SF Basketball Tips-Off November 3 at 6:00 PM

November 2, 2011

November 2, 2011 Contact: Scott Jamison 352-395-5616 scott.jamison@sfcollege.edu

SF BASKETBALL

SAINTS OPEN SEASON NOVEMBER 3 AT HOME IN CABOT LODGE TIP-OFF CLASSIC

Gainesville, FL – The Santa Fe Saints women's basketball team opens their season at home on Thursday, November 3 against St. Petersburg College in the second game of the annual Cabot Lodge Tip-off Classic at 6:00 PM. Game one will have Palm Beach State College facing off against The Rock School at 4:00 PM.

Coach Chris Mowry and the men tip things off at 8:00 PM on Thursday, November 3 against St. Thomas University JV.

The Cabot Lodge Tip-off Classic continues on Friday, November 4 with both the men and women in action again. The men host RISE Academy at 2:00 PM and the women play Palm Beach State College at 6:00 PM.

The women return just two players from last year's Mid-Florida Conference championship team, but both were starters and heavily contributed to the success the Saints had in 2010-11. Point guard Stephenie Coney, the leading scorer for SF last season (9.5 PPG) and shooting guard Stephanie Edwards will look to guide a young but talented group of freshman, led by former Eastside High School star Lonna Turner, to the team's fourth straight MFC title.

"I am very excited about this group of young ladies. They have really taken the time to get to know each other. I know they are excited to see how their preseason work will pay off with the season beginning," said Coach Chanda Stebbins. "We expect to be a team that will challenge every team we play. We are going grow and learn as the season goes on. Our energy on defense will be a key to playing well and winning games."

The men's team returns three players from last year's 18-13 squad, including starting guard Marko Djekovic, guard Josh Wiseman and forward Johnathan Williams. Six foot, ten inch Keshaun Hamilton and transfer shooting guard Kevin Harden headline a heralded group of incoming players hoping to lead the Saints to the State Tournament for the first time since 2008-09.

"We are excited to get the season going," said Coach Mowry. "October has been a long month of practices and players are looking forward to the regular season. Our guys have worked hard and have been unselfish on offense and are working on getting better on defense. We expect to play at least ten players the first couple games to give everyone a chance to get on the floor and for the new guys show us what they can do in a game situation."

Admission is $3 for the general public, $2 for military and senior citizens and free for all Santa Fe faculty, staff and students with an SF ID.

For complete schedules and more information on Saints Basketball, please visit santafesaints.com. To see game photos and other updates, follow Santa Fe College Athletics on Facebook.

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