

2009-07-08T15:13:00.002-05:00

Don’t try to get through the workout; try to get from the workout. Aim for actual improvement; not just going through motions.

Not sure who said this but when I read it I had to put it on here.

Thought for the week 7/6

2009-07-06T10:18:00.001-05:00

It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up. - Vince Lombardi

Thought for the week 6/29

2009-06-29T11:36:00.000-05:00

Definition of committment: Doing the thing you said you were going to do, long after the mood you said it in has left you. - Darren Hardy

Thought for the week 6/22

2009-06-22T13:40:00.001-05:00

I'll never worry about not being successful. I'll just take it one day at a time, one season at a time. And play as hard as I can. - Bo Jackson

Thought for the day 6/15

2009-06-15T09:43:00.002-05:00

Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Galatians 6:4-5

Quote of the day 6/9

2009-06-09T13:46:00.001-05:00

You'll break the worry habit the day you decide you can meet and master the worst that can happen to you. - Arnold Glasgow

Quote of the day 6/4

2009-06-04T15:00:00.001-05:00

Matthew 21:22
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.

Quote of the day 6/2

2009-06-02T09:44:00.000-05:00

You can't measure success if you have never failed. My father has taught me that if you really do want to reach your goals, you can't spend any time worrying about whether you're going to win or lose. Focus only on getting better. - Steffi Graf, Former Tennis Player

Quote of the day 5/28

2009-05-28T09:41:00.001-05:00

Decide what you want, decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and go to work. - HL Hunt

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-26T10:46:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend. The wife and I had a productive weekend, we went to Mississippi and got some great shopping in and found a possible house for us here in Henderson, along with some great family time this weekend.

I hope everyone took time to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day this weekend and all the people who have given their life so we can enjoy the freedoms we currently have. I know I am very thankful to them and their families and I do not show it near enough.

Coach and I are preparing for a trip to Memphis this weekend to watch the 17u AAU State Tournament. We had a great recruiting class this year and hope to continue to build on it in the future. So to do that we need to get out and see kids play so that's what we'll be doing all weekend and into next week.

Quote for the day 5/18

2009-05-18T12:02:00.001-05:00

The most important thing you have in your life is your faith, and it will help you through many trials and tribulations. - Gerry Faust, Former College Football Coach

Lions expand class with Rossview's Williams

2009-05-14T12:18:00.001-05:00

The Freed-Hardeman Lion basketball team added another player to its impressive recruiting class with the recent signing of Jonathan Williams of Clarksville, Tenn.

Williams, a 6-foot-4 guard/forward, prepped at Rossview High School in Clarksville for Coach Johnny Jackson. While there, Williams was a two-time all-district and three-time all-district tournament selection. He was also a two-time members of the Leaf Chronicle All-Area team.

As a senior, Williams averaged 12 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. He scored over 1400 career points, making him the second-leading all-time scorer in school history.

"Jonathan is a basketball player," said FHU head coach Jason Shelton. "He is strong, physical, and has the ability to score inside and out. For the last two years, playing for Coach Jackson at Rossview has helped him develop both on and off the floor."

Williams is the eighth signee in this year's class and will join Jonathan Milewski (Memphis, Tenn./Evangelical Christian), Michael Young (Franklin, Tenn./Franklin HS), James Haddix (Franklin, Tenn./Franklin HS), Kyle Teichmann (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood HS), Tony Hazard (Paducah, Ky./Paducah Tilghman HS) and Ken Bingham (Selmer, Tenn./Three Rivers CC), and DeAngelo Williams (Columbia, Tenn./Spring Hill HS) in a Lion uniform this fall.

Jonathan is the son of Dennis and Elise Williams of Clarksville.

Quote of the day 5/14

2009-05-14T11:21:00.001-05:00

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will. --Vince Lambardi

Columbia's Williams signs with Lions

2009-05-08T10:26:00.001-05:00

The Freed-Hardeman University Lion basketball team added another player to its growing 2009-10 recruiting class with the signing of DeAngelo Williams of Columbia, Tenn.

Williams, a 6-foot-3 guard, prepped at Spring Hill HS for Coach Jimmy Young, where he averaged 10.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game as a senior. He was named the District 10-AA MVP this past season as well as all-region.

"DeAngelo is a versatile athlete, an excellent passer, and at 6-3 can play multiple positions," said FHU head coach Jason Shelton. "He is very good off the dribble, with the ability to create for himself and for others. Because of his length and athleticism, he is also able to defend multiple positions."

Williams is the seventh signee in this year's class and will join Jonathan Milewski (Memphis, Tenn./Evangelical Christian), Michael Young (Franklin, Tenn./Franklin HS), James Haddix (Franklin, Tenn./Franklin HS), Kyle Teichmann (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood HS), Tony Hazard (Paducah, Ky./Paducah Tilghman HS) and Ken Bingham (Selmer, Tenn./Three Rivers CC) in a Lion uniform this fall.

Lions land JUCO transfer Bingham

2009-05-07T09:53:00.000-05:00

The Freed-Hardeman Lions landed yet another recruit for the upcoming season with the signing of Ken Bingham of Selmer, Tenn.

Bingham, a 6-foot-4 guard, will transfer to Freed-Hardeman after spending two years at Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff, Mo., where he played for Coach Gene Bess, who is college basketball's winningest coach with a career record of 1084-283. While at TRCC, Bingham averaged 10.6 points per game for a program that went 57-13 in his two years. He averaged 11.1 points per game while shooting 40 percent from 3-point range this past season for the NJCAA Region 16 Champions. As a freshman, Bingham averaged 10.1 points per game in helping the Raiders finish fourth at the NJCAA National Tournament.

