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Cowboys Fall to Cochise 3-1 in College World Series Play

Connors State’s bid for a baseball national championship came to an end Tuesday afternoon as the Cowboys fell to Cochise (Ariz.) College 3-1 in the NJCAA College World Series at Grand Junction, Colo., before a crowd of 2,388 at Suplizio Field.

The No. 3-ranked Cowboys, who were making their fifth appearance under head coach Perry Keith at the CWS, ends the season with a 53-11 record, an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference title and a South Central District championship.

The Apaches (50-8-1) scored in the first, second and seventh innings to get the win and advance in the tournament.

Connors only run came in the fourth inning when Yariel Gonzalez connected for his 12^th home run of the year.

Cowboys’ Daniel Concepcion (8-2) took the loss as went eight innings, scattering five hits, striking out seven and walking three. Justin Ferrell finished the game in the ninth.

Steve Naemark went the distance on the mound for Cochise, scattering eight hits, striking out seven and waking one.

The Apaches struck first scoring a run to open the top of the first on one base hit off Concepcion. The sophomore struggled on the hill to open the game walking two and hitting a batter. Cochise’s run came on a single to left field by Esteban Bastidas, who plated Nate Hale who walked to begin the game.

Cochise made it a 2-0 in the second inning when Tagg Duce’s base hit to right center field scored Jason Parks. Parks reached base when he was hit by a pitch from Concepcion, his second hit batsman of the game.

Cowboys got back into the ball game in the fourth frame when Yariel Gonzalez hit a towering blast over the 365-foot marker in left centerfield to make it a 2-1 game. It was Gonzalez’ 12th home run of the season.

Connors had an opportunity to put more runs on the score board in the inning as Phil Diedrick and Victor Claudio followed with base hits up the middle after Gonzalez’ homer. However, Connors was unable to push a cross runs as Eli Roundtree flied out to center field and Jiro Morales was thrown out on an infield ground ball to end the inning.

The Apaches scored in the seventh to make it 3-1, as they took advantage of a base hit, walk, hit batsman and a throwing error with the bases loaded to push a across the run.

Cochise scored with the bases loaded and one out, when Frank Salas one hop ground ball to Kory Keith was fielded cleanly, but his throw to Morales at the plate to get the force out at home was in the dirt and wide allowing Steve Desgagne of the Apaches to score.

Keith, Claudio and Morales led the Cowboys hitting attack with two hits each.

No. 1 Spartanburg Pounds Cowboys 17-0 in College World Series

GRAND JUNCTION—Top-ranked Spartanburg lived up to its advanced billing as the Pioneers run-ruled the Connors Cowboys 17-0 in five innings Monday afternoon at the NJCAA College World Series at Supilizo Field.

Connors (53-10) will battle Cochise (Ariz.) College at noon in an elimination game Tuesday. Cochise fell to Neosho (Kan.) Community College 2-1 on Sunday night.

Pioneers (47-13) left hander Jimmy Lindberg handcuffed the Connors batters, holding the Cowboys to just three base hits in the game. The Cowboys did not get a base runner past second base as they managed only four base runners in the game.

Christian Perez, Yariel Gonzalez each reach base on singles in the first inning, but it was not until the fifth inning before Connors was able to get a base hit again, a single by Dalton Daniels.

Lindberg faced just 19 Cowboys in the five innings, as he struck out three and walked three.

On the other side of the ledger Spartanburg pounded out 16 base hits against five Connors pitchers.  Seven of the Pioneers base hits were for extra bases, three doubles and two triples.

Spartanburg exploded in the first inning, pounding out six base hits for six runs, knocking out the Cowboy starter Josh Hammill, who last only 1/3 of an inning. It was Hammill’s first loss of the season, as he goes to 8-1 for the year.

Hammill struck out the first batter he faced, but it was all downhill the remainder of the inning, before he was relieved by Andrew Simonetti. The Pioneers sent 10 batters to the plate as they connected on four singles and two doubles in the frame.

Spartanburg continued its hitting and scoring barrage in the second inning taking an 8-0 lead on two base hits. Pioneers’ John Leopard plated both runs with a single to right field, scoring Reid Morman, who singled and Elliott Caldwell, who reached on a walk.

The Pioneers did not let up in the third inning as they pushed a crossed five more runs for a 13-0 lead.

Keith brought in Jordan Romano to start the third frame but he walked his first two batters and was pulled in favor of Zyane Dougan, who gave up three runs on two base hits. The big blow was a three-run triple by Reid Morman. Two runs in the inning were charged to Romano.

In the fourth it was more of the same from Spartanburg as they added four more runs on four hits, which included a two-run RBI triple by Matt White, who was 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs. Morman and Leopard led the Pioneers’ hitting assault. Morman was 3-for-4 at the plate with three RBIs and Leopard 3-for-3 with five RBIs.

Emmanuel Arnaud was the fifth reliever for the Cowboys as he went 2/3 of an inning, giving up one earned run and two base hits. Dougan went 1 1/3 innings giving up six runs, all earned, allowing five hits, striking out one and walking two.

Cowboys Battle No. 1 Spartanburg, S.C.

— GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Connors State’s baseball squad earned a day of rest Sunday following its first-round NJCAA College World Series victory over No. 3-ranked Navarro (Texas) Saturday night at Supilizo Field, while several other clubs playing elimination games.

The 10-9 victory over the Bulldogs put the No. 3 Cowboys (53-9) into today’s 3 p.m. clash with top-ranked Spartanburg, S.C., (46-13). The Pioneers defeated Walters (Tenn.) State 19-11, also on Saturday.

This is Spartanburg’s seventh appearance in the CWS and the Cowboys’ fifth under head coach Perry Keith, who on Saturday earned his second win in 10 outings here.

Keith and assistant Bobby Foreman spent most of Sunday going over scouting reports on the Pioneers, while his squad lounged around the hotel and swimming pool, save for a two-hour practice at nearby Mesa State College. Keith attended the final opening game of the CWS between Neosho County (Kan.) Community College and Cochise (Ariz.) College, a possible future opponent.

On his next foe?

“They have a very athletic team,” said Keith. “They have three left-handers on their pitching staff (Jimmy Lindberg, Robert Landers, Chris Washington) and we expect to face one of them. Which one, we won’t know until they hand out the lineup card.”

Against Walters State the Pioneers had 18 hits.

Spartanburg threw four pitchers in the Walters State game, all four were right handers. The four Pioneers combined for an amazing 202 pitches in the game, allowing 18 base hits and walking 8 over the nine innings.

Keith said the Cowboys would send Inola freshman left-hander Josh Hammill to the mound against Spartanburg. Hammill has a 3.50 ERA and is 8-0 in 13 appearances.

The Pioneers’ left-handers will face one of the top hitting junior college clubs in the nation. Connors leads the nation in RBIs (594), second in slugging percentage (.516), home runs (58), runs scored (525) and third in batting average (.355).

Against Navarro the Cowboys pounded out nine base hits against Bulldogs’ ace Lukas Schiraldi, who entered the game at 10-0 and lasted only four innings.

Christian Perez, who played outstanding defense in center field in the opener and made a game-saving diving catch in the eighth inning is looking forward to playing the No. 1 team in the nation.

“We are the type of team that just grinds and grinds and we’ll keep doing that,” said Perez. “We know they don’t have a lot of pitchers and we just have to take the starting pitcher off the mound early and we’ll be all right.”

Webcast

Connors St. vs. Spartanburg, S.C., 3 p.m. at http://www. ihigh.com/njcaatv/.

Cowboys Drop No. 2 Navarro 10-9 in College World Series

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.---- Connors State once again playing its version of “grind it out” baseball, held off No. 2-ranked Navarro 10-9 in its opening game of the NJCAA College World Series Saturday night at Suplizio Field before a crowd of 8,991.

The No. 3-ranked Cowboys will take a 53-9 record into a Monday afternoon game against top-ranked Spartanburg, South Carolina at 3 p.m.

The Cowboys‘ starter Kelvin Rivas (9-2) worked out a several jams to get the win. Rivas worked 6 2/3 innings before being relieved by Justin Ferrell in the seventh. Rivas scattered eight base hits, struck out five and walked just two batters.

Ferrell pitched the final 2 1/3 innings to pick up his 12^th save of the year as he scattered three base hits while striking out one in facing 10 batters.

Connors pounded out 12 base hits with Korey Keith going 3-for-3 with an RBI, Yariel Gonzalez getting two hits, which included a double and triple  with four RBIs and Dalton Daniels was 3-for-4 at the plate.

In other first round games Central Alabama defeated Palm Beach State College 6-4, Midland, Texas rolled over Kaskaskia College in five innings 12-2 and top-ranked Spartanburg, South Carolina stopped Walters State College 19-11.

Cowboys wasted little time in getting on the scoreboard opening the game with a run in the first inning.

Christian Perez laced the second pitch from Navarro's ace Lucas Schiraldi down the third base line into the left field corner for a double. Keith then laid down a bunt to move Perez to third. Perez then scored on Yariel Gonzalez’ sacrifice fly ball that was caught on the warning track in left field.

Cowboys made it a 3-0 in the third inning when Gonzalez collected his third RBI of the game with a triple to the right center field gap that scored Dalton Daniels and Keith.

Daniels singled to left field to open the third inning and went to third base on Keith’s base hit to left center. That set the stage for Gonzalez blast to the wall.

Connors’ hitting assault continued in the fourth with three more base hits resulting in another Cowboys run for a 4-0 lead.

Victor Claudio singled to center field and advanced to third base on Jiro Morales’ base hit to right field. Eric Kirkpatrick plated Claudio with a sacrifice fly to right field.

Navarro needed five innings before they put runs on the scoreboard, touching Rivas for four runs on four base hits to deadlock the game.

Jovan Hernandez, Kaleb Goodwell and Drake Roberts produced RBI base hits, along with Mason Salazar’s infield out.

The Cowboys chased Schiraldi in the fifth with back-to-back base hits by Keith and Gonzalez. It was Schiraldi’s first loss of the season against 10 wins.

Navarro called on Chad Young to end the Cowboys threat but immediately walked Phil Diedrick on four pitches and then wild pitched his fifth allowing Keith to score for a 5-4 advantage. Keith collected his second hit of the game with a rocket off the right field wall.

Claudio’s infield out plated Gonzalez for a 6-4 Cowboys’ lead. Gonzalez reached base with a single to right field. Diedrick who had walked and advanced to third base on a ground out and wild pitch, came home when Young was called for a balk, giving Connors a 7-4 lead.

With two outs in the sixth Rivas pitched out of jam, when Claudio misplayed a fly ball by Grayson Lewis in which he went back for what would have easily been caught by Diedrick in right field. Grayson went to third base on the play.

Hernandez followed with a walk and Rivas then struck out Salazar to end the threat.

Connors answered the threat with three runs in the sixth inning for a 10-4 advantage, however, Navarro charged back with three runs in the top for the seventh to make it a 10-7 game. Rivas, who was relieved by Ferrell with two outs, got Lewis to line out to Perez in center field ending the threat.

The Bulldogs would not quit as they scored two more in the eighth on three base hits to make it a 10-9 game. But it was Perez’ diving catch in center field with Bulldog on second base that saved a run which would have tied the game.

Cowboys Ranked No. 3 in NJCAA Baseball Poll

Connors State has moved up two spots in the NJCAA Baseball National Rankings, advancing from No. 5 to No. 3 in the latest poll out of Colorado Springs, Colo., office released Wednesday, May 22.

The Cowboys (52-9) was awarded 3 first place votes and received 174 votes, trailing No. 1 Spartanburg Methodist College (45-13) which received 4 first place votes and 188 votes. Navarro College (43-15), which received 3 first place votes, garnered 181 total votes is ranked No. 2.

Connors will play No. 2 Navarro Saturday night in the NJCAA College World Series Saturday night at Grand Junction, Colo. at 7:30 p.m. CDT.

NJCAA NATIONAL RANKINGS

1, Spartanburg Methodist (45-13). 2, Navarro College (43-15. 3, Connors State (52-9). 4, Cochise College (49-17. 5, Midland College (47-13). 6, Palm Beach State College (38-19). 7, Walters State College (37-16). 8, Central Alabama Community College (38-13). 9, Kaskaskia College (39-10). 10, Iowa Western Community College (45-14).

11, Cowley County Community College (45-11). 12, Delgado Community College (47-11). 13, Crowder College (47-13). 14, Neosho County Community College (35-25). 15, State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota (44-14). 16, Western Nevada College (43-20). 17, Tallahassee Community College (46-10). 18, Grayson College (40-18). 19, Potomac State College of WVU (39-16). 20, Northeastern Junior College (40-21).

Cowboys Headed to NJCAA College World Series

Connors State Cowboys are returning to the NJCAA College World Series.

The No. 5 ranked Cowboys for the second day in a row defeated the top-ranked Delgado Dolphins in the South Central District Baseball Tournament 3-1 Saturday afternoon at Biff Thompson Field and earned its first trip since 2008 to the CWS.

The Cowboys (52-9) will open CWS play on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. CDT in Grand Junction, Colo. against the Southern District Champion, Navarro College (43-15), who defeated Alvin Community College 4-2 in the championship game Saturday.

“This has been us all year, we just compete every time at the bat and find ways to win,” said Cowboys head coach Perry Keith, who will be taking his fifth team to the CWS.

“This is just great. We are proud to go back to Grand Junction. This team is just even keel enough that we could really do something special.

“I think people will know we are there. We are going to get after people. We are just going to keep grinding like we have all year.”

The Cowboys behind the suburb pitching of right-hander Daniel Concepcion and some timely base hitting was in complete control of the Dolphins.

It was Connors second consecutive win over Delgado, which faced a must win situation on Saturday, Delgado fell to Connors in 10 innings, 11-10 on Friday night.

Cowboys right hander Daniel Concepcion (8-1) went 8 innings, scattered seven hits, while striking out 6, and walking two. Concepcion threw 117 pitches during his stint, 72 were for strikes.

“Daniel did a great job,” said Keith. “He was able to get his changeup against their left handers (batters). He’s been that way the whole year. That’s our ball club.”

Concepcion attributed his success on Saturday by “keeping ahead on the count.”

“My teammates got me a lead and I just tried to put the pitches on the corner. “

The sophomore from Dorado, Puerto Rico, told Keith after the seventh inning that he could go one more inning before being relieved by closer Justin Ferrell in the ninth.

 “I was tired, it was my game, but I wasn’t going to let down that easy,” said Concepcion. “I worked for it (win) and I just wanted one more inning. I told coach I had it. This was my biggest win in my career so far,” said Concepcion.

Ferrell, freshman from Wagoner, closed out the game for his eighth save of the season, faced just four Delgado batters, walking one, said “this is means everything.

“I got to seal the deal for us,” said Ferrell.

The Dolphins used two pitchers against the Cowboys, who pounded out nine base hits, with Chase Hymel (7-2) taking the loss. Hymel went six innings, allowing 6 base hits, striking out one and walking six. Hymel was relieved by Brandt Bourgeois, who worked the final three innings.

Connors jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning on a base hit and two sacrifice bunts against Hymel.

Victor Claudio walked to open the frame, followed by another walk to Eli Roundtree. Jiro Morales then moved both runners up with a sacrifice bunt. Eric Kirkpatrick then singled home Claudio with a ground ball to center field for a 1-0 lead. Dalton Daniels then brought home Roundtree on a squeeze play, giving Connors a 2-0 advantage.

The Cowboys took a 3-0 lead in the fourth when Morales scored on an error by Delgado first baseman Cameron Hoffman. Dolphins’ third baseman Jordan Caillouet made a diving stop of a Christian Perez ground ball and on the throw to first, Hoffman in stretching for the low throw dropped it, allowing Morales to score.

Delgado got on the scoreboard in the last of the sixth when Voiron’s sacrifice fly to right field plated Brady Williamson, who doubled to open the inning. Williamson advanced to third on Patrick Riley’s infield out.

Connors last appearance in the College World Series was 2008.  “This team has stuck it all year, they have never had any ups or downs,” said Keith. “This has been an easy bunch to coach. They are good to go every day, no matter what’s going on.

“What’s so special about this team is that they stick it every day. They don’t panic, the Region II Tournament was a good example, we were behind every game and came back to win it.

“This is such a good feeling,” said Keith.

CONNORS STATE 3, DELGADO 1

Connors State    020 100 000—3 9 1

Delgado               000 001 000—1 7-1

Concepcion, Ferrell (9) and Morales; Hymel, Bourgeois (7) and Voiron. W-Concepcion (8-1). L-Hymel (7-2).

Connors Knocks Off No. 1 Delgado; One Victory from CWS

WARNER – Connors State is just one victory away from advancing to the NJCAA College World Series in Grand Junction, Colo. next week.

The Cowboys overpowered Maple Woods 9-5 in their opening game of the NJCAA South Central District and followed with a stunning 11-10 victory in 10 innings over No. 1-ranked Delgado Community College Friday night at Biff Thompson Field.

The fifth-ranked Cowboys (51-9) will meet Delgado at 1 p.m. Saturday in the championship game. A Delgado win would force a third game on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Deadlocked at 10-10, Cowboys’ Tyler Fourkiller, the second Cowboy to be hit by a pitch in the inning, forced home Tyson Tackett, who was running for Phil Diedrick with the winning run.

Diedrick, who singled to right field to open the 10^th, moved to second base on Victor Claudio’s sacrifice bunt. Eli Roundtree then walked, and Jiro Morales was hit by a pitch to load the bases. That set the stage for the winning run.

Once again the “cardiac kids” find ways to win as they set their sights on a South Central District Title and a return trip to the CWS, their first since 2008.

Justin Ferrell (4-1), who took over for Andrew Simonetti in the seventh was the winning pitcher. Simonetti relieved starter Kelvin Rivas in the sixth.

“Man, this was ugly,” said Connors head coach Perry Keith, adding “But I’ll take it. This has been the way we’ve played all year.

Connors took advantage of two Delgado errors and a pair of base hits to grab 3-0 lead after two innings. Eli Roundtree’s base hit plated a run and Dalton Daniels was hit by a pitch to force in another run with the bases loaded. The third run came by way of a Dolphin error.

Yariel Gonzalez blasted his 11^th home run of the year over the left field wall to open the third frame and five Connors a 3-2 lead. Cowboys then added two more runs for a 5-2 lead on RBI single by Erik Kirkpatrick and another Delgado throwing error.

Phil Diedrick, who was hit by a pitch for the second time in the game, scored on a single by Eli Roundtree that bounced over the second baseman’s head, giving Connors a 6-2 lead.

Delgado came back with three runs in the fifth, but the Cowboys answered with three of their own, taking advantage of two Dolphin errors and two base hits. Korey Keith connected on an RBI base hit and Diedrick sent two more across the plate with a single to right center field, giving Connors a 9-5 lead.

Connors continued to add to its total with a run in the sixth for a 10-5 advantage. A sacrifice fly by Perez scored Chance Sugg, who was running for Eric Kirkpatrick, who had doubled to open the inning.

Delgado added a run in the sixth and then scored four more in the seventh to tie the game at 10-all.

Cowboys jumped on Maple Woods starter Grant Woods for five runs in the second inning of their first game, sending nine batters to the plate en route to the 9-5 victory.

The Connors’ win eliminated Maple Woods for the South Central District as the Monarchs completed the season 25-27.

Josh Hammill (7-0) went eight innings, for the Cowboys before being lifted after two back to back walks. He was relieved by Simmonetti. Hammill scattered eight hits and walked eight in posting the win.

“I really wanted to go the distance, but I started feel it (tired) in the seventh when I sat down,” said Hammill. “I lost a little off my fast ball, got behind on the hitters and just couldn’t throw strikes. I just got tired and told coach (Keith) to take me out.”

Hammill credited his teammates for giving him an early lead. “They really hit the ball and gave me a lot of support. It’s a great feeling to get this win.”

Connors collected 11 base hits in the game with Victor Claudio leading the hitting assault with three base hits in five trips. Jiro Morales had two base hits.

The Monarchs scored two runs in the third, connecting on two hits against Hammill. The big blow was a 2-run RBI double by Nick Elmore to make it a 5-2 game.

Cowboys upped its lead to 7-2 in the fourth on RBI base hit by Claudio and sacrifice fly by Yariel Gonzalez that scored Dalton Daniels, who walked to begin the inning.

Connors hitting assault continued in the fifth with three more hits, which resulted in two runs, RBI single by Dalton Daniels and a sacrifice fly to center field by Christian Perez that plated Jiro Morales for a 9-2 Cowboys lead.

Monarchs’ Will Carter made it a 9-4 game with a 2-run blast over the right field wall in the seventh inning.

Connors State 11, Delgado 10 (10)

Delgado 002 031 400 0—10 11 5

Connors 032 131 000 1--11 9 6

Liberta, Shearman (3), Deckwa (8) and Eades; Rivas, Simonetti (6), Ferell (7) and Morales

Connors State 9, Maple Woods 5

Connors             050 220 000-9 11 0

Maple Woods   002 000 201--5 6 2

Hammill, Simmonetti (9) and Morales; Woods , Deckard (2), Riley (4) and Rodriquez. W-Hammill (7-0). L-Woods.

Cowboys Ranked No. 5 in NJCAA Baseball Poll

Connors State has moved six spots from No. 11 to No. 5 in the latest NJCAA Baseball poll it was announced Wednesday.

The Cowboys (49-9) will host the NJCAA South Central District Tournament beginning Friday with Maple Woods of Missouri (25-25) and Delgado (46-9) of New Orleans.

Delgado is ranked No. 1 in the NJCAA poll, receiving 78 of 10 first place votes for 196 total points. Connors State received 145 points. Iowa Western(43-12)  is ranked No. 2 and received 2 first place votes, while No.9 ranked Cowley County (45-11) received 1 first place vote. Maple Woods is unranked.

Maple Woods and Delgado will open tournament play at noon, Friday followed by Connors and Maple Woods at 3:30 and Connors –Delgado at 7 p.m. All games are played at Biff Thompson Field.

NJCAA RANKINGS

1, Delgado (46-9). 2, Iowa Western (43-12). 3, Spartanburg Methodist (42-13). 4, Navarro (41-15). 5, Connors State (49-9). 6, Cochise College (46-16). 7, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (44-12). 8, Midland College (45-13). 9, Cowley County (45-11). 10, Tallahassee Community College (46-10). 11, Western Nevada (41-18). 12, Crowder (47-13). 13, Walters State (35-16). 14, Middle Georgia State (39-13). 15, Potomac State (38-14). 16, Northeastern JC (40-19). 17, College of Southern Nevada (40-17). 18, Grayson College (38-17). 19, Kaskaskia College (36-10). ASA College (34-8).

Connors Plays Maple Woods in Opening Round of South Central

The opening round of the NJCAA South Central District Baseball Tournament at Biff Thompson Field on the campus of Connors State College will begin at noon Friday, May 17.

The double elimination tournament will open with Maple Woods Community College of Missouri (25-25) playing Delgado Community College of New Orleans (46-9) at noon.

Connors State (49-9) will then play Maple Woods at 3:30 p.m., followed by Connors playing Delgado at 7 p.m.

Elimination game will be played at 1 p.m. Saturday and an if necessary game is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday.

The winner of the South Central District advances to the NJCAA College World Series in Grand Junction beginning May 25^th.

Delgado, Maple Woods to Battle Connors for South Central Title

WARNER ---Connors State College will host the NJCAA South Central Regional as champions of the Region II beginning Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19 at Biff Thompson.

Also advancing to the double elimination tournament is Region 16 champion Maple Woods Community College of Missouri and Delgado Community College of New Orleans, La.

Maple Woods upset No. 6 Crowder, Mo. In the Region 6 title game 9-6. The Monarchs enter the tournament with a 25-25 record.

Delgado defeated Baton Rouge Community College 5-2 and enters South Central play with a 46-9 record and No. 3 national ranking.

The Cowboys are No. 11 in the NJCAA poll and enter tournament play with a 49-9 record. It will be Connors first appearance in the South Central since 2008 when they took the title and advanced to the College World Series in Grand Junction, Colo.

The winner advances to the NJCAA College World Series in Grand Junction, which begins May 25^th.

Regional brackets and times will be announced later in the week.

Cowboys "Grind Out" Win over Seminole for Region II Crown

Just like they have all season, the Connors State Cowboys have grind out victories. Sunday afternoon at Hinch Field inJenks was no different.

The Cowboys rallied from a 2-0 deficit with six runs in the seventh inning to win the NJCAA Region II Baseball Tournament 6-2 over Seminole State College.

“I can’t be more proud of these guys,” said Cowboys head coach Perry Keith. “We’ve done this all year, just a grind it out ball club.  We got behind 2-0, and I knew we would come back.

“Our guys just don’t panic. This has been an outstanding group to coach. Just a bunch of grinders, nothing fancy.”

The victory sends the No. 11-ranked Cowboys into the NJCAA South Central District beginning Friday at Connors State’s Biff Thompson Field. The double elimination tournament runs through Sunday and will involve the Cowboys and the champions from Regions 16, 23 whose’s finals were late Sunday night.

It will be the Cowboys first appearance in the South Central District since 2008 when they took the championship and advanced to the NJCAA College World Series.

CSC’s starter Colton Strother (5-2), sophomore from Broken Arrows threw seven innings gave up a home run in the fifth and another run in the top of the seventh when his teammates’ bats came alive in their half of the inning.

Strother scattered five hits, struck out four and walked three in getting the win. Keith then called on closer Justin Ferrell to work the final two innings facing seven Seminole batters striking out two and giving up two hits.

“This is so exciting, I’ve been dreaming about this championship game all year,” said Strother. “We’ve worked hard for this. I just wanted to come in and throw strikes and no walks.

“I knew I had a good defense behind me and a good offense ahead. The seventh inning was huge for us. It took the pressure off,” said Strother.

The Cowboys sent 11 batters to the plate in the seventh and pounded out six base hits. The big blow of the inning was Phil Diedrick’s two-run RBI single down the right field line. Diedrick’s single gave the Cowboys a 6-2 lead.

Diedrick, who went 3-for-4 at the plate said he got his pitch and just “drove it where it was thrown.”

“This is a good year to continue my sophomore year,” said Diedrick. “I got the pitch I was looking for. I knew left on left he (Jordan Watson) would throw a breaking ball. I was trying to get something up so I could elevate it for a fly ball to get a run in.”

Diedrick opened the seventh inning with a single to right field followed by Victor Claudio’s base hit to center field. After Eli Roundtree flew out to the shortstop, Jiro Morales drove home Diedrick with Connors first run, to make it a 2-1 game.

Erick Kirkpatrick then got a base hit to keep the bases loaded. Dalton Daniels ground ball to Seminole’s second baseman Melvin Gray was mishandled, allowing Claudio to score tying the game at 2-2.

Christian Perez then laced a shot to centerfield that brought home Dalton with the go ahead run. Keith then hit an opposite field single to left field. On the play Chance Sugg, running for Kirkpatrick was thrown out at the plate for the second out of the inning.

Yariel Gonzalez walked, setting the stage for Diedrick’s second hit of the game, which plated two more runs.

“I knew we were going to break through,” said Diedrick. “We are that kind of team, a grind it out team. It was only a matter of time.”

The victory was Perry’s first win over Seminole head Coach Lloyd (Zero) Simmons in Region II Tournament action.

“We’ve had a lot of battles,” said Perry. “Lloyd and I are just country boys at work. Just baseball guys.”

Concerning the pitching performance of Strother, Perry said, “What we got out of Colton was just great. If you would have told me he would held them with zeroes for five innings, then do what he did.

“We were hoping to get 5 or 6 innings from him and then give it to Ferrell. Colton just kept going and then we popped that lead.

“We got our bats going, That’s what this club has done all year,” said Keith.

Looking ahead at the South Central, Keith said “We’ll enjoy this till midnight then just be who we are…grinders.”

Named to the Region II All-Tournament team from Connors was Phil Diedrick, Yariel Gonzalez, Christian Perez, Kelvin Rivas and Colton Strother.

Cowboys’ head coach Perry Keith was named the Region II Coach of the Year.

Cowboys Pop NEO 14-10, Advance to Region II Title Game

JENKS – Connors State pounded out 18 base hits en route to a 14-10 victory over Northeastern A&M Saturday at Hinch Field and a return to the NJCAA Region II Baseball championship game Sunday afternoon.

The Cowboys (48-9) will play for the title at 1 p.m. at Hinch Field against an opponent yet to be determined.

Eastern State and Seminole State met in an elimination game and the winner then played Northeastern A&M late Saturday, with the winner advancing to play the Cowboys. Whoever reaches the title game against the Cowboys they must win twice for the crown. An if necessary game would be played at 4 p.m.

It will be the Cowboys second consecutive year to reach the championship round, having lost to Eastern State, who is the defending champion.

“This team just grinds,” said Connors head coach Perry Keith, adding, “That’s what we’ve done all year. “It’s never one guy; we have all nine guys contributing. We are who we are in the tournament. They don’t panic. We make people throw strikes and we put it in play.

“I happy to be in the championship round,” said Keith. When asked if he had a preference to play for the title he said, “No not really. The enemy is in the mirror and it will take care of itself.”

The winner of the Region II Championship will host the South Central District beginning Friday and runs through Sunday. It will be a double elimination tournament.

Christian Perez led the Connors hitting assault with a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, which included a 3-run homer in the second inning, which game the Cowboys a 3-2 advantage, a lead they never relinquished. Perez finished with four RBIs on the day.

Korey Keith was 3-for-3 at the plate with an RBI and Yariel Gonzalez with two hits and 2 RBIs along with Eli Roundtree and Erik Kirkpatrick with two hits each.

Connors starting pitcher Josh Hammill remains unbeaten at 7-0 as he went five innings. He left the game with the Cowboys holding a 7-3 lead. Cowboys then called to the bullpen four other times to preserve the win.

Daniel Concepcion threw four innings, Sawyer Bernard 1/3 of an inning and Andrew Simonetti 2/3 of an inning.

Cowboys broke the game open in the sixth inning when they sent 12 batters to the plate, pounding out four base hits, which resulted in seven runs crossing the plate for a 13-3 Connors advantage.

The Cowboys hoped to run-rule the Norsemen in the seventh, however, NEO scored three in the top of the seventh to make it a 13-6 game. Connors added another run in the eighth and NEO added to their total with one the eighth and three more in the ninth.

The Norsemen had 10 base hits against Connors’ four pitchers, who only issued four walks and struck out six.

Rivas Strikes Out 12, Cowboys Oust Rose State in Region Play

JENKS –Kelvin Rivas struck out 12 batters and worked out of a bases loaded jam in the eighth inning in pitching the No. 11-ranked Connors Cowboys to a 5-3 victory over Rose State in the NJCAA Region II Baseball Tournament Friday night at Hinch Field.

Rivas scattered six hits in posting his eighth win of the season against two losses. He walked four in his eight innings on the mound. Justin Ferrell pitched the ninth inning to preserve the victory.

Cowboys pounded out nine base hits with Yariel Gonzalez, Victor Claudio leading the offensive attack with two hits each. Rose State closes the year at 28-25.

The Cowboys (47-9) will meet Northeastern A&M at noon today in a winner’s bracket game. The Norsemen (32-15) advanced by defeating Eastern Oklahoma State 11-0. The Cowboys and NEO split the four-game series during the regular season.

Seminole State (37-17) ousted Arkansas Baptist (27-31) earlier in the day 15-4 and will play Eastern State at 3:30 p.m. in an elimination game.

