Johnson, Redmond Receive All HAAC Honors
March 7, 2013
Kansas City, MO – Both Sedrick Johnson and Brandon Redmond received their first All-HAAC honors last week as announced by the Heart of America Athletic Conference last week. Johnson, a freshman from Tulsa, Oklahoma was named to the second team squad and was a close rival to Missouri Valley’s Jordan Epps for HAAC Freshman of the Year. Redmond, who was recently chosen by Breitbrat Sports as one of the top 600 Non-Division I players in the country, was selected to the honorable mention list.
Johnson, a 6-1 guard, led the Eagles offensively averaging just under 17 points per contest, ranking third in the HAAC, while collecting a team high 119 assists on the year. Defensively, his 70 steals ensured that an Avila player would led the HAAC in steals for a second straight year. Johnson undoubtedly produced the biggest offensive performance of the year in the HAAC when he exploded for a conference high 39 points in the Eagles road loss to Benedictine. In his first year as an Eagle, Johnson as already nearly half way to eclipsing 1,000 career points.
Sedrick Johnson – Career Stats |
Year |
Team |
GP |
FGM |
FGA |
3PM |
3PA |
FTM |
FTA |
OFF |
DEF |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TO |
PF |
PTS |
2012-13 |
AU |
29 |
181 |
406 |
19 |
70 |
101 |
135 |
45 |
115 |
160 |
119 |
70 |
4 |
88 |
57 |
482 |
Total |
29 |
181 |
406 |
19 |
70 |
101 |
135 |
45 |
115 |
160 |
119 |
70 |
4 |
88 |
57 |
482 |
Redmond, a 6-5 senior forward led the Eagles down low and proved to be one of the conference’s best in terms of rebounding and scoring as his twelve double doubles ranked second in the HAAC. The Joliet, Illinois native averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds per contest and his 104 offensive rebounds was 21 more than any other player to wear the Avila jersey in the last decade (Eric King: ’05-’06). Just twelve months after a torn ACL, Redmond played the second most minutes of any Eagles with 770 minutes on the year.
Brandon Redmond – Career Stats |
Year |
Team |
GP |
FGM |
FGA |
3PM |
3PA |
FTM |
FTA |
OFF |
DEF |
REB |
AST |
STL |
BLK |
TO |
PF |
PTS |
2012-13 |
AU |
29 |
151 |
312 |
0 |
10 |
74 |
156 |
104 |
141 |
245 |
40 |
60 |
8 |
78 |
88 |
376 |
Total |
30 |
151 |
315 |
0 |
10 |
74 |
156 |
105 |
142 |
247 |
40 |
60 |
8 |
80 |
89 |
376 |
Quick Hits – Brandon Redmond & Sedrick Johnson National Rankings
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Redmond Ranked in the Top 600 Best Non-Division One Players in Nation
February 12, 2013
Kansas City, MO – Using a formula created by Valueddbasketball.com, Breitbrat Sports created a list of the Top 2000 Non-NCAA Division I Basketball players in the nation and coming in at No. 572 was Avila’s own Brandon Redmond. Redmond, a 6-4 senior leads the Eagles in rebounds, blocks, and steals while ranking second on the team in points averaging just under thirteen points per contest.
The Joliet, Illinois native ranks seventh in the NAIA in offensive rebounds per game (3.5), 15th in total steals (55), and 20th in the nation in total rebounds per game (8.1). After transferring to Avila in 2011 from Joliet Junior College, Redmond was forced to sit out the majority of his junior year due to a knee injury. After a long road of rehab lasting the better part of a year, Redmond has been a leader both on and off the court for the Eagles in his senior year.
In 10 of the Eagles 24 contests, Redmond has grabbed double digit rebounds including a career high twelve against Peru State and Culver-Stockton. Redmond has also scored double digit points in 18 of the Eagles 24 games and has collected nine double doubles on the year ranking second in the HAAC. Averaging 26 minutes per contest, Redmond ranks in the Top 10 in eight of the nineteen major statistical categories in the Heart of America Athletic conference.