"For the past two years, Ken has been part of the best junior college program in the country at Three Rivers," said FHU head coach Jason Shelton. "Coach Bess and his staff are some of the best teachers in the game, not just on the floor but off as well.

"Bingham turned down offers from Eastern Kentucky, Sam Houston State, Charleston Southern, and Southeastern Missouri - all NCAA Division I schools - to join the Lions.

"Ken is a versatile player and a very good athlete," Shelton said. "His ability to shoot the 3 and also create for himself and others off the dribble will be a welcomed addition to our program. Most of all, he can defend because you can't play at Three Rivers if you can't guard.

"Bingham prepped at McNairy Central HS in Selmer, Tenn., where he averaged 18.7 points per game as a senior. He was a TSWA Class AA All-State selection as a senior and was ranked in the top 150 shooting guards in the nation out of high school by ESPN.com.

He joins Jonathan Milewski (Memphis, Tenn./Evangelical Christian), Michael Young (Franklin, Tenn./Franklin HS), James Haddix (Franklin, Tenn./Franklin HS), Kyle Teichmann (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood HS) and Tony Hazard (Paducah, Ky./Paducah Tilghman HS) in the Lions' 2009-10 recruiting class.

Quote of the day 5/5

2009-05-05T09:43:00.000-05:00

You find that you have peace of mind and can enjoy yourself, get more sleep, and rest when you know that it was a 100 percent effort that you gave, win or lose. - Gordie Howe, former NHL Player.

Qoute of the day 4/29

2009-04-29T12:54:00.001-05:00

There is nothing in this world that can't be accomplished through hard work and with the help of God. Don't be afraid to talk to God. After all, He is out Father. - Johnny Unitas, Former NFL QB.

Quote for the day 4/27

2009-04-27T16:10:00.001-05:00

A winner is someone who recognizes his God given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skiils, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals. - Larry Bird

COC: FHU men's basketball receives NAIA Champions of Character Award

2009-04-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and Champions of Character founding partner Buffalo Funds recently presented Buffalo Funds Five Star Awards for each of the NAIA's 23 championship sports. Freed-Hardeman University received the award for Division I Men's Basketball.

The award honors teams committed to the Champions of Character program's five core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship. The NAIA's flagship character initiative is designed to instill an understanding of character values in sport and provide student-athletes and coaches the training to help them know and do the right things, inside and outside the sports setting. Champions of Character is dedicated to the principle that character is a choice and that being a champion is about reaching your potential and making good decisions consistently in daily life.

"The Champions of Character program is the flagship program of the NAIA so it is truly an honor to have our men's basketball team receive this award," said Mike McCutchen, Freed-Hardeman University's Athletic Director. "Their commitment to hard work and team play has been evident throughout the season. We want to congratulate our players and coaches for their success on and off the court."

By recognizing outstanding student-athletes and coaches who set the standard with their approach in and out of competition, the NAIA furthers its mission to advance character-driven intercollegiate athletics.

Lions ink Kentucky's Hazard

2009-04-22T14:58:00.000-05:00

HENDERSON, Tenn. - The Freed-Hardeman Lions continued to expand their incoming class with the signing of Tony Hazard of Paducah, Ky., last week.

Hazard, a 6-foot-4 guard/forward, played his final two years of high school basketball at Paducah Tilghman HS under Coach Brad Stieg. As a senior, he averaged 13.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game on his way to being named all-district and district tournament MVP. He was also selected to the Paducah Sun All-Region squad.

In his two years at Paducah Tilghman, he helped lead the team to a combined 50 wins and an appearance in the state quarterfinals in 2008 while scoring 638 career points.

"Tony is a tremendous athlete with the ability to score inside and out," said FHU head coach Jason Shelton. "His length, quickness, and anticipation allow him to make plays defensively. He comes from a great program at Paducah Tilghman and his work with Coach Stieg has prepared him to play at our level."

Hazard joins Jonathan Milewski (Memphis, Tenn./Evangelical Christian), Michael Young (Franklin, Tenn./Franklin HS), James Haddix (Franklin, Tenn./Franklin HS), and Kyle Teichmann (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood HS) in the Lions' 2009-10 recruiting class.

Tony is the son of Colbey Moore.

Lions add Brentwood's Teichmann to 2009-10 class

2009-04-21T09:51:00.002-05:00

HENDERSON, Tenn. - The Freed-Hardeman Lions' recruiting class for the upcoming season keeps getting bigger and better. Last week, the Lions brought in their fourth player with the signing of Kyle Teichmann of Brentwood, Tenn.

Teichmann, a 6-foot-6 forward, prepped at Brentwood HS under Coach Dennis King where he completed his senior season with averages of 22 points and 13 rebounds per game. While at Brentwood, Teichmann (TIESH-man) was a three-time all-district and all-district tournament selection and a two-time all-region selection. He was named the district tournament MVP during his senior season. His 1,456 career points ranks second in school history.

"Kyle comes from a great high school program. Coach King does an excellent job of teaching the game," said FHU head coach Jason Shelton. "Kyle's versatility will allow him to play multiple positions for us. He's a skilled passer with good touch from behind the arc and can play with his back to the basket."

Teichmann also excelled in the classroom. He will graduate 38th in his class of 372 with a 4.23 GPA.