Rivas got off to a shaky start in the first inning as the Raiders struck for two base hits and a 2-0 lead. Derek Jones and Joe Black reached on back-to-back base hits and scored on a double by Garrett Crain.

Claudio connected on his first home run of the season with a blast over the left center field fence in the second inning to make it a 2-1 game.

Connors used one base hit in the third inning to take a 3-2 lead. Korey Keith’s single into right center field plated Dalton Daniels, who had reached first when he was hit on pitch by Dillon Endecott. Christian Perez reached on a fielder’s choice and scored on Yariel Gonzalez’ fielder’s choice.

Cowboys increased its lead to 5-2 in the fifth inning when Gonzalez’ base hit to center field was misplayed by the center fielder that allowed Dalton Daniels and Keith to score. Daniels had reached on a fielder’s choice and Keith walked.

Rose State’s Ryan Bottger connected for a home run against Rivas in the top of the sixth to make it a 5-3 game.

Cowboys Rally Past Arkansas Baptist to Advance in Region Play

JENKS –Christian Perez drove a line shot down the left field line to score Jiro Morales from second base in the last of the ninth to lift the 11-ranked Connors Cowboys to a come from behind 11-10 victory over Arkansas Baptist in a first round game of the NJCAA Region II Baseball Tournament at Hinch Field Friday.

The game, which started at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, and was postponed due to rain, lightning at 12:15 Friday morning,  was resumed in the sixth inning at noon Friday, in which the Cowboys trailed 8-5.

The win sends Cowboys (46-9) into the winner’s bracket against Rose State Friday night. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.; however, the tournament was approximately one hour behind in play.

Arkansas Baptist (27-30) next met Seminole State (36-17) in an elimination game. Eastern State (25-28) and Northeastern A&M (31-15) were also playing ahead of the Connors Rose State game.

Cowboys cut the Arkansas Baptist lead to 8-7 in the seventh on an RBI single by Phil Diedrick that scored Kory Keith, and Diedrick scored on an infield out by Eli Roundtree.

Connors took the lead in the eighth when Yariel Gonzalez’ unloaded his 11^th home run of the year, a 3-run shot over the left center field wall for a 10-8 Cowboys’ lead.

Gonzalez’ blast scored Dalton Daniels, who singled, Keith, who had reached on a walk.

However, the Buffaloes tied the game 10-10 in the top of the ninth on a two-run homer by Turner Rockwell.

That set the stage for Christian’s heroics.  Following an infield ground out by Roundtree, Jiro Morales walked, followed by a single to center field by Erik Kirkpatrick. Daniels then struck out and Pérez followed with his base hit to left field, scoring Morales.

Daniel Concepcion started on the mound for the Cowboys in the seventh, but was relieved by Justin Ferrell (4-1) in the ninth, who got the win.

Connors, Ark. Baptist Region Game Postpone, Resumes Today

JENKS ----After three rain delays and numerous lightning strikes in the area near Hinch Field, the opening round game of the NJCAA Region II Baseball Tournament between Connors State and Arkansas Baptist was postponed in the bottom of the sixth inning at 12:15 a.m. Friday.

Arkansas Baptist was leading the No. 11-ranked Cowboys 8-5. The game which was scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, did not get under way until 8:30 p.m.

The game will be resumed at noon Friday with Erik Kirkpatrick at the plate to open the inning. The winner of the game will advance to a 7 p.m. game Saturday against Rose State, who was defeated 8-1 by Northeastern A&M in a first round game.

The loser of the Connors and Arkansas Baptist game will play 45 minutes after the conclusion of their noon game against Seminole State, who was defeated by Eastern Oklahoma State 11-5.

Eastern State and NEO will play in a winner’s bracket game set for 3:30 p.m.

Cowboys struck first when Christian Perez scored on a double play ground ball by Yariel Gonzalez in the first inning. Perez reached base on a walk and raced to third base on Korey Keith’s base hit down the right field line. Gonzalez then hit into a double play which allowed Perez to score.

Arkansas Baptist answered with two runs in the top of the second, a two-run double by Ken Cummings to the left field wall that scored Deion Smith, who singled and a walk to Mike Maddux for a 2-1 Buffaloes lead.

Jiro Morales’ fourth home run of the season gave the Cowboys a 3-2 lead in the second. Morales’ blast over the left field wall, scored Eli Roundtree, who reached safely on a walk.

Connors’ starting pitcher Josh Hammill gave up his second home run of the game in the third inning. Arkansas Baptist’s Turner Rockwell hit an opposite field 3-run blast over the right field wall, giving the Buffaloes a 5-3 lead. Rod Lewis and Pat Castleberry scored on the homer, as they reached on a walk and a Connors error.

Daniels made it a 5-4 game in the fourth inning when his base hit to right field scored Roundtree. Roundtree singled to open the inning.

The Buffaloes chased Hammill in the fifth inning as they took a 7-4 lead on two base hits. Zayne Dougan came in relief and worked out of a bases loaded jam to put down the Arkansas Baptist threat. However on his first pitch he hit Dylan Wooten which forced in a run.

With two outs in the fifth inning the Cowboys cut into the Buffaloes’ lead when Roundtree singled home Phil Diedrick to make it a 7-5 game. Diedrick singled to center field and moved to third base on Victor Claudio’s base hit to left centerfield.

Arkansas Baptist responded with a run in the sixth on a two sacrifice hits for an 8-5 advantage.

Cowboys Named All-Region and Gold Glove Winners

A total of 11 Connors State Cowboys have been named to the NJCAA Region II All-Region Baseball team and five were named to the Rawlings Gold Glove first team, it was announced Monday.

Selected to the first team All-Region were infielder Yariel Gonzalez, pitcher Josh Hammill and designated hitter Korey Keith.

Second team selections were infielder Dalton Daniels, pitcher Kelvin Rivas and catcher Jiro Morales.

Named honorable mention were infielder Victor Claudio, outfielders Eli Roundtree, Phil Diedrick and pitchers Daniel Concepcion and Justin Ferrell.

Selected as Rawlings Gold Glove first team members were catcher Jiro Morales, first baseman Korey Keith, second baseman Victor Claudio and outfielders Eli Roundtree and Phil Diedrick.

Gonzalez hit for a .445 average with 10 home runs and 62 runs-batted-in. Keith batted .420 at the plate with 7 home runs and 52 RBIs with a fielding average of .995 committing just two errors this season.

Hammill was perfect on the mound for the Cowboys posting a 6-0 record, for a 2.63 earned run average. He struck out 67, and walked 12 in 54 2/3 innings on the mound.

Daniels was a .382 hitter with 6 home runs and 44 RBIs, while Morales batted .3773 home runs and 25 RBIs. Behind the plate he had a fielding percentage of .994 with only 2 errors, and throwing out three runners.

Rivas on the mound posted a 7-2 record with an ERA of 2.18, striking out 66, walking 21 in 53 2/3 innings on the mound.

In winning a golden glove Claudio at second base had a fielding percentage of .975, on 4 errors; while outfielders Roundtree and Diedrick were .984 and 1,000 for the season.

Cowboys Split with Arkansas Baptist in Season Finale

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--Connors State completed its regular season with a doubleheader split with identical scores of 8-4 against Arkansas Baptist Sunday in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play.

The twin bill split leaves the No. 13-ranked Cowboys with a 45-9 record heading into Thursday’s opening round of the NJCAA Region II baseball tournament at Hinch Field in Jenks. Connors will have the top seed in the double elimination tournament.

Daniel Concepcion improved to 7-1 with a complete-game victory in the opener at Arkansas Baptist, scattering six hits while striking out two.

Victor Claudio had three hits for Connors, Korey Keith had two hits and Dalton Daniels hit his fifth home run of the season, a two-run blast in the third inning.

Game two saw Jordan Romano (5-3) absorb the loss while Tyler Fourkiller had two RBIs and Claudio driving home one run.

Cowboys Clinch OCAC Baseball Title; Top Seed in Region II Play

Connors State clinched the Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference championship and the top seed in  the NJCAA Region II Baseball Tournament with its doubleheader sweep of Arkansas Baptist on Saturday at Biff Thompson Field.

The Cowboys snared 20-1 and 11-1 wins over the Buffaloes. The No. 13-ranked Cowboys are 44-8  for year and 11-1 in OCAC play.

The Cowboys had 21 hits in the opener. Dalton Daniels, who was 6-for-8 on the day, had three hits. Eli Rountree had four hits and his seventh home run of the year. Yariel Gonzalez hit his 10th home run.

Josh Hammill (6-0) had a complete-game three hitter, striking out 10.

Phil Deidrich hit his sixth home run in the second game. Kelvin Rivas (7-2) had another complete-game win on a two-hitter, striking out eight.

Cowgirls Fall to Western State in Region II Tournament

OKLAHOMA CITY –Western Oklahoma State broke a 2-2 tie in the fifth inning with two runs en route to a 6-2 won over Connors State to oust the Cowgirls from the NJCAA Region II Softball Tournament at ASA Hall of Fame complex Sunday.

The Cowgirls complete the 2013 season with a 27-35 record.

Connors managed six hits in the elimination game with Ashley Dunigan and Rikki Wooten each collecting two. Jessica Christian took the loss inside the circle for the Cowgirls.

Wooten blasted her second home run of the season in the second inning over the center field fence in the second inning to put the Cowgirls on top 1-0. However Western answered with two runs in their half of their half of the second on two base hits taking a 2-1 advantage.

Connors tied the game in the third inning 2-2 when Dunigan scored on Kali Romine’s sacrifice bunt. Dunigan had reached on an infield hit, moved to second on Sammy Perry’s infield hit and both advanced on a pass ball by Western catcher Haylee Beck.

The Lady Pioneers then scored twice in the fifth and sixth innings to advance to the championship game with Northeastern A&M.

NEO defeated Western State 6-1  in the championship game to advance to Friday's  District B Tournament.

Harris Signs Wtih Seton Hall University

Connors State men’s basketball coach Bill Muse and athletic director Bill Muse has announced that Cowboys’ Hakeem Harris, 6-1 sophomore point guard from Bergenfield, N.J. has signed a NCAA Division I basketball National Letter-of-Intent with Seton Hall University of the Big East Conference.

A New York native who grew up in Bergenfield, N.J. who initially committed to Brown University, out of high school averaged 12.4 points and 3.0 assists last season at Connors, where he started 27 of 30 games in leading Connors to a 24-9 record and a NJCAA National Tournament appearance in Hutchinson, Kan.

Harris transferred to Connors after one year at Broward Community College in Florida.

Harris is the second member of his family to graduate from Connors and move on to a Division I basketball school. Hakeem’s brother (Frank) played for Muse and the Cowboys 21 years ago before playing at Stanford University.

“Frank was a really good player for us and to have the opportunity to coach Hakeem this year was great,” said Muse. “He played very well, making first team All-Region. Hakeem is an excellent student (4.0) and I am very happy that he got the opportunity to go and play at a high level.

“Going to Seton Hall, where his parents live nearby at Bergenfield, N.J., which is just 25 minutes away from the campus is just a win-win all the way through,” said Muse.

“Going to Seton Hall is a dream come true for me” said Harris. “One of the major factors for me is having my parents getting the opportunity to see me play.  I kind’ a wanted to come home and have my family see me play and to play on a very high level.

“Playing in the Big East Conference is one that I always dreamed about as a young kid so it’s good to have your dreams come true.

“I always looked up to my brother and aspire to play on the level that he did. The fact that he and I are going on the similar paths coming from Connors is really an honor,” said Harris.

Harris played for four years at Blair (N.J.) Academy under Coach Joe Mantegna and hit the game-winning shot in the State Prep A championship in 2008.

Harris was also being recruited by UCLA, before Ben Howland was fired and that Washington State and Georgia State among others were actively recruiting Harris.

Harris will join head coach Kevin Willard’s Seton Hall club which finished with a 15-18 record a year ago.

Cowgirls Roll Past Eastern State, Seminole in Region II Tourney

Oklahoma City—Connors State is just one  game away from reaching the NJCAA Region II Softball Tournament championship round after defeating Eastern State 5-4 and Seminole State 7-0 in loser’s bracket play Saturday, May 4 at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium.

The Cowgirls (27-34) will play No. 13-ranked Western Oklahoma (31-17) at noon Sunday at ASA Stadium in an elimination game. The winner advances to the championship against No. 11 ranked Northeastern A&M at 2 p.m. NEO is unbeaten in the tournament, having defeated Western 3-0 on Saturday. Connors or Western State must defeat NEO twice to advance to next week’s District Tournament.

In the Cowgirls second game on Saturday, Amanda O’Neal went the distance inside the circle as her teammates jumped on Seminole State in the first inning scoring four runs on four base hits. Erin Isham, Kaile Wooten and Chelsie Drew each drove in runs.

Connors made it 6-0 in the second inning Sammy Perry and Isham plating runs. In the fifth O’Neal helped her own cause with a home run for a 7-0 CSC advantage.

O’Neal scattered five hits in getting the win. Cowgirls pounded out nine hits with Isham and Whittney Whittmore getting two each.

Connors State rallied from a four-run deficit to overtake Eastern State 5-4 in an earlier elimination game.

Whittmore’s RBI single to left field plated Drew with the winning run in the sixth inning, advancing the Cowgirls in the tournament against Seminole State. Drew had reached base on a single to left field.

Jessica Christian (12-14) took the win inside the circle scattering five hits and striking out six.

The Lady Mountaineers (21-34) scored a run in the first inning and added three runs in the third on a 3-run homer for a 4-0 advantage.

Cowgirls bats were silent for the first three innings but broke loose for three base hits and two runs, cutting Eastern’s lead to 4-2 in the fourth inning.

Sammy Perry singled to center field followed by Kali Romine’s infield base hit. Then with two outs, Drew pounded a double to the left center field fence that scored Perry and Romine.

Connors tied the game in the fifth on three base hits. Blaine Matheson opened the attack with a single to left field, followed by an infield hit by O’Neal. Ashley Dunigan, who stole her 56^th base of the season in the first inning to eclipse her school mark of 55 a year ago, reached on anther infield hit to load the bases.

However, Perry lined into a double play. With two outs Romine’s ground ball was misplayed at first base which allowed Matheson and O’Neal to score tying the game.

Cowgirls Drop Rose State, Fall to NEO in Region II Tourney Play

OKLAHOMA CITY --Connors State suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to No. 11-ranked Northeastern A&M in the quarterfinals of the NJCAA Region II softball Tournament after rolling over Rose State 7-2 in the opening round Friday at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium.

The Cowgirls (24-34) will play Eastern Oklahoma State (21-33) at 11 a.m. Saturday in an elimination game. Eastern fell to Seminole State 8-1 and then defeated Carl Albert State College 3-2 to meet the Cowgirls. A Connors win over Eastern will advance them to a 3 p.m. game in another elimination clash.

In the opening game of the tournament the Cowgirls disposed of Rose State 7-2 to reach the quarterfinals.

The Lady Norse scored its only run of the game in the third inning on an RBI double by Bailey Douthan, who plated Ashton Pratt who had reached on a fielder’s choice.

The Cowgirls threaten to tie the game in the fourth and sixth innings but was unable to push across a run. Connors had only two hits in the game against Kaitlin Davis. Cowgirls’ Amanda O’Neal (5-5) took the loss, who gave up three hits in five innings, before being relieved by Jessica Christian.

Cowgirls pounded out 12 base hits in the win over Rose State. It was Connors fifth win in six meetings this season against the Raiders.

Christian (11-14) was in command throughout the game, throwing a shutout and a 1-hitter through five innings before the Raiders scored in the sixth on three hits. Christian scattered five hits in posting the win.

Connors took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Erin Isham scored on a sacrifice fly to centerfield by Chelsie Drew. Isham opened the inning with double and moved to third on Rikki Wooten’s sacrifice bunt.

Cowgirls exploded for three runs in the third on four hits to take a 4-0 lead. The big blow in the inning was Sammy Perry’s double to right field that scored Blaine Matheson, who reached on a single to right field and Ashley Dunigan who also singled.  Kalie Romine reached on Rose State error and came around to score on Isham’s second base hit of the game.

Connors added two more in the fourth for a 6-0 advantage on three more base hits and a Rose State wild pitch. Perry’s double to right field provided both runs, scoring Whittney Whittmore and Matheson.

Cowgirls added to its total in the fifth when Chelsie Drew, who singled to left field, scored on Matheson’s sacrifice fly to center field for a 7-0 Connors lead.

Rose State scored runs in the fifth and sixth for the 7-2 final.

Cowboys Hold Off Carl Albert, 10-7

WARNER  --Andrew Simonett, Zayne Dougan and Justin Ferrell in relief of starting pitcher Jordan Romano, shut down Carl Albert over the final 5 1/3 innings as No. 13 Connors State defeated the Vikings 10-7 in a non-conference baseball clash Tuesday night at Biff Thompson Field.

Cowboys , 42-8, returns to Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play on Thursday, traveling to Little Rock, Ark. for a doubleheader against Arkansas Baptist.

Connors pounded out 10 base hits with Christian Perez and Korey Keith getting two hits each.

Cowboys wasted little time in getting on the scoreboard, exploding for four runs in the first inning, on three base hits. The big blows in the frame were a two-run RBI double by Eli Roundtree and a RBI single by Phil Diedrick.

Carl Albert chased Cowboys starting pitcher Jordan Romano in the fourth inning, scoring three runs on two base hits, three walks and a hit batsman to narrow the Connors lead to 5-3.

Cowboys answered the Vikings with two runs in their half of the fourth for a 7-3 advantage. Connors took advantage of two Carl Albert errors, sandwiched around two base hits, one an RBI single by Keith.

Vikings scored a run in the sixth with the aid of a Connors error and two base hits, slicing the Cowboys lead to 7-4. Carl Albert made it 7-5 in the seventh scoring on one hit and a Cowboy error.

The Vikings were able to push across another run in the eighth on a base hit, two walks and a wild pitch cutting Connors advantage to 7-6.

Connors iced the game in its half of the eighth scoring three runs on an RBI base hit by Christian Perez and an error on the Vikings right fielder that allowed two runners to cross the plate. The final Cowboyus run came on an infield out by Jacob Borrego which allowed Perez to score, who had reached third base on base hit.

Moore Signs with Central Oklahoma

WARNER—Connors State men’s basketball coach and athletic director Bill Muse announced Tuesday, that sophomore guard Devante Moore has signed an NCAA Division II National Letter-of-Intent with the University of Central Oklahoma.

Devante, who is from El Reno, averaged 9.1 points last season with the Cowboys in helping the Connors reached the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan.

The Bronchos under head coach Terry Evans posted a 15-14 record last season in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

Moore is the third Connors player from last year’s club to sign a NCAA national letter of intent. Moore joins Josh Cameron who signed with Coastal Carolina University and Denell Henderson who is headed to Oral Roberts University.

NEO Drops Cowboys; Season Series Tied at 2-2

MIAMI, Okla. –Connors State held a 2-1 lead over Northeastern A&M but the Norse scored five unanswered runs in the seventh en route to a 10-3 victory over the Cowboys in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball game Monday at Homa Thomas Field.

The two clubs tied the season series at 2 each. The No. 13-ranked Cowboys are now 42-8 for the season and 12-4 in league play. Connors will play host to Carl Albert State College at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Biff Thompson Field.

Colton Strother (4-2) took the loss for the Cowboys on the hill.

Jiro Morales doubled in the second inning and came home on Dalton Daniels fielder’s choice for a 1-0 Cowboys lead. In the fifth Connors took a 2-1 lead when Erik Kirkpatrick moved to third base and scored on Christian Perz fielder’s choice,

NEO scored two runs in their half of the fifth inning for a 3-2 advantage.

Jiro Morales and Korey Keith had two hits each for the Cowboys.

3 Cowgirls Region II Selections; Tourney Pairings Announced

WARNER – The NJCAA Region II Softball Tournament pairings have been announced and the Connors State Cowgirls received the No. 4 seed and will open against Rose State, No. 5 seed at 1 p.m. at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City on Friday, May 3.

All first round games begin at 1 p.m. followed by a second game in the double elimination tournament at 5:30 p.m. Elimination and semifinal games will be played on Saturday. The championship game is Sunday at ASA Stadium.

The All-Region II team was also announced and three Cowgirls were selected. Infielder Ashley Dunigan, sophomore from Bristow, was a first team selection.

Second team selections were infielder Sammy Perry, freshman from Pryor and Kali Romine freshman from Muskogee.

Dunigan is hitting .331 entering the tournament and has stolen 55 bases this season to tie her all-time school record established a year ago. Perry is hitting .285 and has 3 home runs and 24 RBIs. Romine is averaging .294 at the plate with 2 homers and 18 RBIs.

Northeastern A&M the Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference champion is the No. 1 seed and will play No. 8 seed Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa.

Western Oklahoma State the No. 2 seed will play No. 7 seed Carl Albert State College and No. 3 seed Seminole State will battle Eastern Oklahoma State.

Cowgirls Sweep Rose State in Regular Season Finale

Connors State closed out the regular season with a sweep of Rose State 3-2 and 8-7 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball twin bill Sunday.

The sweep gives the Cowgirls a 24-33 regular season mark and 11-15 in the conference. Connors will now await the pairings for the Region II Tournament which begins May 3 at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City.

In the opener Sammy Perry put the Cowgirls on the board first with a solo home run. Rose State then scored two in the third inning to grab a 2-1 lead.

That was their last lead as Chelise Drew sent home Erin Isham with an RBI single to deadlock the game at 2-2 in the sixth. Isham reached base with a base hit.

In the seventh Isham provided the winning run when she singled home Whitney Whittmore, who pinch was running for Amanda O’Neal, who had reached on a walk. She moved to third on Perry’s base hit setting the stage for Isham.

The Cowgirls rallied from a 7-3 deficit in the night cap with five runs in the sixth inning to overtake Rose State.

The big blows in the inning were Kail Romine and Isham’s two-run doubles that fueled the attack.

Amanda O’Neal and Jessica Christian collected wins inside the circle for the Cowgirls. Ashley Dunigan stole four bases in the double header to tie her all time school mark of 55, which was established last season.

Cowboys Split With Northeastern A&M

Warner—Connors State split a doubleheader with Northeastern A&M winning the opener 10-7 and losing the second 5-2 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference games at Biff Thompson Field Sunday.

The NJCAA’s No. 13-ranked Cowboys hold a 2-1 advantage in the four-game season series and will play the finale at Miami on Monday at 2 p.m. Connors will take a 41-7 season record and 12-3 OCAC mark to Homa Thomas Field. NEO is now 25-14 and 7-8 in league play.

Connors used three pitchers in the first game with Kelvin Rivas (6-2) getting the win with help from relievers Sawyer Bernard and Justin Ferrell. The trio gave up gave up seven hits, but were the victims of four Cowboys errors in the game that led to runs.

In the night cap Daniel Concepcion, sustained his first loss of the season (6-1) on the mound for Connors went seven innings, striking out five, while scattering eight hits.

NEO took a 1-0 lead to open the first game when Connors starter Kelvin Rivas walked the bases loaded after Ray Laureno tripled to the right field wall to start the game. Norse’s Andrew Standifer, walked to force in the NEO run.

Cowboys quickly answered when Korey Keith walked, and scored on Phil Diedrick’s RBI single to center field to tie the game.

Erik Kirkpatrick’s second home run of the year, a 326-foot blast over the left field wall gave the Cowboys a 3-1 lead. Kirkpatrick’s homer plated Jiro Morales who had walked.

NEO made it a one-run game in their half of the third when Ray Husnancker drove home Angel Ortiz, cutting Connors lead to 3-2. Ortiz reached base on a walk and stole second.

Connors broke open the game in their half of the third, sending 11 batters to the plate and scoring seven runs on three hits, including a suicide bunt by Dalton Daniels that scored two, giving the Cowboys a 10-2 lead.

NEO answered the Cowboys third with two runs in the fourth, on two base hits, RBI singles by Kevin Myers and Sam Crabtree slicing Connors lead to 10-4.

Norsemen put three more runs across in the fifth, taking advantage of three Connors errors, to make it a 10-7 game.

The Cowboys jump on top in the second game taking a 1-0 lead in the first. Victor Claudio’s RBI base hit scored Gonzalez, who had singled, along with Diedrick in the frame.

NEO answered with two runs in the second inning on three base hits, which included Kaleb Thomas’ RBI single to left centerfield, to give the Norse a 2-1 lead.

Connors tied the game at 2-all in the third on Claudio’s base hit to left field that scored Gonzalez, who walked to open the inning.

The Norse broke the deadlock in the seventh on Ray Laureano’s RBI single to left field that plated Thomas, who reached on a single to open the inning.

NEO scored two more in the eighth inning on two base hits; the big blow was a two-run RBI single by Ray Husander.

Christian Throws No-Hitter; Cowgirls Split with NOC-Tonkawa

TONKAWA –Jessica Christian threw a no-hitter to power the Connors State Cowgirls to a 6-0 win in the opener of an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader over Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa on Saturday, April 27 on the Lady Mavericks home field.

Christian struck out seven in the no-hit victory.

NOC-Tonkawa took the second game 5-4 to rally for the win as Christian took the loss in relief of Amanda O'Neal in the night cap. Northern won the game on a walk-off three run hit with two outs and two strikes on a batter.

 Ashley Dunigan, Erin Isham and Kali Romine had three hits each in the first game. Dunigan, Isham and Sammy Perry each had two hits in the second game. Dunigan now has 51 stolen bases on the year , four short of her record setting mark of a year ago of 55.

The Cowgirls will close out the regular season Sunday at 2 p.m. with a doubleheader against Rose State at Warner. The Cowgirls enter the twin bill with a 22-33 record on the season and 9-15 in league play.

No. 13 Cowboys Roll Over Northeastern A&M, 8-2

MIAMI, Okla.—Connors State jumped on Northeastern A&M for two runs in the top of the first and then broke a 4-4 tie in the seventh inning en route to an 8-2 victory on Thursday, April 25 at Homa Thomas Field.

The victory lifted the NJCAA’s No. 13 ranked Cowboys to 40-6 and 11-2 mark in the Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference. Northeastern A&M falls to 23-14 and 6-7 in league play.

The second-game of the four game series is scheduled to be play at Biff Thompson Field Friday at 6 p.m. weather permitting.

The Cowboys pounded out 11 hits against the Norsemen, which included two home runs to back winning pitcher Josh Hammill (5-0) who went 7 2/3 innings, striking out seven. Justin Ferrell relieved Hammill in the 8^th inning for his seventh save.

Korey Keith was hit by a pitch to start the Cowboys’ 2-run burst in the first inning. Yariel Gonzalez followed with a double to left center field that scored Keith. Victor Claudio then hit into a fielder’s choice that allowed Gonzalez to score, giving Connors a 2-0 lead.

After the Norse tied the game in the fourth inning, Connors took the lead for good in the seventh.

Eli Roundtree singled to open the seventh inning, which was followed by Yariel Gonzalez’ eighth home run of the season, putting the Cowboys on top 4-2.

Cowboys added to their total in the 8^th inning when Keith singled, Yariel Gonzalez’ singled putting runners at first and second base. Claudio made it 5-2 with an RBI single which scored Keith.

Connors added three runs in the ninth inning. Dalton Daniels reached on an error and he scored on Keith’s double for a 6-2 Cowboys’ lead.

Yariel Gonzalez followed with his second home run of the game, a 2-run shot for the 8-2 final. It was Gonzales’ 9^th homer of the year and third hit of the game.

Cowboys hitting was sparked by Roundtree with 3 hits and Keith’s two hits.

Cowgirls Split Twin Bill With Carl Albert

POTEAU – Connors State behind home runs by Lei Loni Smith and Erin Isham in the second game of a twin bill earned a split with Carl Albert State College in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference  softball play on Wednesday, April 24 on the Vikings home field.

The Cowgirls won the night cap 13-2 and lost the opener 3-2 on a home run by the Vikings in the last of the seventh inning.

Connors is now 21-32 for the year and 8-14 in OCAC play and returns to play on Friday for a doubleheader with Rose State in the final home game of the season. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.

Jessica Christian took the loss inside the circle in the first game, with Amanda O’Neal getting the win in the night cap.

Smith’s homer  was her first of the season and Isham’s blast was her second.

Cowboys No. 13 in NJCAA National Rankings

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—Connors State Cowboys have reappeared in the latest National Junior College Athletic Association baseball poll which was released Wednesday, April 24.

The Cowboys (39-6) are ranked No. 13 in the nation after falling out of the poll three weeks ago.

Connors received 81 votes in the poll. The Cowboys are the only Region II team to appear in the national rankings.

Tallahassee (Fla.) Community College (42-8) sits atop the NJCAA rankings with 190 votes, which includes 8 first place votes. Cowley (Kan.) County Community College is No. 2 with 181 votes and 2 first place votes.

NJCAA Top 20

1, Tallahassee Community College (42-8). 2, Cowley County Community College (37-8). 3, Delgado Community College (40-8). 4, Iowa Western Community College (34-10). 5, Lamar Community College (40-11). 6, Crowder College (34-10). 7, Faulkner State Community College (37-7). 8, College of Southern Nevada (32-13). 9, Darton State College (35-8). 10, Cochise College (41-11).

11, Navarro College (35-13). 12, Spartanburgh Methodist College (35-13). 13, Connors State College (39-6). 14, Grayson College (30-14). 15, Wabash Valley College (35-10). 16, Miami Dade College (35-8). 17, Central Arizona College (39-13). 18, Walters State College (31-15). 19, Chattahoochee Valley College (38-8). 20, New Mexico JC (38-10).

Carl Albert's Rally in 9th Drops Cowboys, 6-5

POTEAU -- Carl Albert scored four runs in the last of the ninth to shock Connors State 6-5 in a non-conference baseball clash on Monday, April 22 on the Vikings home field.

The loss drops the Cowboys to 39-6 for the season. Connors’ scheduled game with Crowder College on Tuesday has been postponed. Cowboys’ next game is Thursday in Miami, against Northeastern A&M. First pitch is 2 p.m.

Connors held a 5-2 lead going into the ninth inning when Carl Albert scored four runs off reliever Justin Ferrell (3-1), who took the loss. Zayne Dougan started for the Cowboys and pitched 5 1/3 innings, giving up a run and striking out four. He was relieved by Sawyer Barnard, who then gave way to Ferrell.

The Cowboys scored a run in the second inning. Tyler Fourkiller walked to open the second and moved to second base on a pass ball. Jack Borrego followed with a RBI single for the 1-0 CSC lead.

In the seventh inning Korey Keith walked and went to third base on Victor Claudio’s double. Keith scored on a Carl Albert balk. Phil Diedrick then made it 3-1 when he drove home Claudio. With the bases loaded Jake Borrego walked to force home a run (Diedrick) giving Connors a 4-1 advantage.

Connors added a run in the eighth inning when Keith walked and stole second base. Diedrick single home Keith with two outs for a 5-1 Connors lead.

Carl Albert scored a run in their half of the eighth, before scoring four times in the ninth.

Cowgirls Sweep Twin Bill from Coffeyville

COFFEYVILLE, Kan. –Connors State pounded out 24 base hits in sweeping a softball doubleheader 8-0 and 8-0  from Coffeyville Community College on Sunday, April 21 on the Red Ravens home turf.

Jessica Christian, who threw a 2-hitter in the first game and Amanda O’Neal, a 4-hitter in the nightcap,  each picked up wins inside the circle as the Cowgirls improved to 23-28 entering an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash with No. 11-ranked and league leader Northeastern A&M (30-7, 19-1) Monday on the Warner campus beginning at 5 p.m.