Thirteen HAAC athletes were named to the 2000-man list, with Redmond ranking second behind only Missouri Valley Freshman Jordan Epps. See the complete list of HAAC athletes below:
124 – Jordan Epps (Missouri Valley)
572 – Brandon Redmond (Avila)
590 – Richard Oppitz (Peru State)
600 – Luke Thomas (MidAmerica Nazarene)
614 – Marshawn Norris (Culver-Stockton)
971 – Trae Patton (Graceland)
1019 – Eric Franklin (Central Methodist)
1470 – Jason Garretson (MidAmerica Nazarene)
1471 – Jallen Messersmith (Benedictine)
1607 – Jordan Fielding (Evangel)
1649 – Samer Jassar (Benedictine)
1683 – Jermaine Jones (Culver-Stockton)
1719 – Jacob French (MidAmerica Nazarene)
See the complete list by clicking here.
Eagles Steal Win in the Final Seconds Against Friends
November 7, 2012
Kansas City, MO - After trailing by as much as 15 points in the first half and going into the intermission down 22-34, the Eagles soared back in the second half to defeat Friends University (0-3) 57-56. The win continues a streak of season opener wins dating back to the 2008-09 season.
After taking a 2-0 lead off a Louis Lowe basket that opened the scoring for the 2012-13 campaign, Friends mounted a 17-1 run as the Eagles trailed 3-17 at the 14:17 mark. Head Coach Rodney Perry's squad would close the gap slightly (22-34) and go into the intermission shooting just 25 percent from the floor (7-for-28).
The second half was certainly one worth remembering for the fans in attendance as the Eagles came 
charging back over the final 15 minutes of play. Staring at the 14:12 mark, the Eagles went on a 11-1 run to cut the deficit to just four with 10 minutes to play. Lance Miller was a key contributor from beyond the arc as his back to back three pointers helped fuel the run.
Miller, a senior from Farmington, Missouri came up big once more from three at the 3:47 mark to cut the lead to just three at 49-52. Brandon Murillo followed the three point trend as he hit a clutch three point basket off a Curtis Churchman offensive rebound to tie the game at 52 just 55 seconds later. Churchman, a 5'7 guard, led the Eagles in rebound with seven boards, five of which were offensive.
Keith Taylor joined in on the late scoring as his steal and fast break basket with 1:17 to play gave the Eagles their first lead of the contest.
After extending the lead to four points with 32 seconds to play, a Colton Rausch three cut the lead to just one, but Friends were unable to claim the win on the final possession as Thomas Bland missed a dribble drive shot at the buzzer.
Sedrick Johnson and Lance Miller led the Eagles in scoring with 13 points each. Miller shot four-for-seven from beyond the arc while Johnson led the Eagles in steals with four. Curtis Churchman also contributed seven points and five assists.
Zach Nelson (16), Anthony White (12), and Colton Rausch (11) all reached double digit scoring for Friends who drop to 0-3 on the year. White, who sent 5-of-11 from the field, led FU in rebounds grabbing 13 on the night to collect his first double-double of the year.
The Eagles will have just four days rest before they host 10th ranked Columbia College (1-0). The Eagles fell to the Cougars in Columbia 64-80 last season. The Cougars return three starters from last season squad and are led by senior forward Jordan Dressler. Dressler averaged 15 points and 8.5 rebounds per contest last year.
Tip is scheduled for 7:00PM in the Mabee Fieldhouse on the campus of Avila University.
Stats | Photo Gallary | Full Game On-Demand
Staying Healthy Will be Key for Eagles Men in 2012-13
October 24, 2012
Outwardly, Avila University men’s basketball coach Rodney Perry might say his 2012-13 Eagles were perhaps given too much credit when they were ranked fifth in a pre-season poll by the Heart of America Athletic Conference’s coaches. But that sly grin and a twinkle in the eye suggests otherwise. Deep down, Perry thinks his top-line talent this season is capable of competing against any team in the league.
It’s the depth in that talent pool that has Perry concerned.
“The only scary thing to me about this team is, we have to stay healthy,” said Perry, who’s getting ready for his third full season as Eagles head coach. “If we stay healthy, we should be pretty good.”