He joins Jonathan Milewski (Memphis, Tenn./Evangelical Christian), Michael Young (Franklin, Tenn./Franklin HS) and James Haddix (Franklin, Tenn./Franklin HS) in the Lions' 2009-10 recruiting class.

Kyle is the son of Jack and Caren Teichmann.

Quote of the day 4/20

2009-04-20T08:46:00.001-05:00

Every day is a new opportunity; you can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is. With a new game every day. - Bob Feller, former Major League Pitcher

Lion basketball signs Franklin duo

2009-04-08T12:21:00.001-05:00

HENDERSON, Tenn. - The Freed-Hardeman Lion basketball picked up two new additions to its 2009-10 recruiting class with the signings of James Haddix and Michael Young of Franklin, Tenn.

The duo played together for four years for Coach Jay Johnson at Franklin HS, and also played AAU together on the Franklin Rage.

"Coach Johnson has continued to build on the tradition of Franklin High School basketball," said FHU head coach Jason Shelton. "They have a true program where players improve on and off the floor."

Haddix, a 6-foot-9 center, has seen his game develop tremendously over the last 12 months. As a senior, he averaged 13 points, seven rebounds, and two assists per game while behind named to the all-district and all-region teams.

"James is coming into his own as a player," Shelton said. "His size, strength, and athleticism will allow him to contribute as a freshman. He has a great desire to improve his individual skills within our team concept."

Young, a 6-foot-1 guard, started for the Rebels for three seasons. He completed his senior season with averages of 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists per game. He was named the District 11-AAA Player of the Year and was selected to the all-district, all-district tournament, all-region, and all-region tournament teams. Young was also named all-district and all-district tournament as a junior, and was a three-time all-region and all-region tournament player.

"Michael is a winner. He has a high basketball IQ and is an intense competitor," said Shelton. "He has physical toughness and good basketball skills but his mental toughness allows him to compete at a high level."

Haddix and Young join Jonathan Milewski (Evangelical Christian/Memphis, Tenn.) in the Lions' recruiting class.

"Both James and Michael come from very supportive families," Shelton said. "We're excited about having them in ours."

James is the son of Paul and Kathy Haddix; Michael is the son of Walter and Ginger Young.

Lions open recruiting class with ECS's Milewski

2009-04-06T13:39:00.000-05:00

HENDERSON, Tenn. - Coming off of one of the best seasons in school history, the Freed-Hardeman Lion basketball team got off to a good start on its 2009-10 recruiting class with the signing of Jonathan Milewski of Bartlett, Tenn.

Milewski, a 6-foot guard, prepped at Evangelical Christian School under Coach Terry Tippett where he led the Eagles to the state semifinals in TSSAA Division II-AA in 2009. The senior averaged 16.7 points per game to go along with 2.2 assists and 2.1 steals per game. He finished the year shooting 43 percent from 3-point range and 89 percent from the free throw line.

While at ECS, Milewski was a two-time all-region and all-region tournament selection as well as being named region tournament MVP and all-state tournament in 2009. In 2008, he was selected to the Commercial Appeal "Best of the Preps" team for private schools in the Memphis metropolitan area and is expected to be a repeat selection later this year.

"Jonathan is a quality person and player," said FHU head coach Jason Shelton. "He has prepped under Coach Tippett, who has won multiple state championships. He's an above-average shooter that can put the ball on the floor. His ability to use screens and play in motion will be a great fit for our offense."

Jonathan is the son of Scott and Belisa Milewski.

National Tournament Story from the Jackson Sun

2009-03-24T09:20:00.001-05:00

Freed-Hardeman men lose opener in overtime
By MICHAEL ODOM • michaelodom@jacksonsun.com • March 19, 2009

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Free throws were the difference for Rocky Mountain in the opening round of the NAIA men's national tournament.

The Battlin' Bears beat Freed-Hardeman 78-77 in overtime on Wednesday at Municipal Auditorium.

"We were outscored by 12 at the free-throw line," Freed-Hardeman coach Jason Shelton said. "It is hard to overcome that."

Rocky Mountain (24-9) advances to the second round to play Central Methodist on Friday at 2:15 p.m. The Lions finish the season 24-10.

The Battlin' Bears scored six of their 12 points in the overtime period from the free-throw line.
Rocky Mountain hit 21-of-34 (61.8 percent) free throws in the game compared to Freed-Hardeman's 9-of-13 (69.2).

The Battlin' Bears shot one more free throw in the overtime period than the Lions did in the entire game.

"I guess we didn't do a good enough job attacking the basket," Shelton said. "When they almost shoot more free throws in overtime than we did in the game, we didn't do something right."
Freed-Hardeman came out strong, jumping out to a 26-11 lead midway through the first quarter. Seven different Lions scored during that stretch.

The Battlin' Bears responded with a run of their own late in the half. FHU led 36-19, but Rocky Mountain scored nine unanswered points to narrow the Lions' lead to eight.

Freed-Hardeman shot the ball well in the first half, hitting 51.7 percent and holding a nine-point lead at halftime. But the Lions had 11 turnovers in the first half that allowed the Battlin' Bears to stay in the game.

Rocky Mountain began to find its way to the free-throw line more in the second half, hitting 11-of-18 from the charity stripe.

The Battlin' Bears also started to dominate the offensive boards. Rocky Mountain had 16 offensive rebounds in the game, 10 in the second half.

