Archived Articles - 2005

9/6/05
Brackets announced for 2005 Women's Paradise Jam Basketball Tournament

Eight Division I women’s basketball teams will take their game to the U.S. Virgin Islands to compete in the sixth annual U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam basketball tournament at University of the Virgin Islands in St. Thomas from Nov. 24-26, 2005. With names such as Tennessee, Michigan State, Minnesota, Virginia, Maryland, Gonzaga, Alabama and Nevada, the tournament’s reputation for intense competition will only be strengthened.

Since its inception six years ago, the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam has been one of the premiere early season collegiate basketball tournaments in the nation. Tournament champions have never failed to earn berths to the NCAA post-season tournament, with several teams making it as far as the Final Four. The 2005 U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam proves once again to be full of talent and competition.

Ironically, four teams who met in the NCAA tournament have an opportunity to meet again in St. Thomas to replay the drama of March Madness. Tennessee will have a chance to avenge their NCAA championship semi-final loss in April to Michigan State when they meet the Spartans in the opening round of the Paradise Jam “St. John” division. Virginia and Minnesota could meet in the championship of the “St. Thomas” division, which would be a replay of the 2nd round of NCAA tournament play when Minnesota defeated the Cavaliers, 73-58.

The Paradise Jam consists of two separate 4-team tournaments. One is a certified three-game round-robin event called the "St. John" division and the other a two-game non-certified event called the "St. Thomas" division. A certified tournament counts as only one game against a team’s annual maximum of 27 games, despite playing up to three games at the tournament. Teams may only play in two certified tournaments in any four-year period. Non-certified tournaments carry no restrictions as all games count against a team’s schedule.

The “St. John” division will host one of the most impressive brackets that the Paradise Jam has ever seen. Michigan State, Tennessee and Maryland each participated in last year’s NCAA tournament, with the Spartans and the Lady Vols both advancing all the way to the Final Four. Gonzaga, a team looking for redemption after missing an NCAA berth despite a 28-4 record last year, rounds out a bracket sure to showcase intense early-season competition. Fox College Sports also seems to think the bracket is worthy of nationwide attention. They plan to broadcast both first round games on Thanksgiving Day, pitting Tennessee vs. Michigan State and Maryland vs. Gonzaga.

Michigan State University completed their best season in school history last year, finishing with a 33-4 record and competing in their first-ever national championship. Seniors Lindsay Bowen and Liz Shimek, who both accepted invitations to the USA Women’s Basketball national team trials, will lead the Spartans this season. Bowen, a 5-7 guard who was named to the all-tournament team at the Final Four, averaged 13.8 points per game and dished out 103 assists on the year. Shimek, a 6-1 forward, led the team in both scoring and rebounding in the 2004-05 season with 14.8 ppg and 9.1 rpg. The University of Tennessee Lady Vols completed their season with a 30-5 record, losing in the NCAA championship semi-final game to Michigan State, who erased a 16-point 2nd half deficit to defeat the higher-ranked Lady Vols 68-64. Tennessee lost four seniors from the 2004-05 squad, but return a strong lineup led by 5-10 senior guard Shanna Zolman (12.5 ppg), 6-4 sophomore center Nicky Anosike (6.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg), who was invited to USA Basketball Women’s national team trials, and 5-11 sophomore guard Alexis Hornbuckle (8.6 ppg 5.4 rpg).

The University of Maryland Terrapins finished last season with a 22-10 record, reaching the second round of the NCAA tournament. The Terps return four starters, including first team all-ACC player Shay Doron, a 5-9 junior guard who posted 17.6 points per game, and ACC Rookie of the Year Crystal Langhorne, a 6-3 sophomore center. Maryland also boasts the fourth-ranked recruiting class in the nation for the 2005-2006 season. The Gonzaga Bulldogs travel to the Paradise Jam after coming off a season that saw their first ever national ranking (#24 in AP) and the nation’s longest winning streak at 23 games. The Bulldogs finished the 2004-05 season with a 28-4 record and advanced to the second round of the NIT. Senior 6-0 forward Anne Bailey (9.9 ppg, 5 rpg) and 6-3 junior forward Stephanie Hawk (9.4 ppg, 5 rpg) will be looked to for leadership to replace three starting seniors from last year’s squad. Gonzaga Region 8 Coach of the Year, Kelly Graves, commented on participating in Paradise Jam 2005, “I am excited to see where our team will stack up against those more established programs.”

