Monarchs Online...the official website of Methodist College Athletics

October 19, 2005

Monarchs selected first, Lady Monarchs fourth in USA South preseason basketball polls

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Methodist Monarch men’s basketball team was selected first and the Methodist Lady Monarch women’s basketball team was selected fourth in their respected preseason USA South Athletic Conference polls released on Wednesday.

Head coach David Smith’s Monarchs were selected the preseason favorites in the men’s poll for the second straight season. They received six of the seven possible first place votes and 36 points total. The Monarchs were picked ahead of North Carolina Wesleyan (30), Averett (23), Christopher Newport (22), Shenandoah (18), Greensboro (9) and Ferrum (9).

Methodist is coming off an impressive 20-8 season and won the USA South regular season championship for the third straight season with a 10-2 mark. The Monarchs proceeded to win the USA South Tournament championship and a berth in the NCAA Division III National Tournament for the second straight season.

The Monarchs return three starters, including All-USA South wing Seth Thomas and All-USA South guard Eugene Grant, from last season.

Head coach DeeDee Jarman’s Lady Monarchs received 31 points total and one first place vote in the poll. Defending USA South champion Greensboro was the preseason favorite with 40 points and three first place votes, just ahead of Christopher Newport with 39 points and one first place vote. Picked third was Peace with 36 points and two first place votes.

Rounding out the poll was Shenandoah (28), Averett (22), Ferrum (16) and North Carolina Wesleyan (11).

Methodist is coming a 2004-05 season where the Lady Monarchs finished 12-15 overall and 5-9 in the USA South. However, the Lady Monarchs advanced to the USA South Tournament championship game against Greensboro. The Lady Monarchs return two starters – All-USA South forward Stacy Williams and guard Lisa Jackson.

The Monarchs open the 2005-06 season on Nov. 19 against Maritime State in the Lon Varnell Classic at Sewanee, while the Lady Monarchs open their season on Nov. 18 against Emory & Henry at the Emory & Henry Classic.