2023-24 Women’s Basketball Schedule
2023-24 Men’s Basketball Schedule
November Sat. 11 ELIZABETH CITY STATE#........................W, 77-69 Sun. 12 LIVINGSTONE#...........................................W, 85-56 Sat. 18 WILMINGTON (Del)....................................W, 69-21 Mon. 20 CHESTNUT HILL.........................................W, 71-51 Sun. 26 @ Jefferson.......................................................L, 63-75 December Fri. 1 SLIPPERY ROCK.........................................W, 83-51 Sat. 2 EDINBORO....................................................W, 79-55 Tue. 5 LINCOLN.......................................................W, 74-56 Mon. 18 @ Mercyhurst...................................................L, 71-75 Tue. 19 @ Gannon.........................................................L, 71-86 Sat. 30 CLARION^....................................................W, 83-56 January Wed. 3 @ California (Pa.).............................................L, 51-54 Sat. 6 @ Lock Haven*.......................................L, 76-79 (OT) Wed. 10 SHEPHERD*.................................................W, 82-27 Sat. 13 EAST STROUDSBURG*+...........................W, 66-35 Wed. 17 @ Kutztown*...................................................W, 73-54 Wed. 24 @ Shippensburg*.............................................W, 82-55 Sat. 27 MANSFIELD*...............................................W, 87-57 Mon. 29 MILLERSVILLE*.........................................W, 73-45 Wed. 31 @ Bloomsburg*...............................................W, 67-45 February Sat. 3 LOCK HAVEN*.............................................W, 58-49 Wed. 7 @ Shepherd*....................................................W, 77-66 Sat. 10 @ East Stroudsburg*.......................................W, 61-42 Wed. 14 KUTZTOWN*................................................W, 46-39 Wed. 21 SHIPPENSBURG*.......................................5:30 p.m. Sat. 24 @ Mansfield*.................................................. 1:00 p.m. Wed. 28 @ Millersville*............................................... 5:30 p.m. March Sat. 2 BLOOMSBURG*&!.....................................1:00 p.m. * = PSAC East Game # = Carol Eckman Classic !=Pink Zone
November Fri. 10 St. Augustine’s University#.............................W, 68-61 Sat. 11 @ Virginia State#..............................................L, 62-82 Wed. 15 FAIRMONT STATE.......................................L, 68-74 Sun. 19 @ Wilmington (Del.)........................................L, 79-85 Wed. 22 @ Chestnut Hill...............................................W, 74-68 December Fri. 1 SLIPPERY ROCK.........................................W, 84-82 Sat. 2 EDINBORO....................................................W, 80-71 Sat. 9 GOLDEY-BEACOM.....................................W, 89-73 Mon. 18 @ Mercyhurst..................................................W, 68-63 Tue. 19 @ Gannon.......................................................L, 94-114 Sat. 30 CLARION^....................................................W, 90-70 January Wed. 3 @ California (Pa.)..........................................W, 100-97 Sat. 6 @ Lock Haven*................................................L, 71-74 Wed. 10 SHEPHERD*.................................................W, 82-72 Sat. 13 EAST STROUDSBURG*+............................L, 79-94 Wed. 17 @ Kutztown*...................................................W, 87-76 Wed. 24 @ Shippensburg*.............................................W, 88-73 Sat. 27 MANSFIELD*...............................................W, 83-73 Mon. 29 MILLERSVILLE*..........................................L, 86-89 Wed. 31 @ Bloomsburg*...............................................W, 81-68 February Sat. 3 LOCK HAVEN*..............................................L, 78-77 Wed. 7 @ Shepherd*...........................................W, 86-82 (OT) Sat. 10 @ East Stroudsburg*......................................L, 103-74 Wed. 14 KUTZTOWN*................................................W, 84-79 Wed. 21 SHIPPENSBURG*.......................................7:30 p.m. Sat. 24 @ Mansfield*.................................................. 3:00 p.m. Wed. 28 @ Millersville*............................................... 7:30 p.m. March Sat. 2 BLOOMSBURG*&!.....................................3:00 p.m. * = PSAC East Game # = PSAC/CIAA Challenge !Pink
% Camper Day & Senior Day ^ Parent’s Day + Alumni Game
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University and Athletic Administration University President Dr. Christopher
Dr. Christopher M. Fiorentino enters his eighth and final year as president of West Chester University. With 40 years of higher education and administration experience at West Chester University, Fiorentino announced his retirement prior to the beginning of the 2023-24 academic year. He will step down as university president in June 2024. Fiorentino, who holds three degrees in economics (baccalaureate, master’s and doctorate) from Temple University, joined WCU’s economics faculty in 1983. His role evolved from assistant professor to dean of the College of Business and Public Administration to vice president for External Operations to his current position of university president. Dr. Fiorentino has been active in numerous leadership roles on campus, helping to secure AACSB International accreditation for the School of Business; developing off-campus academic centers, including the Graduate Center in West Goshen Township; and working with faculty and supporters to create the Cottrell Entrepreneurial Leadership Center. Dr. Fiorentino also spearheaded the development of the Center for Community Solutions, which links business and civic leaders with appropriate University faculty and staff. His responsibilities in his last position included University operations at the State System’s Center City Philadelphia site. Dr. Fiorentino is married to WCU alumnae, Dr. Susan Fiorentino, ’86, a Professor in the Management Department at West Chester University where she is currently serving as Coordinator for the Master of Science in Human Resource Management program. The Fiorentinos have three children: Greg, a software engineer and WCU alum; Diana Marlin, a WCU grad and registered dietitian; and Jeff, a Penn State University graduate.