The two-game non-certified "St. Thomas" division will also host some great competition with two of the four teams participating in post-season play in 2005. This division includes Minnesota, Virginia, Alabama, and Nevada. Should Minnesota and Virginia win their “St. Thomas” division first round games it would set up a replay of last year’s 2nd round NCAA tournament matchup. In 2004-05, Minnesota finished with a 26-8 record after reaching the Sweet Sixteen and losing to eventual national champion, Baylor. Losing only one senior (standout center Janel McCarville), the Golden Gophers return four strong starters. Jamie Broback, a 6-3 junior forward (14.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg), and Shannon Schonrock, a 5-6 senior guard (9.1 ppg), will be looked to for large contributions again this year. Fellow NCAA playoff participant, the University of Virginia, finished the season at 21-11, after their 2nd round loss to Minnesota. The Cavaliers lose four seniors from the 2004-05 season, including three starters. The two returning starters, Brenna McGuire, a 5-11 junior guard (6.3 ppg), and Sharnee Zoll, a 5-7 sophomore guard (6.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg), will provide early leadership. Zoll was named as an ACC honorable mention All-Freshman honoree and was invited to USA Basketball Women’s national Team Trials.

Alabama and Nevada complete the “St. Thomas” division. Alabama travels to the islands with a new coach on board, Stephanie Smith, formerly from Middle Tennessee State. The Crimson Tide was 14-15 last year and lost three seniors. Returning starters Marverly Nettles, a 5-10 junior guard (4.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg), and senior Dee Merriweather, a 6-4 junior center, will be looked to for some early leadership. Nevada (8-22) will face some tough competition from the other teams in the “St. Thomas” division. Losing three seniors Nevada will continue to look to 6-1 sophomore forward Meghan McGuire for leadership. Meghan averaged 13.2 ppg and 3.9 rpg last season. In addition Nevada boasts two newcomers that are expected to contribute right away. Sabrina Keys, a 6-1 forward that transferred from Purdue and 6-5 transfer Evelina Janisyte should add depth and maturity to the team.

Despite perennially strong fields, Paradise Jam 2005 has the potential to be the most competitive collection of teams in the six year history of the Virgin Islands tournament. In the 2004 Paradise Jam, North Carolina State defeated Louisville 54-49 to claim the “St. Thomas” division championship, and Rutgers won the “St. John” division crown. Both 2004 Paradise Jam champions earned berths in the NCAA playoffs last year, with Rutgers advancing all the way to the Elite Eight. The tournament is played at University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center, the Caribbean’s finest basketball facility and just a stone’s throw from the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean Sea.

For more tournament information, go to www.ParadiseJam.com.

9/6/05
North Carolina, Five Other Teams Enjoy Labor Day Tour Success

Six NCAA Division I basketball teams traveled to foreign lands during the Labor Day holiday, competing against teams from British Columbia and Ontario all the way to the Bahamas in search of a strong early start on their 2005-2006 campaigns.

North Carolina, Troy and Marshall all converged upon Nassau in the Bahamas to enjoy some sun and sand along with local island competition. Teams cited the benefit of getting an early start on the season and initiating incoming freshmen to the routines and rigors of college basketball life on the road.

"(Chemistry) was the biggest benefit," (Roy) Williams said. "The kids were able to spend some time together. They got to room with different people than they room with at home, and the older guys were able to take care of the freshmen and give them some advice. We were able to get together as a team now rather than waiting until October 14." (Adam Lucas, TarHeelBlue.com)

North Carolina decisively won both their games, albeit they only enjoyed a nine point lead late in the third quarter against the Wreckers in their second game. Marshall and Troy also pulled out two close victories over their Bahamian hosts. When the teams were not competing they were enjoying the many varied activities of the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, official host hotel of teams traveling with Basketball Travelers, Inc. to Nassau, Bahamas.

Colorado and Cal-State Northridge traveled to Vancouver, Canada for an early kickoff to the 2005 season over the Labor Day holiday. Both teams fared well against strong competition, each finishing with a perfect record against the British Columbia competition.