The Eagles are faced with replacing four significant contributors to a team that last season finished 18-12 overall, 11-7 in conference play, including first-team all-HAAC selection Kevin Booker and Austin Stockard, who was honorable mention all-conference. But, a good place to start building a strong starting five is with Curtis Churchman, a 5-foot-7 point guard from St. Louis who last season was the HAAC’s freshman of the year and defensive player of the year.
Adding some size to the lineup will be Louis Lowe, a 6-8, 240-pound senior from Oakland, Calif. who averaged 12-14 minutes per game last season.
A pair of returning players who didn’t see a lot of time last season but should add depth at guard are Lance Miller, a 6-3 senior shooting guard from Farmington, Mo. and Brandon Murillo, a 6-2 sophomore from Lee’s Summit, Mo.
“Neither played a lot last year, but they’re expected to step up this year,” Perry said.
The role of replacing the 6-5 Booker, who averaged 11 points and eight rebounds last season, will probably fall to 6-4 senior Brandon Redmond, who tore an anterior cruciate ligament just before the start of the season last season.
“We’re expecting him to be a major contributor,” Perry said. “He’s the same type of player as Booker.”
Max Chapman, a 6-9 junior-college transfer from Joliet, Ill., will battle for the starting spot at center. Zach Smith, a 6-5 senior from Verona, Mo. who averaged 13 points last season, is back but won’t play until next semester.
The jewel of this year’s recruiting class might be Sedrick Johnson, a 6-1 guard who led his Tulsa Union High School team to an Oklahoma 6A state championship last season. Johnson was named MVP of the state tournament and in the championship game.
“I’m expecting him to come in and do the same things Curtis did last year as a freshman,” said Perry, who added that Johnson can play either at point or shooting guard.
Perry hopes it all adds up to an up-tempo team that relies heavily on defense to create turnovers and, ultimately, easy transition baskets at the other end of the floor.
“We have more perimeter players who are slasher types instead of true perimeter players,” he said. “Right now, I feel very good about this group. They’re very hard-working. Everybody gets along. It’s a good mixture of veteran guys and new blood. Night-in, night-out, they’re going to play as hard as they can possibly play.”
The Eagles open their season Nov. 6 at home against Friends University and then host ranked Columbia College Nov. 10. They also play a home-and-home series against Rogers State out of Claremore, Okla., which advanced to the quarterfinals of the NAIA Division I national tournament last season, and play NCAA Division II opponents Missouri Southern, Pittsburg State and Rockhurst.
“We have a great schedule,” Perry said. “We’ll be battle-tested early, that’s for sure.”
Eagles Selected to Number Five Slot In Preseason Poll
October, 22, 2012
Kansas City, MO - After a record breaking 2011-12 season where the Eagles accomplished feats including hosting their first home playoff game in over 10 years, a season sweep of Benedictine College, and their first win over Evangel since joining the HAAC; the Eagles have been selected to finish in the middle of the pack in the 2012 HAAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll.
In his third year as Head Coach, Rodney Perry saw his team receive 48 points in the poll, sitting just 4 points behind fourth place Benedictine. Defending HAAC Champions MidAmerica Nazarene received nine of the available 10 first place votes, why Evangel, picked second, received the final first place vote.
The Eagles season opener will take place November 6th as they host Friends University. Avila fell to Friends on the road last season 61-63. Tip is scheduled for 7:30PM.
To hear Head Coach Rodney Perry’s thoughts on the upcoming season, click the video above.
Booker Named NAIA All-American
March 26, 2012
Kansas City, MO – After being named an NAIA Scholar Athlete and being selected to the First Team All HAAC squad, Booker can now add NAIA All-American to his list of achievements as he was selected to the Honorable Mention list last week. Booker served as the captain for an Eagles squad that went 18-12 and claimed the Eagles highest finish in the regular season HAAC standings in just under a decade. Booker led the Eagles in rebounds averaging just over 8 per contest while also averaging 11 points per game.
In his four years at Avila, Booker scored 975 points and gathered 764 rebounds in 118 career games as an Eagle. He scored a career high 22 points the Eagles 70-76 loss at Baker and tied his career high of 15 rebounds in the Eagles 75-72 victory over Briar Cliff this past season.