Director of Athletics Terry Beattie
Terry Beattie begins his eighth athletic campaign as the Director of Athletics at West Chester University. Overall, Beattie enters into his 18th season with West Chester University’s Department of Athletics. Previous to being named the Interim AD in 2017, Beattie served as the Associate AD overseeing facilities and game day operations. He also oversaw all of the grounds and equipment room operations for the athletic department. A 31-year veteran in college athletics, Beattie recently spearheaded the development of the Michael Horrocks Emerging Leaders Institute at WCU, which provides leadership training and development to a select group of outstanding student athletes who, as recognized future leaders, will be taking on the mantle of leadership within their team sometime in the future. He has also served on a number of strategic planning committee’s both within the athletic department and in conjunction with the university. In his seven years as the university’s athletics director, Beattie created a Sports Performance aspect to the athletic department implementing additional resources from which WCU student-athletes could benefit. His collaboration with a number of other areas on campus gives student-athletes access to mental health and sport psychology experts, an expanded and much improved strength and conditioning program as well as education on sport nutrition. His work in the field of Sport Leadership Training gives West Chester University’s coaching staff and administrators access to some of the cutting edge research on how to become a better leader, coach and mentor to young adults. A member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), Beattie was recently named the chair of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Athletic Administrators for the 2023-24 campaign. He has also served roles on the NCAA regional and national advisory committees overseeing selections to the NCAA Division II Tournament in a variety of sports. A native of Rochester, N.Y., Beattie has an extensive background in college athletics dating back to 1991. Beattie, 54, is 1991 graduate of Alfred University in Alfred, N.Y., with a degree in Business Administration. He completed his master’s degree in Sport Administration at Canisius College in 1999. He received a tenured promotion to Assistant Professor at West Chester University in April 2009.
About West Chester University West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, regional, comprehensive institution committed to providing access and offering high-quality undergraduate education, select post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. West Chester University is committed to attracting, enrolling and graduating quality students from a wide variety of educational, cultural and economic backgrounds. This endeavor requires the University to attract and retain highly qualified faculty and staff and to provide each member of the University community with learning and leadership development opportunities. To this end, the University supports and encourages programs which benefit all people and which seek to eradicate discrimination and injustice. We treasure what we believe to be the highest principles of American society: the worth and uniqueness of each individual, the belief that success is to be earned by individual effort put forth in an environment founded on equality of opportunity, and the appreciation of the ideal of an inclusive society. We believe that it is incumbent upon all members of our community - staff, students, faculty and administrators - to conduct themselves with civility toward one another at all times. We value the special talents and contributions of each member of our community. We further affirm the worth and dignity of each member and the shared responsibility of all to treat each other as individuals, with respect and courtesy. As a university owned by the citizens of Pennsylvania, we value our mission to provide the best educational opportunities possible which will enable the University community to successfully address the concerns of a global society. To this end, West Chester University seeks to provide diligent advising for students and to focus on teaching students to think clearly and critically, to make logical and ethical judgments, and to communicate effectively with others. West Chester University’s community strongly supports the principles of academic integrity and academic responsibility, viewing both as the province of every member of the campus community. We hold the highest esteem for teaching directed toward student learning and affirm that mastery of content as well as mastery of teaching skills necessary to communicate such content are paramount.
As a university owned by the citizens of Pennsylvania, we value our mission to provide the best educational opportunities possible which will enable the University community to successfully address the concerns of a global society. West Chester University will be a national model for excellence for public regional comprehensive universities and is especially noted for: l Undergraduate programs that actively engage students in connecting the life of the mind to the world in which they live and work. l The responsiveness of its graduate and post-baccalaureate programs to regional needs. l Its focus on providing lifelong-learning, technical, and applied skills essential to graduates’ success now and in the future. l A commitment by faculty, staff, and administrators to provide access and to serve effectively the educational needs of a diverse student body. l Its role as a leading educational and cultural resource and partner in fostering the economic, social, and cultural vitality of southeastern Pennsylvania.
WHERE GOLDEN RAMS WIN The Hilton Garden Inn Exton/West Chester and Springhill Suites by Marriott - Exton/West Chester invites West Chester University fans your friends and family to stay before and after every game. • • • •
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LOCATION
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ABOUT THE MATCHUP (WBB) WEST CHESTER (19-5, 14-4)
Head Coach: Kiera Wooden
Career Record: (155-102)
VS.