As the only women’s team to travel on a Labor Day tour, Southern Illinois represented themselves well, winning each of their three games against colleges in the Niagara Falls, Ontario area.
While the Labor Day holiday tours don’t allow much time for sightseeing due to several games and travel time compressed into a 4-day period, teams generally agreed that the chance to get a jumpstart on their season with up to ten practices was a valuable asset. Perhaps the most valuable component, however, was the ability to bring incoming freshmen and transfers and get them acclimated to the new system early.

For more information on Labor Day or summer foreign tours, contact Nels Hawkinson at 425.776.2775 or email at nels@basketballtravelers.com.

7/13/05
Strong Field Announced for 2005 Junkanoo Jam Tournament

Eight Division I women’s basketball teams will take their game to Grand Bahama Island this Thanksgiving to compete in the 3rd Annual Junkanoo Jam. With six of the field’s eight teams advancing to the 2005 NCAA Tournament, one as far as the Elite Eight, the 2005 Junkanoo Jam will again be one of the most competitive tournaments in women’s college basketball. The 2005 field includes Iowa State, NC State, North Florida, and Rutgers in the Freeport Division and Purdue, George Washington, South Carolina, and Texas in the Lucaya Division. The games for both divisions will take place November 25 -26, 2005 at St. George’s High School on Grand Bahama Island.

In the Freeport division, Rutgers brings to the Bahamas the field’s most impressive resume from the 2004-05 season, after making its fifth Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Scarlet Knights will look to the three returning starters for leadership, including Kodak Honorable Mention All-American Cappie Pondexter. As a 5-9 junior guard, Pondexter averaged a team-high 14.7 points per game, as well as 3.1 assists per game. 5-8 sophomore guard Matee Ajavon (12.4 ppg and 3.5 apg) and 6-2 senior forward Michelle Campbell (11.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg) are also expected to contribute big for Rutgers. They will be joined by sophomore guard Essence Carson (6.6 ppg. 5.5 rpg), a U19 World Championship Team member for the USA.

Iowa State expects to contend for the Freeport Division championship after an impressive 2004-05 season which led to a first-round NCAA appearance. Coach Bill Fennelly was named Region Five Coach of the Year as he guided the Lady Cyclones to a 23-7 season. Iowa State lost their top three point producers to graduation and will rely on returning starters Lyndsey Medders and Megan Ronhovde for early leadership. Medders, a 5-9 junior guard, averaged 9.7 ppg and Ronhovde, a 6-1 junior forward, contributed 9.2 ppg and 5.3 rpg.

NC State travels to the Bahamas with a strong nucleus of returning players intact, including their top five leading scorers from 2004-05. The Wolfpack’s no-star roster competed in the first round of the NCAA tournament and posted a 21-8 record on the season. As All-ACC honorees last year, seniors Tiffany Stansbury (11.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg) and Billie McDowell (11.5 ppg, 2.0 apg) will be expected to lead the team this year. Also contributing to the Wolfpack’s success last season was ACC All-Freshman team pick Khadijah Whittington (8.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg) and ACC All-Defensive pick Ashley Key (8.8 ppg).

Rounding out the Freeport Division is the University of North Florida, who make their Division I debut at Junkanoo Jam 2005. Last year they competed in the Division II Peach Belt Conference, finishing with a 13-16 record. The Lady Ospreys return eight seniors, who will be expected to impart experience and leadership to the 6 incoming recruits inked for the 2005-06 season.

The Lucaya Division appears to be just as competitive as the Freeport Division, with perennially tough teams George Washington, Texas, Purdue, and South Carolina competing for the Lucaya crown. Three of the four teams in the division advanced to the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament.

The George Washington Colonials bring their game back to Grand Bahama Island after competing in the inaugural Junkanoo Jam in 2003. Coach McKeown led the team to a 23-9 finish and a second round NCAA tournament appearance during the 2004-05 season. The colonials lost three starters and will look to Atlantic-10 Rookie of the Year Kimberly Beck for floor leadership. Beck, a 5-8 sophomore guard, averaged 8.0 ppg and led the conference in assists at 5.12 per game last season. 5-10 junior guard Kenan Cole ( 7.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg) will also be a contributor.