Booker joined seven other HAAC athletes on the honorable mentions list. View the entire All-American list
Booker & Lefevre Recieve Scholar Athlete Honors
March 21, 2012
Kansas City, MO - Seniors Kevin Booker and Max Lefevre were named to the 2012 Daktronics-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Scholar-Athletes list this week. In order to be dominated by an institution's head coach, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved a junior academic status to qualify for this honor.
Booker, a 6'4 senior forward from Wichita KS currently holds a 3.68 GPA and will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.
Lefevre, a 6'7 forward from France currently holds a 3.9 GPA and will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business.
A total of 10 players were named to the list from the Heart of America Conference while just 54 players nationally received the honor. View the List
Men’s Basketball Wraps up Historical Season with 18-12 Record
March, 10, 2012
Kansas City, MO – In only his second year as Eagles head coach, Rodney Perry took Avila to heights the program hasn’t seen in over a decade. The Eagles accomplishments are so vast that they simply need to be listed:
-
11 HAAC Wins – Most in 8 years
-
18 Total Wins – Most in 10 years
-
Home Win vs. Evangel – First time since joining the HAAC in 2000 – ‘01
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Snapped 13 game losing streak to Evangel
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Road Win vs. Benedictine – First time since 2001- ’02
-
Snapped 10 game losing streak to Benedictine
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Home Win vs. Benedictine – First season sweep of Benedictine in 10 years
-
Road Win vs. Culver-Stockton – First time since 2003 – ’04 season
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Season Sweep of Missouri Valley – First time since 2001 – ’02 season
-
Fourth place finish in HAAC regular season play the highest finish in 8 years
-
First Back to Back HAAC tournament appearances since 2003 –‘04
-
First Home Playoff game in 10 years
The Eagles will be gradating four key contributors in forward Kevin Booker, guard Austin Stockard, guard Ben Dierks, and forward Max Lefevre. Booker; a Wichita, Kansas native led the Eagles in rebounds per game averaging just over 8 boards per contest while Stockard was one of three Eagles averaging double digit scoring with 10.6 points per contest. Both Dierks and Lefevre played key roles coming off the bench for the Eagles.
The high-point of the season came in December and January for the Eagles as they won 11 of their 14 contests and climbed to as high as second place in the HAAC conference standings. Unfortunately, the Eagles started the month of February with a four game losing streak that saw them drop to fifth in the standings. After winning their final three games of the conference regular season, the Eagles earned the right to host their first conference playoff game in over ten years as the number four seed. The Eagles season ended with a 58-68 loss to Graceland in the opening round of the conference tournament. Graceland fell to eventual conference tournament champs 75-82 in the following game.
The Eagles will be returning two of the biggest contributors in freshman point guard Curtis Churchman and junior Forward Zach Smith. Churchman received both HAAC Freshman of the Year and HAAC Defensive Player of the Year honors as he ranked fifth in the nation in total steals (98). Smith led the Eagles in scoring averaging 13.4 points per contest and ranked 22nd in the nation in field goal percentage (53.5 percent).
Coach Perry commented on the season saying “It was a good season in that we were able to accomplish some things that we haven’t accomplished 10 years. We’ve got some good recruits coming in next year that will blend well with the players we have coming back so the future looks good for the program.
Four Eagles Land on All HAAC List
February 27, 2012
Kansas City, MO - While the historical season continues for the Eagles, four Eagles are already seeing the fruits of their labor as the HAAC All Conference selections were released this weekend. Kevin Booker was selected to the All HAAC First Team while Zach Smith was selected to the Third Team. Curtis Churchman and Austin Stockard were placed on the Honorable Mention list.
Booker, a 6'4 senior from Wichita ranked second in the conference in both total rebounds (233) and double doubles (9). Zach Smith emerged as the Eagles leading scorer averaging 13.5 point per contest and ranks 23rd in the nation in field goal percentage.
Stockard, a 6'5 senior from Kansas City perhaps propelled himself into the Honorable Mention list with 
a 32 point career game against Missouri Valley last week. Austin went 10 for 16 from beyond the arc to lead the Eagles to a 18 point victory.