ALL-TIME SERIES: WCU leads 37-31 Streak: W2 First Meeting: 2/19/83 L, 105-89 Last Meeting: 1/24/24 W, 82-55
SHIPPENSBURG
(5-20, 4-15)
Head Coach: Kristy Trn
Career Record: (408-278)
Opening Tip...Currently riding the longest winning streak in the PSAC and the 10th longest in Division II women’s basketball at 11 in a row, the West Chester University women’s basketball team returns to action tonight against Shippensburg in its first game since a narrow 46-39 victory over Kutztown last Wednesday night. This win, which came as the Golden Ram’s 11th in a row, also extended the team’s home winning streak to 21 games, a new program record, and the seventh-longest streak in Division II women’s basketball. The Golden Rams last home loss came on January 11, 2023 against tonight’s foe, Shippensburg, in Hollinger by an 83-70 final. Since that setback, West Chester has won each of the last two meetings against Shippensburg, including an 82-55 victory in Heiges Field House earlier this season, which extended the Golden Rams lead in the all-time series to 37-31 over the Raiders. Tonight is the penultimate home game of the 2023-24 regular season for West Chester, as the Golden Rams will end the month with visits to Mansfield and Millersville before taking on Bloomsburg on Senior Day/Pink Zone Day on Saturday, March 2. WCU Women’s Basketball Notes ...At the end of a season, wins all count the same in the final standings with little regard to the attractiveness of how they were earned. This fact rang true last Wednesday night at home against Kutztown as West Chester won its 11th in a row and 21st consecutive at home with a 46-39 victory over Kutztown. Despite leading by as many as 17 late in the third quarter after a 13-0 run, which seemed to put the game away, it wasn’t always pretty for West Chester a week ago as the team had to survive an 11-0 run by Kutztown late in the fourth quarter to earn a 46-39 victory. West Chester scored a season-low 46 points, including 22 in the second half on 34.0 % shooting from the field, including a 3-of-15 effort from three-point range. Michelle Kozicki led the way for West Chester in the victory, finishing with a game-high 13 points and 12 rebounds as one of three Golden Rams in double figures. Emily McAteer chipped in 12 points and eight rebounds, while Leah Johnson added 10 points, seven assists, and six rebounds as she continues to leave her mark in the WCU women’s basketball record book. While the Golden Rams’ three-point shooting percentage has dropped slightly this year, West Chester has continued to dominate inside, outscoring opponents 772-446 for in the paint and outscoring their foes inside in every game but one so far this season. The efforts of McAteer have been a big part of this inside success as the senior forward has led the team in scoring in nine of 12 in PSAC East play, averaging 19.3 points per game during this stretch while averaging 17.3 points per game on the year, which is fourth best in the league. Shippensburg Women’s Basketball Notes...Always a formidable opponent, Shippensburg enters play looking to continue its strides in the right direction down the home stretch of the 2023-24 season. After being one of the top teams in the PSAC East a year ago, Shippensburg is in the midst of a rebuilding season of sorts, replenishing its roster from a large and tremendously experienced graduating class, headlined by WBCA All-American Ariel Jones a year ago. Shippensburg has won two of its last three, including a win over Kutztown on February 10 and a 55-45 Senior Day victory over East Stroudsburg last Saturday afternoon. In the 10-point win over Kutztown, Treasure George led the team in scoring with 16 points and became the latest Raider to join the 1,000-point club along the way. Abbie Miller was the other Raider in double figures on Saturday afternoon, finishing with 15 points and team-highs in rebounding (8), steals (4), and blocks (2). Shippensburg shot 29.8 % from the field for the game, including 30.0 % in a decisive first quarter, which saw the hosts outscore their guests 12-2 to take an early lead they would never fully relinquish. Averaging 55.0 points per game, Shippensburg enters play, shooting 34.4 % from the field and 27.0 % from three-point range while also shooting 70.2 % from the line. In contrast to the Golden Rams, the Raiders have not had the chance to benefit from extra possessions much this season, entering play with a -2.2 (37.7-35.5) rebounding margin and a -1.2 (17.4-16.2) turnover margin on the year. Up next for the Golden Rams ... West Chester will take to the road for the final two games of February, visiting Mansfield on Saturday for a 1 p.m. tip before heading to Millersville on Wednesday, February 28, for a 5:30 p.m. start. West Chester will return home on Saturday, March 2, for a Senior Day/Pink Zone doubleheader presented by Barnaby’s of West Chester beginning at 1 p.m.
ster vs Shippensburg-Hollinger Field House-February 21-5:30 p.m.