Also advancing to the second round of the 2005 NCAA tournament, the Texas Longhorns will battle the field for the Lucaya division title. The Longhorns finished their season 22-9, and lost 6 seniors to graduation. Texas will look to last year’s high scorer, 6-3 junior forward Tiffany Jackson to power their offense, leading the team with 18.3 ppg and 8.7 rpg last season. Texas boasts an impressive incoming freshmen recruiting class, including 6-1 forward Ernesia Williams and 5-10 guard Erika Arriaran, both of whom were invited to participate in the U-19 USA team trials. Arriaran, named by both Parade Magazine and State Farm/WBCA as the 2005 High School Player of the Year, earned a spot on the U-19 USA World Championship team.

The Purdue Boilermakers joined Texas and George Washington with a 2nd round appearance in the NCAA tournament, losing to eventual Final Four participant Tennessee. Purdue returns four starters from last year’s 17-13 squad, as well as the top-five leading scorers on the season. The Boilermakers, under head coach Kristy Curry will look to leading scorers Erin Lawless and Katie Gearlds for offense. Lawless, a 6-2 junior forward, averaged 14.2 ppg and 5.3 rpg, while Gearlds, a 6-1 guard/forward, was just behind her at 14.1 ppg and 3.8 rpg.

Coming off of what head coach Susan Walvius called “a rebuilding year,” the University of South Carolina returns every player for a much-anticipated new season. The Gamecocks finished the 2004-2005 “baptism by fire” season with a 8-21 record. They competed in the SEC, arguably America’s toughest conference, with a roster comprised of 11 freshmen and sophomores and only one upperclassman. Coach Walvuis will look to leading scorers Lauren Simms (11.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg), a 5-9 junior guard, and Stacy Booker (8.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg) a 5-8 junior guard for early leadership.

The 2004 Junkanoo Jam champions Duke (Freeport Division) and Iowa (Lucaya Division), each earned berths into post-season play. Duke advanced as far as the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament and Iowa made it to the Final Four in the WNIT. The Junkanoo Jam perennially hosts many of the nation’s strongest teams, earning a reputation as one of the best pre-season tournaments for tough early season competition. The 2005 field appears to be the strongest yet in the three year history of the Junkanoo Jam, once again promising intense basketball competition on the courts of Grand Bahama Island.

For more information, contact Brooke Ingalls at Basketball Travelers, Inc. at 425.776.2775 or www.BasketballTravelers.com.

6/15/05
Wisconsin Heads Impressive 2005 Paradise Jam Field

Six Division I men’s basketball teams are gearing up for a trip to paradise at the sixth annual U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam Basketball Tournament played at University of the Virgin Islands in St. Thomas. The 2005 tournament field promises great competition in the islands as three of the six participating teams played in the 2005 NCAA tournament. Wisconsin, Old Dominion, Eastern Kentucky, Fordham, Norfolk State, and Georgia will compete November 18-21 at the state-of-the-art UVI Sports & Fitness Center in St. Thomas.

Wisconsin headlines this impressive field, coming off of a 25-9 season and the highest final ranking in school history (10th). The Badgers bring post-season momentum to the islands as the only team in the 2005 Paradise Jam field to progress to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament, losing to eventual national champion North Carolina (88-82). Despite losing five seniors from last year’s record-setting squad, the Badgers return a strong nucleus of players including third-team all Big Ten selection Alando Tucker, a 6-5 junior forward. Tucker started 30 of the Badgers’ 34 games last year and was the team’s leading scorer at 15.2 points per game and 6.1 rebounds per game. Kammon Taylor (8.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg), a 6-2 junior guard, will also be looked at to contribute to the Badgers’ early season efforts at the Paradise Jam. Additional contributions should come from Wisconsin’s highly regarded recruiting class, which has been ranked among the nation’s top-25.