Chruchman was also selected as both HAAC Defensive Player of the Year and HAAC Freshman of the Year. The 5'7 guard from St. Louis has 93 steals on the year, 24 more than any other HAAC player and good enough to rank fifth in the nation. Curtis also ranks third in the conference in total assists (114).
The Eagles wrapped up their HAAC regular season schedule this past weekend with a 57-48 victory over Benedictine. With the win, the Eagles picked up their first sweep of Benedictine in the last 10 years and will host a home playoff for the first time in a decade. The Eagles will host fifth seeded Graceland University this Wednesday (February 29). Tip is scheduled for 7:00PM. The Eagles are currently 1-1 against the Yellowjackets on the year.
MNU Spoils Career Night by Avila's Smith, 76-71
February 10, 2012
KANSAS CITY, Mo - In a game of offensive standouts, a defensive play by MidAmerica Nazarene's David Clark proved to be the deciding factor as the #20-ranked Pioneers claimed a 76-71 win over host Avila, Thursday evening in the Heart of America Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Game of the Week.
Box Score | Postgame Quotes
With MNU holding a 74-71 lead and less than a minute to play, Avila had two chances to tie following a miss by Rustin Dowd that would have made it a two possession game. Austin Stockard, who had just drained a three-pointer with 2:01 to play, missed from the right wing. Kelby Phelps tracked down the rebound, but Curtis Churchman was also off the mark.
The rebound was tipped around before Luke Thomas appeared to get his hands on the loose ball. However, the MNU sophomore was standing on the sideline, giving the Eagles another chance to tie the game. Stockard worked his way into the right corner, but Clark blocked his attempt out of bounds with 8.8 seconds to play.
That was the last good chance for the Eagles. Phelps got the ball on the final possession, but he was unable to reach the bucket with his last-chance heave. Clark was fouled after picking up the rebound and hit a pair of free throws to clinch the win and maintain the Pioneers' two-game lead atop the conference standings.
The loss took some of the shine off of a career night for Avila's Zach Smith. The junior forward scored a career-high 35 points, two shy of the single-game high by a HAAC player this season. He hit 16-of-30 shots from the field to go along with 10 rebounds, splitting up his points evenly as he had 17 points at halftime.
Not to be outdone, MNU had its own offensive standout in Conner Langrehr, who had a team-high 26 points on 9-of-17 shooting while hitting all six of his free throws. He also had two rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots to lead a Pioneer offense that converted 57.4 percent from the field (27-of-47).
Avila dominated the game on the offensive glass, claiming 18 offensive boards with Kevin Booker tallying six while Smith added five. However, the Eagles shot 37.5 percent for the game and were just 8-of-16 from the free throw line. Stockard was the only other Avila player in double figures with 11 points to go along with 8 rebounds.
Jacob French added 12 points and 6 rebounds for MNU (18-7, 12-1 HAAC), which survived 18 turnovers by scoring 44 points in the paint and getting 17 points from its bench. Rustin Dowd added 9 points and 5 rebounds while Clark led the bench effort with 7 points.
MNU looks to avenge its only loss in conference play this Saturday, February 11 at home against Benedictine while Avila travels to Central Methodist with both games set to tip-off at 4:00pm.
Written by Eric Montgomery (Heart of America Athletic Conference Sports Information Director)
Late Free Throws Lift Graceland Over Avila, 77-75
February 7, 2012
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Chris Henderson hit two free throws with 24 seconds to play to help visiting Graceland pick up a 77-75 win over Avila, Saturday afternoon at Mabee Fieldhouse in the Heart of America Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Game of the Week. Postgame Quotes | Box Score
Henderson hit 3-of-4 free throws in the final minute as he and Avila point guard Curtis Churchman went back and forth making plays for their respective teams to end a game that saw 13 ties, 18 lead changes and no lead greater than seven points.
Garrett Grundman hit a pair of free throws with 1:19 remaining to tie the game at 73-73 after Austin Stockard had drained a three-pointer to give Avila a two-point advantage at the 3:23 mark. Kelby Phelps looked like he would give Avila the lead on a drive to the basket, but his short jumper rolled off the rim to Graceland.