VS
3 1 d ms d e 0 II C o e
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
19-5 ..................................... Overall Record ..................................... 5-20 W11 ..................................... Current Streak .......................................W1 71.9 .....................................Points Per Game .................................... 55.0 54.1 ..................................... Scoring Defense .................................... 64.5 +17.8 .................................... Scoring Margin ...................................... -9.5 .431 ........................................ FG% Offense ...................................... ..344 .346 ....................................... FG % Defense ...................................... .409 .285 ................................... 3-PT FG % Offense .................................. .270 .245 ................................... 3-PT FG% Defense................................... .293 .784 ....................................... Free Throw % ..................................... ..702 42.0 .................................... Rebound Average ................................... 35.5 32.2 ................................ OPP. Rebound Average ............................... 37.7 +9.8 .....................................Rebound Margin ..................................... -2.2 13.4 .................................... Turnover Average ................................... 17.4 3.7 .......................................Turnover Margin ..................................... -1.2 15.7 .................................... Assists Per Game ..................................... 8.9 9.2 ........................................ Steals Average ....................................... 6.0 2.7 ........................................ Blocks Average ....................................... 2.2
.. 0 1 7 8 9 4 st
STATISTICAL LEADERS
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SCORING
WEST CHESTER McAteer ........................... 17.3 Johnson ............................ 15.1 Kozicki ............................... 10.4 REBOUNDING WEST CHESTER Kozicki ................................ 7.2 McAteer ............................. 6.8 Johnson .............................. 5.5 ASSISTS WEST CHESTER Johnson .............................. 6.0 Kozicki ................................ 2.0 McTamney ......................... 1.5 STEALS WEST CHESTER Johnson.............................. 2.3 McAteer ............................. 1.3 Kozicki ................................ 1.1
asketball
SHIPPENSBURG George .............. 14.0 Colbert................ 9.0 Chimienti ............ 8.5 SHIPPENSBURG Miller ................... 5.8 George ................. 4.0 Colbert................. 3.4 SHIPPENSBURG Colbert ................ 2.3 George ................. 2.2 Chimienti ............. 1.4 SHIPPENSBURG George ................. 1.1 Colbert ................. 0.9 Chimienti ............. 0.8
#ramsup
ABOUT THE MATCHUP (MBB) WEST CHESTER (15-9, 12-6) Head Coach: Damien Blair
Career Record: (276-151)
VS.
ALL-TIME SERIES: WCU Leads 74-36 Streak: W1 First Meeting: 12/15/51 W, 96-50 Last Meeting: 1/24/24 W, 88-73
SHIPPENSBURG (8-17, 4-15) Head Coach: Chris Fite Career Record: (183-109)
Opening Tip... After going 2-2 to start February following an 84-79 victory over Kutztown last Wednesday night, the West Chester University men’s basketball team will look to climb back above .500 for the month and reach the 16-win mark on the season once again as old rival Shippensburg pays a visit to Hollinger tonight. In previous years, West Chester/Shippensburg was appointment basketball as it often played into who would capture one of the top seeds in the PSAC Tournament with last year being no different as the two teams shared the PSAC East Regular Season crown. The 2023-24 season is slightly different as West Chester has had a strong second half to the season, entering play with a record of 15-9 overall and 12-6 in league action, comfortably fourth in the PSAC East, while Shippensburg finds itself battling with Mansfield for the sixth and final spot in the PSAC Tournament when that begins in early March. Holding a 74-36 lead in the all-time series, West Chester will go for its first sweep of Shippensburg since the 2015-16 season tonight while also looking to avoid back-to-back home losses against Shippensburg for what would be believed to be the first time in the history of the series. WCU Men’s Basketball Notes ... Normally a tough team to beat in February, West Chester enters play on Wednesday night in need of a win to get back above .500 for the month and improve to 4-3 in the last seven as the Golden Rams are currently in the midst of a 3-3 run of their last six following an 84-79 victory over Kutztown last Wednesday night. The game was back-and-forth throughout the evening, featuring three ties and six lead changes, but it was a 13-2 run early in the second half, which gave West Chester the breathing room it needed to fend off the upset-minded Golden Bears. West Chester led by double digits (10) only briefly in the victory, but once it established its 10-point lead at the end of the 13-2 run, the Golden Rams never allowed their guests to close within five, holding on for the 5-point triumph. Robert Smith and Joshua Walker turned in a pair of 20-point performances in the victory as two of four Golden Rams in double figures. Jordan Kellier picked up his team-leading 13th double-double of the year in the victory, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Kellier ranks in a tie for fifth in Division II men’s basketball in double-doubles. West Chester shot 45.3 % from the field and 31.3 % from deep in the victory, including a 48.5 % shooting effort from the field in the second half, while also shooting 67.7 % (21-of-31) at the line. By virtue of season sweeps at the hands of East Stroudsburg and current-league leader Lock Haven, West Chester will find it difficult to climb above a three-seed when the PSAC Tournament begins on March 4. West Chester also completed a sweep of Shepherd earlier this month, giving the Golden Rams substantial insurance against slipping past the four-seed line, meaning that it will be highly likely that West Chester will host a PSAC Tournament First-Round game on Monday, March 4, beginning at 7 p.m. Shippensburg Men’s Basketball Notes... Tonight, West Chester will play its penultimate home game of the regular season against an 8-17 Shippensburg team that is still working to earn a spot in the PSAC Tournament as the final two weeks of the regular season get underway tonight. Shippensburg enters in the midst of a two-game losing streak, including a loss to Mansfield, whom the Raiders are chasing for the final spot in the PSAC Tournament, and then 10th-ranked East Stroudsburg on Saturday afternoon. On Saturday against ESU, Shippensburg found itself down nine after the first half and tried to close the gap in the second, turning in a solid 46-point second-half performance, which saw the Raiders shoot 51.7 % from the field, but it was not enough to upset ESU as the Warriors held on for an 85-73 victory. Markus Frank, who leads the team in scoring, averaging 18.5 points per game, led all scorers in the setback, finishing with 31 points on 12-of-15 shooting from the field. Frank also ranks second on the team in rebounding, averaging 6.2 rebounds per game, while Kyle Whippen leads the squad in rebounding, averaging 8.9 rebounds per game. Up Next for the Golden Rams ... West Chester will take to the road for the final two games of February, visiting Mansfield on Saturday for a 3 p.m. tip before heading to Millersville on Wednesday, February 28, for a 7:30 p.m. start. West Chester will return home on Saturday, March 2, for a Senior Day/Pink Zone doubleheader presented by Barnaby’s of West Chester beginning at 3 p.m.
