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Madness opens basketball season
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valerie martin |
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Ian Gibson dunks the basketball during the dunk
contest at Midnight Madness. The event celebrated the beginning of
2005-2006 men’s and women’s basketball season at the University of
North Florida. |
By Holli Welch
Contributing Writer
Midnight Madness opened the season Oct. 14 with scrimmages by the men’s and
women’s basketball teams, performances by the dance team and cheerleaders, free
ice cream, competitions and giveaways.
The women’s team was led by returning seniors, Kayla Sheldon, Karli Knudsen,
Alana Mountfield and Jackie Beik.
“I am really excited about the new players we have, and so far we have been
really pleased with their efforts,” said women’s head coach Mary Tappmeyer.
All members of the teams participated in the scrimmages.
The men’s team showcased its dunking skills during the practice, led by seniors
David Ashwell and Alain Laroche, and junior Rashad Williams. They continued
during the dunk contest, as Laroche took the competition with three dunks and a
score of 65.
Other highlights of the event were the Battle of the Sexes’ competitions, team
3-point contests and free-throw shots. The women’s team faced off against the
men’s and lost in the free-throw contest, 20 shots to 30. However, the 3-point
competition showcased the top three shooters from each team, and by one point,
the women defeated the men 17-16.
The big giveaway of the night, the 2006 Hummer H3, ended up without an owner, as
neither participant made the opening shot.
The madness showed just a glimpse of the season to come. The first home game is
Nov. 12, with both the men’s and women’s teams facing Edwards Waters College.
“I’ve seen a lot of really good student support at the volleyball games,”
Tappmeyer said. “And hopefully they will continue for the basketball season as
well.”
E-mail Holli Welch at uspinnak@unf.edu.
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