In the opener Amanda O’Neal blasted a 3-run homer in the win. Sammy Perry and Whitney Whitmore each had three hits with Chelsie Drew and O’Neal adding two hits each.

Ashley Dunigan had two stolen bases and now has 48 for the season.

In the second game, Connors led 1-0 in the third inning and erupted for 6 runs in the sixth to put it away. Dunigan pounded out three hits, with Keli Romine, Rikki Wooten and Whitmore collecting two hits each.

Cowboys Shutout Eastern State 8-0, Behind Rivas

Connors State’s Kelvin Rivas threw a four hitter en route to an 8-0 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference victory over Eastern Oklahoma State on Sunday, April 21 at Biff Thompson Field.

The right hander (5-2) did not allow a hit until the fourth inning. Rivas struck out seven and walked just two in getting the win. Rivas had plenty of help from his teammates as the Cowboys pounded out 10 base hits against three Mountineer pitchers.

Cowboys, ranked No. 9 in the Perfect Game National poll, will take a 39-5 record and a league leading OCAC mark of 10-2 to Carl Albert State College Monday for a single game beginning at 2:30 p.m. at Poteau.

Connors won the season series against Eastern State 3-1. Eastern is now 23-21 for the year and 6-6 in league play.

Cowboys jumped on Eastern State starter Jacob Jones in the first inning when leadoff hitter Christian Perez ripped a double down the third base line into the left field corner. Perez was advanced to third base on Korey Keith’s sacrifice bunt.

Yariel Gonzalez’ then sent Perez home with the first Connors run on an infield groundout to first base.

Connors added a run in the second inning to up its lead to 2-0. Cowboys scored on back-to-back bunts by Victor Claudio and Eli Roundtree which pushed across the run on throwing errors by Mountaineers’ pitcher Jacob Jones.

Victor Claudio’s fly ball to center field plated Korey Keith in the third inning to give the Cowboys a 3-0 lead. Keith walked to open the inning, followed by Yariel Gonzalez’ base hit to right field. Phil Diedrick then moved both runners up with a sacrifice bunt, followed by Claudio’s RBI producing fly out.

Claudio’s 2-run RBI double to the left center field wall in the fifth inning with two outs gave the Cowboys a 5-0 lead. Claudio’s base hit scored Yariel Gonzalez’, who had doubled and Phil Diedrick walked.

Eli Roundtree plated the sixth run of the game for Connors when he ripped a single down the right field line to score Claudio from second base and a 6-0 Cowboys lead.

Phil Diedrick’s RBI single to left field in the sixth inning, plated Dalton Daniels, who singled to open the inning giving the Cowboys a 7-0 advantage.

Korey Keith’s one-out double in the eighth scored Christian Perez, who singled to open the frame for an 8-0 Connors lead.

Eight Prep Players Sign to Play Softball for Cowgirls

WARNER—Connors State coach Rick Carbone has announced the signing of eight players to NJCAA softball National Letters-of-Intent for the 2013-14 Cowgirls softball season.

Joining the Cowgirls next fall are pitcher Taylor Canada from Roff; catcher Casey Kelley from Roff; infielder Taylor Purdue from Sand Springs; pitcher Kristin Reanor from Quinton; outfielder Kassie Yazzel from Morris; infielder Madison Peeples from Inola; outfielder Bethyae Lewis from Chelsea and utility player Larae Prichett from Salina.

Cowboys Keep Rolling, Drop Eastern State, 8-5

Connors State broke a 5-5 tie in the seventh inning to drop Eastern Oklahoma State College 8-5 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash Saturday, April 20  on the Mountaineers’ home field.

The OCAC league leading Cowboys will play host to the Mountaineers at 2 p.m. Sunday at Biff Thompson field. Connors enters the final game of the four-game series (2-1) with a 38-5 record and 9-2 league leading OCAC mark. Eastern is now 23-20 and 6-5.

Korey Keith opened the seventh inning with a walk followed by Yariel Gonzalez’ 2-run homer to right centerfield, his eighth of the year, giving the Cowboys a 7-5 advantage.

The Cowboys then added a run in the ninth on a solo home run by Keith, his seventh of the season.

Daniel Concepcion started on the mound for the Cowboys, but was relieved by Colton Strother in the sixth inning. Concepcion pitched 5 2/3 innings, when Strother got the final put out to end Eastern’s threat after the Mountaineers tied the game.

Strother pitched 3 1/3 innings, allowing just one hit, while striking out three.

 Connors scored in the second inning on Phil Diedrick fifth home run of the season, a solo homer for a 1-0 lead. Eli Roundtree followed with a base hit and Eric Kirkpatrick drove him home for a 2-0 Cowboys lead.

Eastern answered with a run in the second inning before the Cowboys came back in the third to make it 3-1.

Keith, Gonzalez, Eli Roundtree and Kirkpatrick each had two hits in the game.

No. 17 Western State Drops Cowgirls Twice

ALTUS –Connors State fell twice to No. 17 ranked Western Oklahoma State  6-4 and 4-2 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball double header Saturday, April 20th on the Lady Pioneers home field.

Cowgirls had five hits in the opener, including Rikki Wooten’s 2-run homer, her first of the season. Jessica Christian (8-10) took the loss.The second game loss went to Amanda O’Neal (4-4).

Cowgirls will play Coffeyville Community College Sunday in a doubleheader.

Connors Drops Eastern in 12 innings, 6-5

WARNER –Jiro Morales’ ripped a single into left field in the 12th inning to lift the Connors Cowboys to a 6-5 victory over visiting Eastern Oklahoma State College Friday night, April 19  at Biff Thompson Field in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash.

Morrales’ base hit his second of the game, plated Yariel Gonzalez, who had doubled to left field and reached third base when the Mountaineers’ leftfielder overthrew the relay to second base, allowing Gonzalez to advance.

Eastern reliever Dalton Viner then issued two intentional walks to load the bases to set the stage for Morales’ game winning hit.

Justin Farrell (3-0) got the win in relief of starter Josh Hammill who went 8 1/3 innings, striking out 13 Eastern State batters.

The Cowboys No. 9 in the Perfect Game ranking ties the season series at one game each as the two clubs will play Saturday at 1 p.m. in Wilburton. Connors will take a 37-5 record and league leading 8-2 mark to Wilburton. Eastern is now 23-19 and 6-4.

Cowboys jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning on two base hits, sacrifice bunt and RBI infield groundout.

 Victor Claudio singled to left field, moved to second on Eli Roundtree’s bloop single to left field. Jiro Morales advanced both runners on a sacrifice bunt. Claudio scored on Erik Kirkpatrick’s deep infield hit to shortstop.  Roundtree, who had advanced to third base scored on a wild pitch by Mountaineers’ Mike Freeman, giving the Cowboys a 2-0 advantage.

Cowboys’ lead was short lived as Mountaineers’ Ziair Koeimen connected on a 3-run homer over the left center field wall for a 3-2 Eastern lead. Daniel Slaltert reached on a base hit and Kaleb Mathews was hit by a pitch from CSC starter Josh Hammill.

Connors came back with three runs in their half of the fifth on three base hits for a 5-Cowboys lead. Morales doubled to left field, and scored on Erik Kirkpatrick’s base hit to left field. Dalton Daniels then beat out a bunt as the throw to first base was mishandled and he reached third base as Kirkpatrick scored on the play for a 4-3 advantage.

Daniels then scored on Korey Keith’s sacrifice bunt giving Connors a 5-3 lead.

Eastern narrowed the gap to 5-4 in the seventh taking advantage of two Cowboy errors to push across a run.

Mountaineers tied the game in the ninth on a RBI triple by Seth Hix, who scored pinch hitter Raymond Coon, who had reached on a walk by Farrell.

Six Sign NJCAA Letters of Intent With Cowgirls Basketball Squad

WARNER – Connors State women’s basketball coach Eddie Kite has announced the signing of six players to NJCAA National Letters-of-Intent on Thursday.

Joining the Cowgirls for the 2013-14 basketball season are Sherrell McHenry, 5-8 guard from Haskell High School; Janet Hill, 6-0 center from Eufaula High School; Katie Smith 5-8 guard from Checotah High School; LaNessa Grayson, 5-11, forward from Oktaha High School; Mari Jackson, 5-10, forward from Muskogee High School and Lauren Godfrey, 6-1 center from Liberty Eylau High School in Texarkana, Texas.

“Individually all these young ladies are going to bring a lot of athleticism and quickness,” said Kite. “All six of these girls work and play hard.

“We believe these ladies will bring back the style of play (up-tempo) that we want for the Cowgirls.

“They all know each other and have played together which will add to our chemistry of the team. It (chemistry) wasn’t at the level we wanted last season. These girls give us a good start for next year.”

McHenry, who  average 16.0 points per game and 10 rebounds for the Lady Haymakers was a Tulsa World All-Metro honorable mention selection. Hill scored 9.0 points and 9.0 rebounds a game for the Lady Iron heads. Checotah’s Smith averaged 13 points a game and two assists an outing, while Grayson pulled down 6 rebounds a game and 12 points a game at Oktaha.

Jackson, who averaged 11 points an outing and 8 rebounds a game for the Lady Roughers last season,  also was a Tulsa World All-Metro honorable mention selection.

Godfrey pulled down 13 rebounds per game and 12 points an outing at Liberty Eylau High School.

Cowboys Fall to Eastern State 5-4 in OCAC Clash

WILBURTON-- Eastern State struck for four first inning runs and held off Connors State 5-4 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball clash on the Mountaineers home field on Wednesday, April 17.

The two clubs will battle Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Biff Thompson Field, weather permitting.

The Cowboys, ranked No. 9 in the Perfect Game national poll, are now 36-5 for the season and 7-2 in league action. Eastern is now 23-18 and 6-3 in OCAC play.

Cowboys starter Jordan Romano (4-2) gave up all four runs in the first inning before being relieved by Colton Strother, who went 5 2/3 innings, giving up 3 hits and striking out six. Justin Farrell also pitched one inning in relief.

Dalton Daniels, Jiro Morales, Yariel Gonzalez and Korey Keith all had two hits. Daniels hit his fifth home run and Morales his second, both solo shots.

Cowboys battled back to cut the Eastern lead to 4-2 in the second inning and added single runs in the fifth and eighth innings.

No. 22 Crowder Sweeps Cowgirls

NEOSHO, Mo. ---Connors State was swept by No. 22-ranked Crowder College  (30-15) Wednesday, April 17,  losing the softball twin bill 7-2 and 9-1 on the Roughriders home field.

Cowgirls managed only 6 hits in the double header, including a 2-run homer by Chelsie Drew in the third inning of the opener. Jessica Christian took the loss in the first game and Amanda O’Neal in the night cap.

Connors is now 21-26 entering an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader against Rose State Thursday in Warner.

Henderson, Cameron Sign NCAA D-I National Letters-of-Intent

WARNER – Connors State’s men’s basketball coach and Athletic Director Bill Muse announced Wednesday that Josh Cameron and Denell Henderson have signed NCAA Division I basketball National Letters-of-Intent.

Cameron, 6-1 guard from Racine, Wis., has signed with Coastal Carolina University in Myrtle Beach, North Carolina and Henderson, 6-7, forward from Twin Groves, Ark., has signed with Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla.

“This was a big day for us (Connors State) and for them,” said CSC’s Muse. “To send two guys onto Division I programs is important for both of us. They both contributed mightily the past two seasons in helping of win 46 games for Connors.”

Cameron and Henderson played instrumental roles in leading the Cowboys to a 24-9 record and a trip to the National Junior College Athletic Association National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan., this past season.

Cameron, a two-year starter for the Cowboys, was a first team Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference and Region II selection. He scored 934 points in his two seasons, averaging 15.0 points an outing. Cameron also had 116 assists while at Connors. At the free throw line Cameron connected on 200-of- 251 for 79.6 percent at the line.

Cameron selected Coastal Carolina over University California-Riverside, Florida Atlantic University, Lamar University and Quinnipiac University.

Cameron said the deciding factor in signing with Coastal Carolina was head coach Cliff Ellis. “He has sent 25 players to the NBA and over 100 to play overseas. I want to make money playing basketball after school and that was the mark that did it,” said Cameron.

 Coastal Carolina, a member of the Big South Conference, the Chanticleers were 14-15 last season and 9-6 in league play under Ellis.

“When I went on my visit I just felt comfortable,” said Cameron. “I liked the coaching staff and teammates. I really liked the way they are going to use me. They are going to play me as a 2-guard and as a point guard, as opposed to just an off-guard.”

Cameron also said he loved the Myrtle Beach area. “That had a part in my decision to attend.”

Henderson, also a two-year starter for the Cowboys, was second team OCAC and Region II selection. He scored 612 points in two seasons at Connors for an average of 10.2 points a game. Henderson pulled down 393 rebounds in two years. Henderson was 176-of-240 for a 73.3 percent mark over two seasons.

Henderson selected the Golden Eagles over the University of Central Arkansas. The Golden Eagles, members of the Southland Conference, finished 20-15 for the year and 13-5 in league play under head coach Scott Sutton. The Golden Eagles advanced to the third round of the CollegeInsideer.Com post season basketball tournament, losing to Weber State.

“My mother (Denise Tyus) had a big impact in me selecting ORU,” said Henderson. “It was close to home and I have family members that could come watch me play. “I went on my visit and just fell in love with ORU.

“I just fell in love with the surroundings, coaching staff. It’s just a nice place,” said Henderson.

Cowboys Use Long Ball to Sweep Ozarks, 7-0, 13-0

It was home run day for the Connors Cowboys (36-4) as the Perfect Game No. 9-ranked Cowboys connected for five home runs in the double header sweep of the University of Ozarks 7-0 and 13-0 Monday, April 15  at Biff Thompson Field.

Connors pounded out 18 hits in the twin bill, which included five home runs. Zayne Dougan (3-0) went the distance in the opener, tossing a 1-hitter, while striking out 9 Ozarks batters.  Sawyer Bernard went three innings in the second game and got the win (6-0).

Yariel Gonzalez highlighted the first game with a two-run shot in the fourth inning, his sixth of the season.

Gonzalez was one of four Cowboys to go yard in the second game as he hit a three-run home run in the first inning.

Korey Keith hit a three-run home run in the second inning while Tyler Fourkiller hit a solo home run in the third, his second of the year, and Patrick Gonzalez hit a grand slam in the sixth inning, his second home run of the year.

In the second game Keith was 2-for-3 with 3 RBIs. Followed by Yariel Gonzalez’ 2-for-3 performance and 3 RBIs, with Fourkiller also connecting for 3 RBIs on 2-for-4 at the plate.

Cowgirls Split Twin Bill with Seminole State

SEMINOLE – Connors State went on the road Sunday, April 14 to  capture a split with Seminole State, losing a heartbreaker in the opener 3-2 in 9 innings and battled back to take a 7-2 victory over the Belles in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball twin bill.

The two teams split the four-game season series with each winning two games and losing twice.

The split lifts the Cowgirls to 21-24 for the season and 7-11 in OCAC play, while Seminole is now 20-10 and 11-5. Connors returns to play on Wednesday with a road game at Crowder College.

Cowgirls jumped out to an early lead in the night cap against the Belles scoring a run in the second and two more in the third for a 3-2 advantage. Connors put the game away with a four-run burst in the fifth inning. Amanda O’Neal (5-3) was the winning pitcher.

Erin Isham connected on a solo home run, her first of the season, in the second inning. Ashley Dunigan stole three bases in the second game and four in the double header and now has 45 for the season.

In the opener Seminole took a 2-0 lead before the Cowgirls girls the game. Connors scored a run in the fifth and another in the sixth for the 2-2 deadlock. Seminole then scored in the ninth as Jessica Christian (8-10) took the loss.

Cowboys Sweep No. 16 Seminole State, 3-2, 5-2

WARNER –Connors State behind the suburb pitching of Daniel Concepcion and Kelvin Rivas, swept the NJCAA’s 16^th-ranked Seminole 3-2 and 5-2 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference double header at Biff Thompson Field Saturday.

The Cowboys took the season series over Seminole winning 3-of-4 games from the Trojans.

Connors will now look ahead to the first of a four-game series with Eastern Oklahoma State beginning Wednesday at Wilburton.

The three Cowboy hurlers dominated Seminole’s hitters, allowing the Trojans just 9 base hits in the twin bill. Starters Concepcion and Rivas combined for 18 strike outs and Farrell added another for 18 strike outs.

Concepcion, (6-0) who was locked in a pitcher’s battle for six innings with Seminole’s Jordan Watson, scattered four hits and struck out five in the first game. Rivas (4-2) scattered 4 hits and struck out 12 batters in 7 2/3 innings before being relieved by Justin Farrell.

Connors, unranked in the NJCAA poll, but No. 9 in the Perfect Game national poll, improves to 34-4 on the year and 7-1 in OCAC play. Seminole is now 22-14 and 3-5.

Victor Claudio’s single into right field scoring pinch runner Chance Suggs from second base, powered the Cowboys to the win in the opener.

Phil Diedrick opened the seventh with a single up the middle and Suggs then came on as the pinch runner. Suggs moved to second base on a pickoff attempt that was mishandled by Seminole first baseman.

Claudio then ripped a base hit to right field. Suggs appeared to hold up at third base, however on the throw from outfielder Cisco Factor the ball  bounced over the catcher Matt Fultz’ head allowing Suggs to cross the plate for the win.

Yariel Gonzalez put the Cowboys on the scoreboard in the first inning with a solo home run over the leftfield wall.

Cowboys added a run in the fourth for a 2-0 lead when Korey Keith, who had reached on a walk, scored on Victor Claudio’s RBI single into left field on a hit and run.

The Connors lead stood until the seventh when Seminole scored twice on three base hits and a walk to tie the game.

Cowboys took a 3-0 lead in the third inning of the night cap. Dalton Daniels opened with a double to left field and scored on Christian Perez’ RBI single to left field. Perez moved to second base on a wild pitch. Following a strike out by Korey Keith, Yariel Gonzalez singled to left field scoring Perez for a 2-0 Connors lead.

Phil Diedrick followed with an infield out. Gonzalez moved to third base on a wild pitch and scored on Victor Claudio’s RBI bunt down the third base line for a 3-0 Cowboys lead.

Cowboys took advantage of two errors by Seminole third baseman Nick Pettus, which resulted in a Connors 4-0 lead in the sixth inning.

With two outs, Eli Roundtree singled to right field which was followed by back-to-back errors by Pettus on ground balls by Jiro Morales and Eric Kirkpatrick, which produced a Connors run.

Seminole got on the scoreboard in the eighth inning, scoring twice on two base hits and a Cowboy error, cutting Connors advantage to 4-2.

However, Connors came back with a run in its half of the eighth, when Eric Kirkpatrick doubled home Victor Claudio, who had reached on a Seminole error for a 5-2 CSC lead.

Cowboys Split With Seminole State

SEMINOLE – Connors State and NJCAA No. 16-ranked Seminole State exchange slug fests on Friday, April 12  on the Trojans home field in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball double header.

Seminole State took the first game 11-1 and the Cowboys came back with a 13-1 victory. The two clubs will play a doubleheader at Biff Thompson Field Saturday beginning at 1 p.m.

Connors is now 32-4 for the season and 5-1 in OCAC play. The Trojans are now 22-12 and 3-3 in league play.

In the night cap Connors took a 2-0 lead in the first inning when Christian Perez opened with a double, followed by a Korey Keith walk. Phil Diedrick then drove home Perez for the first run and Keith came home on Eli Roundtree’s sacrifice fly setting the stage for the onslaught.

Josh Hammill went the distance on the mound for the Cowboys. Hammill is now 4-0, as he scattered four hits, and struck out four.

Dalton Daniels blasted two solo home runs in the game and now has four on the year. He had three hits in the game and 3 RBIs. Christian Perez had four hits, Perez, Keith and Yariel Gonzalez had two RBIs each.

The Cowboys were deadlocked with Trojans 1-1 after four innings in the opener. Seminole scored four runs in the fourth for a 5-1 lead, added another run in the fifth and five more. Cowboys’ Jordan Romano took the loss and is now 4-1 on the mound.

Yariel Gonzalez led the Connors hitting with three hits with Korey Keith collecting two hits.

Cowgirls Split with Murray State

WARNER –Connors State split with Murray State in softball play on Friday, April 12 on the Cowgirls field as the Aggies rallied from a 3-0 deficit to take a 6-5 win in eight innings in the opening, while the Cowgirls captured a 5-3 win in the night cap.

The split leaves the Cowgirls 20-24 on the year heading into a Sunday doubleheader at Seminole State in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader.

Cowgirls’ Amanda O’Neal picked up her fifth win inside the circle in the second game as CSC pounded out 8 base hits in the game. Ashley Dunigan, Chelsie Drew and Marcedes Pankey had two hits each. Drew was 5-for-7 in the twin bill, which included her fourth home run in the opener.

Jessica Christian was the losing pitcher for Connors in the opener. Cowgirls led 3-0 with two outs in the top of the seventh when Murray rallied for three runs to tie the game and send it to extra innings.

CSC Game With Seminole Moved

Connors State baseball game schedule at Biff Thomson Field on Friday, April 12 with Seminole State has been moved to Seminole, according to Cowboys head coach Perry Keith.

The two teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday, April 13 at Biff Thompson beginning at 1 p.m.

Cowboys, Seminole Game Rescheduled for Friday

Connors State Cowboys baseball doubleheader with Seminole State College on Thursday, April 11 has been postponed and rescheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, April 12 at Biff Thompson Field, according to head coach Perry Keith.

Perry Powers Cowgirls to Sweep of Eastern State

WILBURTON – Powered by Sammy Perry’s two home runs, Connors State swept a softball double header from Eastern Oklahoma State College 7-0 and 6-0 on the Lady Mountaineers home field on Tuesday, April 9.

The twin bill sweep improves the Cowgirls to 19-23 for the season and 6-10 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play. Connors returns to action on Thursday on the road against Carl Albert State College at Poteau for a double header beginning at 2 p.m.

Jessica Christian tossed a 3-hitter in the opening game and needed only Perry’s first home run of the season, a solo shot in the first inning to get the win. Ashley Dunigan pounded out two of her four hits on the day in the first game. Dunigan stole four bases in the double header.

Amanda O’Neal was the winner pitcher in the second game as Kali Romine, Dunigan and Perry provided the first power. Perry’s second home run came in the fifth inning.

Connors played excellent defense as they turned five double plays in the two games.

Cowboys Hit 3 Home Runs En Route to 13-1 win over NOC-Enid

ENID – Connors State broke open a tight ball game in the seventh and eighth innings, scoring four and seven runs respectively en route to a 13-1 victory over Northern Oklahoma-Enid Monday night, April 8  on the Jets home field.

Cowboys, ranked No. 9 in the Perfect Game National poll, improves to 31-3 for the season and returns to Oklahoma College Athletic Conference play on Thursday against Seminole State at Biff Thompson Field. The doubleheader’s first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Connors pounded out 14 base hits against the Jets, which included three home runs, one each by Yariel Gonzalez, his fourth, Christian Perez, his fourth and Phil Diedrick, his third.

Freshman Zayne Dougan (3-0) went six innings, allowing one hit and struck out four in picking up the victory.

Christian Perez broke a 1-1 deadlock in the fifth inning with a solo home run. It was one of three base hits he had on the night. Gonzalez led the hitting attack with four hits and Diedrick had three. Hunter Spencer also had three hits in the win.

Edmond North's Ervin Signs with Cowboys

Connors State College head basketball coach Bill Muse has announced the signing of Carlbe Ervin of Edmond North to a NJCAA National Letter of Intent Monday to play for the Cowboys next fall.

Ervin a 6-3 guard averaged 19.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.4 assists his senior season in which he was named to the Daily Oklahoman Big All-City first team.  He also was named to the Tulsa World All-State third team.

Ervin led Edmond North to a 15-11 season record, their first double-digit win mark in several seasons.  Ervin selected the Cowboys over Hutchinson Community College.

Ervin was coached by Warner, Okla., native and Hillsdale High School product Steve Goss, who also coached at Haskell High School.

NEO Takes Two from Cowgirls

MIAMI, Okla. –Northeastern A&M, ranked No. 15 in the NJCAA national poll, defeated Connors State twice in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball play Saturday, April 6 winning 4-3 and 3-2.

Consecutive singles by Kali Romine and Whitney Whittmore started a two-run outburst by the Cowgirls in the top of the first inning of the first game. Romine scored on a misplay by NEO’s Brittany Donathon with Whittmore advancing to second. A fielder’s choice by Erin Isham allowed Whittmore to score.

With one out in the bottom of the third inning, the Lady Norse rallied to trail by a 2-1 deficit. Singles by Emily Walters and Shanna Johnson started the outburst. Donathon bounced into a fielder’s choice as Walters scored.

Three unearned runs in the bottom of the fourth propelled the Lady Norse to a 4-2 margin. Courtni Clark reached on an error by Sammy Perry at shortstop. After Megan Higgins doubled to left, Clark scored as Higgins was thrown out at third base. Lindsey Wofford walked before Maddie Stevenson doubled to center scoring Wofford. Stevenson scored on a RBI single by Alexis Riley.

Singles by Isham and Chelsea Drew sandwiched around a fielder’s choice by Blaine Matheson accounted the the final Connors run in the top of the sixth inning.

 Isham collected two of the six Cowgirls hits.

Aubrey Sutterfield singled and scored on a two-out single to right by Walters as NEO built a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning of the nightcap.

A triple to left by Riley scored Sutterfield and a RBI single by McClure increased NEO’s lead to 3-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Connors tallied a run in the top of the sixth on singles by Amanda O’Neal and Romine before Drew scored an unearned run in the seventh.

 Romine had two of the four Connors singles.

Cowgirls will next play Eastern Oklahoma State in a doubleheader on Tuesday in OCAC action at Wilburton.

Connors Athletic Golf Scramble Set for June 8 at Cobblestone

Connors State Athletic Department will hold its annual golf scramble on Saturday, June 8 at Cobblestone Golf Course in Muskogee.

All proceeds from the scramble will go to student athletic scholarships. The scramble is limited to one flight only and to the first 36 teams.

A four-person team is $100 per person which includes green fees, ½ cart and lunch. Prizes include first place $400, second place $300 and third place $200. Ties will be determined by scorecard play-off.

Check in time is 7 to 7:45 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8 a.m.

For additional information call Connors State Athletic Director Bill Muse at 918-463-6231. Make checks payable to Connors Development Foundation.

Cowboys Sweep Rose State to Remain Unbeaten in OCAC Play

MIDWEST CITY – Connors State, No. 9 in the Perfect Game national rankings, won its sixth consecutive game and is now 30-3 for the season with a doubleheader sweep of Rose State 4-3 and 5-2 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball play on Saturday, April 6.

The Cowboys are now unbeaten in OCAC play at 4-0 and will step out of league action to play Northern Oklahoma-Enid in a single game on Monday at Enid.

Cowboys’ Daniel Concepcion went five innings on the mound before being relieved by Justin Ferrell with the game tied 3-3.

Concepcion allowed 3 earned runs, on 8 hits while striking out four. Ferrell, who worked two scoreless innings, allowing 1 hit and striking out two got the win and is now 2-0 for the year.

The Cowboys took a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Christian Perez walked to open the game, and Korey Keith followed with a base hit. Phil Dedrick then singled to plate Perez for a 1-0 Connors lead. Victor Claudio then hit a sacrifice fly to right field to score Keith for a 2-0 Cowboys lead.

Rose State answered with a run in their half of the first and then tied the game in the third inning with another run.

Connors came back in the fourth to take the lead. Jiro Morales walked, stole second base and came home on Dalton Daniels double down the third base line for a 3-2 Cowboys’ lead. However it was short lived as the Raiders tied the game 3-all with a run in the fourth.

Cowboys scored a run in the seventh to get the victory. Perez singled, followed by a Keith base hit. Yariel Gonzalez followed with an RBI single to score Perez with the winning run.

Keith led the Cowboys hitting attack with three hits and Diedrick had two hits and an RBI.

In the second game Cowboys scored a run in the third inning to take the lead. Daniels walked, stole second base and moved to third on a fielder’s choice. Keith plated Daniels on a fielder’s choice for the 1-0 CSC lead.

Connors added another run in the fifth inning when Daniels single, stole second base and Perez had an RBI single to score Daniels.

The Cowboys scored 3 runs in the sixth inning for a 5-0 advantage. Diedrick opened with a single and scored on Claudio’s RBI double and he scored on Eli Roundtree’s double. Rose State then attempted a pick off that was misplayed which allowed Roundtree to score.

Rose scored two unearned runs in the sixth inning off Cowboys’ starter Kelvin Rivas. Rivas went six innings, allowed only three hits and striking five for the win. Sawyer Barnard pitched the last three innings for his second save of the season.

Diedrick, Claudio and Jiro Morales each had two hits in the game.

Cowboys Sweep Rose State to Open OCAC Play

Connors State open Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play Friday, April 5 with a doubleheader sweep of Rose State College.

The Cowboys No. 9 in the Prefect Game National Rankings, are now 28-3 for the year and 2-0 in OCAC play, pounded out 27 base hits in the twin bill en route to 14-4 and 8-5 victories at Biff Thompson Field.

The two schools will meet again Saturday at Rose State for a doubleheader, beginning at 1 p.m.

The Cowboys broke open a tight ball game in the fifth inning of the opener with a six-run explosion, to take a 6-4 lead on seven base hits in the inning.

Rose State jumped to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first with the Cowboys scoring a run in its half of the inning. Cowboys took a 2-1 lead in the third when they pushed across a run with the help of two Raider errors.

Rose scored two runs in the fifth for a 4-3 lead before the Cowboys erupted for six more in their half of the fifth for a 6-4 lead. Connors then ended the game in the sixth with a 4 run burst for the 14-4 final to end the game on the 10-run rule.

Connors pounded out 17 base hits in the opener with Christian Perez going 3-for-4, Yerial Gonzalez, 3-for-4, with 5 RBIs and Erick Kirkpatrick perfect at the plate, 3-for-3 and 3 RBIs, with Kory Keith adding 2 RBIs. .

Josh Hammill went the distance to get his third win of the season against no defeats. He struck out 5 and scattered seven hits.

In the night cap the Cowboys jumped out to a 4-0 lead on the strength of a 3-run homer by Christian Perez, his third of the season in the second inning. However, the Raiders came back in the third inning with four runs of their own, including a 2-run homer by Ryan Bottger to tie the game.

The Raiders regained the lead in the fifth with a run on two base hits; the big blow was an RBI triple by Garrett Crain for a 5-4 Rose State advantage.

Cowboys took the lead for good in the sixth on Perez’ second homer of the game and fourth of the season. He connected on a 3-run blast over the left-center field fence that made it 8-5 Cowboys.

Left hander Colton Strother in relief of starter Andrew Simonetti got the win on the mound. Strother is now 3-1 for the year. He pitched five innings striking out nine and giving up just two hits.

Cowgirls Softball Clinic Saturday, April 13

Connors State Cowgirls free softball camp will be held on Saturday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to noon at the softball field, announced head coach Rick Carbone.

Connors State players and coaches will host the clinic to teach and develop softball skills. The clinic is open to girls ages 8 to 13.

For information contact head coach Rick Carbone at 918-463-6291.