Old Dominion and Eastern Kentucky join Wisconsin as the other 2005 NCAA tournament participants. Old Dominion finished the season with a first-round NCAA tournament loss to Michigan State (89-81). The Monarchs, finishing 28-6, set a school record in 2005 for the most wins in school history and won the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) title. Four of the five Monarch starters will return, including the CAA MVP and Player of the Year, Alex Loughton, a 6-9 senior center who averaged 14.1 ppg. Eastern Kentucky’s circumstances are very similar to ODU’s in that they also return four starters from last season, and were ousted in the first round of NCAA action by cross-state rival, Kentucky. The Colonels will head to St. Thomas under new head coach, Jeff Neubauer. Neubauer and staff have a lot to be excited about as they take the reins of a team that set a school-record 22 wins in 2004-05 and earned the school’s first NCAA Tournament appearance in 26 years. Two of the four returning starters, leading scorer Matt Witt, a 6-0 senior guard ( 14.4 ppg) and 6-2 senior guard Zach Ingles (11.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg), will be looked to early-on for much of the Colonel offense.

Fordham, Norfolk State, and Georgia complete the six-team field. Fordham finished the season 13-16 with a loss in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 tournament. The Rams completed regular season Atlantic 10 play at 8-8, which is the most conference wins since joining the Atlantic 10. Losing just one senior, Fordham will look to two outstanding sophomores for leadership. Atlantic 10 rookie of the year Bryant Dunston, a 6-8 guard, was the Rams leading scorer last year at 14.9 ppg and 8.6 rpg. Joining Dunston is fellow sophomore and all-rookie team selection Marcus Stout (13.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg), a 6-4 guard. Jermaine Anderson (12.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg), a 6-2 senior guard, will also contribute. Norfolk State finished the 2004-05 season with an 11-7 conference record (13-14 overall). The Spartans return three starters from last season, including All-MEAC rookie team selection Tony Murphy, a 6-4 sophomore guard (10.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg). Norfolk State head coach Dwight Freeman signed three community college transfers that he expects will contribute immediately. The Georgia Bulldogs, fielding a very young team last year, ended a tough 2004-05 season that saw only two conference wins and an 8-20 final record. The outlook for this season is much brighter, as the Bulldogs return four starters whose experience should contribute greatly to an improved record. Last season’s leading scorers Levi Stukes (15 ppg, 3.5 rpg) a 6-1 junior guard, and Sundiata Gaines (12 ppg, 4.9 rpg), a 6-1 sophomore guard, will drive the Bulldogs offense this season. For further assistance, the Bulldogs will also likely lean heavily on their strong recruiting class, ranked among the nation’s top 25. Georgia head coach Dennis Felton was honored recently with an invitation to serve as an assistant coach for the U-21 U.S. Men’s Team competing in the world championships in Argentina this summer.

The six-team Paradise Jam tournament field is split into two brackets of three teams each, the St. Thomas bracket and the St. John bracket. The tournament begins with three days of pool play within the divisions on Nov. 18-20, with each team playing two games. The order of finish within the divisions determines the placement for the final day of games on Monday, Nov. 21. In the 2005 St. Thomas bracket, Wisconsin, Eastern Kentucky and Norfolk State will be pitted against one another. The St. John bracket includes Old Dominion, Fordham, and Georgia.

Paradise Jam 2005 is expected to be the most competitive field in the five years of men’s competition in the Virgin Islands. In 2004 Paradise Jam tournament action, Arkansas dominated the six-team field, defeating Eastern Michigan 82-64 in the championship game. Winthrop captured third place over Austin Peay and Saint Louis beat Troy in the consolation game. The tournament is played at University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center, the Caribbean’s finest basketball facility and just a stone’s throw from the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean Sea.

For more tournament information, go to www.ParadiseJam.com.

Contact:
Jennifer Ashby
Paradise Jam Tournament Director
Basketball Travelers, Inc
425.776.2775
425.776.4094 FAX
Email: Jenn@BasketballTravelers.com

2/10/05
UAF, BTI Team Up for "Top of the World Classic"

University of Alaska-Fairbanks and Basketball Travelers, Inc. are teaming up to present one of the country’s most unique and memorable tournament experiences. The Top of the World Classic certified tournament offers eight teams a chance to experience the warmth of Alaskan hospitality. Amidst three games with incredible fan support, players and coaches also enjoy dog sled rides, gold panning, and a myriad of other truly Alaskan experiences. Games are played at the 4,900 seat Carlson Center in downtown Fairbanks.  Great guarantees are offered by UAF to participate in this tournament field.

Call the Basketball Travelers, Inc. office for information on playing in the 2005 and 2006 tournament