Chester vs Shippensburg-Hollinger Field House-February 21-7:30 p.m.
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VS INSIDE THE MATCHUP
15-9 ..................................... Overall Record .....................................8-17 W1 ....................................... Current Streak ........................................ L2 80.6 ....................................Points Per Game....................................76.6 79.2 ....................................Scoring Defense ................................... 84.4 1.4 ....................................... Scoring Margin ...................................... -7.8 .457 .......................................FG% Offense ...................................... .422 .462 ......................................FG % Defense ..................................... .452 .347 .................................. 3-PT FG % Offense ................................. .327 .338 .................................. 3-PT FG% Defense ................................. .328 .714 ...................................... Free Throw % ..................................... .695 38.7 ..................................Rebound Average .................................. 39.6 32.3 .............................. OPP. Rebound Average ............................. 42.4 6.4 ......................................Rebound Margin.....................................-2.8 13.8 ................................... Turnover Average .................................. 14.7 0.2 ...................................... Turnover Margin .....................................-1.9 13.4 ................................... Assists Per Game .................................. 12.8 7.7 ....................................... Steals Average .......................................5.6 3.0 .......................................Blocks Average .......................................3.0
STATISTICAL LEADERS SCORING
WEST CHESTER Allen ................................. 18.3 Smith ................................ 17.1 Walker .............................. 14.1 REBOUNDING WEST CHESTER Kellier............................... 10.5 Walker ................................ 6.3 Allen ................................... 4.5 ASSISTS WEST CHESTER Purnell Jr. ........................... 3.8 Kellier................................. 2.6 Smith ................................. 2.0 STEALS WEST CHESTER Allen................................... 1.5 Smith ................................. 1.3 Kellier ................................ 1.2
SHIPPENSBURG Frank ............... 18.5 Whippen ............ 9.6 Crespo... ............ 8.6 SHIPPENSBURG Whippen ............. 8.9 Frank .................. 6.2 Figueroa. ............ 3.9 SHIPPENSBURG Recchia .............. 2.7 Whippen ............ 1.9 Ball ..................... 1.8 SHIPPENSBURG Frank ................. 1.4 Crespo ............... 0.8 Ball. ................... 0.7
#ramsup
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THE BLAIR REPORT Damien
Blair
TITLE: Head Coach Years at WCU: 16 Alma Mater: West Chester ‘06
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CAREER RECORD
Year 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2021-22 2022-23 Total
Record Postseason 18-10 (9-5) PSAC 16-11 (5-9) 14-12 (5-9) 19-10 (14-8) PSAC 20-8 (17-5) PSAC 20-10(11-5) NCAA 16-13 (14-8) PSAC 23-7 (17-5) NCAA 14-15 (11-11) PSAC 22-7 (17-5) NCAA 22-9 (17-5) NCAA 20-10 (13-9) PSAC 17-11 (10-11) PSAC 21-8 (16-6) PSAc 262-148 (15) 12/14
Head Coach Damien Blair completed his 15th season at the helm of the Golden Rams in 2022-23. In his 14 seasons with the Purple & Gold, Blair boasts a 262-142 (.648) overall record with four NCAA Tournament appearances in the last seven years. Blair has orchestrated a 176-101 (.635) mark in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) contests throughout his tenure, and under his tutelage, the Golden Rams have landed inside the top-three of the PSAC East standings nine times, including a share of the regular-season crown in 2022-23 and six second-place nishes. West Chester has advanced to the PSAC Championship Game on three occasions. The West Chester University alum boasts a 11-12 record in the PSAC Tournament and a 1-4 record in the NCAA Tournament. It was Blair’s mission that winter to orchestrate a return to the PSAC seminals and with it a shot at a PSAC championship. Blair led West Chester to the PSAC postseason tournament in his rst season on the sideline in 2008-09, after inheriting a squad that had not reached the playoffs the previous two campaigns. One of the top guards in school history, Blair made a big splash in his rst season as head coach at his alma mater. The Golden Rams nished 18-10 overall and 9-5 in conference play, nishing third overall in the Eastern Division and leading the Rams to the quarternals of the PSAC postseason tournament. A loss to cross-town rival Cheyney ended Blair’s inaugural season prematurely. He made the leap into the college game from the high school ranks where he led nearby Downingtown High School to the Ches-Mont League boys’ basketball championship -- the rst title in school history -- in 2007 and a spot in the PIAA state playoffs for the fourth time during his tenure. Overall, Blair compiled a high school career coaching record of 173-78 (.689). Blair left Downingtown High as the school’s all-time winningest boy’s basketball coach. He was named the Daily Local News coach of the year as well as ChesMont League coach of the year his nal season. During his collegiate playing career, Blair set seven individual scoring records on the career, season and game levels. His 2,025 career points stands second all-time at West Chester University and ninth all-time in PSAC history. The ashy guard was a two-time PSAC East player of the year (1994, 1995) and four-time all-league selection, including three rst-team nods, during his illustrious playing career. Blair was inducted into the Messikomer Men’s Basketball Hall of Fame at West Chester University in 2001. Blair played semi-professional basketball with the Delaware Blue Bombers of the United States Basketball League for a brief stint, after his college career came to a close and was even invited to the Philadelphia 76ers tryout camp in 1996. Blair received his bachelor’s of science degree in Education from WCU in May 2006 and is a certied Health & Physical Education instructor in the state of Pennsylvania. He completed his master’s in Athletic Administration from WCU in May 2007.
