Lions continue to win while establishing new identity
Junior Sharese Jones went to the basket against Avila on Nov. 19, 2014 at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center. The Lions opened the game with 41 points in the first half and went on to win the game by an eventual 77-51 score. Jones had 13 points to go along with four rebounds, two assists and two steals, enough to spearhead the Southern offensive attack.
The Lions women’s basketball team officially tipped off its 2014-2015 season in the Fairfield Inn/Pizza Hut Classic last weekend in the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.
The Lions, for their first game of the season, would welcome Oklahoma Panhandle to Leggett & Platt on Friday. There’s nothing like the season opener, and the infectious spirit had gotten to freshman forward Jordan Dinyer.
“I was beyond anxious. I even got to the gym an hour earlier,” said Dinyer. “It feels great to know that the season has officially started, especially after months of preseason conditioning and practice. Now we get to exhibit the hard work we’ve been putting in since August.”
The Lions beat Oklahoma Panhandle 83-47 in their season and home opener. The first half ended 42-30 Lions. After a few half time adjustments, the Lions held Oklahoma Panhandle to only 17 second-half points.
The Lions were led offensively by Sharese Jones, who recorded a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Jordan Dinyer recorded 11 points and six boards also, while Alexis Fitzpatrick had eight points, five assists and five boards.
“We were able to create situations that gave us an offensive advantage,” said Dinyer.
Saturday, the Lions took on the Hawks of Rockhurst, who won their first game of the season against Evangel University in Leggett & Platt on Friday. Rockhurst jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead out the gate. The Lions would regain their composure and hold the Hawks to only 11 points in the remainder of the first half. At half, the Lions led 35-17.
Missouri Southern honored former coach Maryann Mitts at halftime as well. Mitts retired as the winningest coach in Missouri Southern women’s basketball history.
In the second half, the Lions came out and controlled the tempo from start to finish, pushing the lead to 33 at one point. The Lions would go on to win the game 69-40.
Nic Hartzog led the charge for the Lions with 14 points. Shawnee Phillips added 13 points, while Jones and Jenson Maydew contributed with eight boards each.
The Lions opened the season 2-0 and won both games by a combined point total of 65. The Lions will be back in action tomorrow in Leggett & Platt Athletic Center, hosting Quincy University at 1 p.m.
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