Fans Meet Commodores at “Hoop Jam”

Fans Meet Commodores at “Hoop Jam”

10/27/2005

The fans of Commodore men and women’s basketball were introduced to both teams and witnessed spirited battles during several skill competitions at “Hoop Jam” Thursday at Memorial Gymnasium.

The free event to jump start the 2005-06 campaign included an autograph session, player and coach introduction, and four skill competitions.

Women’s head coach Melanie Balcomb and men’s head coach Kevin Stallings each praised their respective teams for a strong work ethic in early season practices and looked forward to the upcoming season.

Highlights of the skill competitions included:

? Carla Thomas outlasting Mario Moore in a free-throw shooting contest.
? Junior guard Caroline Williams making eight 3-pointers to outscore junior guard Dan Cage in a 3-point shooting contest.
? Junior guard Cherish Stringfield – on only her second attempt – becoming the first player to hit a half-court shot.
? Shan Foster edging Derrick Byars in the slam dunk contest.  (Celebrity judges for the event included WGFX-FM radio personality George Plaster, former men’s players Russell Lakey and Matt Freije and Vanderbilt mascot “Mr. Commodore.”)

Both teams take the floor in exhibition contests Nov. 5 at Memorial Gymnasium.