TONIGHT’S LINEUPS
West Chester University Golden Rams Women’s Basketball Roster (19-5, 14-4)
No. 0 2 3 4 10 12 13 14 20 21 22 24 25 32 33
Player Kyla Glasser-Hyman Jayde Boyd Leah Johnson Alianna Hopta Michelle Kozicki Kaziah Ross Alana Boyer Erin Daley Emily McAteer Sofia Coleman Morgan Warley Briana Seltzer Valerie McGriff Anna McTamney Rachel Conran
Pos. G G G G F G G F F/C G G/F G F/C G G/F
Ht. 5-6 5-9 5-5 5-7 6-0 5-6 5-7 6-0 6-1 5-11 5-9 5-9 6-0 5-10 5-8
Cl. Fr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr.
Hometown/High School Inzai, Japan / Hightstown Pittsburgh, PA. / Oakland Catholic Columbus, N.J. / Notre Dame York, Pa. / West York Wilmington, Del. / Padua Academy Binghamton, N.Y. / Binghamton Harrisburg, Pa. / Susquenita Lafayette Hill, Pa. / Plymouth Whitemarsh Thornton, Pa. / Garnet Valley Dresher, Pa. / Gwynedd Mercy Academy West Chester, Pa. / Villa Maria Academy Reading, Pa. / Reading Lansdale, Pa. / North Penn Plymouth Meeting, Pa. / Plymouth Whitemarsh Springfield, Pa. / Springfield
Head Coach: Kiera Wooden (West Chester University ‘03) - 10th season Assistant Coach: Allison Hostetter (West Chester University ‘12) - 9th season, Mary Fromhartz
Shippensburg University Raiders Women’s Basketball Roster (5-20, 4-15)
No. 1 3 12 13 14 15 20 21 22 23 24
Player Pos. Bella Chimienti G Madi White G Abbie Miller F Eve Nealon G Makayla Foddrell F Mia Johnson G Taja Colbert G Treasure George G Alexis Buie F Carolina Rodriguez Sanchez F Ellie Goodwin F
Ht. 5-8 5-10 5-10 5-7 5-9 5-7 5-4 5-5 6-2 5-10 6-0
Cl. Fr. Gr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. Gr. Fr. Sr. So.
Head Coach: Kristy Trn (Shippensburg '93) 25th season Assistant Coach: Dave Smith, Matt Allen
Hometown/High School York, Pa. / Central York Hamilton, Va. / Woodgrove (Shepherd) Camp Hill, Pa. / Cumberland Valley Limerick, Ireland / The Hill School (Pa.) Warrenton, Va. / Fauquier Waldorf, Md. / St. Charles Harrisburg, Pa. / Bishop McDevitt Harrisburg, Pa. / Bishop McDevitt Harrisburg, Pa. / Cedar Cliff Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain / San Jose de Cluny Vigo Camp Hill, Pa. / Camp Hill
TONIGHT’S LINEUPS
West Chester University Golden Rams Men’s Basketball Roster (15-9, 12-6)
No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown/High School 0 Myles Grey G 5-10 175 Fr. Reading, Pa. / Reading 1 Anthony Purnell Jr. G 6-0 150 So. Chester, Pa. / Kiski Prep 2 Robert Smith G 6-1 180 Jr. Philadelphia, Pa. / Bishop McDevitt 3 Saleem Payne G 5-10 160 Fr. Philadelphia, Pa. / Phelps School 4 Elijah Allen G 6-2 180 Jr. Dover, Del. / Dover 10 Luke Boyd G 6-2 170 So. Somerton, Pa. / Archbishop Ryan 11 Joshua Walker F 6-8 230 Jr. Upper Marlboro, Md. / Riverdale Baptist 13 Darrius Phillips F 6-8 225 Fr. East Stroudsburg, Pa. / Seton Hall Prep 14 Nix Varano G 6-2 175 So. Chalfont, Pa. / La Salle College High School 15 Isaiah Thomas-McClain G 6-5 185 R-So. Cheltenham, Pa. / Cheltenham 20 Tristan Thomas F 6-9 250 So. Medford, N.J. / IMG Academy 21 Mirko Bramati G 6-7 190 Fr. Bologna, Italy / St. Thomas More 22 Alex Walinski G/F 6-4 180 Jr. New Hope, Pa. / New Hope Solebury 23 Moro Osumanu G/F 6-6 180 Jr. Reading, Pa. / Reading 24 Jordan Kellier F 6-5 220 Gr. Kingston, Jamaica / Redemption Christian Head Coach: Damien Blair (West Chester ’06) 16th season Assistant Coach: Ben Kay (Drexel ’12), Eric Anderson, Bill Coleman, Isaiah Lester
Shippensburg University Raiders Men’s Basketball Roster (8-17, 4-15)
No. 1 2 3 4 5 10 11 12 13 14 21 22 23 34 44
Name Jackson Boone Ty Crespo Drew Sleva Gavin Donley Kyle Whippen Markus Frank Trey Martin Najeh Allen Andrew Recchia Michael Dunn Donovan Hill Denzel Figueroa Satchel Ball Ty Holsopple Timmy Conner
Pos. F G G F F G/F G G G G F G/F G F G