Henderson worked the ball into the frontcourt and drew a foul on Churchman, where he 1-of-2 free throws for a 74-73 lead. Churchman answered on the next possession as he hit a pull-up jumper at the left elbow to switch the one-point lead to the home team.
The two ball handlers went head-to-head one more time and once again, Henderson was able to draw a foul. He worked his way into the paint, where a short jumper missed the mark. Henderson was able to corral the loose ball and was fouled on his put back attempt and made both free throws to flip the lead for the final time.
Churchman went looking for a potential game-winner and again drove down the left side of the lane. However, he lost the handle on the ball and Trae Patton ended up with the loose ball. He was fouled and knocked down 1-of-2 free throws for a two-point cushion.
With 5.2 seconds remaining, there was plenty of time for Avila to get a good look at the basket. They did just that as Stockard got a clean look from three-point range on the right wing, but his attempt went off the back side of the rim and the Yellowjackets secured the rebound to pick up their 9th win in 11 games since dropping the first meeting between the two teams back on December 10.
Avila had the biggest lead of the game early in the first half, leading by seven on a pair of occasions. Graceland was able to fight off a 27-13 rebounding deficit by shooting 48 percent in the first half to take the game into the break tied at 37-37.
Graceland came out of the break and seized the early momentum, grabbing a 6-point lead inside the first 2:30 and again at 46-40 after a jumper by Brad Burgus. Setting the tone for the rest of the half, Avila battled back and used a 11-5 run to knot the teams at 51-51. No team would lead by more than 3 points over the final 13:04 as there would be 7 ties and 10 lead changes over that period.
Lost in the late game drama was the performance of Burgus, who led all scorers with 31 points on 11-of-20 shooting that included four 3-pointers and 5-of-6 free throws. Nick Mikle added 12 points and a team-high 7 rebounds while Grundman and Alex Roth chipped in 10 points apiece.
Churchman had 21 points and 10 assists for Avila, which drops into a tie for third place and trails league-leading MidAmerica Nazarene by three games with six games remaining. Zach Smith had 14 points and 8 rebounds while Stockard kicked in 11 points and 6 rebounds. The Eagles dominated inside with a 44-29 rebounding margin, but shot just 5-of-25 (.200) from three-point range and 14-of-21 (.667) from the free throw line.
Graceland (15-8, 7-5 HAAC) returns home on Thursday, February 9 against Central Methodist while Avila (15-8, 8-4) hosts MNU with both games set to tip-off at 7:30pm.
Written by Eric Montgomery (Heart of America Athletic Conference Sports Information Director)
Eagles Claim Ninth Victory in Last Ten with 69-53 Victory
Jan.23, 2012
Kansas City, MO – The Eagles made sure to take care of the ball Thursday night as they dominated the turnover battle committing just 9 turnovers while forcing 22 in a 69-53 victory over Missouri Valley (7-11, 3-4). Kelby Phelps led the charge with 5 steals while Curtis Churchman, who currently ranks fifth in the nation in steals (61), added four of his own.
David Yadrich hit the opening basket of the night as the Vikings took a 2-0 lead. Fortunately for the Eagles, it would be the only time they would trail as they quickly went on a 15-0 run over the next 7 minutes and took a 15-2 lead. Both teams would struggle from the field for the remainder of the half as the Eagles scored a season low 26 points in the opening half and took what looked to be a football score into the intermission leading 26-13.
The second half saw both teams improve on the offensive end, and Avila pushed its led to a game high 26 (55-29) at the 8:38 mark. Missouri Valley would close the gap to 16 at the final horn as Avila claimed a 69-53 victory.
Austin Stockard led all scorers with 16, going 4 for 11 from beyond the arc. Zach Smith (11 points) and Kevin Booker (10) also pitched in double digit scoring performances. Booker has now reached double digit scoring in 11 of his last 12 games.
Avila's defensive pressure forced the Vikings to shot just 3 for 21 from the field (14%) in the first half as well shot 1 for 13 from beyond the arc on the night. Jordan Stapp hit the lone three pointer with just under 3 minutes to play for Missouri Valley.