Softball Alumni Game Sunday, April 7

Connors State Cowgirls will hold its annual alumni softball game Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m. on the Warner campus, announced head coach Rick Carbone.

All former Cowgirl softball players are invited to participate in the event. A luncheon will be held before the game at the softball field.

For information contact Carbone at the Connors athletic department at 918-463-6291.

Cowboys Knockoff No.2-Ranked Crowder, 9-2

Korey Keith and Phil Diedrick slugged two home runs each to power the Connors State Cowboys, over No. 2 ranked Crowder College 9-2 at Biff Thompson Field on Monday, April 1.

It was the fourth and fifth home runs of the season for Keith, who had three hits, and the second and third homers for Diedrick.

Daniel Concepcion (5-0) struck out eight batters and scattered six hits in 61/3 innings for the win.

Cowboys ranked 9th in the Perfect Games

COWBOYS WIN BATTLE OF TOP TENS The Cowboys ranked 9^th in the Perfect Game poll and Crowder College ranked 2^nd  in the NJCAA poll took to the field today at Biff Thompson Field in a battle of top ten teams in the nation and the Cowboys came out victorious pounding Crowder 11-4.

Daniel Concepcion started on the mound going 6 and 1/3 allowing 2 earned runs and striking out 8. The Cowboys bullpen was superb again as Josh Hammill and Justin Ferrell blanked Crowder in the last 3 innings.

Phil Diedrick and Korey Keith blasted 2 home runs each. Diedrick got the Cowboys on the board with a 2 run shot in the 1^st. Crowder would tie the score in the 3^rd but Keith hit his first home run of the day to put the Cowboys back on top to stay. Keith hit a 2 run homer in the 6^th and Diedrick hit a solo home run in the 7^th. Keith had 3 hits on the day and Christian Perez, Diedrick, Yariel Gonzalez, Eli Roundtree and Eric Kirkpatrick had 2 hits each. The Cowboys record is now 26-3 on the year. “Our guys were good, we pitched good and we are so solid up and down the lineup every hitter gives us competitive at bats”, Coach Perry Keith said after the game.

Western State Sweeps Cowgirls

Western Oklahoma State College blasted 10 home runs in sweeping a doubleheader from Connors State 10-9 and 12-0 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball twin bill Friday, March 29. Connors is now 17-21 for the year and 4-8 in league play.

Cowgirls held a 9-1 lead in the opener before the Lady Pioneers unleashed the big bats to rally for the win. Jessica Christian took the loss with Sammy Perry, Ashley Dunigan, Whitney Whitmore and Rikki Wooten getting two hits each for the Cowgirls.

The nightcap was all Western as Amanda O’Neal took the loss. Perry was the only Cowgirl to get two hits in the game.

Connors returns to action on Tuesday with Murray State at home.

Kite Named Region II Director

Connors State women’s basketball coach Eddie Kite has been named the Region II Women’s Director.

Kite, who has been head coach of the Cowgirls for 11 years, is one of 16 NJCAA Region Directors across the United States and is only the third CSC staff member to serve in the position.

 Former Athletic Director Ed Hardeman, served in the position for 25 years and former Cowgirls women’s basketball coach and Athletic Director Monte Madewell for 20 years.

Kite assumed the position in December, replacing Jason Carmichael of Mid-South Community College in West Memphis, Ark., who took a position as assistant Athletic Director at Western Colorado University. Kent Lashley of Rose State will serve as Kite’s assistant.

“Connors has a pretty good tradition of leadership in athletics with Hardeman, Madewell and now myself and Bill (Muse, Cowboys head coach and Athletic Director) as president of the Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference for the past five years,” said Kite.

“In our region it’s kind of been a tradition to serve in those positions. It’s a position that I look forward to serving for the betterment our region and for Connors State,” said Kite.

The duties of the Region II Director is extensive, involving all 11 schools that make-up Region II in Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Kite will assist in coordinating all Region II athletic events. He will also serve as a liaison between the coaches, umpires in softball and officials in basketball.

“In this position I will have my finger prints on everything,” said Kite. Some of the duties also includes taking surveys and rankings for Region II sports and forwarding them to the NJCAA national office.

“There is a lot involved, which includes administrating discipline issues of players and coaches, such as ejections at athletic events.”

Kite said one of his first tasks was assisting in the Region II basketball tournament at Shawnee and the renewing of the contract for the next three years at Shawnee.

“This is a very detailed position and one of the good things about this is that my assistant coach, Jamie (Fisher) is very organize. He lifts a little of the burden off my shoulders with our own basketball program,” said Kite, adding, “that allows me to focus a little more on the new duties.”

Kite will leave next Wednesday to attend the NJCAA National Convention representing the Region II schools, where he serves on several committees.

“There is a lot involved in the position, a lot more than I really realized,” said Kite. “But being a coach I think it will help our Region as far as pushing for national ranking’s and national prestigious.”

Cowboys Overpower Northern Oklahoma-Enid 9-6

Connors State cashed-in early and late on Bank Armstrong Night posting a 9-6 victory over Northern Oklahoma-Enid under the lights at Biff Thompson Field Thursday, March 28.

The victory lifts the Cowboys to 25-3 for the season while the Jets fall to 7-20. Connors returns to action on Saturday with a doubleheader on the road against Carl Albert State College in Poteau.

Cowboys pounded out 15 base hits with Yariel Gonzalez leading the hitting attack with a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate that included two RBIs. Sawyer Barnard was the winning pitcher for the Cowboys in relief of starter Jordan Romano, who was relieved by Andrew Simonetti, followed by Barnard.

Cowboys took a 2-0 lead in the first and added four more runs in the third for a 5-1 lead. The Jets came  back with two in the fourth, one in the sixth and another in the seventh to tie the game at 6-all.

Dalton Daniels single to left field which was misplayed and the Jets left-fielder fell down when fielding the ball allowed Eric Kirkpatrick to score with the go-head run in the seventh inning for a 7-6 Cowboys lead. Kirkpatrick had reached base on an error by the Jets shortstop.

Connors added another run in the inning on a Korey Keith RBI single to left field that scored Daniels for an 8-6 Connors lead.

Cowboys added another run in the 8^th for the 9-6 final.

Cowgirls Sweep Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa

Connors State Cowgirls swept Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa, 10-8 and 5-3 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball play Thursday, March 28  to improve to 17-19 on the season and 4-6 in OCAC play.

Cowgirls took a 5-0 lead through four innings, before the Lady Mavericks struck back with 8 runs in the top of the fifth. Connors cut the NOC lead to 8-7 with two in their half of the fifth on a RBI single by Ashley Dunigan and RBI double by Sammy Perry.

Jessica Christian, who went the distance for Connors (9-4), got help in the sixth when the Cowgirls struck for three runs, a 3-run homer by Taylor Reeve for the 10-8 final.

In the night cap Connors scored two in the first and three in the second for a 5-0 advantage. Kali Romine blast a 3-run homer over the left-centerfield wall, scoring Dunigan and Mercedes Pinky, who has each reached on a single.

Northern made a late threat scoring three runs in the sixth. Amanda O’Neal took the win for the Cowgirls with help from Christian in the 6^th inning in relief.

The Cowgirls will play Western Oklahoma State College in a twin bill on Friday, beginning at 2 p.m. on the Warner campus.

Cowboys Earn Split With Arkansas Tech

RUSSELLVILLE, ARK. –Connors State’s Korey Keith broke a scoreless game in the fifth inning with a two-run single which led the Cowboys to a win in the opener of a doubleheader against Arkansas Tech on Wednesday, March 27, winning the opener 2-1 and falling in the night cap 5-4.

The twin bill split left the Cowboys 24-3 for the season, who are ranked No. 9 in the Perfect Game USA junior College baseball poll this week.

Daniel Concepcion (4-0) worked five shutout innings, striking out seven in the opener. Justin Ferrell got his fifth save allowing one hit but walked three. Five Cowboys had one hit each.

Connors let a 2-0 lead evaporate in the finale. Kelvin Rivas (2-2) went four innings, giving up four runs on seven hits. Three Cowboys had two hits — Keith, Christian Perez and Hunter Simpson.

Cowboys Sweep Bacone to Improve to 21-2 for theYear

Korey Keith slugged two two-run home runs as the Connors State Cowboys beat Bacone’s junior varsity 14-1 as part of a doubleheader sweep at Biff Thompson Field on Monday, March 18. The Cowboys won the first game, 12-2.

Keith also doubled in the first game.

In that first game, Yariel Gonzalez singled three times and drove in two runs, while Christian Perez double and Phil Diedrick and Eric Kirkpatrick singled twice.

In the nightcap, Perez doubled twice, while Caleb Simpson singled twice and Jake Borrego doubled and singled.

Colton Strother (2-0) and Caleb Banks (3-0) were the winning pitchers as the 19^th ranked Cowboys improved to 21-2 for the year.

Cowboys Fall in Opening Round of NJCAA Tournament, 70-66

HUTCHINSON, Kansas---In what appeared to be a shove on the sidelines by Motlow State’s Kerrell Davis on Connors State’s Josh Cameron in front of the Cowboys’ bench with 4.3 seconds left in the game, which forced Cameron out of bounds ended the Cowboys’ season.

The non-call denied the Cowboys an attempt to tie or win the game, trailing 68-66 as Motlow held off the Cowboys 70-66 in the opening round of the NJCAA National Tournament at the Sports Arena, Tuesday morning.

Connors called time out with 4.9 seconds left as Cowboys’ head coach Bill Muse drew up a play to tie or win the game.

“We set up a play to try and get Josh (Cameron) the ball so he could either drive the basket or a shot, or get to the foul line to tie the game up,” said Muse. “Unfortunately, they (official) called him for stepping on the sideline.”

When Cameron was asked if he was pushed he said, “Yes, I think I did get pushed, but it didn’t determine the game,” said the sophomore from Racine, Wis.

Connors closes the season 24-9 under head coach Bill Muse, as Motlow (26-3) advances to the quarterfinals against Central Florida (30-3) on Wednesday night.

“I thought this was an extremely competitive game for the  first round,” said Muse. “It was a well matched game and couldn’t get any closer.

“Unfortunately for us they made the plays and we didn’t. We didn’t take advantage of the lead when we had it. We missed a couple of free throws down the stretch and we took some quick shots.

“I think we lost our composure, when we were trying to get ahead. But no excuses. We’ve had a great season with all the things the kids have had to endure (the murder of a teammate Anthony Hartfield). It has been an emotional roller-coaster year,” said Muse.

The Cowboys shot only 29.5 percent (18-of-61) from the field with Jamarcus Weatherspoon leading the attack with 14 points, followed by Denell Henderson’s 13, Cameron’s 12 and Willie Wood’s 10. Hakeem Harris was held to 9 points.

“We really didn’t shoot the ball very well,” said Muse. “We missed opportunities at the foul line.”

Connors missed some critical free throws down the stretch as they finished 24-of-31 from the charity stripe.

The Bucks came out hot from behind the arc the first half connecting on 6-of-19 on 3-point shots and finished with 9 in the game. Motlow held a one-point lead at the half 32-31, as they shot 39 percent for the game (25-of-64) from the field and was 11-of-13 at the free throw line.

“Motlow shot the ball very well,” said Muse. “We knew they could shoot coming into the game. They hit some threes (6) in the first half and we gave up 27 points on three-point shots. We gave up too many transition baskets. Defensively that was the biggest disappoint,” said Muse.

The game was tied 14 times, with 12 lead changes and the largest lead of the well-played game was seven points, 32-25 Motlow at the 2:25 mark of the first half.

Connors’ largest lead of the game was five points, 9-4 at the 14:14 mark of the opening half. Connors took a 62-61 lead with 4:47 remaining when Weatherspoon drained two free throws.

The Cowboys had an opportunity to push the lead to three points; however, Harris missed two free throws with 3:38 left which would have given Connors some breathing room. Motlow tied the game at 62-all converting 1-of-2 free throws.

Connors regained the lead on a pair of free throws by Cameron for a 64-62 lead with 3:20 left. The two clubs exchanged buckets and were deadlocked at 66-all with 1:35 left. Motlow’s Chris Hawkins drove the lane to put the Bucks up for good, setting the stage for the non-call in the final seconds of the game.

Motlow had three players score in double figures with Jean Bonny leading the Bucks’ attack with 14, followed by DeVante Jones’ 12 and Sean Gardner’s 10 points.

 MOTLOW STATE 70, CONNORS STATE 66

Connors State 31 35—66

Motlow State 32 38—70

Connors State –Weatherspoon 14, Henderson 13, Cameron 12, Atwood 10, Harris 9, Moore 4.

Motlow State—Bonny 14, Jones 12, Gardner 10, Davis 9, Buford 9, Brown 5, Hawkins 4, Tutton Jr. 2, Smoak 2, Washington 2, Tomlin 1.

Cowgirls Sweep Lamar State

PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS – Connors State wrapped up its Texas swing on Tuesday as the Cowgirls swept a doubleheader from Lamar State 16-7 and 9-4 in softball play. The Cowgirls are now 15-19 for the year and will return home to play Western Oklahoma State on March 26 in a doubleheader.

Amanda O’Neal took the win in the opener in relief. Cowgirls jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first, but Lamar scored 6 runs in its half of the first inning. Connors added 3 more runs in the second and erupted for 6 runs in the fifth for a 15-6 advantage.

Sammy Perry led the way with a 3-for-3 performance, which included two doubles and a triple. Whitney Whitmore pounded out three base hits, which included a double and three RBIs. O’Neal helped her own cause with two hits, including a two-run homer.

The second game was also all Cowgirls as Jessica Christian took the win inside the circle.

Connors fell behind 3-0 in the third, but came back to tie the game at 5-all before scoring six runs in the seventh inning to get the win.

Ashley Dunigan, Kali Romine and Erin Isham had two hits each in the game. Dunigan stole three bases in the twin bill to add to a stolen base total on the season, which tops 30.

Streak Ends at 17, Cowboys Fall to Murray State 10-7

Connors State’s 17-game winning streak came to an end on Saturday, March 16 in Tishomingo falling to Murray State 10-7 as the 19^th-ranked Cowboys are now 19-2 for the season.

Kelvin Ramos (2-1) was the losing pitcher as Connors fell behind 7-0 after three innings. Cowboys cut the deficit to 8-6 in the sixth inning.

Eric Kirkpatrick had a two-run double and Taylor Fourkiller had a two-run double in the sixth inning. Phil Diedrik slugged a two-run home run in the seventh inning.

Kevin Brill was the winning pitcher as Murray State connected for two solo home runs in the eighth inning.

Cowboys will next play Bacone in a doubleheader  on Monday at Biff Thompson Field

Cowgirls Split OCAC Contest with Rose State

Connors State split a softball twin bill with Rose State on Saturday, losing the opener 5-1 and taking the night cap 7-6 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference action on the Raiders home field.

The split leaves the Cowgirls with a 13-17 season mark and 2-6 in OCAC play.

Cowgirls used several pitchers in the second game inside the circle with Amanda O’Neal getting the win, as Connors battled back from a 6-0 deficit to score 5 runs in the fifth. Cowgirls scored two runs in the seventh, for the win as Sammy Perry opened with a base hit scored on Erin Isham’s double. Isham then scored on a Rikki Wooten base hit.

Ashley Dunigan was 2-for-4 in the second game and finished with four stole bases in the doubleheader. Perry was 2-for-3 and Kali Romine went 2-for 3 at the plate.

In the opener Cowgirls outhit Rose 7-3 with Dunigan went 3-for-4 and Chelsie Drew 2-for-4 at the plate. Three of the Raiders’ runs were unearned as Jessica Christian took the loss.

The Cowgirls will travel to Texas over the Spring break and take on Galveston Community College on Monday, Lamar State on Tuesday and Odessa Community College on Wednesday.

Cowboys Streak Hits 17; Drops Murray State 4-2

Connors State won their 17^th straight on Friday, March 15, capturing a 4-2 non-conference victory over Murray State at Biff Thompson Field.

The victory improves  the 19^th-ranked Cowboys to 19-1 on the season.

Back-to-back doubles by Yarel Rodriguez and Eli Roundtree tied the game at 1 in the fourth inning.

 Erick Kirkpatrick’s first home run of the season pushed the lead to 3-1 and in the fifth inning. A , Christian Perez’ double accounted for another  run.

 Jordan Romani (3-0) threw five innings with seven strikouts, allowing two hits. Josh Hamel struck out six and gave up one hit in getting the save.

Cowgirls Lose Twice to Carl Albert

Connors Cowgirls fell twice to Carl Albert State College in softball play on Thursday, March 14, losing in the opener 5-4 and 15-6 in the night cap at Warner. The Cowgirls are 12-16 for the season.

In the opener the Cowgirls rallied to tie the opener at 4 in the sixth on an RBI double by Rikki Wooten and a run-scoring single by Mercedes Panky, but lost it in the seventh.

 Carl Albert took control early in the second game to grab the sweep.

Jessica Christian (8-4) allowed six hits in the opener. Jerelyn Long (3-6) scattered 11 hits.

Connors NJCAA Tournament Game on Internet

Connors State basketball fans that are unable to make the trip to Hutchinson, Kan., on Tuesday, March 19 to support the Cowboys at the NJCAA National Tournament can view the Cowboys first round game on the internet.

All NJCAA tournament games can be seen on your computer by connecting to the link at www.ihigh.com/NJCAATV/

The Cowboys will be making their 7^th trip to the NJCAA National Tournament under head coach Bill Muse and will open first round tournament play against Motlow (Tenn.) State at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19^th   at the Sports Arena in Hutchinson, Kan.

The Cowboys (24-8) are the 19^th seed and received an at-large berth after finishing runner-up in the Region II Tournament last Saturday in Shawnee.

Motlow (Tenn.) State with a 25-3 record is the 14^th seed in the tournament. Motlow won the Region 7 championship, defeating Jackson (Tenn.) State 88-82.

The winner will advance to the quarterfinals against the No. 3 seed Central Florida (30-3) on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

No. 19 Cowboys Blast University of Ozarks; Streak Hits 16

CLARKSVILLE, Ark. ---The 19^th ranked Connors Cowboys capuured its 16^th victory in a row with a doubleheader sweep of University of Ozarks 18-0 and 17-3 on Wednesday, March 13 and are now 18-1 for the season.

Korey Keith led off a run of eight straight hits in an eight-run inning in the opener. The Cowboys had 20 hits. Yairel Gonzalez had a solo home run and a two-run shot, giving him three homers on the season. Tyler Fourkiller, Jake Borrego and Dalton Daniels had three hits each. Daniel Concepcion (2-0) allowed two hits and struck out 10 in five innings.

A 10-run third was the decider in the second game. Five Connors players had two hits each — Gonzalez, Keith, Daniels along with Christian Perez and Eli Roundtree. Zane Duggan (1-0) started and went four innings, allowing four hits for the win.

Cowboys Ranked No. 19 in NJCAA Baseball Poll

Connors State Cowboys baseball team has cracked the NJCAA top 20 rankings for the first time this season.

The Cowboys are ranked No. 19 with a 16-1 record in the second baseball poll of the season.

Chattahoocnhee Valley Community College with an18-1 record sits atop the poll.

Cowboys Blast Bacone in Doubleheader Sweep

Behind Dalton Daniels two home runs and Eli Roundtree’s grand slam, the Connors Cowboys rolled over Bacone 27-3 in the  opener of a double header, while Yariel Gonzalez led the attack in the second  game for a 10-0 win Tuesday, March 12 at Biff Thompson Field.

The Cowboys are now 16-1 for the season and have won14 consecutive games.

Daniels’ home runs, his first two of the year, highlighted his three-hit game while Roundtree’s slam was his fifth of the season. Victor Claudio, Korey Keith, Tyler Fourkiller and Jiro Morales had two hits each
In game two, Yariel Gonzalez had three hits and four RBIs to pace Connors. Claudio and Eric Kirkpatrick had two hits in the game.

Sawyer Barnard earned his fourth win of the year in game one, pitching four innings and striking out eight batters, while Colton Strother improved to 2-1, giving up one hit with six strikeouts.

Murray State Sweeps Cowgirls

TISHOMINGO – Murray State swept Connors State 4-1 and 2-1 Tuesday in softball play on the Aggies home field.

Jerelyn Long, who led the Cowgirls in hitting for the day, took the loss inside the circle in the opener, despite throwing a four hitter. All four of Murray State’s runs were unearned.

Jessica Christian took the loss in the night cap, while allowing just three hits.

Connors stranded 15 base runners in the twin bill, while pounding out 10 base hits.

The Cowgirls are now 12-14 for the season and will play Carl Albert on Thursday at home in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader.

Cowboys Sweep Maplewoods to Extend Winning Streak to 12

Connors Cowboys weathered a blustery windy day  with great pitching and warmed their bats up to sweep Maplewoods College by scores of 1-0 and 10-1on Sunday, March 10 at Biff Thompson Field.

The doubleheader sweep extends the Cowboys winning streak to 12 and their record is 14-1.

It was a pitcher’s duel until the bottom of the 6th when Korey Keith hit a solo home run over the wall in right center  to give the Cowboys 1-0  victory.

Jordan Romano went six innings on the mound striking out 10 and before giving  way to Andrew Simonetti in the seventh as he recorded his second save of the year. Eric Kirkpatrick and Dalton Daniels had two hits each.

In game two the Cowboys took an early lead in the first when Korey Keith’s double drove in Christian Perez  for a 1-0 lead before Maplewood tied the game in the second. Victor Claudio put the Cowboys up to stay with an RBI single in the third.

Eli Roundtree started the fourth with a double and RBI hits from Patrick Gonzalez, Keith, Daniels and Claudio resulted in a five-run inning. Jiro Morales added a solo home run in the seventh, his first of the year.

Kelvin Rivas got the start in the night cap and went five solid innings striking out nine. Zane Dougan threw three scoreless innings striking out five and Justin Ferrell came on in the ninth to throw a scoreless inning and finish the sweep.

“Our starting pitching and bullpen was awesome, and then we were able to get some timely hits and here we go”, said Coach Perry Keith after the sweep at a cold and windy Biff Thompson Field.

The Cowboys are back in action at home Tuesday for a 2pm doubleheader vs. Bacone.

Cowboys to Play Motlow (Tenn.) State in NJCAA Opener

WARNER – Connors State Cowboys, who will be making their 7^th trip to the NJCAA National Tournament under head coach Bill Muse  and their first since 2010, will open first round tournament play against Motlow (Tenn.) State at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19^{th at} the Sports Arena in Hutchinson, Kan.

The Cowboys (24-8) are the 19^th seed received an at-large berth after finishing runner-up in the Region II Tournament last Saturday in Shawnee.

Motlow (Tenn.) State with a 25-3 record is the 14^th seed in the tournament. Motlow won the Region 7 championship, defeating Jackson (Tenn.) State 88-82.

The winner will advance to the quarterfinals against the No. 3 seed Central Florida (30-3) on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Cowgirls Win Twice at Midwest Classic, Drop Rose, Neosho

BIXBY –Connors State pounded out 29 hits in posting two wins in the Midwest Classic Softball Tournament Saturday, dropping Rose State 11-3 and Neosho, Mo. 10-2.

Cowgirls will take a 12-12 record into Sunday’s second day of play starting at 11 a.m. against Cowley, Kan., Murray State at 3 p.m. and Allen County, Kan. at 7 p.m.

Jerelyn Long took the win inside the circle in game one a two hitter and Jessica Christian tossed a three-hitter in the second.

Chelsie Drew was 7-for-9 at the plate, including a triple for the two games. Erin Isham had four hits on the day, along with Ashley Dunigan, who also had six stolen bases and now has 27 for the season.

Long went 3-for-4 in the second game at the plate and Blaine Matheson collected two hits.

Cowboys Fall in Region II Title Game, Moves On to Nationals

SHAWNEE ---Eastern Oklahoma State captured the NJCAA Region II Men’s Basketball Championship Saturday at Oklahoma Baptist University’s Noble Complex, capturing a 98-88 win over the Connors Cowboys and a trip to the National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan., beginning March 18.

The Mountaineers (18-15) entered the tournament as the 8^th seed and were the defending Region II Champions. Connors (24-8) will also advance to the National Tournament as an at large berth from Region II.

“Our goal was to reach the National Tournament and we’ve achieved our goal,” said Cowboys head Coach Bill Muse, who will be making his 7^th trip to Hutchinson. “I wish we could have gone as the Region II champion, but we can’t. Now we have to try and stay focus, see who we will play in the national tournament.”

The Cowboys tied the Mountaineers at 65-all with 10:49 left in the physically played game on a pair of Devante Moore free throws. Eastern regained the lead on four unanswered points by Rod Lewis, who was named the MVP of the tournament, who scored 16 points, to make it 69-64.

The two clubs exchanged 3-point buckets to make it a 72-67 Eastern advantage. Connors then scored four unanswered points on back-to–back baskets by Troy Jones, cutting Eastern’s lead to a single point, 72-71 with 654 left.

However, Connors committed back-to-back turnovers (17 for the game) resulting in Eastern baskets, coupled with a pair of free throws for a 79-71 advantage with 5:16 left. It was a margin CSC could not overcome the rest of the way.

“A lot of things hurt us in this game,” said Muse. “We expanded a lot more energy yesterday against Enid in the semifinals in a dogfight, than they did in their game when they cruised to the win (against NEO).

“I thought conditioning showed up in this game. Turnovers hurt us and free throws in the first half (10-of-20). It would have been a little different first half if we didn’t missed 10 free throws.

“They beat us both halves. You have to give a lot of credit to Eastern for out playing us,” said Muse.

Josh Cameron, who was named to the All-Tournament team, led the Cowboys’ scoring with 19 points followed by Hakeem Harris’ 16, Troy Jones 13 and Willie Atwood’s 12.

Connors shot 46 percent from the field (26-of-56) and was just 16-of-30 at the foul line. Eastern was 45 percent from the field (33-of-73) and 24-of-38 at the charity stripe. They also pulled down 19 offensive rebounds and finished with 43 trailing the Cowboys by one.

Ryan Devers led Eastern’s scoring with 18, followed by Lewis’s 16, Allen Farmer’s 13, Alfonzie Wilson 11, with Devaughn Purcell and Xavier Calloway with 10 each.

First half belong to the Mountaineers45-38 as they control the boards, particularly on the offensive end with 12, while forcing 11 Connors turnovers in the first half.

Cowboys shot 48 percent from the field 12-of-25 and just 10-of-20 at the stripe, while Eastern shot 41 percent (18-of-43) and 6-of-8 at the line.

Eastern broke a 16-all tie at the 11:57 mark of the half on a free throw by Dontavious Sears. The Mountaineers stretched its lead to 10 points, 33-23, the largest of the half with 6:14 remaining.

Connors fought back to within five points 41-3 on a Moore bucket and Cameron free throw with 1:23 left. Eastern then scored 6 unanswered points before Harris scored at the 15-second mark for the 45-38 halftime score.

REGION II ALL-TOURNAMENT

 EASTERN STATE 98, CONNORS STATE 88

Connors State 38 50 --88

Eastern State 45  53--98

Connors State (24-8)—Cameron 19, Harris 16, T. Jones 13, Atwood 12,Henderson 9, Moore 9, Weatherspoon 5, Q. Jones 5.

Eastern State (18-15)—Devers 18, Harris 16, Johnson 14, Farmer 13, Wilson 11, Purcell 10, Calloway 10 Sears 4, Mujahid  2.

Cowboys Fight Off NOC-Enid, Earn NJCAA National Berth

SHAWNEE—Connors State rallied in the final three minutes of play to overtake Northern Oklahoma-Enid 54-50 and secure a berth in the NJCAA National Basketball Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan., beginning March 18-23.

Cowboys behind the double-double of Jamarcus Weatherspoon advanced to Saturday’s Region II championship game against defending Region II champion Eastern Oklahoma State, who defeated Northeastern A&M 92-68 in the other semifinal game.

Region II received two automatic bids to the national tournament this season and a win in the regional semifinals gives both Connors and Eastern a trip to Hutchinson.

Weatherspoon led the Cowboys scoring with 14 points and 10 rebounds with Denell Henderson scoring 10 for Connors.

“It wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win,” said Cowboy head coach Bill Muse.

The Cowboys, who are now 24-7, will be making their seventh trip to the NJCAA National Tournament under Muse. Connors last made the Hutchinson trip in 2010.

“We were able to stay tight with them (Enid) the whole game and in the last two minutes we got all the loose balls and really gutted it out,” said Muse.

“We made a couple of big free throws at the end and some huge rebounds,” said Muse.

The game was tied three times in the final half. The Cowboys took the lead 49-48 when Willie Atwood, on an assist by Hakeem Harris put CSC on top with 2:57 remaining. Enid regained the lead 50-49 on a bucket by Dalen Qualls, who led the Jets’ scoring with 17 points, at the 2:22 mark.

Connors took the lead for good when Atwood scored again, this time on a baseline drive for a 51-50 advantage, while being fouled by the Jets’ Marquavius Williams. Atwood miss the free throw, but it was rebounded by Harris. However, the Cowboys could not take advantage of the opportunity.

Cowboys put the game away when Atwood, once again came through, draining two free throws after being fouled by Jeremy Espinoza, who scored 15 points, with 13 seconds left to give Connors a 53-50 lead.

Jets’ Espinoza attempted a 3-point shot with four seconds left in an attempt to send the game into overtime. However, Cowboys’ Atwood blocked the attempt.

Josh Cameron capped the scoring; connecting on 1-of-2 free throws with three seconds left.

The first half was a draw, 23-all, in a physically played opening 20 minutes. Neither club could take advantage of the others poor field goal shooting. The Cowboys shot just 32 percent (8-of-25) while NOC-Enid was a meager 23 percent (7-of-30) from the field.

Connors finished the game shooting 15-of-46 from the field for 32 percent and was just 12-of-29 at the line, while outrebounding Enid 43-37. Enid was 16-of-27 from the field for 28 percent.

CONNORS STATE 54 NORTHER OKLHAOMA-ENID 50

Connors State 23 31—54

NOC-Enid 23 27—50

Connors State (24-7)—Weatherspoon 14, Henderson 10 Atwood 9, Cameron 7, T. Jones 4, Moore 2, Hill 2.

NOC-Enid (22-10)—Qualls 17, Espinoza 15, Brooks 9, Lanzenby 3, Brown 2, Williams 2, Bigum 2.

Cowboys Overpower Seminole in Region II Opener

SHAWNEE –It’s always difficult to defeat a club three times in a season.

In Wednesday’s quarterfinal round of the NJCAA Region II Basketball Tournament at Oklahoma Baptist University’s Noble Complex, the Connors Cowboys beat the odds.

Connors (23-7) went on a 17-2- run to open the second half and used a smothering defense to overpower Seminole State 77-58 and advance to Friday’s semifinals at 1 p.m. against Northern Oklahoma Enid ( 22-9). The Jets advanced by defeating Western Oklahoma State 72-70.

In the two previous meetings with the Jets, Connors won both games in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play, 85-71 and 85-77

“The key to this game was our defense,” said head coach Bill Muse. “Our defense in the second half was very good and we didn’t let them get very many open looks. We took care of the basketball more on offense.”

Cowboys allowed Seminole only four points in the first eight minutes of the second half, streaking to a 16-point advantage for a 53-37 lead with 11:54 remaining.

Connors led 37-33 and scored 14 unanswered points before the Trojans finally got on the scoreboard at the 12-minute mark.

The Cowboys had four players in double figures with Josh Cameron leading the attack with 24 points. Jamarcus Weatherspoon followed with 14, with Hakeem Harris scoring 11 and Denell Henderson adding 10.