"We were fortunate to come back in the second half," Rocky Mountain coach Bill Dreikosen said. "We started taking care of the ball and grabbing offensive rebounds."

But junior Zack Frey kept the Lions in the game with 11 points in the second half. Frey finished with a game-high 18 points.

With the game tied at 65-65 and 1:12 left in the game, sophomore Jesse Moulton hit a 3-pointer to give the Lions a three-point lead. Rocky Mountain answered with a 3-pointer by Chase Sukut with :32 remaining.

"The momentum just shifted in the second half," FHU senior Shun Trevillian said. "We stopped making our shots, and they fought hard to get back in the game."

FHU was not able to convert on its final possession to force overtime.

This was Freed-Hardeman's second-ever trip to the national tournament. The last was in 1998 when the Lions lost to Southern Nazarene 67-60 in the first round.

"We have four seniors that worked hard to get our program here," Shelton said.

National Tournament

2009-03-13T10:35:00.003-05:00

The bracket finally came out yesterday for the National Tournament and we play Rocky Mountain College out of Montana. We received the #13 overall seed for the tournament. The entire bracket can be viewed at http://naia.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/103106aab.html and you can also follow the scores and stats via the gametracker option. We are leaving for Kansas City Sunday around 1 pm and are very excited about this opportunity. It should be a very fun and rewarding trip.

On Tuesday we are taking part in a Champions of Character event where we are going to a local elementary school to meet with kids and talk to them about the program and also to promote the tournament. This season we did a reading program with all of the area first grade classes and our guys really enjoyed reading to the kids so this should also be an enjoyable experience for them.

Best of luck to the State Tournament teams and I look forward to following all of those games while we are out in KC. State Tournament week is one of my favorite weeks of the year and although I'm a little sad that I won't be able to make it, I'm very excited that we are playing in the National Tournament and I would take that any day over just watching the state tourney.

Thanks for all of the encouragement this year and we hope to do you proud while out in KC. I'll try to update some while we are out there but I'm not making any promises.

GO LIONS!

Promo Video for tonight's Championship Game

2009-03-10T09:47:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcoXal9k1UQ

Lions win in overtime, head to conference championship

2009-03-08T19:40:00.001-05:00

HENDERSON, Tenn. - In a season of firsts, go ahead and add another to the list.

The Freed-Hardeman Lions advanced to the TranSouth Conference championship game for the first time in program history with a 72-68 overtime thriller over Cumberland (Tenn.) on Saturday night in the Sports Center. It is the second straight time that the two teams have gone to overtime against each other, with the Lions coming out on top on both occasions.

The Lions will play top-seeded Union (Tenn.), a 72-65 winner over Martin Methodist (Tenn.) earlier in the night, at 7:00 PM on Tuesday at Union.

It looked like FHU would lock up the physical game in regulation after using a 12-2 run to take a 49-45 lead with 5:24 to play, then extending the lead to eight points with 54 seconds left after Kristoffer Smith made 1-of-2 from the foul line.

But Cumberland scored 11 points on its next three possessions that included a traditional three-point play and a pair of 3-pointers, the last one by Jamar Finley with seven seconds left to tie the game at 59-59.

The two teams traded four free throws each in the first three minutes of overtime. Smith then went 1-of-2 from the charity stripe missing the second, which was tipped out by Wes Mayes into the hands of Kirtiss Brown to keep the ball on FHU's end. Seconds later, Shun Trevillian made both ends of a double bonus to put the Lions up by three with 1:18 left.A bit of controversy ensued on the following possession as Finley appeared to make a 3-pointer from the left baseline, but the nearside official overruled the call, saying Finley's foot was on the line and gave him a two-point basket. FHU's Jesse Moulton added to the Bulldogs' frustration by knocking down a deep 3-pointer from left wing to put the Lions up by four inside a minute to play. Mario Stowers missed a 3-pointer to answer, and Trevillian pushed the lead to six by making two more from the line.

Stowers hit a 3-pointer with six seconds left to make it a 71-68 game, but this time the Lions got the ball into Smith who made the first of two free throws to effectively seal the victory.

Smith led all scorers with 27 points and made several clutch shots throughout the game. Zack Frey added 17 and Trevillian had 11, six of which came in overtime. Brandon Springer, Jamar Finley, and Kenneth Simms each had 13 points for Cumberland.

The Lions improve to 24-8 on the season, one shy of the program record for wins in a season set in 2001-02. Cumberland falls to 26-5 and should receive an at-large bid to the national tournament later this month.

Lions lead wire-to-wire, advance to TSAC semifinals

2009-03-06T11:17:00.000-06:00

HENDERSON, Tenn. - The No. 13 Freed-Hardeman Lions led wire-to-wire, advancing to the TranSouth Conference tournament semifinals for the first time since 2002 with an 86-71 win over seventh-seeded Bethel (Tenn.) College on Thursday night in the Sports Center.

Though FHU - the tournament's No. 2 seed - never trailed in the game, Bethel never really allowed the Lions to get comfortable. Every time it looked like Freed would put the game away, the Wildcats would answer with a mini-run to stay just close enough to still have a chance.

The Lions came out of the gate on fire, opening the game on an 18-4 run highlighted by a Kirtiss Brown two-handed dunk. But Bethel quickly closed in via a 14-5 run that cut the Lions' lead to five points with 9:40 left in the half. FHU followed by rolling off nine straight points and still held a 15-point lead with 1:08 left in the half before Bethel's Antoine Lesesene scored the last four points of the half to send the Lions into the locker room with a 43-32 lead.

