LAWTON, Okla. – The Newman University men's basketball team gears up for the 2018-19 season beginning Friday (Nov. 9) at 7:30 p.m. against the host school Cameron University in the Heartland-Lone Star Challenge. A day later, the Jets will take on Texas A&M Commerce. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. from Aggie Gym in Lawton, OK.
The Jets coming off a 14-14 season in 2017-2018 that saw them finish third in the Heartland Conference.
The Jets have opened with the Aggies and Lions in the previous three seasons. The Jets are 2-1 against the Aggies in the last three season openers. The Jets have played the Lions the last three seasons after the season opener going 1-2 in those three seasons. The Jets are 12-3 in their previous 15 season openers.
The Jets return four seniors, all who played in 27 of the 28 games a year ago. The Jets return their top two leading scorers, Dametrius Walker and Ben Ayre. Forward senior, Dametrius Walker was selected to the Preseason All-Heartland Conference Team after leading the Jets with (14.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg) off the bench in his first year in a Jets uniform. Ayre started in 26 of the 28 games, finished last season averaging (13.4 ppg) also dishing out 3.9 assists per game.
The Jets bring in two junior college transfers who have had Division I experience. Juwan Davenport comes to the Jets after averaging (16.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg) for Kansas City Community College last season. Marshawn Blackmon comes to the Jets from Moberly Community College where he averaged (3.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg) for the Greyhounds a year ago.
The Aggies coming off a disappointing 11-17 record a year ago return seven players from last season's squad. The Aggies return second leading scorer JV Long coming off a year averaging (11.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 4.0 apg). Junior guard, Tyus Momoh returns as the Aggies fourth leading scorer from a year ago averaging (8.9 ppg). Head Coach Andrew Brown enters his third season as the head coach for the Aggies with a record of 28-29.
The Lions head into the 2018-2019 season as the favorites to win the Lone Star Conference. The Lions had a strong season going 22-9 in 2017-2018 finishing 3rd in the Lone Star Conference and securing a sport in the NCAA Tournament. The Lions return seven players from last year's squad, including this season's preseason's Lone Star Conference player of the year Reggie Reid. Reid averaged (16.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 4.2 apg).
Those unable to make the trip to Lawton, OK can listen to the game on Kansas Country 92.3 with the voice of the Jets, Blake Cripps,