Cowboys shot 19-of-59 from the field for 32 percent and 15-of-36 at the free throw line. Seminole was held to just 29 percent from the field (20-of-67) and 12-of-30 at the charity stripe.

“I thought Josh (Cameron) had a good game, better in the second half,” said Muse. “We had four players in double figures and Jamarcus (Weatherspoon) also gave us some energy out there tonight.”

Muse was pleased with the lack of turnovers by the Cowboys, who committed only nine for the game.

“I was very pleased with lack of turnovers. We did get a little sloppy at the end, but I thought with the lead we handled it pretty well.”

In other quarterfinal games OCAC champion and NJCAA 12^th –ranked Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa and the top seed in the tournament, was upset by Eastern Oklahoma State 77-68, while Northeastern A&M cruised past Murray State 67-55.

Cowboys’ largest lead of the game was 24 points, 73-49 with 4:01 remaining.

The Cowboys held a hard fought 35-32 lead at the intermission, trailing much of the first half. Cowboys led 7-4 lead to open the game before the Trojans came back to take a 9-7 lead. CSC tied it at 9-all and Seminole regain the lead at 15:54, 11-9 and did not relinquish it until 2:27 remain in the half on a steal and bucket by Cameron, who made it 31-30. Quan Jones had tied the game at 29-all when he drained a 3 point. shot from the right wing.

Connors then scored six unanswered points for a 35-32 lead at the half buckets by Cameron, Weatherspoon and Henderson.

Cowboys shot only 30 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes, 10-of-33 and 9-of-12 at the free throw line. Seminole was 13-of-38 for 34 percent and just 2-of-9 at the charity stripe.

“We got by this one, but the next one is just as important,” said Muse. “The next one becomes huge with Enid.”

A win over the Jets puts the Cowboys into the championship game on Saturday and a trip to the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan. on March 19. The Region II champion and the runner-up automatically qualify for the national tournament under a new format this season.

CONNORS STATE 77, SEMINOLE STATE 58

Connors State 35 42—77

Seminole State 32 26—58

Connors State (23-7)---Cameron 24, Weatherspoon 14, Harris 11, Henderson 10, Q. Jones 7, Atwood 7, T. Jones 4.

Seminole State (11-19)—Samuel 15, Love 12, Lubin 6, Wright 5, Bellinger 5, Yeku 5, Galbreath 5, Saunders 2, Brewer 2, Osama 1.

Cowboys to Battle Seminole State in Region II Opener Wednesday

SHAWNEE-- Connors State Cowboys will battle Seminole State in the quarterfinals of the NJCAA Region II Basketball Tournament at Oklahoma Baptist University’s Noble Complex on Wednesday.

Seminole defeated Carl Albert State College on Monday in a play-in game 78-69. The Cowboys (23-7) and Trojans (11-18) will tip-off at 8 p.m. The winner advances to the semifinals on Friday at 1 p.m.

In other Monday play-in games Western State (20-10) defeated Arkansas Baptist 106-83 and will play Northern Oklahoma-Enid (21-9) at 3 p.m. Wednesday, while Eastern State (16-15) dropped Redlands 89-73. Eastern State will play Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

The championship game will be played at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Softball Game Postponed With NEO; Rescheduled for April

Connors State’s softball game with Northeastern A&M on the Warner campus Tuesday, was cancelled due to cold and windy conditions, according to head coach Rick Carbone.

The game has been rescheduled for April 22 at Warner. The Cowgirls are currently 8-10 for the season and return to action on Wednesday against Crowder College at 2 p.m.

Cowboys Sweep Oklahoma Wesleyan; Improve to 11-1 on Year

BARTLESVILLE-- Connors State swept Oklahoma Wesleyan in a double header on Monday, March 4, taking 10-3 and 11-1 wins as the Cowboys improved to 11-1 on the year and are on a nine-game winning streak.

Dalton Daniels went 2-for-2 with two runs scored and one run batted in in both games to help the Cowboys to take the sweep.

Sawyer Barnard earned the win in the first game, running his record to 3-0, pitching four innings and allowing five hits with two strikeouts.

 Christian Perez was 3-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs, one coming on his first home run of the season in the second inning.

The second game saw Caleb Banks earn his first win of the year, pitching four innings and allowing one earned run with two strikeouts. Korey Keith was 3-for-3 with one double and three RBIs while Yariel Gonzalez was 2-for-2 with two RBIs.

Cowgirls Fall in Opening Round of Region II Play

Connors State Cowgirls held an 11-point lead midway the second half, but could not hold on as Arkansas Baptist rallied behind the 29-point performance of Taylor Green for a 63-59 victory in the opening round of the NJCAA Region II Basketball Tournament at Melvin Self Field House Monday night.

The Cowgirls complete the season 16-14, while Arkansas Baptist advances to a quarterfinal game in Shawnee on Thursday against Northeastern A&M.

Poor free throw shooting and the in ability to hit from behind the arc doomed the Cowgirls. Connors was just 18-of-33 at the line and was 1 of-10 on three-point attempts.

Connors held a 35-24 advantage with 15:51 remaining, but the Lady Buffs came roaring back to get the win.

Tiara Hall and Shakayla Love scored 16 points each to lead the Cowgirls scoring. Tonisha Dean followed with 11.

The last Cowgirls lead in the game was 59-58 with 1:26 remaining.

Cowgirls went on a 7—0 run in the final 3:54 of the first half to take a 25-22 lead. Connors took its first lead with 50 seconds remaining in the half when Tonisha Dean drained the front end of a two-shot free throw to give the Cowgirls a 23-22 lead.

Miscues hurt the Cowgirls in the first half as they committed 12 turnovers in the first 20 minutes of action. Shakayla Love came off the bench to lead the Cowgirls scoring in the half with 8 points.

NJCAA REGION II Tournament First ROUND

WOMEN

ARKANSAS BAPTIST 63, CONNORS STATE 59

Arkansas Baptist 22  41--63

Connors State 25  34--59

Arkansas Baptist (15-15)—Green 29, Jordan 13, Davenport 8, Hill 6, Smith 4, Rutledge  2, Raynor 1,

Connors State (16-14)—Love 16, Hall 16, Dean 11, Williams 7, Garrett 5, Bunch 4.

Cowgirls Playoff Basketball Game on Internet

Connors State Cowgirls NJCAA Region II play-in basketball  tournament game with Arkansas Baptist College will be streamed on the internet on Monday, March 4.

Lou Kelley will broadcast the game beginning at 6:50 p.m.  from Melvin Self Field House in Warner.

The Cowgirls, who are 16-13, will meet the Lady Buffs for the first time this season. The Arkansas club enters the playoffs with a 14-14 record.

Cameron, Harris, Henderson, Dean Named to Region II Team

Connors State placed three men and one woman on the Region II All-Region basketball teams announced on Sunday.

For the Cowboys, Josh Cameron was placed on the All-Region first team while Hakeem Harris and Dennell Henderson made the second team.

The Cowgirls’ Tonisha Dean was the only Connors woman to earn postseason honors as she was selected to the Region II second team.

The Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference also revealed its men’s and women’s all-conference teams and the same quartet received OCAC honors.

As with the Region II squads, Cameron was placed on the OCAC first team with Harris and Henderson earning second-team honors. The same could be said for Dean as she earned a spot on the league’s second team.

Christian Tosses 2-Hitter; Cowgirls Split with Marshalltown

Jessica Christian tossed a two hitter in the nightcap of a doubleheader on Sunday fueling the Cowgirls to a 2-1 softball victory over Marshalltown, Iowa. The Iowa club took the opener 4-3.

Cowgirls are now 8-10 for the season and will open Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play at home Tuesday against Northeastern A&M. First pitch is 2 p.m.

Christian had 10 strikeouts in going the distance as she improved to 6-2 inside the circle.

Sammy Perry was 2-for-3 at the plate with a stolen base, while Ashley Dunigan also had a stolen base, her 13^th of the year. Chelsie Drew, was 1-for-3 at the plate, including a home run, her second of the year.

In the opener Jerelyn Long took the loss in going seven innings, allowing five hits and striking out five.

Marshalltown scored three runs in the first and added a run in the sixth for the win.

Perry was 2-for-4 at the plate, with Long pounding out two hits in three appearances, with Dunigan getting a base hit for an RBI and Erin Isham getting a base hit for an RBI.

Cowgirls Split With Seminole State

Chelsie Drew drove home  Erin Isham with the winning run in the bottom of the ninth of game one as the Connors Cowgirls split their doubleheader on Saturday, March 2, on the Warner campus, defeating Seminole State 3-2 and falling 9-5 in the night cap.

 Jessica Christian got the decision in both contests as her record ran to 5-2.

In the second game, Connors (7-9) stranded seven runners on base. Jerelyn Long and Ashley Dunigan were both 2-for-4 with Dunigan scoring twice while Long drove in three runs

Cowboys Sweep Ellsworth; Improves to 9-1 for Season

Connors Cowboys improved to 9-1 on the year by taking both games of the doubleheader 7-3 and 12-5 against Ellsworth (Iowa) on Saturday, March .2 at Biff Thompson Field.

Kelvin Rivas got the win in the first game, his first of the season, giving up one earned run in five innings with six strikeouts while Andrew Simonetti picked up  his first victory of the year, pitching 3 1/3 innings with two strikeouts and three hits.

Victor Claudio, Dalton Daniels and Korey Keith had two hits in the opener and Christian Perez banged out his first home run of the season, a two-run blast in the fifth inning.

In the nightcap, Eli Roundtree had two hits and four RBIs, two coming on his third home run of the season in the fifth inning, while Hunter Simpson had three hits and Claudio and Tyler Fourkiller each had two hits.

Fourkiller Leads Cowboys to Sweep of Ellsworth

Connors’ Tyler Fourkiller’s two-run single in the sixth inning rallied Connors (7-1) from a 2-1 deficit, leading them to a sweep of Ellsworth, Iowa, Community College in Friday’s doubleheader on March 1, capturing a 2-1 win in the opener and a 5-2 victory in the nightcap at Biff Thompson Field.

. Yariel Gonzalez’s walk-off single, a two-run bases-loaded shot down the right field line, gave the Cowboys a 2-1 win in the opener.

Dalton Daniels had four hits on the day while Korey Keith and Gonzalez had two hits in the opener and Fourkiller and Victor Claudio joined Daniels in registering two hits in the second game.

Justin Ferrell (1-0) worked two hitless relief innings on the mound, striking out four, to win the first game while  Josh Hammill struck out 12 in six innings of four-hit ball allowing two runs in the nightcap with Zane Duggan earning a save.

Cowgirls Roll Over Western State 91-80

ALTUS— Connors State Cowgirls placed four players in double digit scoring and raced to a 91-80 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference victory over Western Oklahoma State Friday on the Lady Pioneers home floor.

The Cowgirls are now 16-13 for the season and 7-11 in league play and advance to the Region 2 play-in game Monday at Melvin Self Field House against a yet to be determined opponent. Tip-off is 7 p.m.

Tiara Hall led the Cowgirls scoring with 27 points with Shakayla Love pouring home 23 with Tonisha Dean adding 13 and Shakemia Franklin 12.

Cowgirls held a commanding 51-32 lead at the intermission and held off the Lady Pioneers in the second half, as Ebony Nelms led the attack with 33 points.

 CONNORS STATE 91, WESTERN STATE 80

Connors State 51 40--91

Western State 32 48—80

Connors State  (16-13, 7-11 )—Hall 27, Love 23, Dean 13, Franklin 12, Garrett 9, Bunch 6, Williams 1.

Western State  (11-17, 3-15, )—Nelms 33, Gaddis 17, M. Nelms 12, Bell 3, Williams 3, Johnson 2, Nelson 2, Petties 1.

Cowbgirls Rally Falls Short Against Eastern State

Connors Cowgirls battled back from 17-point deficit to within 5 points with 7:11 remaining but never catch the Eastern Oklahoma State Lady Mountaineers, falling 81-73 on sophomore and Homecoming Night at Melvin Self Field House on Thursday.

Eastern opened the second half with a 14-4 run for a commanding 52-33 advantage with 14:20 remaining and stretched it to 17 points 60-43 with 10 minutes left. That’s when the Cowgirls made a late charge, slicing it to five points, 62-57 at the 7:11 mark.

Eastern behind Shola Adebayo, who led the Lady Mountaineers scoring with 28 points, took charge the rest of the way. Kami Bunch led Connors with 17 points with Sha’Georgia Williams adding 15, followed by Shakayla Love’s 12 and Shakemia Franklin’s 10.

Rodneisha Millum followed Adebayo in the Eastern scoring with 15 followed by Rebecca Stewart’s 13 and Taylor Jones 12.

Cowgirls battled back from an 11-point deficit midway the opening 20 minutes to slice the Eastern lead to just three points, 31-29 with 3:52 remaining on a pair of free throws by Love and two baskets by Williams.

Eastern then scored six unanswered points for a 38-29 advantage at the half.

Connors State will travel to Altus to battle Western Oklahoma State Friday at 5 p.m. to close the regular season.

, EASTERN STATE 81, CONNORS STATE 73

Eastern State 38 43—81

Connors State 29 44—73

Eastern State –Adebayo 28, Millum 15, Stewart 13, Jones 12, Carter 6, Brown 5, Franks 2.

Connors State –Bunch 17, Williams 15, Love 12, Franklin 10, Hall 9, Garrett 8, Dean 2.

Cowboys Fall to Western State in Season Finale, 86-77

ALTUS—Connors State playing without point-guard Hakeem Harris, who was nursing a sore ankle, fell to Western Oklahoma State College 87-77 Friday night in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash.

Cowboys complete the regular season 22-7 and 12-6 in OCAC play and will now advance to the quarterfinals of the Region2 Tournament on Wednesday at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee. The Cowboys will play the winner of Eastern Oklahoma State and Carl Albert State, who play Monday night in Wilburton.

Marcus Weatherspoon led the Cowboys’ scoring with 23 points, followed by Willie Atwood’s 17 and Denell Henderson with 10. Josh Cameron, who played only the first half, finished with 10 points.

The Cowboys led 41-35 at the half, but fell behind the 51-point second half barrage of the Pioneers led by Dil’Jon Allen-Jordan’s 19 points and Jedarian Jackson’s 18 points. Stirling Thomas and D’Audrion Patton scored 12 and 11 points respectively.

The Pioneers complete the regular season 18-11 and 10-8 in conference play.

WESTERN STATE 86, CONNORS STATE 77

Connors State 41 36--77

Western State 35 51--86

Connors State  (22-7, 12-6)—Weatherspoon 23, Atwood 17, Henderson 13, Cameron 10, Moore 7, Hill 3,  Q. Jones 2, t. Jones 2.

Western State  (19-10, 10-8 )—Allen-Jordan 19, Jackson 18, Thomas 12, Patton 11, Allen 9, Haley 6, Chapman 6, Mitchell 3, Santos 2.

Cowboys Fight Off Eastern State, 95-89

Connors State used some deadly free throw shooting and the 31-point scoring performance of Josh Cameron and the double digit scoring of teammates Willie Atwood and Devante Moore to fight off visiting Eastern Oklahoma State for a 95-89 for an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference victory Thursday night at Melvin Self Field House.

The Cowboys will now hit the road to play Western Oklahoma State Friday at Altus to close out the regular season. Connors improves to 12-5 in OCAC play and 22-6 for the season and can secure the No. 2 seed in the Region 2 Tournament next week in Shawnee at Oklahoma Baptist University with a win over Western State.

“We do and we don’t feel good about this win, they played without their best players (Ryan) Devers, who was on the bench with an injury (ankle),” said CSC head Coach Bill Muse.

“We had a nice lead at halftime and let them get back into it. We hung on. I thought we played really sloppy the second half.  We gave up way to many points the second half.

“We won, but that’s not the way we have to play,” said Muse.

Connors drained 38-of 46 from the free throw line with Cameron draining 11-of-12 attempts and with Atwood, who finished with 24 points, canning 21-of-14. Moore, who finished with 19 points, was 9-of-11 at the stripe.

Cowboys held a comfortable 48-34 lead at the half and stretched its margin to 17 points, 56-39 with 16:56 remaining. However, the Mountaineers came charging back behind Allen Farmer and Xavier Calloway, who scored 22 points each.

Eastern tied the game at 83-all with 4:01 remaining. The lead changed hands four more times before the Cowboys took the lead for good when Cameron drove the lane to put Connors on top 90-89 with 59 seconds remaining. Eastern never recovered as they missed several shots down the stretch and then put the Cowboys at the line.

CONNORS STATE 95, EASTERN STATE 89

Eastern State 34 55—89

Connors State 48 47—95

Eastern State –Farmer 22, Calloway 22, Purcell 18, Johnson 10, Wilson 6, Lewis 5, Sears 2, Marshall 2, Parker 2.

Connors State (22-6, 12-5) –Cameron 31, Atwood 24, Moore 19, Weatherspoon 8, Harris 4, Henderson 4, Q. Jones 3, Hilll 2.

Connors Game With Eastern State on Internet

The Connors State Cowgirls and Cowboys basketball game with Eastern Oklahoma State will be on the internet Thursday, February 28 at Melvin Self Field House.
Tip-0ff for the Homecoming and Sophomore Night will begin at 6 p..m. with the women, followed by the men at  8 pm.
Lou Kelley will provide the play-by-play.

Cowboys Fall at NOC-Tonkawa

TONKAWA –Connors State had its three game winning streak snapped by Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference league leader and NJCAA’s 20^th-ranked Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa Mavericks, 71-48 Monday night at Piper-Foster Field House.

The 48 points was the lowest scoring output of the season for the Cowboys, as poor shooting and turnovers doomed the Cowboys.

Josh Cameron was the only Cowboy to score in double figures, with 14 points. Hakeem Harris was held to 7 points with Willie Atwood and Denell Henderson scoring just 6 points each.

The loss leaves the Cowboys in a battle with Murray State for second place in the conference, both clubs entered tied depending on the outcome of Monday night’s games. Connors is now 20-6 for the year and 10-5 in league action.

Tonkawa has virtually wrapped up the conference championship and the top seed in the Region 2 Tournament, March 7-9 at Shawnee, with a 13-2 OCAC mark with just three games remaining. The Mavericks are now 24-3 for the season.

The two clubs were tied a 9-9 early in the first half, before the Mavericks went on an 18-4 run to take a commanding 28-13 lead at the 9-minute mark of the opening half. Connors was never able to recover, as the Mavericks held a 26-point lead at the intermission 48-22.

C.J. Rodriquez led the Mavericks’ scoring with 15 points with brothers Cortrez and Cortrael Colbert scoring 12 points each.

Connors will return home Thursday night for a homecoming clash with Northern Oklahoma-Enid at Melvin Self Field House. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.

NORTHERN OKLAHOMA-TONKAWA  71, CONNORS STATE 48

Connors State  22 26—48

NOC-Tonkawa 48 23—71

Connors State (20-6, 10-5)—Cameron 14, Harris 7, Henderson 6, Atwood 6, Moore 5, Q. Jones 5, T. Jones 5.

Northern-Tonkawa (24-3, 13-2)—Rodriquez 15, Co. Colbert 12, Cort. Colbert 12, Voss 9, Jones 9,  Leonard 5, Cooksey 4, Brasser 3, Thornton 2.

Cowgirls Crush NOC-Tonkawa, 79-69

TONKAWA – Connors State Cowgirls placed four players in double figure scoring a cruised to a 79-69 Oklahoma Collegiate Conference victory over Northern-Oklahoma Tonkawa Monday night at Piper-Foster Field House.

The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Cowgirls.

The victory improves the Cowgirls to 14-12 on the season and 5-10 in conference play while the Lady Mavs fall to 3-25 on the year and 1-14 in league play.

Kami Bunch led the Cowgirls scoring with 16 points, followed by Shakayla Love’s 16, with Shakemia Franklin and Tonisha Dean scoring 15 and 14 respectively.

The Cowgirls rolled an early margin, leading 48-30 at the half and was never contested the remainder of the game.

Isidora Madzarevic led the Lady Mavs scoring with 19 points.

Connors returns home Thursday to battle Northern Oklahoma-Enid in a homecoming clash at Melvin Self Field House. Tip-off is 6 p.m.

CONNORS STATE 79, NORTHERN OKLAHOMA TONKAWA 69

Connors State 48 31—79

Northern Tonkawa 30 39—69

Connors State (14-12, 5-10)—Bunch 19, Love 16, Franklin 15, Dean 14, Williams 6, Hall 4, Garrett 4.

,Northern-Tonkawa (3-25, 1-14)—Madzarevic 19, Butler 9, Means 9, Karungi 7, Cruz 6, Flores 5, Means 3,  Krucane 3, Canady 3, Young 2, Moses 2.

Cowboys Crush North Lakes, Texas in Doubleheader

IRIVING, TEXAS—The weather cleared and the Connors State Cowboys brought out their bats to pound North Lakes Community College 26-3 and 10-6 to sweep a double header across the Red River Wednesday.

The victory improves the Cowboys to 5-1 on the season entering a doubleheader on Friday at 1 p.m. with Ellsworth Community College at Biff Thompson Field.

In the opener the Cowboys held an 11-3 lead entering the fourth innings before adding 10 more runs for a 21-3 lead.

Sawyer Bernard, who pitched four innings, got his second win of the season. Eli Roundtree provided the fire power at the plate, pounding out 3 base hits, which included two doubles and a grand slam for 6 RBIs. Korey Keith had three hits and 3 RBIs with Patrick Gonzalez connecting for a grand slam in the fifth inning.

Jiro Morales added two hits and an RBI and Eric Kirkpatrick had two hits in the win.

The nightcap was all Connors also as the Cowboys took a 2-0 lead in the second inning when Yariel Gonzalez singled, and scored on Roundtree’s second home run of the day and third of the season.

North Lake scored in the second to close to 2-1. However, the Cowboys made it 6-1, when Dalton Daniels singled to open the third inning. Daniels then stole second base and Keith followed with an RBI single for a 3-1 Cowboys lead.

Yariel Gonzalez then hit a three run homer in the inning for a 6-1 Connors advantage.

North Lake made it 6-3 in the sixth when Justin Ferrell relieved Andrew Simonetti with two outs and ended the Blazers’ threat. He went on to pitch a scoreless seventh to pick up his second save of the season.  Simonetti was the winning pitcher, his first of the year. He pitched 2 2/3 innings. He came in for starter Caleb Banks, who left in the fourth inning.

In the hitting department of the second game Yariel Gonzalez had two base hits and 3 RBIs, with Roundtree pounding out three base hits and two RBIs and Keith with a hit and 3 RBIs.

Game Postponed

WARNER--  Connors State’s baseball game with Coffeyville Community College on Tuesday has been postponed and has been rescheduled for March 7 at 2 p.m. in Warner, according to head coach Perry Keith

Games Postponed

WARNER –Connors State Cowboys and Cowgirls basketball game for Thursday night at Western Oklahoma State College in Altus has been postponed due to inclement weather.

The game has been rescheduled for Friday March 1 at 5 and 7 p. m.

Connors will play Eastern Oklahoma State on Thursday at 6 and 8 p.m. at Melvin Self Field House. It will be Connors homecoming and sophomore night.

Cowboys Fight Off NOC-Enid for 85-77 Victory

Connors State raced to a 48-34 lead at the intermission behind the deadly shooting of Hakeem Harris and then had to fight off a second half rally by Northern Oklahoma-Enid to secure a hard-fought 85-77 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference victory Saturday afternoon at Melvin Self Field House.

“We got off to a good first half, and I knew Enid wasn’t going to quit,” said Cowboys head Coach Bill Muse. “We’ve had the same situation in years past. We knew they were going to keep fighting, and fighting.

“The first five minutes of the second half was critical and we held our own.”

Harris was deadly in the opening 20 minutes draining 6-of-7 from behind the arc and finished with 28 points to lead the Cowboys in scoring. Josh Cameron pumped home 16 points with Denell Henderson adding 13.

“Hakeem really played well the first half,” said Muse. “They went box-and-one the second half on him. We tried to make adjustments, but we haven’t had anyone play that against our perimeter this year.”

Connors will take an 11-5, OCAC mark and 21-6 record to Altus, Okla. on Monday to play Western Oklahoma State College. The Jets fall to 9-7 and 19-9 on the year.

The Cowboys drained 29-of-41 from the line while NOC-Enid was 26-of-37 as a total of 50 fouls was call in the physically played game.

The Jets’ Daren Quails was almost unstoppable as he scored 37 points, and was a perfect 14-of-14 at the charity stripe.

“You have to give your hats off to Qualls and the game he had,” said Muse. “We just didn’t have anybody that could guard him. That’s as good of a performance that we’ve had in here,” said Muse.”

Connors held a 16 point lead before the Jets began chipping away at the leading closing to within two points, 78-76 with 1:40 remaining.

That’s when it became a free throw contest with the Cowboys connecting on 7-of-10 attempts to put it away.

Trailing Quails in the Jets’ scoring was Connor Brooks with 16 points.

Cowboys streak to a 48-34 lead at the intermission, jumping out to a 12-lead to open the game. Connors stretched its margin to 16 points, 28-12 at the 10:22 mark of the first half when Harris drained back-to-back 3-point shots.

 CONNORS STATE 85, NOC-ENID 77

NOC-Enid 34 43—77

Connors State 48 37—85

NOC-Enid  (9-7, 19-9)—Quails 37, Brooks 16, Williams 6, Bigum 5, Espinzoa 4, Brown 3, Lazenby 3, Farmer 3.

Connors State (11-5, 21-6)—Harris 28, Cameron 16, Henderson 13, Moore 11, Hill 9, Atwood 4, Weatherspoon 4.

Cowgirls Fall to NOC-Enid in Overtime

WARNER –Connors State battled back from a 14-point deficit in the second half to tie league leading Northern Oklahoma Enid 71-71 to send the game into overtime, but the Lady Jets outscored the Cowgirls 15-9 to take an 86-80 win in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash Saturday afternoon at Melvin Self Field House.

The loss drops the Cowgirls to 6-10 on OCAC play and 15-12 for the year. The Lady Jets are now 13-3 in league play and 22-8 for the season.

Cowgirls placed five players in double figure scoring with Shakable Love leading the attack with 18 points. Shakemia Franklin and Tiara Hall scored 15 points each with Sha’Georgia Williams adding 13 and Kami Bunch 10.

The lady Jets were paced by Chelsea Bates with 29 points, with Ryle Swanson adding 22. Christa Beasler scored 19 and Reagan Crawl 10.

Weather permitting the Cowgirls will travel to Altus, Okla. on Monday to battle Western Oklahoma State. Tip-off is 6 p.m.

Cowgirls Williams drained a 3-point shot from the right wing to deadlock the game with 1:43 left, as both clubs took a series of time outs the rest of the way, but could not score.

The Lady Jets scored the final 7 points of the opening half to take a 41-32 advantage. The game was tied four times in the first 20 minutes of play. The Cowgirls managed a 29-29 tie with 3:50 left in the half, before the Lady Jets outscored the Cowgirls 12-3 the rest of the way.

NOC-ENID 86, CONNORS STATE 80

NOC-Enid 41 30 9—80

Connors State 32 38 15—86

NOC-Enid (13-2, 21-8)—Bates 29, Swanson 22, Beasler 19, Crawl 10, Rani 3, Schumpert 2.

Connors State (6-9, 15-11)—Love 18, Franklin 15, Hall 15, Williams 13, Bunch 10, Garrett 5, Dean 4.

Cowboys, Western Iowa Game Cancelled

WARNER—Connors State Cowboys baseball game with Western Iowa on Saturday was cancelled and will not be made up, according to head coach Perry Keith.

Weather permitting the Cowboys will return to action Tuesday against Coffeyville Community College at 2 p.m. at Warner.

Cowgirls Pound NOC-Tonkawa

TONKAWA – Connors State Cowgirls placed four players in double figure scoring a cruised to a 79-69 Oklahoma Collegiate Conference victory over Northern-Oklahoma Tonkawa Monday night at Piper-Foster Field House.

The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Cowgirls.

The victory improves the Cowgirls to 14-12 on the season and 5-10 in conference play while the Lady Mavs fall to 3-25 on the year and 1-14 in league play.

Kami Bunch led the Cowgirls scoring with 16 points, followed by Shakayla Love’s 16, with Shakemia Franklin and Tonisha Dean scoring 15 and 14 respectively.

The Cowgirls rolled an early margin, leading 48-30 at the half and was never contested the remainder of the game.

Isidora Madzarevic led the Lady Mavs scoring with 19 points.

CONNORS STATE 79, NORTHERN OKLAHOMA TONKAWA 69

Connors State 48 31—79

Northern Tonkawa 30 39—69

Connors State (14-12, 5-10)—Bunch 19, Love 16, Franklin 15, Dean 14, Williams 6, Hall 4, Garrett 4.

,Northern-Tonkawa (3-25, 1-14)—Madzarevic 19, Butler 9, Means 9, Karungi 7, Cruz 6, Flores 5, Means 3,  Krucane 3, Canady 3, Young 2, Moses 2.

NOC-Tonkawa Rolls Past Cowboys

TONKAWA –Connors State had its three game winning streak snapped by Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference league leader and NJCAA’s 20^th-ranked Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa Mavericks, 71-48 Monday night at Piper-Foster Field House.

The 48 points was the lowest scoring output of the season for the Cowboys, as poor shooting and turnovers doomed the Cowboys.

Josh Cameron was the only Cowboy to score in double figures, with 14 points. Hakeem Harris was held to 7 points with Willie Atwood and Denell Henderson scoring just 6 points each.

The loss leaves the Cowboys in a battle with Murray State for second place in the conference, both clubs entered tied depending on the outcome of Monday night’s games. Connors is now 20-6 for the year and 10-5 in league action.

Tonkawa has virtually wrapped up the conference championship and the top seed in the Region 2 Tournament, March 7-9 at Shawnee, with a 13-2 OCAC mark with just three games remaining. The Mavericks are now 24-3 for the season.

The two clubs were tied a 9-9 early in the first half, before the Mavericks went on an 18-4 run to take a commanding 28-13 lead at the 9-minute mark of the opening half. Connors was never able to recover, as the Mavericks held a 26-point lead at the intermission 48-22.

C.J. Rodriquez led the Mavericks’ scoring with 15 points with brothers Cortrez and Cortrael Colbert scoring 12 points each.

NORTHERN OKLAHOMA-TONKAWA  71, CONNORS STATE 48

Connors State  22 26—48

NOC-Tonkawa 48 23—71

Connors State (20-6, 10-5)—Cameron 14, Harris 7, Henderson 6, Atwood 6, Moore 5, Q. Jones 5, T. Jones 5.

Northern-Tonkawa (24-3, 13-2)—Rodriquez 15, Co. Colbert 12, Cort. Colbert 12, Voss 9, Jones 9,  Leonard 5, Cooksey 4, Brasser 3, Thornton 2.

Cowboys Run Past Seminole State, 87-78

Connors State behind the 28-point offensive assault by Josh Cameron and deadly free throw shooting down the stretch, the Cowboys fought off visiting Seminole State College 87-78 Monday night at Melvin Self Field House.

The win completed a sweep of the Cowboys over Seminole State this season as Connors improves to 20-5 for the year and goes to 10-4 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play.  It was the Cowboys third straight win. The Trojans drop to 7-16 and 4-9 in league play.