Freed-Hardeman led by double digits for the entirety of the second half, leading by as many as 21 (75-54) with 8:05 to play before the Wildcats' 10-2 run trimmed the lead down to 13 on Eddie King's basket with 5:44 left. That, however, would be the closest Bethel would get.Zack Frey continued his stellar play against Bethel, scoring 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting to lead all scorers. Jesse Moulton added 17 on the strength of five 3-pointers while Kristoffer Smith chipped in 13. Bethel was led by Lesesene's 19 points.

Freed-Hardeman (23-8) advances to the semifinals on Saturday at 7:00 PM when it will host No. 15 Cumberland (Tenn.), an 83-66 winner over Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.) tonight. The two teams split the regular season series with each winning on its home floor.

Frey, Shelton lead nine Lions receiving TSAC honors

2009-03-03T12:04:00.000-06:00

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Freed-Hardeman Lions were well represented in the TranSouth Conference's post-season awards that were released on Tuesday, March 4, with Coach Jason Shelton and eight players receiving various honors.

Zack Frey, Kristoffer Smith, and Jesse Moulton were all selected to the all-conference team. It was the first time that FHU placed three players on the all-conference squad since 2003.

Frey, a 6-foot-8 junior from Nashville, Tenn., was named to the first team for the second year in a row. He averaged 17.9 points per game during conference play while shooting 59.7 percent from the field. Smith and Moulton were both second-team selections after averaging 12.9 and 12.5 points per game respectively in conference play. Smith, a senior, was also named to the second team as a sophomore in 2007. Moulton was one of only two sophomores to receive the honor this year.

After guiding the Lions to a 22-8 regular season record and 13-3 conference record, Shelton was named the TranSouth Conference Coach of the Year. This year, the Lions have received their first national ranking since 2003 and set a school record for conference wins in a season. Shelton is in his fourth season at Freed-Hardeman.

Anthony Sampson was one of six players to be named to the conference's all-freshman team. The 5-foot-3 guard from Jackson, Tenn., averaged 1.5 points per game in conference play and gave the Lions a spark off the bench at the point.

FHU also had five players named as TranSouth Scholar Athletes: Vincent Barnes, Brian Pearson, Logan Greer, Zack Frey, and Wesley Mayes. To be named a scholar athlete, players must be a sophomore, junior, or senior and carry at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

A couple of highlights on Youtube

2009-03-02T13:36:00.002-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XONAMgNejwY
Kris Smith's Dunk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ztA3Tf_9mA
Lions hit 11 3's in the first half

A couple of highlights on Youtube

2009-03-02T13:36:00.001-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XONAMgNejwY
Kris Smith's Dunk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ztA3Tf_9mA
Lions hit 11 3's in the first half

Hot-shooting Lions set record in win over Lyon

2009-03-02T13:35:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, it's just your night.

That was definitely the case on Thursday as the No. 13 Freed-Hardeman Lions scored 60 first-half points en route to a 100-69 win over visiting Lyon (Ark.) College.

FHU closes the regular season at 22-8 overall and 13-3 in conference, setting a new program record for conference wins in a season. The previous record of 12 was established during the 1997-98 season - the only year that the Lions have made it to the national tournament.The game was close for its first four minutes, with the Scots trailing 13-11 after a Brandon Cowart 3-pointer. But then the floodgates opened.

For FHU, outscoring Lyon 47-20 while making 8-of-13 from 3-point range during the run. For the first half, Freed-Hardeman shot an amazing 70.6 percent from the field and 61.1 percent from behind the arc to build a 60-31 lead after Anthony Sampson's 28-footer beat the buzzer.

FHU cooled off a bit in the second half but the damage was already done as the Lions cruised to the win and clinched a second place finish in the TranSouth Conference regular season standings.

Logan Greer scored a career-high 21 points, 16 in the first half, while making 5-of-6 from behind the arc. Zack Frey added 18 points while Shun Trevillian and Jesse Moulton each scored 11. Trevillian also handed out nine assists against no turnovers.

The Lions now prepare for the TranSouth Conference tournament that begins next week. FHU will play in Henderson on Thursday at 7:00 PM against Bethel.

Lions rally from 17 down, edge No. 4 Union

2009-02-23T13:57:00.001-06:00

HENDERSON, Tenn. - It was a win the Freed-Hardeman Lions desperately needed.Mid-way through the second half, it was also one that it looked like they wouldn't get.

Instead, the No. 14 Lions completed a whirlwind rally that turned a 17-point deficit with 11:27 left into a 75-73 victory over the No. 4 Union (Tenn.) University Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon in the Sports Center.

The win improves FHU to 21-8 on the season and 12-3 in conference play. More importantly, it means the Lions can wrap up second place in the regular-season conference standings with a win on Thursday. It also means the Lions can still claim the regular season title if Union loses one of its final three games and keeps them in good position for an at-large bid to the NAIA National Tournament.

Freed-Hardeman is the only team to defeat Union (22-5, 11-2) in conference play and swept the regular season series with the Bulldogs for the first time since the 1995-96 season.

The Bulldogs used hot shooting in the first half - 55.9 percent from the floor - to build a 47-36 halftime lead. Kristoffer Smith almost single-handedly kept FHU in the game in the first 20 minutes, scoring 16 points in the first half on 6-of-7 shooting while no other Lion scored more than four points.