With the win, the Eagles have moved in to second place in the HAAC standings along with Evangel and will take on Benedictine (10-8, 5-2) in Atchinson this Saturday. Tip is schedule for 4:00PM and you can listen to the game LIVE at avila.edu.
Eagles' Booker Chosen HAAC Player of the Week
Jan. 17, 2012
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Senior forward Kevin Booker of Avila was named the Heart of America Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week on Monday morning.
Booker recorded a pair of double-doubles last week for Avila, which improved to 5-2 in conference play and is just one game out of first place. He averaged 15.5 points and 11.5 rebounds while hitting a sizzling 68.8 percent (11-of-16) from the field and 9-of-13 free throws.
A native of Wichita, Kansas, Booker extended his current double-double streak to four games, starting with 19 points and 12 rebounds on 6-of-9 shooting and 7-of-7 free throws in a 69-57 upset over #15-ranked Evangel. He followed that up with 12 points and 11 rebounds, his 8th double-double of the season, in a 51-47 triumph over Peru State.
Booker will represent the conference in the running for the weekly NAIA Men's Basketball Division I Player of the Week award, which will be announced no later than Tuesday afternoon.
Avila Offense Overwhelms Central Methodist in 83-67 Victory
Jan. 9, 2012
Kansas City, MO – The Avila Eagles claimed their 6 th win in their last seven games as they defeated Central Methodist (7-8, 1-4) in HAAC play 83-67. The Eagles are now 5-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play at home.
The Eagles wasted no time as the quickly built a double digit lead just over 10 minutes into the game and took a 41-23 lead into the intermission. The scoring was spread around in the opening half as eight Eagles had baskets while five had more than five points in the half.
The second half saw CMU cut the Eagles lead to just seven on two occasions, but Avila quickly extended the gap on both occasions as they secured the 16 point victory and moved into fifth place in the conference standings.
Austin Stockard led all scorers with 23 points as he went 9 for 12 from the field and 3 for 4 from beyond the arc. Kevin Booker pitched in his sixth double-double of the year with 10 rebounds and 11 points. Brandon Murillo saw extended action for the first time this season as he player just over 24 minutes and went 2 for 2 from the field.
The Eagles will look to continue their outstanding form at home as they take on Evangel University (13-4, 5-0) this Thursday in the Mabee Fieldhouse. Evangel currently sits atop the HAAC standings with a 5-0 conference record. Tip is scheduled for 7:30PM.
Extra Stats:
The Eagles shot an impressive 53.8 percent from the field as a team
Kelby Phelps went 9 for 10 from the free throw line to improve to 80% from the line on the year.
Kevin Bookers' 10 rebounds brought his season total to 133, ranking 12 th in the nation in total rebounds.
Zach Smith went 3 for 4 from the field and is currently ranked 35 th in the nation in field goal percentage shooting (54.7 percent).
Eagles' Defense Dominant in 64-39 Victory
Dec. 5, 2011
Kansas City, MO – The Avila Men's Basketball team (5-5, 1-1) allowed a season low 39 points, keeping all Culver-Stockton (2-7, 0-2) players out of double digit scoring in a 64-39 HAAC victory.
Meanwhile, four Eagles reached double digit scoring led by Junior forward Zach Smith who had 18 points, shooting 8 of 11 from the field. Austin Stockard had a season high 15, while Ben Dierkes added 12 points, all from three point efforts. Kevin Booker had his third double-double of the year with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Booker, a 6' 5 Senior from Wichita, KS is currently 20 th in the nation in total rebounds with 83 on the year.
The Eagles opened the contest on a sluggish note as they allowed the Wildcats to grab their largest lead of the night at 0-5. A Zach Smith basket started what would be a 17-0 run the Eagles would never look back from.
It was ultimately a sloppy game for both sides as turnovers outnumbered assists 40 to 26 while both teams racked up a combined 41 fouls. While the Eagles shot just 37.5 percent from the floor, the Wildcats shooting woes were far worse as they went 13 for 46 (28.3%) and 1 for 12 (8.3%) from beyond the arc.
Curtis Chruchman gathered two steals on the night, taking his season total to 34, ranking second nationally.
The Eagles will continue with HAAC play as they take on Graceland Saturday at 4:00PM in Lamoni, IA.
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