Cameron was 8-of-15 from the floor, including 4-of-5 from behind the arc, while draining 8-of-8 at the charity stripe for his 28-point output. Also scoring in double figures for the Cowboys was Hakeem Harris with 22 points and Denell Harris with 10. Harris also pulled won 8 rebounds to lead the Cowboys.

“(Josh) Cameron is carrying us right now and he his emerging himself as our best perimeter player,” said Muse. “He did an outstanding job from the outside and did a great job defending. Right now Josh is taking care of his business.

“We won the game, but at times we just didn’t play smart. It was sloppy at times, too sloppy for what I am trying to get from the kids.

“I am happy with winning our 20^th game. We are still hanging around in the race (for the conference title) two games back, depending on what happen tonight. We still have some work,” said Muse.

Connors was deadly at the free throw line draining 25-of-33 attempts. The Cowboys were a perfect 14-of-14 in the final 2:50 of the contest.

Cowboys only held a two-point lead 40-38 entering the second half as the game was tied four times in the opening 11 minutes of the second half.

The final tie came at 60-all with 8:48 before the Cowboys took the lead for good on a Henderson put back with 8:28 remaining.  The 6-8 sophomore than converted two free throws to give the Cowboys some breathing room, 64-60 and Cameron scored along the baseline for a 6-point CSC advantage 66-60 with 6:45 left. Troy Jones converted a bucket for an 8-point Cowboys lead with 6:17 left

The Trojans then scored two buckets to make it 68-63 with 5:09 left, before Connors upped its lead to 10 points 73-63 on baskets by Jones and Harris with 3:58 left. Seminole came back with two more baskets, cutting the Connors lead to five points, 73-68 with 3:12 remaining.

That’s when the Cowboys converted 14 straight points at the free throw line to put the game away, outscoring the Trojans 13-10.

Travis Bellinger led the Seminole scoring with 21 points followed by Damontre Wright’s 16 and Killven Samuel’s 14.

CONNORS STATE 87, SEMINOLE STATE 78

Seminole State 38 40—78

Connors State 40 47—87

Seminole State (7-16, 4-9)—Belliger 21, Wright 16, Samuel 14, Love 9, Bowlers 9, Saunders 7, Lubin 2.

Connors State (20-5, 10-4)—Cameron 28, Harris 22, Henderson 10, Moore 9, T. Jones 7, Atwood 6, Weatherspoon 5.

Cowgirls Topple Hill College at Fort Worth Tournament

FORT WORTH, TEXAS –The second day of the Cowtown Softball Tournament on Saturday proved to just like the first day of action on Friday for the Connors State Cowgirls.

Cowgirls were 1-2 on Saturday, losing to Northeast Texas 7-5, defeating Hill College 6-3 and falling to Ranger, Texas in the night cap 11-3. The Cowgirls are now 2-6 for the season entering Tuesday’s action at Independence Community College.

Caitlyn Craig took the loss inside the circle against Northeast Texas with Chelsie Drew leading the hitting attack going 3-for-4 at the plate. Connors was unable to push across any runs as they left 8 base runners stranded in the game.

In the win over Hill College Jerelyn Long took the win with Jessica Christian recording a save. Connors took a 6-0 lead in the first innings with Drew, Mercedes Pankey, Long and Erin Isham pounding out two base hits in the victory.

In the final game Craig took the loss, as the Cowgirls once again stranded 8 base runners in the game. Whittney Whittmore led the hitting for Connors with two base hits.

Cowgirls Drop LaBette in Cowtown Tournament

FORT WORTH, TEXAS –Connors State Cowgirls posted a 2-1 record on the opening day of the prestigious Cowtown Softball Tournament Friday, defeating Labette County, Kan. 7-1 in their final game of the day.

The Cowgirls opened the tournament with an 11-3 loss to Weatherford, Texas, followed by a heartbreaking loss to North Central Texas, 7-6.

Connors is now 1-4 entering Saturday’s schedule at the Cowtown Tournament. The Cowgirls will play three games, battling Northeast Texas, Hill Community College and Ranger College.

Chelsie Drew spearheaded the Cowgirls win over Labette with a solo home run in the third inning to give Connors an early 1-0 lead in the third inning. Rikki Wooten had a 2-run RBI single in the game as the Cowgirls held a 7-0 lead going to the seventh inning.

Jessica Christian picked up the win, her first of the season, allowing just three hits, striking out 8 and walking two.

In the opener against Weatherford, Texas, Connors fell behind 7-0 in the third inning and never recovered as Jerelyn Long took the loss in the circle.

Long also took the loss against North Central Texas as the Texas took a 2-0 lead in the first, before Cowgirls ‘ Kali Romine connected on a solo home run to make it 2-1. The game was tied 5-5 in the sixth frame before North Central scored two in the seventh to get the win.

Cowgirls Fall Twice in Season Openers

Connors State Cowgirls opened the 2013 softball season  and it wasn’t what the Cowgirls wanted losing twice to visiting Independence Community College Tuesday afternoon, 5-4 in 8 innings using the international tie breaking rule and 8-7 in the nite cap to the Lady Pirates.

The Cowgirls will next travel to Fort Worth, Texas, to play in the Cowtown Tournament, Friday and Saturday. Connors will play Weatherford, Texas at 8 a.m. followed by a noon game with North Central, Texas and a 6 p.m. clash with Ranger, Texas on Friday.

Connors’ pitching gave up 16 walks in the doubleheader, with Jerelyn Long losing the opener and Caitlyn Craig in the second game. Long allowed 7 hits and walked 9 with 2 strike outs.

“Our pitching let us down, and this wasn’t the way we wanted to start,” said head coach Rick Carbone. “We saw a few good things, and we’ll be ready this weekend. We’ll learn from this.”

Cowgirls had only four hits in the opener led by Ashley Dunigan who scored twice with a stolen base. Cowgirls took a 3-1 lead after three innings, but Independence tied the game at 4-all after 7 innings setting the stage for international tie breaker in the eighth.

The second game Connors Craig gave up 8 hits and 6 walks before being relieved by Jessica Christian as Independence jumped out to an 8-2 lead after four innings. Christian allowed just two hits, struck out four and walked just two in her relief stint.

Trailing 8-5 in the seventh, Cowgirls’ Amanda O’Neal brought Connors back to within a run 8-7 with a two-run homer. Blaine Matheson doubled off the wall in center field to come home on O’Neal’s shot.

Cowboys Blitz Arkansas Baptist, 101-68

Josh Cameron scored a season-high 29 points in leading the Connors Cowboys to a 101-68 victory over Arkansas Baptist Saturday afternoon at Melvin Self Field House.

Cameron was deadly from the field draining 9-of-11 attempts including one from behind the arc, while canning 10-of-13 points at the free throw line.

He was joined in double-figure scoring by Devante Moore with 16, Willie Atwood and Denell Henderson with 14 each. Hakeem Harris scored 9 points, but led the Cowboys in rebounding with 11 boards.

Cameron attributed his play against the Buffaloes as “just hard work. My teammates were finding me and I was getting a lot of points in transition. That’s where I get a lot of my points.

“This was a real physical ball game. It was the most physical game this season,” said Cameron.

A total of 45 fouls were called in the game, 31 by the Buffaloes, which included four technical fouls. The Cowboys took advantage at the line, draining 30-of-41 attempts.

“Josh played very well, I didn’t realize he had that many points,” said head coach Bill Muse. “I thought overall we played well the second half. We kind of stumble around the first half. It was a physical game and got a little bit out of control.

“I thought our guys really guarded and played team ball the second half and built a pretty good lead,” said Muse.

The victory lifts the Cowboys to 19-5 for the season and will take a 9-5 Oklahoma Collegiate Conference mark into a Monday night clash with Seminole State. Tip-off is 8 p.m. for the Creek Nation Casino Night, with 300 fans receiving a free ice scrapper.

Cowboys jumped out to quick 8-0 lead; in a first half contest that was tied five times in the firsts half of play. The final deadlock was 24-all with 7:26 remaining. The deadlock was broken when Cowboys’ Cameron went to, the line shooting two free throws following a technical foul on Brain Tardy.

Cameron drained both free throws and the Cowboys streaked to their largest lead of the first 20 minutes, eight points 37-29 with 3:26 left in the half.

The half ended with Connors holding a four point advantage, 42-38 as Cameron led the attack with 16 first half points.

The Cowboys blew the game open midway the second half going on a 21-3 run to take a comfortable 87-60 lead with six-minutes remaining.

It was the fourth time this season that the Cowboys cross the century mark. Freshman Tony Cabrera put the Cowboys over the century mark with two free throws with 30 seconds remaining in the game. The freshman hit a 3-point shot with 50 ticks left to make it a 99-67 CSC lead just before being foul and going to the line.

CONNORS STATE 101, ARKANSAS BAPTIST 68

Arkansas Baptist 38 30—68

Connors State 42 59—101

Arkansas Baptist –Tarver 12, Tardy 11, Austin 9, Porchee 8, Leavy 6,Milion 6 Gray 4, Dobbs 4, Martin 3, Simmion 3, McGhee 2

Connors State (19-5, 9-4)—Cameron 29, Moore 16, Atwood 14, Henderson 14, Harris 9, T. Jones 7, Q. Jones 6, Cabrera  5, Weatherspoon 1

NEO Rallies Past Cowgirls to Escape With Win, 63-62

Northeastern A&M rallied from a 24-point second half deficit to overtake Connors State Cowgirls to rally for a 63-62 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference victory Thursday night at Melvin Self Field House.

Cowgirls were unable to stop the inside shooting of Sofia Mendoza and ShaQuita Arnick the final 20 minutes of play. Mendoza and Arnick scored 13 points each all inside the paint, while DeVaughn Gray and Elana Fernandez scored 14 and 12 respectively.

Shakemia Franklin led the Cowgirls scoring with 19 points, followed by Tonisha Dean’s 17 and Dakota Garrett’s 9.

Cowgirls behind the hot shooting of Franklin cruised to a 44-24 lead at the half. Franklin led the assault as she drained four 3-point shots as the Cowgirls went on a 12-0 run midway the first half.

 Franklin scored 11 of the 12 points en route to a 41-20 advantage at the 1:35 mark. The 21-point lead was the largest of the half for the Cowgirls.

However, the Lady Norse battled back to tie the game at 54-all with 7:20 remain and took the lead for good 56- 54 at the seven-minute mark. NEO held the Cowgirls to just 18 points in the final 20 minutes of play.

Connors will return to action on Monday with a home game against Seminole State at 7 p.m.  Connors is now 14-10 for the year and 4-9 in league play. NEO improves to 17-6 and 10-3.

NORTHEASTERN A&M 63, CONNORS STATE 62

Northeastern A&M 24  19—63

Connors State 44 18—62

Northeastern A&M (17-6, 10-3)—Gray 14, Mendoza 13, Arnick 13, Fernandez 12, Schieber 5, Frazier 4, Williams 2.

Connors State (14-10, 4-9)—Franklin 19, Dean 17, Hall 9, Bunch 7, Garrett 4, Love 3, Williams 3,

Cowboys Roll Past NEO, Traveling Trophy Returns, 79-68

The traveling trophy between Connors State and Northeastern A&M returns to Melvin Self Field House after Cowboys behind the outstanding play of guards Hakeem Harris, Josh Cameron and the double-double performance of Denel Henderson, fueled the Cowboys to a 79-68 victory over the visiting Golden Norsemen in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash Thursday night.

The CSC win avenge a loss to NEO in early January 96-85 in Miami in which the Norse took possession of the trophy.

“This was an important win for us because we were coming off a loss on Monday night and our backs against the wall,” said Cowboys head coach Bill Muse. “We are trying to get every win we can for seeding purposes and the conference race.

“Anything can still happen with four conferences game remaining. It was an important win for us,” said Muse.

Harris was simply outstanding as he poured home 23 points, and recorded seven assists in the NEO victory. He was 7-of 17 from the floor, five from behind the arc. Cameron finished with 20 points, knocking down 8-of-13 from the floor, which included 3-of-6 from behind the arc.

“This win was tremendous for us,” said Harris. “We just lost the last game and we need to get a winning streak going. Also we won the trophy and it was just a tremendous win.

“I think we are in stride right now. Its conference and region time and we have to play our best basketball,” said Harris.

Henderson, who fouled out of the game with three minutes remaining scored12 points and pulled down 10 rebounds and had two block shots for his fourth double-double of the season.

 ‘The win improves the Cowboys to 18-5 for the season and 9-4 in OCAC action heading into a Saturday contest at 2 p.m., when CSC plays host to Arkansas Baptist in Cowboy and Church Appreciation Day.

Connors rolled to a 44-31 lead at the intermission and increased its 13 point margin to 16 points 65-49 with 9:19 remaining. However, the Norse went on a 9-0 run to slice the Cowboys advantage to 8 points, 65-57 at the 5:50 mark behind Jeff Neuberry, who finished with 16 points and Luther Thomas, who added 14 more.

NEO came no close than six points, 71-65 with 3:12 remaining as the Cowboys’ Harris and Cameron hit buckets to hold off the Norsemen.

Connors, who was playing without Willie Atwood, who had to sit out due to two technical fouls he received in the Redlands game on Monday night, was replaced by Troy Jones, who Muse praised for his play.

“I thought Troy (6 points, 6 rebounds, and two block shots) did a good job, especially when Denell went out of the game And, both our guards (Harris, Cameron) played very well.”

CONNORS STATE 79, NORTHEASTERN A&M 68

Northeastern A&M 31 37-- 68

Connors State 44 35--79

Northeastern A&M (14-11, 7-6)—Neubery 16, Thomas 14, Ali 12, Santos 11, Powell 4, Clemens 3, Frve 3, Williams 3, Dawson 2.

Connors State (18-5, 9-4)—Harris 23, Cameron 20 Henderson 12, Moore 8, Hill 6, T. Jones 6, Weatherspoon 4.

Cowgirls Selling Pink T-Shirts During Cancer Awareness Month

Connors State Cowgirls basketball team will be selling Pink T-Shirts for $5.00 during Cancer Awareness month from February 7 through the 28, announced Cowgirls head coach Eddie Kite.

The T-shirts will be sold during game days at Melvin Self Field House with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.

The Cowgirls will also be holding a silent auction to auction off Pink T-shirts with each player’s Name and number on the T-Shirt. Bids can be made at a table that will be located in the multipurpose room at Melvin Self Field House.

Connors State, NEO Games on Ustream.com

Connors State and Northeastern A&M men’s and women’s basketball games will be carried over the internet beginning at 6 p.m., Thursday, February 7 from Melvin Self Field House on the campus of Connors State College in Warner, Okla.

Individuals can get the game at Ustream.com on your computer.

Lou Kelley will provide the play-by-play description of the games.

Connors State women enter the game with a 14-8 season record and 4-8 mark in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play. Northeastern A&M is 16-6 for the year and 9-3 in conference play.

The Connors State Cowboys are 17-5 for the season and 8-4 in OCAC play, while Northeastern A&M enters with a 14-10 record and 7-5.

Cowgirls Lose Season Openers to Independence

Connors State Cowgirls opened the 2013 softball season  and it wasn’t what the Cowgirls wanted losing twice to visiting Independence Community College Tuesday afternoon, 5-4 in 8 innings using the international tie breaking rule and 8-7 in the nite cap to the Lady Pirates.

The Cowgirls will next travel to Fort Worth, Texas, to play in the Cowtown Tournament, Friday and Saturday. Connors will play Weatherford, Texas at 8 a.m. followed by a noon game with North Central, Texas and a 6 p.m. clash with Ranger, Texas on Friday.

Connors’ pitching gave up 16 walks in the doubleheader, with Jerelyn Long losing the opener and Caitlyn Craig in the second game. Long allowed 7 hits and walked 9 with 2 strike outs.

“Our pitching let us down, and this wasn’t the way we wanted to start,” said head coach Rick Carbone. “We saw a few good things, and we’ll be ready this weekend. We’ll learn from this.”

Cowgirls had only four hits in the opener led by Ashley Dunigan who scored twice with a stolen base. Cowgirls took a 3-1 lead after three innings, but Independence tied the game at 4-all after 7 innings setting the stage for international tie breaker in the eighth.

The second game Connors Craig gave up 8 hits and 6 walks before being relieved by Jessica Christian as Independence jumped out to an 8-2 lead after four innings. Christian allowed just two hits, struck out four and walked just two in her relief stint.

Trailing 8-5 in the seventh, Cowgirls’ Amanda O’Neal brought Connors back to within a run 8-7 with a two-run homer. Blaine Matheson doubled off the wall in center field to come home on O’Neal’s shot.

Cowboys Second-Half Burst Overpowers Carl Albert, 64-54

Connors State behind the inside play of Denell Henderson and Josh Cameron’s outside shooting, broke open a defensive struggle midway the second half to overpower visiting Carl Albert State College 64-54 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash Thursday night at Melvin Self Field House.

Henderson was 6-of-10 from the field, while Cameron drained 3-of-6 three-point shots to lead the Cowboys’ offensive assault.

The22nd-ranked Cowboys improved to 17-4 for the season and 8-3 in conference play to remain in a tie for the conference lead with Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa. The loss leaves Carl Albert 2-17 for the season and 0-10 in OCAC action.

The Cowboys will now look ahead to a trip to El Reno on Monday night to battle the Redlands Cougars. Tip-off is 8 p.m.

Henderson led the way for the Cowboys with 16 points followed by Cameron’s 15 point production. Willie Atwood also scored in double figures with 12 points.

Leading 28-26 at the half, the Cowboys went on a 13-4 run late in the final 20 minutes of play to secure the victory. Tied at 41-all with 11:18 remaining, Henderson scored back-to-back buckets and Cameron added another to put Connors ahead by eight points 50-44.

Carl Albert was never able to overcome the Cowboys scoring burst, coming no closer than six points, 56-50 at the 3:52 mark. Connors largest lead of the night was 11 points, 61-50 with 2:40 remaining in the contest.

CONNORS STATE 64, CARL ALBERT 54

Carl Albert 26 28—54

Connors State 26 38-64

Carl Albert (2-17, 0-10)—Webber 15, Gallion 11, Ashley 8, Grade 6, Greene 4

Connors State (17-4, 8-3)—Henderson 16, Cameron 15, Atwood 12, Weatherspoon 7, Moore 5, Q. Jones 4, Harris 3, Hill 2.

Cowgirls Fall to Carl Albert, 69-55

Connors State Cowgirls playing without its leading scorer Raven Massey, who is out for the season following knee surgery and starter Tiara Hall, who saw limited action due bronchitis, sustained its third straight loss, falling to Carl Albert 69-55 Thursday night at Melvin Self Field House in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash.

Carl Albert took the lead with 15:20 remaining in the first half and never relinquished it en route to the victory.

The Cowgirls will step out of OCAC play on Saturday to play Mid-South Community College at West Memphis, Ark. Tip-off is 2 p.m.

The Lady Vikings held a 38-20 advantage and increased it to 21 points twice in the second half, 57-36 with 8:36 left in the game. The closest the Cowgirls came in the final 20 minutes was 12 points 67-55 with 59 seconds left in the game.

CARL ALBERT 69, CONNORS STATE 55

Carl Albert 38 31—69

Connors State 20 35-55

Carl Albert (8-11, 4-6)—Brown 18, Edwards 14, Terry 8, Cooper 8, Williams 5, Watson 5, Conner 3, Savic 2, Gray 2, Ledbetter 2.

Connors State (12-8, 4-7)—Dean 22, Bunch 11, Love 8, Williams 6, Franklin 6, Garrett 2.

Connors Basketball on UStream.com Tonight with Carl Albert

Connors State Cowboys and Cowgirls basketball game against Carl Albert State College Thursday, January 31 will be available on Ustream.com with Lou Kelley providing the play by play.

Go to your computer and log in at usstream.com to get the game

The Cowgirls enter the game 10-7 for the year and 4-6 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play. Carl Albert is 7-11 for the year and 3-6 in league play.

The Cowboys, who are ranked No. 22, are 16-4 for the season and 7-3 in OCAC play, while Carl Albert is 2-16 on the year and 0-9 in league action.

Murray State Subdues Cowgirls, 81-73

TISHOMINGO—Murray State rallied from a six-point deficit 66-60 midway the second half then held off the Connors State Cowgirls en route to an 81-73 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference victory Monday night at Beams Field House.

Cowgirls led by Tonisha Dean’s 17 points trailed by 8 points at the half, 38-30 and fell behind by 15 points early in the final half. However, the Cowgirls offense ignited and took a six point advantage for a 66-60 lead.

Connors however, could not stop Toni Cheadle, Sierra Moore and Ivana Jakubcova, who finished with 25, 17 and 15 points respectively in streaking to the victory.

Dean’s 17 points led the Cowgirls offensive assault and was followed by Shakayla Love’s 14, Sha’Georgia Williams 13 and Shakemia Franklin’s 12 points.

Connors returns home Thursday night to battle Carl Albert State College at 6 p.m. at Melvin Self Field House. Cowgirls are now 12-8 for the year and 4-6 in OCAC play, while Murray State improves to 10-7 and 6-3.

MURRAY STATE 81, CONNORS STATE 73

Connors State 30 43--73

Murray State 38 43--82

Connors State (12-8, 4-6)—Dean 17, Love 14, Williams 13, Franklin 12, Hall 5, Garrett 5, Bunch 2, Miller 1.

Murray State (10-7, 6-3)—Cheadle 25, Moore 17, Jakubcova 15, Kell7 9, Baxter 8, Green 7.

Eastern Holds Off Cowgirls, 69-64

WILBURTON --- Connors Cowgirls Kami Bunch and Tonisha Dean scored 17 and 15 points respectively but it wasn’t enough to overcome a 15-point deficit midway in the second half, as Eastern Oklahoma State held off a late Cowgirls threat to take a 69-64 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference win Thursday night.

The Cowgirls drop to 10-7 for the year and 4-5 in league action, while Eastern State improves to 14-6 and 7-2. Connors will travel to Tishomingo to battle Murray State on Monday night. Tip-off is 6 p.m.

Cowgirls, who held a two-point lead midway the first half 20-18, trailed at the half 33-25. The Lady Mountaineers stretched their lead to 15 points 61-46 at the seven-minute mark of the second half. The Cowgirls behind Bunch and Dean, sliced Eastern’s lead to three points 65-62. However, the Cowgirls could get no closer.

Shola Adeboyo led the Lady Mountaineers scoring with 18 points with Rodneisha Milum adding 16 points in the win.

EASTERN STATE 69, CONNORS STATE 64

Connors State 25 39--64

Eastern State 33 36--69

Connors State (10-7, 4-5)—Bunch 17, Dean 15, Hall 12, Williams 8, Garrett 8, Love 4.

Eastern State (14-6,  7-2)—Adeboyo 18, Milum 16, Stewart 9, Brown 8, Hicks 8, Jones 4,Carter 4, Franks 2.

Murray State Upsets Cowboys, 82-71

TISHOMINGO—Murray State jumped out to an early lead and never gave it up en route to an 82-71 upset of No. 21 ranked Connors State Cowboys Monday night at Beams Field House in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash.

The loss drops the Cowboys to 16-4 for the season and 7-3 in OCAC play, while the Aggies improve to 10-9 and 6-3. Connors returns home to play Carl Albert State College Thursday night at Melvin Self Field House. Tip-off is 8 p.m.

Connors had four players in double-digit scoring led by Devante Moore’s 20 points, a season high for the El Reno sophomore. Josh Cameron followed with 19 points with Willie Atwood scoring 16 and Hakeem Harris 10.

Tim Smallwood led the Aggies scoring with 22 points, guiding Murray State to a 41-35 lead at the half. Smallwood was followed in the scoring by Gary Inglett’s 19 and Dusan Pantovic’s 11 points.

MURRAY STATE 82, CONNORS STATE 71

Connors State 35 36--71

Murray State 41 41-82

Connors State (16-4, 7-3)—Moore 20, Cameron 19, Atwood 16, Harris 10, Weatherspoon 2, Henderson 2, Hill 2.

Murray State (10-9, 6-3)—Smallwood 22, Inglett 19, Pantovice 11, Davis 11, Jordan 7, Woodson 7,  Bonardo 5.

Cowboys Clutch Free Throw Shooting Drops Eastern, 100-96

WILBURTON ---Connors State used clutch free throw shooting down the stretch to defeat host Eastern Oklahoma State College 100-96 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash at Dunlap Field House Thursday night.

The Cowboys won the game at the free throw line draining, 38 in the final 20 minutes of play.

Willie Atwood led the Cowboys scoring with 22 points, followed by Hekeem Harris and Devante Moore with 19 points each and Josh Cameron’s 18 points. Denell Henderson also scored in double figures with 16.

The 21^st ranked Cowboys improved to 16-3 for the year and 7-2 in league play while Eastern State falls to 13-7 and 5-4 in league play.

Connors will return to league play Monday, traveling to Tishomingo to battle Murray State in OCAC action. Tip-off is 8 pm.

Cowboys broke a 71-71 deadlock with 6:40 remaining in the game on a Josh Cameron basket to give Connors a 73-71 lead. It was all Cowboys at the free throw line the remainder of the physical contest as Eastern had five players foul out of the game.

Ryan Devers led the Mountaineers with 27 points, 23 coming in the second half of play. Rodnerius Lewis scored 17 and Devaughn Purcell added 14 points.

CONNORS STATE 100,  EASTERN STATE 96

Connors State 40 60 –100

Eastern State 39 57—96

Connors State (16-3, 7-2)—Atwood 22, Moore 19, Harris 19, Cameron 18, Henderson 16, Weatherspoon 4, Hill 4.

Eastern State (13-7, 5-4)—Devers 27, Lewis 17, Purcell 14, Johnson 11, Farmer 8, Calloway 7, Levy 5, Wilson 3, Marshall Jr. 2, Parker 2.

Cowboy Reception And Church Appreciation Day on February 9

Connors State College Cowboys head basketball coach Bill Muse is inviting all former Cowboy players to attend a pregame reception and basketball game on Saturday, February 9 at Melvin Self Field House.

The reception for the former players will begin at 12:30 p.m. and then watch the xx-ranked Cowboys battle Arkansas Baptist College at 2 p.m.

It is also Church Appreciation Day and church members will be admitted to the game free by contacting Muse at the field house for a admission ticket.

“It has been several years since many of the former Cowboys have returned to the campus and this will give them an opportunity to visit with many of their former teammates,” said Muse.

Through Muse’s 21 years as head coach of the Cowboys many of his former players have not kept in contact. Muse is asking that any of his former players contact him on the Warner campus by phoning 918-463-6231.

“I would like to make this a special afternoon and introduce you at half time of the Arkansas Baptist game,” said Muse. “This will be a great opportunity for every player to visit the campus again and see a lot of their former teammates.”

Anthony Hartfield Jr. Funeral Service Wednesday in OKC

Funeral Services for Anthony Hartfield, Jr.  will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Temple and Sons Earl M. Temple Memorial Chapel at 2801 No. Kelley Ave. in Oklahoma City.

Following the service on Wednesday, Harfield’s body will be flown to Minneapolis, Minn., where his mother resides for a second funeral service.

A burial fund has been set up at www.gofundme.com/anthonyhartfieldfund.

Hartfield, a freshman from Oklahoma City, played for the Cowboys during the fall semester, and reported to the Cowboys for the spring semester and remained on the squad for a week, before returning home to help with his family’s financial needs, according to CSC head coach Bill Muse.

Hartfield was shot to death when two people burst through the front door of his father’s home and shot him and fled the scene at 3 a.m. on Monday, January 14, according to police reports.

The Cowboys will be taking their team bus on Wednesday to attend the funeral and any students that are interested in attending, according to Muse. The Cowboys honored Hartfield by wearing his No. 22 on T-shirts before Monday night’s game with Western Oklahoma State College and have dedicated the season to the fallen Cowboy.

“He was a great kid,’ said Muse. He ate meals with students and a lot of our students got to know him. It was very shocking. Anthony was really a good person and always had a smile on his face,” said Muse.

Connors held a candle light vigil for Hartfield last Tuesday which was attended by over 200 students, coaches, staff and administrators. Speakers at the vigil included Muse and Hakeem Harris.

A candlelight vigil was also held at an outdoor basketball court at Western Hills Baptist Church in OKC last Wednesday, which was attended by family and friends, according to the Daily Oklahoman, newspaper.

“You were never bored around him, his smile brightened up your day,” said Parres Drake, a friend he met at U.S. Grant High School in Oklahoma City. “He was the last person you’d think this would happen to.

Drake said that Hartfield, battled through inner-city life and use basketball to escape.

“He used basketball to keep out of trouble,” said Drake. “We had friends who messed up and are in gangs, but he pushed everyone to do better. He would say ‘You’re better than that. You’ve got so much more to offer.”

Hartfield, who also played at St. Agnes in St. Paul, Minn., before moving to Oklahoma City, where he graduated averaging more than 25 points a game and was an honorable mention all-state selection.

The freshman, who returned to St. Paul for the Christmas break, attended a St. Agnes alumni game that played against the current St. Agnes squad.

“It got to hug him and see him,” Frank Webster, St. Agnes’ head coach, said of his former point guard.

Cowboys Second-Half Rally Dumps Western State, 83-75

WARNER-- Connors State rallied from a 12-point second half deficit to capture an 83-75 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference victory Monday night at Melvin Self Field House.

Connors won the game at the free throw line draining 36-of 48 free throws, while the Pioneers, who got into foul trouble late in the contest, finished just 10-of-14 from the stripe.

Josh Cameron led the Cowboys offensive assault with 22 points, followed by Denell Henderson, who recorded a double-double, with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Hakeem Harris added 12 in the win.

The victory keeps the 18^th ranked Cowboys tied for the OCAC lead at 6-2 as they improved to 15-3 for the season. Connors returns to conference play on Thursday, traveling to Wilburton to battle Eastern Oklahoma State College. Tip-off is 8 p.m.

The loss drop Western State to 10-8 for the year and 1-6 in conference play.

Connors trailed 52-40 with 13:27 left in the contest, before getting its first lead of the second half 60-59 on a bucket by Henderson.

The two clubs exchanged the lead twice before the Cowboys took a 3-point advantage 64-61 with 6:31 remaining on baskets by Cameron and Jamarcus Weatherspoon.

Connors and Western were then tied three more times, the last at 70-all with 3:24 left. The Pioneers then regained the lead on a free throw by Stirling Thomas, who led the Western scoring with 29 points, 71-70 at the 2:55 mark.

Cowboys took the lead for good on a put-back by Henderson and increased its lead to three points on a Cameron drive along the right baseline, for a 74-71 Cowboys advantage with 1:59 remaining.

Connors then drained 7-of 8 free throws, sandwiched around baskets by Henderson and Cameron to secure the victory.

CONNORS STATE 83, WESTERN STATE 75

Connors State 34 49—83

Western State 38 37—75

Western State (10-8, 1-6)—Thomas 29, JonAllen-Jordan 15, Jackson 11, Patton 9, Chapman 6, Mitchell 3, Allen 2.

Connors State (15-3, 6-2) -- Cameron 22, Henderson 19, Harris 12, Q. Jones 9, Atwood 8, Weatherspoon 8, Moore 3, Hill 2.

NOC-Enid Rolls Past Cowgirls

ENID – The 22^nd-ranked Northern Oklahoma Jets behind Kati Sullivan’s 23 points and Marisha Wallace’s 22 cruised to a 76-50 victory over the visiting Connors State Cowgirls Thursday night in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash.