Ht. 6-5 5-9 6-0 6-8 6-9 6-4 6-2 6-3 5-10 6-1 6-8 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-0
Wt. 220 160 145 235 210 180 190 175 160 165 210 190 165 225 160
Yr. Fr. R-Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. R-Fr. So. Fr. Gr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Sr. So.
Head Coach: Chris Fite (Rochester ‘92) 10th season Assistant Coach: Jaren Gembe, Dave Miller
Hometown/High School Enola, Pa. / Cumberland Valley Lancaster, Pa. / Manheim Township McKees Rocks, Pa. / Chartiers Valley Boiling Springs, Pa. / Boiling Springs Washington, D.C. / Westfield (Kutztown) Sewickley, Pa. / Quaker Valley Boiling Springs, Pa. / Boiling Springs Hagerstown, Md. / St. Maria Goretti Mars, Pa. / Mars Area Washington, Pa. / Trinity Harrisburg, Pa. / Central Dauphin (Niagara) New York City, N.Y. / Carver Engineering & Science (Pa.) La Plata, Md. / North Point Chambersburg, Pa. / Chambersburg Area Frederick, Md. / Linganore
Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Notes 2023-24 Men’s Basketball Conference Standings and Statistics
Conference Standings 2023-24 Eastern Division Place School 1. E. Stroudsburg* Millersville* Lock Haven* 4. West Chester* 5. Shepherd 6. Mansfield 7. Shippensburg 8. Bloomsburg 9. Kutztown Western Division Place School 1. Gannon* 2. Cal (Pa.)* 3. IUP* 4. Slippery Rock* 5. Mercyhurst 6. Seton Hill 7. Edinboro 8. Clarion 9. Pitt-Johnstown
Conf. 15-3 15-3 15-3 12-6 7-12 5-14 4-15 3-15 3-16
Overall 21-3 20-4 17-6 15-9 10-14 7-17 8-17 5-19 4-21
Conf. 17-2 15-3 13-5 10-8 9-9 8-10 6-13 5-14 4-15
Overall 23-2 21-3 16-8 12-12 13-13 13-11 7-18 7-18 6-19
Statistical Leaders 2023-24 POINTS/GAME Name KJ McClurg Josh Omojafo Bernie Blunt
School CAL GAN BORO
Ppg. 23.3 20.1 20.1
School WCU ROCK SHIP
Rpg. 10.5 9.1 8.9
School IUP GAN VILLE
Apg. 5.6 5.4 5.0
School GAN IUP ESU
Stlpg. 2.5 2.3 2.3
REBOUNDS Name Jordan Kellier Lashon Lindsay Kyle Whippen ASSISTS Name Garvin Clarke Derrick James Jaden Faulkner STEALS Name Derrick James Garvin Clarke Lakeem McAliley
PSAC East Preseason Coaches’ Polls Men’s PSAC East Preseason Poll 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
East Stroudsburg (5) West Chester (3) Millersville Shepherd (1) Shippensburg Lock Haven Kutztown Bloomsburg Mansfield
Men’s PSAC West Preseason Poll 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
IUP (5) California (4) Mercyhurst Slippery Rock Pitt-Johnstown Seton Hill Gannon Clarion Edinboro
Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Notes 2023-24 Women’s Basketball Conference Standings and Statistics
Conference Standings 2023-24 Eastern Division Place School 1. Lock Haven* 2. West Chester* 3. Kutztown* 4. Millersville 5. Mansfield 6. E. Stroudsburg 7. Bloomsburg 8. Shepherd 9. Shippensburg
Conf. 17-1 14-4 11-8 8-10 8-11 5-13 5-13 4-15 4-15
Overall 22-2 19-5 13-12 10-14 11-13 7-16 7-17 6-18 5-20
Western Division Place School 1. Gannon* 2. IUP 3. Cal (Pa.) 4. Mercyhurst 5. Edinboro 6. Seton Hill 7. Pitt-Johnstown 8. Slippery Rock 9. Clarion
Conf. 18-1 14-4 12-6 12-6 12-7 10-8 10-9 2-16 0-19
Overall 26-2 18-5 17-7 16-8 14-10 13-11 15-10 2-19 0-25
Statistical Leaders 2023-24 POINTS/GAME Name Sam Pirosko Christiane Frye Katelin Starr
School GAN SHU BLOOM
Ppg. 18.8 18.1 17.8
School IUP CAL MANS
Rpg. 9.6 8.7 8.7
School WCU UPJ CAL
Apg. 6.0 4.8 4.3
School SHU IUP CAL
Stlpg. 2.7 2.5 2.3
REBOUNDS Name Nyshae’ Weaver Dejah Terrell Jasmine Hilton ASSISTS Name Leah Johnson Olivia Fasick Nina Shaw STEALS Name Christiane Frye Rahmena Henderson Nina Shaw
PSAC East Preseason Coaches’ Polls PSAC East Preseason Poll 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
West Chester (8) Kutztown (1) Shippensburg Bloomsburg East Stroudsburg Lock Haven Millersville Mansfield Shepherd
