November 5, 2007

ROBBINS' TIGERS OFF TO 2-0 START

BOONEVILLE, Miss.-- Northeast Mississippi Community College's men's basketball team made large improvements during the offseason, and put it on display at the Itawamba Tipoff Tournament on November 1-2, going 2-0 in games played against Columbia State (Tenn.), and Bevill State-Fayette (Ala.), a team that played in the national championship tournament in Hutchinson, KS, last season.

Sophomore transfer Travis Lee (Tallahassee, FL) stole the show both days, pouring in 22 points in an 88-87 overtime win over Bevill State, and 24 points in a 83-75 victory over Columbia State on day two of the tournament.

"I was able to get some looks at the basket both days," Lee said, "but I don't get those without guys like Doc (Johnson), and Sergio (Freeman), and everybody else doing their jobs. Both wins were a total team effort."

Sophomore transfer Ken Moore also showed why Coach David Robbins chose to sign the 6'7 post player, leading the Tigers with 23 points and nine rebounds versus Bevill State, followed by a 17-point performance against Columbia.

Putting his name beside those of Moore, and Lee in double figures was sophomore Andre' Thomas (Vicksburg) with 13 points versus Columbia State. That total was a career best for Thomas, a guard/forward who stands at 6'5.

"Aside from Ken, and Travis playing well," Robbins explained, "the most positive aspect of the tournament was the play of our guards, especially our two young point guards: Doc Johnson (Ripley) and Sergio Freeman (Itta Bena). Laquin Williamson also added some great minutes and really helped us on the defensive end of the floor."

Northeast (2-0, 0-0) will put their umblemished record on the line when the Tigers host Northwest Shoals Community College on Monday, November 5. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m.

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