The loss drops the Cowgirls to 10-6 for the year and 3-4 in OCAC play, while the Jets remain unbeaten in league play at 6-0 and 14-5 for the season.

Cowgirls’ Kami Bunch and Tonisha Dean led the Cowgirls scoring with 12 points each.

Connors trailed only 33-30 at the half, but fell behind as the Jets’ Sullivan and Wallace ignited the NOC-Enid attack in the final 20-minutes of play.

The Cowgirls will return to OCAC play on Monday night at home against Western Oklahoma State College at Melvin Self Field House. Tip-off is 6 p.m.

NORTHERN OKLAHOMA-ENID  76, CONNOR STATE 50

Connors State 30 20—50

NOC-Enid 33 43—76

Connors State (10-6, 3-4)—Bunch 12, Dean 12, Massey 5, Hall 5, Franklin 5, Love 4, Williams 4, Garrett 3.

NOC-Enid (14-5,  6-0)—Sullivan 23, Wallace 22, Beasler 12, Bates 7, Layn 4, Rani 4, Schumpert 2.

Connors Basketball Games Against Western State on USstream.tv

Connors State Cowgirls and Cowboys junior college basketball game with Western Oklahoma State College on Monday night, January 21 will be streamed online at WWW.usstream.tv  under CSC.

Tip-0ff for the women's  game is 6 p.m. and the men at 8 p. m.

The Cowgirls enter the contest with a 11-6 record and 3-4 mark in the Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference. Western State is 9-7 and 1-5 in OCAC play.

The  18th-ranked Cowboys are 14-3 for the year and 452 in league action whille Western State enters with a 10-7 record for the year and 1-5 in league action.

Cowgirls Behind Dean Roll Past NOC-Tonkawa, 83-47

WARNER –Connors Cowgirls behind the 25-point scoring performance of Tonisha Dean rolled past Northern Oklahoma-Mavericks Monday night at Melvin Self Field House, cruising to an 83-47 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference victory.

Connors held a precarious 33-27 lead at the break, but took command in the final 20 minutes behind Dean, Shakemia Franklin, who poured in 16 points, with Shakayla Love adding 12 and Raven Massey 10 for the contest.

Cowgirls increased their lead through the final half, holding its largest lead of the night 36, 83-47 with 1:02 left in the game.

Cowgirls will take a 9-10-5 season mark and 3-3 league record to Enid on Thursday to battle Northern Oklahoma-Enid in an OCAC match up. Tip-off is 6 p.m.

Cowgirls cruised to a 9-0 lead to open the game and stretched it to 18 points 29-11 with 5:50 remaining in the opening half.

That’s when the Lady Mavericks went on a 10-0 run to slice Connors lead to six points, 29-23 with 1:45 remaining. The half ended with the Cowgirls holding onto a 33-27 lead.

CONNORS STATE 83, NOC-TONKAWA 47

NOC-Tonkawa 27 20—47

Connors State 33 50—83

NOC-Tonkawa (2-16, 0-6)—Means 13, Karungi 8, Butler 5, Flores 3, McBride 4, Moses 4, Williams 2, Madzarevcic 2, Manning 2, Kruecame 2, Means 2.

Connors State (10-5, 3-3)—Dean 25, Franklin 16, Love 12, Massey 10, Bunch 8, Garrett 7, Hall 5,

Cowboys Stop Seminole State in Overtime, 92-89

SEMINOLE –Connors State is finding the road tough place to win in the Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference as the 12^th-rated Cowboys captured a hard-fought overtime victory over host Seminole State 92-89 on the Trojans home floor Thursday night.

The win comes just two days following a conference loss to Northeastern A&M in Miami. The Cowboys with the victory improve to 13-2 for the season and 4-1 in league play to remain tied for the lead in OCAC play. The Trojans fall to 4-10 on the year and 1-3 in league action.

Troy Jones scored eight of his 20 points in overtime to give the Cowboys the win. Connors and the Trojans battled to an 82-82 tie at the end of regulation play.

Connors held a 14-point lead at the half 52-38, on to have the Trojans battle back to tie the game and send it into overtime.

Denell Henderson led the Cowboys in scoring with 21 points, with Devante Moore scoring 15, Hekeem Harris 14 and Josh Cameron 13.

Tevin Bellinger led Seminole with 22 and Michael Bowlers and JoVaughn added 12 points each.

The Cowboys return to OCAC play on Monday when they play host to Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa at Melvin Self Field House. Tip-off for the conference game is 8 p.m.

CONNORS STATE 92, SEMINOLE STATE 89 (0T)

CONNORS STATE 52 30 10—92

SEMINOLE STATE 38  44 7—89

CONNORS STATE (13-2, 4-1)— Henderson 21, T. Jones 20, Moore 15, Harris 14, Cameron 13, Atwood 6, Weatherspoon 2, Q. Jones 2.

SEMINOLE STATE (4-10, 1-3)—Bellinger 22, Love 12, Bowlers 12, Samuel 9, Galbreath 9, Wright 8, Brewer 5, Johnson 5, Saunders 2.

Northeastern A&M Holds Off Cowgirls

MIAMI, OKLA. –Connors State battled back from a 10-point half time deficit to tie the game late in the second half, but fell short to Northeastern A&M 70-66 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash on the Lady Norse home floor Tuesday night.

The loss drops the Cowgirls to 8-5 for the season and 1-3 in OCAC action, while the Lady Norse improves to 10-4 and 3-1 in league action.

The Cowgirls will return to OCAC play on Thursday night, traveling to Seminole State College. Tip-off is 6 p.m.

Connors tied the Lady Norse at 42 all in the second half, but quickly fell behind by 10 points before taking its only lead of the game 66-65 on a bucket by Tonisha Dean, who led Connors scoring with 18 points, connected from the right corner with one-minute left in the game.

However the Lady Norse scored four more points down the stretch to get the victory.

Kami Bunch followed Dean in the scoring for the Cowgirls with 16 points.

NEO took an 8-0 lead to open the game and stretched its margin to 13 points, 29-16 with 3:00 left in the first half, before the Cowgirls scored six unanswered points cutting the Lady Norse lead to 7 points, 29-22 with 50 seconds remaining in the half.

Following an NEO bucket to make it 31-22, Cowgirls’ Kami Bunch, who led the first half scoring for Connors with 9 points, scored to make it 31-24. However the Lady Norse’s Sofia Mendoza drained a 3-point shot as the buzzer sounded for a 10-point NEO lead at the half.

Sofia Mendoza led the NEO scoring with 23 points with DeVaughn Gray adding 14 and ShaQuita Arnick 11.

NORTHEASTERN A&M 70, CONNORS STATE 66

Connors State 24 42—66

Northeastern A&M 34 36—70

Connors State (8-5, 1-3)— Dean 18, Bunch 16, Williams 11, Love 9, Garrett 6, Massey 4, Hall 2.

Northeastern A&M (10-4, 2-2)—Mendoza 23, Gray 14, Arnick 11,  Burns 6, Fernandez  6, Clark 6, Williams 2, Frazier 2.

Cowgirls Rally to Defeat Seminole State

SEMINOLE –Connors State Cowgirls rallied from a 10-point second half deficit to defeat Seminole State 79-76 on the Belles home floor Thursday night in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash.

The victory lifts the Cowgirls to 9-5 on the year and 2-3 in OCAC play, while Seminole State falls to 7-7 for the year and 1-3 in conference play.

Cowgirls had five players score in double figures with Raven Massey leading the offensive assault with 21 points. Sha’Georgia Williams scored 14 points with Shakayla Love adding 12 with Kami Bunch and Tiara Hall with 11 points each.

Connors held a seven-point lead at the half, 40-33, before falling behind by 10 points midway the second half and mounting the comeback.

Maraea Kelemete led the Belles scoring with 23 points followed by Oulaymatou Coulibaly’s 17 and Cherrell Price’s 16 points.

CONNORS STATE 79, SEMINOLE STATE 76

CONNORS STATE 40 39--79

SEMINOLE STATE 33 43--76

CONNORS STATE (9-5, 3-2)—Massey 21, Williams 14, Love 12, Bunch 11, Hall 11, Dean 9, Garrett 1.

SEMINOLE STATE (7-7, 1-3)-Kelemete 23, Coulibaly 17, Price 16, Walck 9, Williams 4, Acklin 4, Rosado 3.

Cowgirls Pound Mid-South Community 113-76

WARNER— Connors State placed seven players in double-digit scoring as the Cowgirls rolled past Mid-South Community College 113-76 at Melvin Self Field House Saturday to open the second half of the season.

Cowgirls’ victory gives Connors State an 8-4 record entering Oklahoma College Athletic Conference play on Tuesday night on the road against Northeastern A&M. Tip-off is 6:30 p.m.

It was the fifth time this season the Cowgirls eclipse the century mark. Raven Massey, who led the Cowgirls scoring with 35 points, hit the century mark at the 5:34 mark, giving the Cowgirls a 100-59 advantage. Massey then put them over the top with a pair of free throws with 3:49 remaining.

Following Massey in the scoring was Shakayah Love with 17 followed by Kami Bunch 15, Sha’Georgia Williams 13, Dakota Garrett 12, with Tonisha Dean, and Tiara Hall with 10 points each.

Connors jumped out to a 16-7 lead and then went on a 12-0 run to grab a comfortable 30-9 advantage with 12:39 left in the half.

The Cowgirls increased its margin to 34 points 61-27, its largest lead of the half with 37 seconds remaining in the first half.

Connors forced the Greyhounds into 19 first half turnovers in the opening 20 minutes of action. Mid-South finished with 32 turnovers in the contest.

CONNORS STATE 113 MID-SOUTH COMMUNITY 76

MID-SOUTH COMMUNITY 29 47-76

CONNORS STATE   61  52--113

MID-SOUTH (5-11)—Harris 20, Hughes 13, Washington 10, Torri 7, Wilkerson 6, Wallace 4, Clark 4, Green 3, Madden  3, King 2, Ball 2, Bennett 2.

CONNORS STATE  (8-4)—Massey 35, Love 17, Bunch 15, Williams 13, Garrett 12, Hall 10, Dean 10, Miller 1.

Cowgirls Reunion Scheduled for Saturday, January 5

Connors State Cowgirls will battle Mid-South Community College at 2 p.m. Saturday at Melvin Self Field House and at half time all former Cowgirls will be introduced.

Festivities for the Cowgirl Reunion will begin at 1 p.m. in the hospitality room. All former Cowgirls are encouraged to attend.

Cowboys Pound Hillsdale Baptist JV, 110-55

WARNER – Connors State cruised to a 110-55 victory over visiting Hillsdale Baptist Junior Varsity Thursday night at Melvin Self Field House.

The win lifts the 17^th-ranked Cowboys to a 12-1 record. Connors returns to play on January 8 against Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference member Northeastern A&M at Miami.

Cowboys scored the first 8 points of the game and was never contested the remainder of the game, racing to a 64-24 lead at half time. All 12 Cowboys scored against the Saints.

Connors had five players scoring in double figures with Craig Hill leading the scoring assault with 16 points with Devante Moore and Quan Jones with 14 points each. Hakeem Harris scored 11 and Josh Cameron added 10 points.

The Cowboys crossed the century mark for the second time this season with Larry Spicer taking the honors with 1:29 remaining in the game, giving the Cowboys a 102-53 lead.

CONNORS STATE 110, HILLSDALE BAPTIST JV 55

Connors State 64 46—110

Hillsdale Baptist JV 24 31—55

Connors State (12-1)—Hill 16, Q. Jones 14, Moore 14, Hakeem Harris 11, Cameron 10, Weatherspoon 9, Atwood 8, Henderson 8, T. Jones 8, Spicer 6, Hartfield 5, Cabrera 1.

Hillsdale Baptist JV—Clater 17, Perry 14, Prepall 7, Burton 6, Kader 4, McMillan 3, Hughes 2, Lewis 2.

Cowgirls Crush St. Gregory's, 107-33

WARNER –Connors State rolled to an easy 107-33 victory over visiting St. Gregory’s Junior Varsity Tuesday night at Melvin Self Field House.

The win lifts the Cowgirls to 7-4 for the season. Connors State returns to action on January 5 against Mid-South Community College.

Connors’ Sha’ Georgia Williams drained a 3-point shot from the right wing at the 19:55 mark as the Cowgirls were off and running. Lady Cavaliers’ Domique Criddle scored a bucket 20 seconds later and that was the closest that St. Gregory’s would get the rest of the contest, 3-2.

Connors went on a 17-0 run to make it 20-2 at the 14:40 mark and held a commanding 59-15 advantage at the half.

Raven Massey led the Cowgirls’ scoring with 24 points, with Kami Bunch adding 17 and Williams 14 points. All 11 Cowgirls got into the scoring against St. Gregory’s

In the second half both coaching staff agreed to have the clock run continuously the final 20 minutes of play.

Connors crossed the century mark with3:00 left to play 101-29 when Raven Massey scored on a layup.

CONNORS STATE 107, ST. GREGORY’S JV 33

St. Gregory’s JV 15 18—33

Connors State 59 48—107

St. Gregory’s –Criddle 19, Stramus 8, Thurgood 6

Connors State (6-4,  1-2)—Massey 24, Bunch 17, Williams 14, Franklin 8, Love 8, Kyes 7, Medcalf 6, Hall 6, Garrett 6, Dean 5, Miller 4.

Redlands Holds Off Cowgirls 74-62 in Conference Action

WARNER ----Redlands Community took charge from the outset and raced to a 74-62 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference victory over the Connors State Cowgirls Thursday night at Melvin Self Field House.

Kayla Pahcoddy led the Lady Cougars assault with 24 points dropping the Cowgirls to 5-4 for the season and 1-2 in conference action. Redlands improves to 9-1 and 3-0 in league action. Lissette Plasencia followed Pahcoddy in the scoring with 14 points.

Shakayla Love led the Cowgirls with 14 points, with Tiara Hall adding 11.

Connors will step out of OCAC play on Tuesday playing host to St. Gregory’s junior varsity at Melvin Self Field House. Tipoff is 6 p.m.

Cowgirls rallied from a 13-point deficit 28-15 with 7:46 left in the first half to battled back to within two points with 1:15 remaining behind Hall, 37-35. The Lady Cougars increased its lead to four points just before the half, taking a 39-35 lead into the locker room.

Redlands increased its lead to 18 points in the final 20 minutes, the last with 11:24 left in the game, 61-43, before the Cowgirls battled back to within 8 points, 64-56 at the 4:58 mark.  That was the closest the Cowgirls came the rest of the contest.

 REDLANDS 74, CONNORS STATE 62

Connors State 35 27–62

Redlands 39 35 –74

Connors State (5-4, 1-2) –Love 14, Hall 11, Williams 8, Dean 7, Keys 6, Massey 5, Bunch 4, Garrett 4, Franklin 3,

Redlands (9-1, 3-0) –Pahcoddy 24, Haywood 17, Plasencia 14, Cooper 6, King 5, Anderson 4, Watson 3, Hamilton 1.

Cowgirls Drop Carl Albert, 97-85, in OCAC Play

POTEAU – Connors Cowgirls led by the 20-point performance of freshman Raven Massey and 16-point output by sophomore Shakayla Love, captured a 97-85 victory over Carl Albert Lady Vikings Tuesday night in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference game.

The Cowgirls are now 6-3 for the season and 1-1 in OCAC play while Carl Albert falls to 4-5 and 1-1 in league play.

Joining Massey and Love in double digit scoring for the Cowgirls was Sha’Georgia Williams and Dakota Garrett with 11 and 10 points respectively.

Carl Albert’s scoring was led by D. Brown with 30 points with Skylar Cooper adding 13 and Ericka Edwards 11.

Connors held a 53-40 advantage at intermission taking the lead late in the first half on excellent 3-point shooting, while hauling down 13 offensive rebounds and finishing with 25 offensive boards for the game.

The Cowgirls will return home Thursday night at Melvin Self Field House at 6 p.m. to play host to Redlands Community College.

CONNORS STATE 97, CARL ALBERT 85

Connors State 53 44--97

Carl Albert 40 45 --85

Connors State (6-3, 1-1) –Massey 20, Love 16, Williams 11, Garrett 10, Medcalf 8, Hall 8, Dean 7, Keys 7, Franklin 5, Bunch 4.

Carl Albert (4-5, 1-1)—Brown 30, S. Cooper 13, Edwards 11, Terry 8, Watson 5, K. Cooper 5, Savic 5, Williams 4, Conner 3, Ledbetter 2.

Murray Snaps Cowgirls Winning Streak, 68-52

WARNER –Connors State Cowgirls‘ four game winning streak was snapped Monday night at Melvin Self Field House as the Murray State Lady Aggies handed the Cowgirls a 68-52 loss in the Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference opener for both schools.

Cowgirls are now 5-3 for the season and 0-1 in OCAC action while Murray State improves to 4-1 and 1-0. Connors returns to action on Tuesday night, November 27 with a road game at Poteau, against conference foe Carl Albert State College.

“I am not big on excuses, but we did play four game in five days and you could tell that a little bit,” said head coach Eddie Kite. “We just didn’t have shots falling and we were missing free throws (11-of-21) after shooting 75 percent in our last game.

“That really had a lot to do with it. We just didn’t have the intensity we needed. They played well (Murray). They shot the ball well, we just missed too many shots, that we have been hitting,” he said.

Connors fell behind early and was unable to bounce back, trailing 32-17 at the break. Murray stretched its lead to 24 points battling back to within 12 midway the second half, coming no closer.

“We showed a lot of character bouncing back and cutting it from 24 to 12,” said Kite. “We just didn’t have enough gas left in the tank,” he said. “We showed some solid character. We could have rolled over and we didn’t. We have some work to do.”

Raven Massey led the Cowgirls’ scoring with 14 points, while LaShanda Green led the Lady Aggies with 20. Kaylie Baxter added 12 points in the win.

MURRAY STATE 68,  CONNORS STATE 52

Murray State 32 36–68

Connors State 17 35 –52

Murray State (4-1, 1-0)—Green 20, Baxter 12, Kerin 10, Moore 10, Cheadle 9, Jakubcova 4, Kelly 3, Huerta 2.

Connors State (5-3, 0-1)—Massey 14, Bunch 9, Williams 6, Love  6, Franklin 5, Keys 4, Dean 3, Garrett 3, Medcalf 2.

Cowboys Blast Southwestern Christian JV, 103-50

OKLAHOMA CITY – Connors State had no problem with Southwestern Christian University Junior Varsity Monday night rolling to a 103-50 victory on the road.

The 17^th-ranked Cowboys improved to 11-1 for the season as six Connors State players scored in double figures. It was the second win of the season over Southwestern Christian. The Cowboys took an 87-65 victory on November 5th

Sophomore guard Hakeem Harris led the Cowboys’ scoring assault with 21 points, with Denell Henderson pouring home 16 points. Following in the scoring was Willie Atwood with 14, Quan Jones and Troy Jones with 13 points each while Jamarcus Weatherspoon scored 11.

The Cowboys cruised to a 52-24 advantage at the half and was never contested in the game.

Garriett Zollinger led Southwestern Christian scoring with 15 points, while Jake Hopkins and Gary Ford scored 9 points each.

Connors will return to action on Thursday night playing Hilldale Baptist College Junior Varsity at Melvin Self House closing out the first half of the season. Tip-off for the Hilldale game is 7 p.m.

CONNORS STATE 103 ,SOUTHWESTERN CHRISTIAN JV 50

Connors State 52 51-103

Southwestern Christian JV 24 26-50

Connors State (11-1)—Harris 21, Henderson 16, Atwood 14,Q. Jones 13, T. Jones 13, Weatherspoon 11, Moore 5, Cameron 5, Cabrera 3, Spicer 2.

Southwestern Christian JV— Zollinger 15, Ford 9, Hopkins 9, Palmer 8, DeBose 4, Maloy 3, Tipton 2.

Cowboys Unbeaten in OCAC Play; Rip Redlands, 83-58

WARNER ----Connors State behind the double-double performance of sophomore Denell Henderson rolled to an impressive 83-58 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference victory over visiting Redlands Community College Thursday night at Melvin Self Field House.

The victory lifted the 17^th ranked Cowboys to 10-1 on the season and they remain unbeaten in OCAC play at 3-0. The Cougars fall to 4-8 for the year and 2-1 in conference play.

Henderson, who jammed home two thunder-dunks in the ball game, scored 24 points and hauled down 13 rebounds to lead the Cowboys offensive attack.

The 6-7 Henderson was 7-of-9 from the field, all from within the paint, as he dominated inside the lines, while sitting out much of the second half. He was deadly at the free throw line draining 10-of-11 attempts.

However, Henderson was not alone in the offensive onslaught as Josh Cameron scored 16 points with Willie Atwood and Jamarcus Weatherspoon scored 11 points in the win.

The Cowboys jumped out to a 15-1 lead to open the contest and was never contest by the Cougars the rest of the contest. Connors held its largest lead of the game, a 27-point margin, 72-45 with 6:23 remaining.

Redlands’ scoring was led by Jared Griffen with 18 points while Revey Norton added  14.

CONNORS STATE 83, REDLANDS 58

Connors State 39 44–83

Redlands 29 29 –58

Connors State (10-1, 3-0)–Henderson 24, Cameron 16, Atwood 11, Weatherspoon 11, Jones 9, Moore 5, Hill 4, Harris 2, Spicer 1.

Redlands (4-8, 2-1) –Griffen 18, Norton 14, Gripper 7, Owens 5, Clarck 5, Paras 3, Hamil 2, Hancock 2, Nix 2.

Cowboys Stop Carl Albert 65-62 in OCAC Play

POTEAU –Connors State rallied from a 13-point half time deficit to overtake Carl Albert State 65-62 Tuesday night in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference victory at the Vikings home floor.

The 13^th-ranked Cowboys are now 9-1 for the season and unbeaten in OCAC play with a 2-0 mark. Carl Albert falls to 2-7 and 0-2 in conference play.

Connors scoring was led by Hakeem Harris and Jamarcus Weatherspoon with 14 points each. Devante Moore also scored in double digits with 12.

Trailing 34-22 at the intermission, the Cowboys tied the game at 46-46 midway the second half before taking the lead for good.

Adrion Webber led the Vikings scoring with 27 points with Jamere Hadden adding 13.

The Cowboys return to conference play on Thursday at Melvin Self Field House playing Redlands Community College. Tip-off is 8 p.m.

CONNORS STATE 65, CARL ALBERT 62

Connors State 22 43--65

Carl Albert 34 28--62

Connors State (9-1, 2-0) –Harris 14, Weatherspoon 14, Moore 12, Atwood 7, Cameron 6, Hill 6, Henderson 6.

Carl Albert (2-7, 0-2)—Webber 27, Hadden 13, Wells 7, Gallion 7, Ashley 5.

Cowboys Rally Falls Short Against Paris JC

DALLAS, TEXAS –Connors State’s eight-game winning streak came to an end Saturday night in the Joe Huey Thanksgiving Classic at Richland College as Paris Junior College escaped with a 70-65 victory.

The 13^th-ranked Cowboys are now 8-1 and will return to Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play Tuesday night on the road at Poteau against Carl Albert State College. Tip-off is 8 p.m.

Josh Cameron and Hakeem Harris led the Cowboys scoring with 14 points each with Willie Atwood adding 11 points.

The Dragons’ scoring was led by Eddie Leal’s 17 points followed by Chris Jones 12 and Antonio Arnold’s 10.

The Dragons held a 28-25 lead at the intermission in a first half that was a see-saw contest before Paris took the lead just before the half ended.

Connors tied the game midway the final 20 minutes but was never able to grab a lead.

PARIS JUNIOR COLLEGE 70, CONNORS STATE 65

Connors State 25 35--65

Paris Junior College 28 42-70

Connors State (8-1)—Cameron 14, Harris 14, Atwood 11, Henderson 9, Weatherspoon 7, Moore 3, Q. Jones 3, T. Jones 2, Hill 2.

Paris JC—Leal 17, Jones 12, Arnold  10, Harmon 8, Mitchell 7, Adams 6, Holt 5, Dickerson 3, Pearson 2.

Cowboys Hold Off Richland, 66-60

DALLAS, TEXAS –Connors State ran its unbeaten streak to 8-0 with a 66-60 victory over Richland College Friday night in the Joe Huey Thanksgiving Classic on the Thunderducks home floor.

It was the 13^th-ranked Cowboys second win of the season over the Thunderducks. Connors defeated Richland 75-53 at Melvin Self Field House on November 10^th.

The Cowboys will play Paris Junior College Saturday at 4 p.m.

Connors had four players score in double figures with Hakeem Harris leading the Cowboys’ scoring with 16 points followed by Denell Henderson’s 15, with Willie Atwood and Josh Cameron scoring 12 points each.

Cowboys and Thunderducks played to a 17-17 tie midway the opening half, before taking a 31-23 lead at the intermission.

Qadash Williams led the Thunderducks’ scoring with 24 points with Charod Hall adding 12.

CONNORS STATE 66 RICHLAND COLLEGE 60

Connors State 31 35-66

Richland College 23 37-60

Connors State (8-0) –Harris 16, Henderson 15, Atwood 12, Cameron 12, Moore 7, Q. Jones 2, Weatherspoon 2.

Richland –Q. Williams 24, Hall 12, Carroll 11, E. Williams 9, Runnels 6, Sonnier 6, Jeffrey 5, Lewis 5, Speed 1.

Cowboys Drop Murray for OCAC Win

Connors State remained unbeaten with a 58-35 win over Murray State Monday night at Melvin Self Field House in the Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference opener for both schools.

The 21^st-ranked Cowboys are now 7-0 for the season and 1-0 in OCAC play, while Murray State falls to 3-2 and 0-1. The Cowboys will now head to weekend play in the Richland Classic on Friday. Connors will open against host Richland College and then play Paris Junior College on Saturday.

Connors smothering defense was the difference in the contest and Cowboys’ head Coach Mill Muse agreed.

“It was an outstanding defensive ball game, there was no doubt about that,” said Muse. “We defended from the tip on, holding them to 17 points in the first half. The second half we didn’t let down. We guarded them and they didn’t make many shots.”

Connors’ defense shut down the Aggies from the outset, racing to a 32-17 lead at the intermission. It was more of the same in the second half, limiting Murray to just 18 points in the final 20 minutes of action.

Denell Henderson led the Cowboys’ scoring with 13 points with Josh Cameron scoring 12 and Devante Moore 11.

Offensively Muse said the Cowboys have to improve. “We have to shore-up our offensive output, particularly our free throw shooting (17-of-29). If we had made some more free throws we would have been up in the 70s.

“But I am really proud of the effort, especially on defense. If you guard like that you’ll win every game,” said Muse.

Murray’s scoring was paced by Dusan Panatovic’s 12 points, the only Aggie to score in double figures.

CONNORS STATE 58, MURRAY STATE 35

Murray State 17 18 –35

Connors State 32 36 –58

Murray State (3-2, 01)—Pantovic 12, Wartsom 9, Smallwood 7, Davis 5, Scruggs 2

Connors State (7-0, 1-0) — Henderson 13, Cameron 12, Moore 11, Harris 8, Hill 4, Weatherspoon 4, Q. Jones 4, Attwood 2.

Cowboys Pound Bacone JV, 84-50

WARNER –Connors State cruised to a 27-5 lead midway the first half and was never threaten the rest of the contest en route to an 84-50 victory over visiting Bacone Junior Varsity Wednesday night at Melvin Self Field House.

The victory lifted the 21^st –ranked Cowboys to an unbeaten 6-0 record. The Warriors’ JV is now 1-5 for the season. The Cowboys will open Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play on Monday against Murray State Aggies at Melvin Self Field House. Tip-off is 8 p.m.

“We came out stronger tonight than we have the past couple of games, but we just have to better every single game,” said Cowboys’ head coach Bill Muse. “I think we have made improvement the last couple of games and gotten better,” he said.

Cowboys had four players score in double figures with sophomore Denell Henderson leading the attack with 16 points, while pulling down 7 rebounds and blocking four shots. Jamarcus Weatherspoon poured home 15 points followed by Willie Atwood with 12 and Troy Jones 10.

“We had four guys in double figures which enable us to play a lot of people,” said Muse. “Now it gets real serious with our conference opener with Murray State. But we have gotten better every single game. We are 6-0 now and it now gets tougher entering conference play. We have good teams in the conference and we know we are going to have our hands full with Murray,” he said.

Bacone’s scoring was led by Landon Smoote with 13 points.

CONNORS STATE 84, BACONE JV 50

Bacone JV 19 31 –50

Connors State 40 44—84

Bacone JV (1-5)—Smoote 13, Klefas 9, Davis 6, Broadnax 5, Jackson 5, Currier 3, Brutt 3, Roach 2, Dowdy 2, Patterson 2.

Connors State (6-0)—Denell Henderson 16, Jamarcus Weatherspoon 15, Willie Atwood 12, Troy Jones 10, Devante Moore 8, Josh Cameron 7, Craig Hill 5,Quan Jones 4, Larry Spicer 4, Hakeem Harris 3.

Cowgirls Collecting Canned Goods for Gospel Rescue Mission

Connors State Cowgirls basketball team is collecting canned goods which will be donated to the Gospel Rescue Mission in Muskogee.

The drive which began Monday, November 19 will continue through December 6.

Donated canned goods can be brought to Melvin Self Field House on the Warner campus.

Cowgirls Crush Coffeyville, 104-71; Fourth Straight Win

COFFEYVILLE, KAN. –It was no contest Saturday night at the Coffeyville Classic as the Connors State Cowgirls cruised to an impressive 104-71 victory over host Coffeyville Community College for their fourth consecutive victory.

Cowgirls improve to 5-2 for the season and opens Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play Monday night at Melvin Self Field House against Murray State College. Tip-off for the league opener is 6:30 p.m.

“We came out the first half and we were just killing it (shooting),” said head coach Eddie Kite. “This was the best basketball we’ve played this season.

“The first half I don’t know if they could have played much better, offensively or defensively. The final score wasn’t really as close as it was. We kind’ a lost focus the last few minutes of the game.

“The kids are really buying into the new offense, crashing the boards and playing defense,” said Kite.

Five Cowgirls scored in double figures with Sha’Georgia Williams scoring a season high 19 points to lead the offensive attack. Williams was 5-of-10 from the field, including 3-of-3 from behind arch, while connecting on 6-of-9 at the free throw line.

Shakayla Love, also drained a season high 16 points. Shakemia Franklin scored 14 points followed by Tiara Hall’s 12 and Courtney Medcalf’s 10.

Connors exploded to a 49-26 lead at the intermission, as the Cowgirls shot 46 percent from the field and finished with a torrid 52 percent from the field, draining 36-of-73 attempts, including 7-of-13 from behind the arc.

Cowgirls were deadly at the free throw line canning 25-of-35 attempts. Defensively Connors forced Coffeyville into 27 turnovers for the game, while committing only nine.

Connors held the Lady Red Ravens to 39 percent shooting from the field (26-of-66) and just 3-of-13 from behind the arc.

Chelsie Keys led the Coffeyville scoring with 16 points, with Kourtney Carpenter scoring 13 and Devyn Edwards, Miaja Coursey scoring 11 and 10 respectively.

CONNORS STATE 104, COFFEYVILLE 71

Connors State 49 55--104

Coffeyville 26  45--71

Connors State (5-2)—Williams 19,Love 16, Franklin 14, Hall 12, Medcalf 10, Bunch 7, Dean 7, Keys 7, Massey 4, Miller 3.