Freed-Hardeman scored two quick buckets out of halftime to trim the Union lead to seven points, but the Bulldogs opened up their largest lead of the game on the heels of a 12-2 run, finished by a Matt Neaville 3-pointer with 11:27 remaining. Union still held a 15-point advantage (65-50) with 8:40 to play.

Senior guard Shun Trevillian got the rallied started, scoring seven straight points to help pull FHU within nine points at the 5:19 mark. Later, it was Smith scoring six straight as part of an 11-0 run that saw the Lions tie the game at 69-69 after a Trevillian layup with 1:22 left.

Matt Neaville responded for Union with a 15-footer to put the Bulldogs back up by two. But Logan Greer canned a 3-pointer off right wing the next trip down as FHU took its first lead since early in the game. Keith Tolliver and Zack Frey each made two free throws on their team's next possessions to keep the Lion lead at one point with 26 seconds left.

Frey then blocked Greg Truvillion's shot in the paint and Trevillian grabbed the loose ball with 2.6 seconds left. Trevillian made 1-of-2 from the line, and Martez Hawkins missed a last-second heave from just inside half court as the Lions completed the comeback.

Smith led all scorers with 26 points on 9-of-11 shooting. Trevillian added 17 - 13 in the second half - and Frey chipped in 10.

FHU finishes the regular season on Thursday against Lyon (Ark.) College at 8:00 PM in Henderson.

Win #20

2009-02-20T13:18:00.002-06:00

The No. 14 Freed-Hardeman Lions ended a two-game losing streak with a convincing 77-53 win over Bethel (Tenn.) College on Thursday night.

The win moves FHU (20-8, 11-3) into a second-place tie with Cumberland (Tenn.) in the TranSouth Conference standings with two games remaining. It also marks the second straight year that the Lions have won 20 games, the first time since the 01-02 and 02-03 seasons that Freed-Hardeman has accomplished that feat.

The outcome of this one was hardly in doubt from the opening tip as FHU built a 21-11 lead over the first 11 minutes and later used a 12-3 run to extend its lead to 17 points, 33-16, with 4:56 in the half. The Wildcats would not get within 13 points of the Lion lead for the remainder of the game.

Freed-Hardeman's defense, which played a big role in the team's recent 12-game winning streak, reappeared from a three-game absence to hold Bethel nearly 26 points below its season scoring average. The Lions also shut down Dontaye Hinton, limiting the senior forward to a season-low four points. Hinton entered the game averaging 18.1 points per contest.

Zack Frey led all scorers with 21 points, the fourth consecutive game in which the junior center has surpassed 20 points. Jesse Moulton added 12 points while Wesley Mayes pulled down a season-high 12 rebounds.

The Lions now prepare for a big game against No. 4 Union (Tenn.) on Saturday at the Sports Center. The Bulldogs are atop the conference with an 11-1 record after narrowly escaping Martin Methodist (Tenn.) in overtime, 77-76. Freed-Hardeman won the first meeting between the two schools this year, 69-66, in Jackson

Thought for the day 2/17

2009-02-17T00:57:00.002-06:00

My definition of discipline is as follows: (1) Do what has to be done, when it has to be done, as well as it can be done, and (2) Do it that way all the time. - Bob Knight

Quote of the day 2/15

2009-02-15T15:01:00.003-06:00

"We just didn't play well defensively. We didn't play hard enough on defense. We played lazy. They got a lot of points in the paint. It's one game. It's good that (my teammates) have a competitive spirit, but they can't take a loss and hold on to it. You can't get too hard on yourself or you don't play your best basketball." - Kobe Bryant

Great Article

2009-02-11T10:27:00.000-06:00

I had someone send me this link and the article is really great. I highly recommend everyone read this and pass it on. The link is http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/insider/columns/story?columnist=bilas_jay&id=3868904 .

#10 in the country

2009-02-10T10:08:00.003-06:00

The new rankings came out and we continued to move up. This week we are ranked #10 in the country. We have 5 games left in our season and we are playing well. We have currently won 12 games in a row and at 10-1 in the conference are tied for first place. Overall our team record is 19-6 and we hope to continue to improve on that. We play Martin Methodist Thursday night at home and then we go to Mid-Continent on Monday.

Best of luck to all of the high school teams as your seasons are winding down and tournaments are starting.

Story from the Jackson Sun about last nights game

2009-02-06T12:42:00.000-06:00

Freed-Hardeman 83, Lambuth 61

Six Freed-Hardeman players scored at least eight points against a usually-stingy Lambuth defense Thursday, and the Lions extended their winning streak to 11 games with an 83-61 win.

The Lions (18-6) made seven of their 10 3-pointers in the second half, including three from senior point guard Shun Trevillian.

Two of Trevillian's 3-pointers aided a 15-4 run that helped FHU to a 66-42 lead with nine minutes remaining.

Before the run, Lambuth had hacked a 21-point edge to 13 at 51-38, but the Eagles didn't come any closer.

FHU's Jesse Moulton scored a game-high 16 points, inluding 4-of-6 from 3-point range.
"We do best when our scoring is spread out," said FHU coach Jason Shelton. "Our best player (Zack Frey) didn't even play that much, but I am glad we have a senior backup post like Tyler Jennings."

Jennings was the only other FHU scorer in double figures with 10 points, but Kristoffer Smith, Kirtiss Brown and Trevillian chipped in with nine points apiece.

Trevillian's third long-range bucket stretched the Lions' lead to 74-44, and FHU coasted to the win.