PSAC West Preseason Poll 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
California (5) Gannon (2) IUP (1) Edinboro Pitt-Johnstown (1) Seton Hill Mercyhurst Slippery Rock Clarion
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2023-24 West Chester University Cheerleaders Pos. Cl. Hometown / High School From late August through early-to-mid March each Name Aguiar Base Sr. Delran, N.J./Delran school year, West Chester University’s cheerleaders are front Alexis Kira Bhuta (C) Flyer Sr. Burlington, N.J./Burlington Twp. Base Fr. Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley and center at all Golden Rams football games in the fall and Jasmin Bullers Casale Back So. Springfield, Pa./Springfield both men’s and women’s basketball games in the winter. Alexis Charli Culbert (C) Backspot Sr. Upper Chichester, Pa./Chichester Additionally, West Chester University’s cheerleaders have Mia Fornito Flyer Sr. Medford, N.J./Shawnee Emily Ham Backspot So. West Grove, Pa./Padua Academy traveled to Orlando, Fla., and the Wide World of Sports in Justice Haynes Flyer Fr. Reading, Pa./Conrad Weiser January to compete in the UCA Nationals. The Golden Rams Cameron Heron Base Fr. Philadelphia, Pa./Saint Hubert Flyer So. Garnet Valley, Pa./Garnet Valley Cheer Squad placed among the top five at UCA Nationals Madison Hines Sarah Hogan Base Jr. Holland, Pa./Council Rock South in each of the past two years, including a runner-up perfor- Julia Hunt (C) Base So. Ridley, Pa./Archbishop Carroll McKenna Maffei Flyer Jr. Oxford, Pa./Oxford Area mance in 2023. Adelyn Mariani Flyer Fr. Springfield, Pa./Springfield The cheerleaders work hard in the preseason learning Emily Matienzo Base Sr. Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Jefferson Twp. Sr. Old Bridge, N.J./Old Bridge mostly new material for the upcoming campaign, condition- Jacqueline Nadera Flyer Allison Nadin Base So. Chadds Ford, Pa./Unionville ing and developing a pride in the West Chester University Samantha Noble Base Fr. Bordentown, N.J./No. Burlington Backspot Fr. Doylestown, Pa./Central Bucks East community. Aside from preparing their 35-member team for Olivia Ople Caroline Orokos Base Sr. No. Brunswick, N.J./No. Brunswick Twp. the year ahead, the West Chester University cheerleaders Kylie Orseno Backspot Fr. North Wales, Pa./North Penn Fr. Doylestown, Pa./Central Bucks West also host high school clinics in order to develop cheerleading Cameryn Pellegrini Base Madison Polansky Flyer So. Lansdale, Pa./North Penn around the area. Alyssa Redding Base Sr. Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty Base Jr. Mountain Top, Pa./Crestwood The West Chester University cheerleaders take on many Abby Roman Keilian Rudisill Base Fr. Reading, Pa./Exeter community service projects focusing mainly on breast can- Noelle Schusko Backspot So. Malvern, Pa./Pope John Paul cer awareness, as well as doing many youth and high school Madison Skowronek Base Sr. Media, Pa./Penncrest Stein Base Fr. Norristown, Pa./Norristown cheering clinics, donating to needy schools and volunteering Devon Marnie String Backspot So. Cherry Hill, N.J./Cherry Hill West with the elderly within the West Chester community. Lexi Swisher Flyer Jr. Morgantown, Pa./Twin Valley Base Fr. Philadelphia, Pa./Saint Hubert The team also makes many public appearances as rep- Kyleigh Taylor Peyton Taylor Base Fr. Bethlehem, Pa./Freedom resentatives of WCU, highlighted each holiday season with Victoria Zencak Base Fr. Warrington, Pa./CB South Fr. Garnet Valley, Pa./Garnet Valley a spot in the West Chester Borough’s annual Christmas Pa- Emiily Zoellner Base rade. Head Coach: Jacqueline Kline
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