Lambuth struggled offensively with a 32 percent shooting effort, including just 2-of-20 from 3-point range.

Antawn Coby was the only Lambuth scorer in double figures with 11 points.

"Antawn is a special player, but we did a better job of playing help defense," Shelton said. "We made him give up the ball in the second half."

Lambuth won the earlier matchup in Henderson - the Lions' most recent loss.

"I think the main difference (with the) team is that we are just executing better," Shelton said. "We have 10 guys that have been in the program at least three years."

"We have worked with motion on offense, and 17 assists on 29 buckets (Thursday) isn't bad."
The Eagles (13-8) scored a season-low 61 points just a game after scoring a season-high 128 points against Blue Mountain.

FHU travels to Blue Mountain on Saturday, while Lambuth heads to Bethel on the same day.

Thought for the day 2/6

2009-02-06T12:33:00.001-06:00

Life is like a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use. - Charles M. Schultz

Thought for the day 2/5

2009-02-05T22:55:00.002-06:00

It's amazing how much a person can accomplish when he's not worried who will get the credit.

Quote of the day 2/4

2009-02-04T09:59:00.001-06:00

An error doesn't become a mistake until you refuse to correct it. - Orlando A. Battista

Story from Saturday's Game

2009-02-02T09:33:00.000-06:00

Lions do it again, down No. 7 Cumberland

Sat, January 31, 2009 - [MEN'S BASKETBALL]

HENDERSON, Tenn. - Freed-Hardeman senior Kristoffer Smith went 39 minutes and 52 seconds without scoring a point.Turns out he was saving his first basket for the game's most critical time.Smith made a driving floater in the lane with eight seconds left to tie the game at 53-53, then rebounded Quentin Turner's miss with two seconds left to send it into overtime where the Lions would get the upper hand on No. 7 Cumberland (Tenn.) University and pull off a 66-59 upset.

"Bobby Knight said that the mental-to-physical is 4-to-1," said FHU head coach Jason Shelton. "Sometimes it's harder to be mentally tough than physically tough. Tonight we had to be both."

The win, FHU's tenth in a row, gives the Lions (17-6, 9-1) sole possession of first place in the TranSouth Conference. Cumberland drops to 18-3 on the season and 8-2 in conference play. It also marks the third time this season FHU has defeated a team ranked in the NAIA's top 10.

Playing on their home floor in front of an excited crowd, the Lions led for much of the game. Zack Frey's three-point play with 13:40 in the first half put FHU on top, 15-12, and the game would stay that way for the next 30 minutes.Cumberland, however, used multiple trips to the foul line along with smothering defense to piece together a 15-2 run that gave the Bulldogs a 51-49 lead with 3:05 to play. After each team made a pair of turnovers, Zack Frey's turnaround from the baseline tied the game at 51-51. But the Bulldogs again were able to get to the free throw line, as Kenneth Simms and Brandon Powell each made 1-of-2 free throws on CU's next two possessions to give them a 53-51 lead with :33 to play.Then came Smith's big basket and rebound.

In overtime, FHU raced out to a 60-53 lead by finally getting to the free throw line themselves after shooting just seven in regulation. Frey went 5-of-6 from the line and Smith had a steal and dunk to fuel the 7-0 run.

"Our guys made plays when we had to," Shelton said. "A lot of different people stepped up and did a lot of different things."

The Bulldogs, who made a living at the line (21-of-29) in regulation, made just 3-of-8 in overtime while FHU converted on 9-of-15 opportunities in the extra period.Frey finished with 17 points while Jesse Moulton added 11. Shun Trevillian and Kirtiss Brown each had 10 points. Brown scored six straight points in the midst of a 9-0 Lion run in the second half.

Freed-Hardeman returns to action on Thursday at 8:00 PM against the team that handed the Lions their last loss, Lambuth (Tenn.) University. The Eagles beat FHU, 76-71, on Dec. 8 in the Sports Center.

Story about last nights game

2009-01-30T11:26:00.001-06:00

No. 20 Lions pull away from Trevecca, 88-73

Thu, January 29, 2009 - [MEN'S BASKETBALL]

HENDERSON, Tenn. - Closing out games in the final minutes is starting to become a bit of a pattern for the Freed-Hardeman men's basketball team.

The No. 20 Lions used an 11-1 second-half run to pull away from the Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.) Trojans on Thursday night in the Sports Center, turning what was a close game with six minutes left into an 88-73 victory.

The win keeps the Lions (16-6, 8-1) in a first-place tie in the TranSouth Conference with Cumberland (Tenn.), which pays a visit to Freed-Hardeman on Saturday. Cumberland handed FHU its only conference loss thus far this season.

In the first meeting between Freed-Hardeman and Trevecca, the Lions shot very well (14-of-30) from behind the arc. The first half of tonight's game was an entirely different story as the Lions made just 2-of-13 attempts from 3-point range.

But FHU still took a 36-33 lead into the locker room thanks in large part to the largest player on the team: 6-foot-9 senior Tyler Jennings. Jennings had 10 points and seven rebounds - five offensive - in the half while the team's leading scorer, Zack Frey, was on the bench with two fouls.

"Tyler has been a backup post man ever since he's been here and has been extremely valuable in that role," said FHU head coach Jason Shelton. "He stepped up and made some big plays tonight. He saved us in the first half."

The Trojans were able to get into transition early in the second half and eventually retook the lead for the first time since early in the game on a basket by Jeremy Dixon. One of Michael France's four 3-pointers on the night gave TNU a 45-42 lead with 16:20 to play, and the Trojans maintained a two-point edge three minutes later until a pair of Frey free throws tied the game at 49-49.

FHU then got a steal from Kristoffer Smith that turned into a basket for Shun Trevillian, and the Lions would not relinquish the lead for the remainder of the game.

Trevecca fended off Freed-Hardeman's first attempt at a knockout blow, cutting a nine-point Lion lead down to three (69-66) with 5:30 remaining. The second attempt, however, would be one from which the Trojans would not recover. Freed-Hardeman went on an 11-1 run, kicked off by a deep 3-pointer by Trevillian, to open up an 80-67 edge with 2:48 left.

The Lion defense held Brian Oduor, who entered the game averaging a conference-best 22.3 points per game, to a season-low 10 points on 1-of-10 shooting from the field.

"We tried to make him give the ball up," Shelton said. "We missed some rotations trying to play out of that double team that got some other guys good shots. But other than putting him on the free throw line, we did a good job."

FHU was led in scoring by Frey with 19 points and eight rebounds. Four other Lions reached double figures in scoring: Jennings (14), Trevillian (13), Smith (13), and Jesse Moulton (10). Jennings also had eight rebounds and Trevillian dished out nine assists against just one turnover.

The Lions, winners of nine straight games, have a huge game with No. 7 Cumberland on Saturday for sole possession of first place in the TranSouth Conference. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Thought for the day 1/26

2009-01-26T09:41:00.001-06:00

Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortunes; but great minds rise above them. - Washington Irving

LIONS IN TOP 25 FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2003

2009-01-21T09:36:00.001-06:00

KANSAS CITY – It’s been a long time coming. But the time finally came.

Riding the wave of a six-game winning streak that included road wins over then-No. 16 Martin Methodist (Tenn.) College and then-No. 5 Union (Tenn.) University, the Freed-Hardeman University Lions made it into the NAIA national ratings for the first time since Mar. 11, 2003. The Lions were ranked at No. 20 in Monday’s poll.

“It is a nice recognition of the work our guys have put in. Now we have to continue to improve daily individually and collectively,” said FHU head coach Jason Shelton. “We are in a great league with a lot of games left to play.”

Shelton, in his fourth season at Freed-Hardeman, has systematically rebuilt the Lion basketball program since his arrival in the spring of 2005. The Lions won just 20 games in his first two years, but have gone 34-17 since then.

Nevertheless, Shelton is not content to rest on this week’s ranking.

“The only [rating] that matters is the last one,” he said. “We have a long way to go.”

The Lions are 14-6 on the season and 6-1 in conference after edging Lyon (Ark.) College, 84-82, on Monday in Batesville, Ark.

#FHU#

Story from the Jackson Sun 1/18

2009-01-19T09:08:00.000-06:00

FHU stifles Union

By MATT VINES
mvines1@jacksonsun.com• January 18, 2009

http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090118/SPORTS/901180321

Freed-Hardeman has been in a rebuilding process in coach Jason Shelton's three-and-a-half seasons at the helm.

With a 69-66 win at No. 5 Union, the Lions' third victory over a ranked opponent this season, the rebuilding process is officially over.

FHU (13-6, 5-1) forced Union's Matt Neaville and Brian Lake to pass on a game-winning shot attempt and claimed the win as Greg Truvillion's 3-pointer ricocheted off the backboard.
"I am going to enjoy the win until about dinner time (on Saturday)," said FHU coach Jason Shelton. "Then my mind will drift to Lyon and gathering film."

"This is a big win, but we can't relax because we want to continue with the building process."
FHU's Zack Frey missed the front end of a free-throw trip to keep Union within three points, but the Lions' defense bailed them out just as it had all game.

"We have a play that we run in those situations, but we hadn't rehearsed it enough, and that's poor coaching on my part," said Union coach Ralph Turner. "We try to free up Neaville or Lake on that play and have Martez Hawkins as our third option, but Truvillion caught the pass that was intended for Hawkins.
"We executed horribly on offense, and I got outcoached all day."

The Bulldogs (14-4, 4-1) made just six-of-26 from 3-point range and shot 37 percent from the field, including just 30 percent in the first half.

FHU's Jesse Moulton led three Lions' scorers in double figures with 16 points, including 4-of-7 from behind the arc.

Moulton scored seven of FHU's last 12 points as Union made just six-of-13 free throws in the second half to stifle the Bulldogs' comeback attempt.

"We played a tough non-conference schedule, and that has paid off in TranSouth play," Moulton said. "I get hyped when our team makes big shots, and we made them (on Saturday).
"Our main goal was to get the ball inside to Zach, and he opens up the floor for the rest of us."
Despite Frey shooting 4-of-12 and scoring 12 points, the junior forward drew attention from Union's defense, allowing the Lions to shoot 6-of-13 from 3-point range in the second half.
Hawkins (12 points) drilled one of his two 3-pointers to cut the FHU lead to 62-61 with two minutes remaining, but FHU's Shun Trevillian answered with a 3-pointer to keep his Lions ahead.

Union's Brian Lake, who has made two game-winning shots this season, scored just seven points but grabbed a game-high 17 rebounds.

Freed-Hardeman extends its winning streak to six games to take the top conference spot while ending Union's six-game streak.

Both teams return to the floor Monday with FHU traveling to Lyon while Union hosts Blue Mountain.

- Matt Vines, 425-9634