Coffeyville –Keys 16, Carpenter 13, Edwards 11, Coursey 10, Cook 6, Green 5, Andersen 4, Winden 2, Brantley 2.

Cowgirls Win Third Straight; Rip Labette County 92-66

COFFEYVILLE, KAN. –Connors State’s up-tempo offensive attack was more than Labette County could handle as the Cowgirls rolled past the Cardinals 92-66 in the Coffeyville Classic Friday night.

Cowgirls, who have now won three consecutive games, improved to 4-2 on the year and will play host Coffeyville Lady Red Ravens at 7 p.m. Saturday. Connors opens Oklahoma Collegiate Conference action on Monday against Murray State at Melvin Self Field House. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m.

Four Cowgirls shot in double-figures with Tonisha Dean leading the attack with 14 points as Connors shot 46 percent from the field, draining 37-of-80 attempts.

Shakayla Love followed Dean in the scoring with 14 points with Hayley Keys adding 13 and Shakemia Franklin 12. Dakota Garrett led the Cowgirls in rebounding pulling down 11 boards.

Connors led from the opening basket cruising to a 48-25 lead at the intermission. The Cowgirls were never threatened in the second half as Labette could not overcome the 23-point half time deficit.

Ashley Lutz led the Labette County scoring with 15 points, with Dayshaney Russell, Haleigh Lis and Natasha Carver scoring 10 points each.

CONNORS STATE 92, LABETTE COUNTY 66

Connors State 48 44--92

Labette County 25 41--66

Connors State (4-2)– Dean 18, Love 14, Keys 13, Franklin 12, Hall 9, Garrett 7, Bunch 6, Williams 5, Medcalf 4, Miller 2, Massey 2.

Labette County—Lutz 15, Russell 10, Lis 10, Carver 10, Phillips 9, Nicholas 9, Lee 3.

Cowboys Ranked No. 21 in NJCAA Basketball Poll

Colorado Springs, Colo. — National Junior College Athletic Association released its first national ranking of the season and the Connors State Cowboys are ranked No. 21 in the nation.

The Cowboys, who have opened the 2012-13 basketball season with a perfect 5-0 record, received 75 points in top 25 poll.  The Cowboys are the only Region II team to appear in the top-25 poll.

South Plains College in Missouri sits atop the national rankings with a 5-0 mark and 400 points.

NJCAA National Rankings

Record and Points

1, South Plains College (5-0) 400. 2, Northwest Florida State (4-0) 377; 3, Howard College (4-0) 352; 4, Indian Hills Community College-Ottumwa (4-0) 344; 5, Chipola College (3-0) 338; 6, Vincennes University (4-0) 323; 7, Hutchinson Community College (5-0) 297; 8, Palm Beach State College (6-0) 275; 9, Spartanburg Methodist College (5-0) 240; 10, Coffeyville Community College (4-0) 213; 11, Iowa Western Community College (4-0) 196; 12, College of Southern Idaho (4-1) 190; 13, Shelton State Community College (2-0) 174; 14, East Mississippi State (2-0) 162; 15, Gordon State College (4-0) 155; 16, Midland College (4-0) 144; 17, Navarro College (3-1) 113; 18, Central Arizona College (5-0) 95; 19, Casper College (2-1) 85; 20, Seward County Community College (3-1); 21, Connors State College (5-0) 75; 22, Moberly Area Community College (5-0) 58; 23, Monroe College (2-1) 53; 24, San Jacinto College-Central (5-0) 42, 25, New Mexico Junior College (5-0) 38.

Moore Leads Cowboys Past Arkansas Baptist, 77-61

LITTLE ROCK, ARK. --- Trailing 35-33 at the intermission, the Connors State Cowboys turned up the defensive intensity on Arkansas Baptist, holding the Buffaloes to 26 points the final 20 minutes, en route to a 77-61 victory Monday night.

The victory keeps the Cowboys unbeaten at 5-0 and will return home for a Wednesday night contest against Bacone College JV at Melvin Self Field House.  Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. The loss drops Arkansas Baptist to 1-5 for the year.

“We played kind of sloppy the first half, but the second half we turned up the defensive intensity,” said head coach Bill Muse. “We guarded hard in the second half, just like we did against Richland.

“We started the game with four consecutive turnovers, but we settled down. We had it tied just before the half, but they hit a half-court shot at the buzzer to give them the lead going into the second half.

“We came out strong in the second half,” said Muse.

Sophomore Devante Moore scored a season high 19 points to lead two other players in double figure scoring. Denell Henderson poured home 14 points and Craig Hill added another 13 in the win.

“Devante had a very good night,” said Muse, adding “he played hard. He took it to the basket, finished baskets.  He played very well.”

Arkansas Baptist’s scoring was paced by Dominick Ford’s 13 points with Thomas Austin adding 12 and Brian Tardy 11.

CONNORS STATE 77, ARKANSAS BAPTIST 61

Connors State 33 44—77

Arkansas Baptist 35  26—61

Connors State (5-0)—Devante Moore 19, Denell Henderson 14, Craig Hill 13, Hakeem Harris 9, Willie Wood 8, Jamarcus Weatherspoon 8, Josh Cameron 6.

Arkansas Baptist (1-5)—Dominick Ford 13, Thomas Austin 12, Brian Tardy 11, Joshua Tarver 8, DeVario Pierce 7, Mike Howard 6, Keelon Milton 4.

Cowgirls Avenge Season Opening Loss to North Arkansas 72-67

HARRISON, ARK. –Connors State women avenged an early season loss to North Arkansas Community College Saturday afternoon capturing a 72-67 victory over the Lady Pioneers in the North Arkansas Classic.

The victory gives the Cowgirls a 2-2 season record entering Thursday night’s game against Bacone JV at Melvin Self Field House.

 North Arkansas had defeated the Cowgirls 73-67 in the season opener at Melvin Self Field House.

and Raven Massey  and Sha’ Georgia Williams led the Cowgirls scoring with 18 and 12 respectively with Tonisha Dean and Tiara Hall scoring 7 points each.

“We were up by 10 to 12 points at one point, got into a little foul trouble, but this is not the same team that took the floor on Monday,” said Cowgirls head Coach Eddie Kite.

: We played much better, playing much better team ball and they are playing harder,”

 said Kite.

“We are much improved ball team over the past week,” he said.

North Arkansas’ scoring was led by Janna Case’s 16 points.

The Cowgirls trailed 29-28 at the break, but streaked to a 10 point lead midway the second half and thwarted a late Lady Pioneer rally for the win.

Kite liked the defensive intensity the Cowgirls displayed against the Lady Pioneers this time around, especially the play of Massey.

“Raven is getting a lot of her points off her defensive play on the ball, causing turnovers and that’s what we want,” said Kite. “She’s so aggressive.  Raven has been able to stay out of foul trouble the last three games and it has allowed her to score on our transition game. This also allows her to get into position to dish (assist) the ball out to her teammates to score and get some finishes.

“This was a group effort. Everybody stepped up and played big,” said Kite.

CONNORS STATE 72, NORTH ARKANSAS 67

North Arkansas 29 36--67

Connors State 28 44--72

North Arkansas –Case 16, Wade 9, Poole 9, Prochaska 9, Johnson 7, Hargrove 5, Martin 5, Campbell 3, Villines 2.

Connors State (2-2)—Raven Massey 18, Sha’Georgia Williams 12, Tonisha Dean 7, Tiara Hall 7, Kami Bunch 6, Courtney Medcalf 6, Dakota Garrett 6, Shakayla Love 4, Hayley Keys 3, Shakemia Franklin 2.

Cowboys Roll Past Richland College, 74-53

Connors State increased its defensive pressure in the second half holding Richland College to just 21 second half points, while the Cowboys placed four players in double figure scoring en route to a 74-53 victory over the Thunderducks in the Cowboy Classic Saturday afternoon.

Hakeem Harris led the Cowboys’ scoring with 22 points followed by Josh Cameron poured in 16, as Denell Henderson scored a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, with Devante Moore adding 12 points in the victory.

The victory lifts the Cowboys to 4-0 on the season heading into a Monday night game against Arkansas Baptist at Little Rock, Ark. Richland is now 3-2 for the season.

“I really like the effort of our team the entire game,” said Cowboys head coach Bill Muse. “Richland plays hard and is well coached. We had to match their intensity and we did the entire game.

“We had some dull moments in the first half when we had some scoring droughts, and they were able to catch us a take the lead. But we were able to even it up at half time. The second half we really turned it up another notch,” he said.

Connors snapped 43-43 deadlock with 12:15 remaining in the game on a pair of free throws by Moore. Connors then outscored the Thunderducks 29-6 over the next 10 minutes increasing its margin to 25 points 74-49 with 1:54 remaining in the game.

Muse was particularly pleased with the improved play of Henderson against the Thunderducks.

“I talked to Denell before the game and told him we had to have more than five points a game,” said Muse. “It was time for him to step his game up and he responded. There is no reason he can’t get a double-double every single game.”

Muse also praised the play of Harris. “Hakeem finally played to the level I thought he can play. If he can continued to do that we’ll be in great shape.

“Overall I thought we (team) played very well tonight,” said Muse.

CONNORS STATE 74, RICHLAND COLLEGE 53

Richland 32 21—53

Connors State 32 42—74

• Richland College (3-2) –Rummels 13, Lewis 12, Semier 9, Burns 6, Speed 6, Carroll 3, Williams 2, Dirlbeck 2.

Connors State (4-0)—Hakeem Harris 22, Josh Cameron 16, Denell Henderson 14, Devante Moore 12, Jamarcus Weatherspoon 7, Willie Atwood 3.

Cowgirls Fall to Crowder in North Arkansas Classic 83-75

HARRISON, ARK. – Connors State fell to Crowder Community College 83-75 in the North Arkansas Classic Friday night.

The loss drops the Cowgirls to 1-2 on the season entering Saturday’s I: 30 p.m. contest against North Arkansas Community College. North Arkansas posted a 30-point win over John Woods Community College in the other game. It will be the second meeting between Connors and North Arkansas in a week.

The Cowgirls had three girls score in double figures with Sha’ Williams leading the scoring with 20 points, followed by Raven Massey’s 17 and Shakayla Love’s 12. Crowder’s scoring was led by Camila Lacerda’s 18 points with Terai Sadler adding 15 and Sarah Sagely 14.

“We just too many bunny shots (under the basket),” said Cowgirls head coach Eddie Kite. “It was a tough loss. But this team has made a lot of improvement since Monday.”

The Lady Raiders held a 41-39 lead at the intermission. The Cowgirls dug out of two 10 point deficits in the game, but could never gain the lead.

“We just couldn’t know down a shot to get the lead,” said Kite. “We just shot poorly around the basket. But the girls didn’t quit and are showing improvement. If we hit 50 percent of our bunny shots we would win by 10 points,” he said.

CROWDER, MO. 83, CONNORS STATE 75

Connors State 39 36--75

Crowder, Mo. 41 42--83

Connors State (1-2)—Sha’ Williams 20, Raven Massey 17, Shakayla Love 12, Kami Bunch 6, Dakota Garrett 5, Courtney Medcalf 4, Tonisha Dean 4, Tiara Hall 4, Shakemia Franklin 3.

Crowder, Mo. (3-1)—Lacerda 18, Sadler 15, Sagely 14, Marshall 12, Amos 8, Briggs 7, Ritter 7, Nichols 2.

Atwood Powers Cowboys over Bacone JV 81-56

Willie Atwood scored 20 points and pulled down 14 rebounds, along with two steals and a block shot in leading the Connors State Cowboys to an 81-56 victory over visiting Bacone College JV Friday night at Melvin Self Field House in the opening round of the Cowboy Classic.

In the first game Murray State defeated Richland College 65-51. Connors State and Richland will play at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Josh Cameron scored 19 points in the win, draining 8-of12 shots, including two 3-pointers.

“Josh is a type guy that can give you a great game, momentum and energy” said Connors head coach Bill Muse. “I thought he didn’t play very well the first half, but a freshman is going to play up and down. Like the team the second half was much better for him.

“Bacone played hard. We’re a young basketball team, that has only four sophomores and only one started a year ago. We are trying to put this all together and find some chemistry. We’ll have a good test against Richland on Saturday,” he said.

Connors jumped out to an early lead, before the Warriors tied the game at 20-all with 6:16 left in the opening half. Connors then went on a 12-0 run for a 32-20 advantage and never was contested the rest of the way.

Richard Carrier led the Bacon scoring with 15 points, with Lawrence Allen added 22.

CONNORS STATE 81, BACONE COLLEGE 56

Bacone 24 32–56

Connors State 33 48—81

Bacone—Carrier 15, Allen 11, K. Brutt 7, Brown 6, Milburn 4, Klefas 4, Bradnax 3, Sims 2, Lee 2, Patterson 2.

Connors State (3-0)—Willie Atwood 20, Josh Cameron 19, Craig Hill 8, Jamarcus Weatherspoon  8, Denell Henderson 5, Devante Moore 5, Quan Jones 5, Hakeem Harris 4, Troy Jones 3, Tony Cabrera 2, Anthony Hartfield 2.

Cowgirls Pound Bacone JV 100-49 for First Victory

MUSKGOEE---Connors State Cowgirls had four players score in double figures en route to a 100-49 victory over Bacone College JV Wednesday night at the Palmer Center on the Bacone campus.

The win evens the Cowgirls record at 1-1 entering Friday’s contest at the North Arkansas Classic in Harrison, Ark. The Cowgirls will play Crowder (Mo.) Community College.

Freshman guard Raven Massey led the Cowgirls scoring attack with 23 points as Connors was never contested in the game, leading from the opening tip-off.

“We played much more relaxed tonight,” said Cowgirls head coach Eddie Kite.  “The game was kind of ugly at the start, a carry over from are opener, but we settled down. We started playing a little bit better defense, and rebounded better.

“Our transition game was much better. It was a good game for us, especially the freshmen and hopefully it will carry over this weekend,” said Kite.

Also scoring in double figures for the Cowgirls were freshman Courtney Medcalf with 13, followed by sophomores Shakayla Love 12 and Tiara Hall 11. Freshmen Kami Bunch and Tonisha Dean scored 9 points each.

Bacone’s scoring was led by Shay Knap with 9 points.

 CONNORS STATE 100, BACONE JV 46

Connors State 46 54--100

Bacone JV  23 26--49

Connors State  (1-1)–Raven Massey 23, Courtney Medcalf 13, Shakayla Love 12,Tiara Hall 11, Kami Bunch 9, Tonisah Dean 9, Shakemia Franklin 8, Dakota Garrett 8, Sha’Georgia Williams 3, Hayley Keys 2.

Bacone JV— Knapp 9, Byers 8, Hall 6, Drew 6, Robinson 5, Lovell 4, Burgess 4, Powell 3, Tatum 2, Canell 1, Harold 1.

Cowboys Jammin' for Jackets During November

Through the month of November, Connors State College men’s basketball team will be Jammin'  for Jackets.

The Cowboys are collecting jackets, winter coats and sweatshirts for the needy. Collection boxes will be located in Melvin Self Field House hall way during the entire month.

Jackets, coats and sweatshirts will be sent to victims of Hurricane Sandy and area shelters.

“Please bring your coats to the field house,” said Connors State men’s basketball coach and athletic director Bill Muse.

Cowboys Pound Southwestern Christian in Home Opener, 87-65

Connors State behind the double figure scoring of Willie Atwood and Josh Cameron, who scored 18 points each roll over visiting Southwestern Christian University 87-65 Monday night at Melvin Self Field House.

The Cowboys improve to 2-0 for the season heading into the Cowboy Classic Friday night at Melvin Self Field House against Bacone College. Tip-off is 7:30 p.m.

Also scoring in double figures for the Cowboys was Hakeem Harris with 11 points. Devante Moore and Jamarcus Weatherspoon each scored nine in the victory.

“I am concerned a little bit on the defensive end,” said Cowboys head Coach Bill Muse. “They played Northern about on the same level as us. I am concerned on the defensive end in stopping the basketball and rebounding.

“In the key areas that’s what it takes to win. I thought Atwood was the one bright spot. He was the one that got us going.

“We controlled the boards, but we still have a lot of work to do. For a home opener it was okay, but we have to be so much better than we are right now. We should have kept their scoring lower to be honest about it,” said Muse.

Muse said the Cowboys are still looking for the right combination and chemistry. “We have to get it pretty fast because the competition is going to get a lot better quickly.”

Connors was never contested from the outset as they broke a 12-12 tie with 13:06 left in the first half and streaked to a 46-27 lead at the intermission.

Connors largest lead of the game was 23 points, 63-42 with 10:32 remaining I the second half. The Eagles came no closer than14 points, 68-54 with 6:00 left in the game.

Southwestern Christian’s scoring was led by Thad Palmer’s 19 points with Coitt Armstrong adding 13 and Vernon Tipton 10.

CONNORS STATE 87, SOUTHWESTERN CHRISTIAN 65

Southwestern Christian  27 38--65

Connors State 46 41 –87

Southwestern Christian—Palmer 19, Armstrong 13, Tipton 10, Ford 9, Maloy 6, Narcisse 3, DeBose 2, Laxton 2.

Cowgirls Fall to North Arkansas in Season Opener

North Arkansas used deadly 3-point shooting and controlled the boards in stunning the Connors Cowgirls 73-67 in the season opener for the Cowgirls at Melvin Self Field House Monday night.

The Lady Pioneers improve to 3-0 for the year and CSC falls to 0-1 heading into a Wednesday night game at Muskogee against Bacone College.

North Arkansas drained 16 3-point shots in getting the victory, with Allie Ware canning 5 3-pointers and finished with 21 points to lead the Lady Pioneers’ scoring. Destiny Prochaska followed with four 3-pointers and 18 points. Brooke Poole added 13 points; four came on 3-point shots.

The Cowgirls scoring was led by Tiara Hall’s 16 points, with Tonisha Dean adding 12 in the loss.

:”We did a really poor job of playing inside tonight,” said Cowgirls head coach Eddie Kite, adding “I thought that would be strength of our team, but we didn’t show it tonight.

”the biggest thing was we didn’t contain on defense. That was their third game and our first and you could definitely tell it. We have work to do.

“We just didn’t contain them on the perimeter. You have to close them out. It starts with ball pressure, you have to be able to contain them,” said Kite.

Cowgirls held a 35-30 lead at the intermission despite the Lady Pioneers controlling the boards and getting numerous second and third shots.

The first half result in three ties the opening 20 minutes before the Cowgirls sprinted to a 7-point lead, the first of 7-point lead in the half,  23-16 on buckets by Shakemia Franklin, pair of free throws by Shakayla Love and two buckets by Dean.

Connors second 7-point lead came with 3:09 left in the half when Hall drained a 10-footer. North Arkansas rallied to tie the game at 30-all before the Cowgirls scored five unanswered points, a 3-pointer by Hayley Keys from the right wing and a layup by Dean for the 35-30 margin at half time.

However, the Lady Pioneers regained the lead in the opening minute of the second half draining two 3-point shots for a 36-35 lead.

The game was tied two more times before North Arkansas five unanswered points for a 53-49 advantage with 9:30 left in the game. Connors battled back, outscoring the Lady Pioneers 9-3 to tie the game 57-all with 6:24 remaining.

Cowgirls grabbed the lead at 62-60 on a 3-point shot by Sha’Georgia Williams with 5:31 left, but North Arkansas responded with a another 3-pointer to make it 63-62. Connors tied the Lady Pioneers at 65-all at the 3:05 mark on a pair of free throws by Love.

North Arkansas then outscored the Cowgirls 8-2 over the final three minutes to get the win.

NORTH ARKANSAS 73, CONORS STATE 67

North Arkansas 30 43—73

Connors State 35 32 –67

North Arkansas –Wade 21, Prochaska 18, Poole 13, Martn 9, Case 9, Campbell 6.

Connors State –Hall 16, Dean 12, Love 8, Franklin 7, Williams 6, Bunch 5, Massey 4, Garrett 4, Keys 3, Medcalf 2.

Cowboys Open Season with Impressive 87-66 Victory

CONWAY, ARK. ---Connors State Cowboys opened its 2012-13 basketball season with an impressive 87-66 victory over Central Baptist College Thursday night on the Mustangs home floor.

Cowboys had five players score in double figures with freshman Willie Atwood leading the offensive assault with 13 points.

“The first game out the defensive intensity the first half was very good,” said Cowboys head coach Bill Muse. “This was a pretty good Central Baptist team. They were much better than I expected.

“To go on the road the first time you never know how your team is going to perform. I really like our defensive effort the first half (held the Mustangs to just 22 points). We got a little lackadaisical the second half, but the 22 the first half got us the big lead at the half.

“We got to play everybody and we got a road win. The overall performance was very good, but we have a lot of room for improvement,” said Muse.

Following Atwood in the scoring was sophomores Hakeem Harris and Devante Moore scored 12 points each followed by freshman Craig Hill with 10 points, and sophomore Denell Henderson with 10 points.

The Cowboys led from the outset, holding a 46-22 lead at halftime and was never contested in the contest.

Xavier Huskey led the Mustangs’ scoring with 16 points followed by Jordan Chatters, who scored 13 points and Michael Stevenson with 10.

The Cowboys will open its 2012-13 home basketball season on Monday at 7:30 p.m. against Southwestern Christian University at Melvin Self Field House. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

The Cowgirls will open its season on Monday against Northark Community College of Harrison, Ark.,  at Melvin Self Field House. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.

Also an Elvis impersonator will perform at halftime at each of the games.

CONNORS STATE 87, CENTRAL BAPTIST 66

Connors State 46 41—87

Central Baptist  22  44—66

Connors State (1-0)—Atwood 13, Harris 12, Moore 12, Hill 10, Henderson 10, T. Jones 8, Q. Jones 8, Cameron 7, Weatherspoon 4, Hartfield 2.

Central Baptist—Huskey 16, Chatters 13, Stevenson 10, Hawley 8, Liddell 3, Johnson 4, Anderson 3, Brown 2, Hostler 2.

Basketball Season Tickets On Sale

Connors State Cowboys and Cowgirls basketball season tickets are now on sale, according to CSC Athletic Director Bill Muse.

Tickets are $50 for chair back seats at Melvin Self Field House on the Warner campus. The Cowboys and Cowgirls will play 19 home games with the home season tip-off on Nov. 5 with a doubleheader.

The Cowgirls will play host to Northark College at 5:30 p.m. followed by the Cowboys battling Southwestern Christian College at 7:30 p.m.

Season tickets can be purchased by contacting Muse at (918) 463-6213.

Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet Big Hit

MUSKOGEE-- Connors State College inducted eight former student athletes, its 1985 Cowgirls National Championship basketball team and awarded an Outstanding Leadership award at its first Athletic Hall of Fame Saturday night at the Muskogee Country Club.

Inducted into the inaugural Hall of Fame for basketball was Lou Henson, who played at Connors State and had an outstanding coaching career at New Mexico State and the University of Illinois. He was joined by NJCAA All-American Horatio Webster, who was unable to make the trip due a flight cancelation in Chicago. Rhonda Smith, who was a two time- All-American for the Cowgirls basketball team represented the women, but didn’t make the trip due to a family illness.

Also inducted were softball players Michel Taylor-Ashlock, and Cassie Tipton, baseball players Jeff Turtle and Clint Sodowsky. V. David Miller, CEO of Cross Communication received the Outstanding Leadership Award.

Connors State President Dr. Tim Faltyn expressed his appreciation to the packed ballroom of 140 for their “continued support of Connors State athletics and to the college.”

“This was well overdue (Athletic Hall of Fame) and to me personally one more sentence in a chapter of excellence that we are building at Connors State,” said Dr. Faltyn.

The highlight of the evening was Henson, who grew up in Okay and came to Connors in 1951 to play basketball.

“Connors was the foundation for my coaching career and the stepping stone for my life,” said Henson.  “My playing days at Connors sparked my interest in coaching.”

Henson, who said he believed in giving back to what help him through life, donated $5,000 to the men’s basketball program it was announced by Athletic Director Bill Muse.

Kim Davis-Barton, who played for the Cowgirls from 1980-82, where she was named an NJCAA All-American, said “I am truly blessed to be honored tonight and be here. I thank God for giving me the ability to play basketball.

“It was Coach (Monte) Madewell who helped perfect my game. There is no better place than Connors State. It will always be in my heart,” said Davis-Barton.

ESPN Basketball Analyst to Emcee CSC Athletics Hall of Fame

Bryndon Manzer, former Oklahoma State guard and now ESPN Basketball game and Studio analyst will emcee the Connors State College Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday, Oct. 6 at Muskogee Country Club.

The event begins at 5 p.m. with a reception followed by dinner and the induction of the first class.

“I am very excited about being a part of this event and being selected the emcee,” said Manzer.

Manzer, who resides in Edmond, with his wife Janie and sons Brooks (9) and Banks (5), is also an investment advisor with Securian Advisors, MidAmerica Inc. for the past 10 years.

Manzer, who played his high school basketball at Stillwater High School, began his college career at St. Gregory’s Junior College when he played for two seasons under Don Sumner. He is St. Gregory’s fourth all-time leading scorer and led Region II in scoring with a 23-6 scoring average in the 1991-92 seasons. He was an honorable mention All-American in 1991-92. He was inducted into the St. Gregory’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007.

Manzer then signed with Eddie Sutton at Oklahoma State in 1992 where he played on two nationally ranked NCAA Tournament teams. He left OSU as the school’s all-time 3-point percentage leader.

Following graduation he became head coach at St. Gregory’s in 1996 through 2002 leading the school to only national tournament appearance in 1999-200. He was named the Sooner Athletic Conference coach of the year. He served as athletic director from2000 to 2002.

Ex-Cowboys' Homer Closes Gap for A's for Wild Card Spot

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Former Connors State Cowboys George Kottaras, Class of 2003,  10th-inning homer into the second deck at Rangers Ballpark at Arlington, Texas put the Oakland A's a half-game behind the Baltimore Orioles for the top American League Wild Card spot and four games behind the Rangers in the AL West.

Cowboys Holding Tryouts

Connors State Cowboys Athletic Director and head basketball coach announced that the Cowboys are holding walk-on tryouts at Melvin Self Field House Monday through Thursday.

The Monday session will be held at 8:30 p.m. with Tuesday through Thursday workouts to be held at 7 p.m.

For more information contact Muse at (918) 463-6231

Athletic Hall of Fame Tickets Available

Tickets for the Connors State College Athletic Hall of Fame banquet on Oct. 6 are available at the Warner campus by contacting Athletic Director Bill Muse.

Cost of the event is $25 and can be purchased by contacting Muse at (918) 463-6231. The event will be held at the Muskogee Country Club, which gets under way at 5 p.m. with a reception, followed by the dinner at 6 p.m. and the induction of the first CSC class.

Bryndon Manzer, studio basketball analyst for ESPNU and former basketball player at Oklahoma State University, will emcee the banquet.

CSC Announces First Athletics Hall of Fame Class

Connors State College has a long history of athletic achievements and to honor those athletes CSC Athletic Director and Cowboys head basketball coach Bill Muse has announced the first Connors State College Athletic Hall of Fame members.

The first class, which will be inducted on Oct. 6, at the Muskogee Country Club includes former men’s basketball players Lou Henson, Horatio Webster, women’s basketball players Kim Davis-Barton, Rhonda Smith, baseball players Clint Sodowsky, Jeff Turtle, softball players Cassie Tipton, Michel Taylor, women’s 1985 NJCAA National Championship basketball team and V. David Miller of Cross Communication, who is to be awarded the Outstanding Leadership Award.

“We are very excited about establishing our Athletic Hall of Fame with athletes who have excelled both on and off the athletic courts and playing fields at Connors State College,” said Muse. “This is an exciting time for Connors State and we are looking forward to our first induction in October.

 “The Connors State Athletic Hall of Fame is the highest athletic honor that can be bestowed on a Cowboy and Cowgirl that participated in athletics,’’ said Muse.

Bryndon Manzer, studio basketball analyst for ESPNU and former basketball player at Oklahoma State University, will emcee the banquet, which will get under way at 5 p.m. with a reception, followed by dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets for the event can be obtained  from Muse at Connors State by calling (918) 463-6231.

Henson, a native of Okay, Okla. played at Connors State in 1951-53 before continuing his collegiate career at New Mexico State University, before beginning a coaching career that spanned 53 years.

He began his career at Las Cruces, N.M. High School in 1959, winning three state titles before moving to the college ranks in 1962 at Hardin-Simmons University, where he posted a 67-36 mark. After four seasons he took over at his alma mater, New Mexico State, taking the Aggies to the Final Four for the only time in the school’s history in 1970, losing to eventual national champion UCLA in the semifinals.

During his nine seasons at New Mexico State he led the Aggies to six NCAA Tournaments and four 20-win seasons, compiling a 173-71 record.

Henson then moved to the University of Illinois, leading the Illini to the Final Four in 1989, before retiring after 21 seasons in 1996. He compiled an overall record of 423-224 at Illinois.  He guided the Illini to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances and three NIT appearances.

However, New Mexico State reached out to their alum following a scandal that removed the head coach just before the season opened. Henson stayed until 2005 posting a 135-86 record, which included three more NCAA Tournament appearances and three trips to the NIT. He retired coaching for a second time because of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Henson’s overall collegiate coaching record is 779-422 to rank No. 6 on the all-time list among coaches.

Webster, a Durant, Miss., native played at Connors State 1995 -96, is the Cowboys all-time leading scorer with 1,674 points. Webster was a NJCAA All-American and Player of the Year in 1996. Webster averaged 23.5 points his sophomore season in leading the Cowboys to the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan.

Following his CSC career, he played at Mississippi State, where he was a two-time All-Southeastern Conference performer, where he  averaged 16.1 points his junior season and 17.0 points during his senior year.

Kim Davis-Barton played for the Cowgirls from1980-82, where she was a NJCAA All-American in 1982 in leading CSC to the Region II Championship and national tournament appearance. Davis-Barton was a two-time All-Bi-State Conference selection and voted the Region II Most Valuable Player in 1982. She was selected to play in the East-West junior college game in Kansas City, Mo.

Following graduation at CSC, Davis-Barton continued her basketball career at Oral Roberts University leading the Lady Titans to an undefeated regular season record during the 1982-83 seasons under head coach Debbie Yow. Davis-Barton averaged 17.3 points at ORU in leading the Lady Titans to the WNIT, losing in the semifinals.

Davis-Barton, who played only one season at ORU, before moving on to the University of Florida with Yow, led ORU in scoring and was an All-American selection. She was nominated by Yow for the Margaret Wade Trophy as the women’s player of the year.

She played one season at Florida where she was a letterman and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising from the College of Journalism and Communication. She is now the Director of Outreach of Alachua County Supervisor of Elections.

Smith played for the Cowgirls from 1983 and 1985, where she was a two-time NJCAA All-American and named to the Kodak All-America team in 1985. She was also a two-time All-Bi-State Conference and Region II selection and is the only Cowgirl to have her Jersey Number retired—35.

She is the Cowgirls all-time leading scorer with 1,512 points, averaging 20.7 points a game during her career. Smith averaged 24.7 points her sophomore season, No. 1 on the Cowgirls record list, along with single season rebound mark of 450 for a 12.5 average. She also tops the single season records for field goals (382), and field goal attempts (705).

Following graduation from Connors, Smith continued her playing career at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where she averaged 16 points and 7 rebounds on the Lady Bulldogs team that won the 1987 NAIA National Championship with a 30-2 record. She was a first team NAIA All-American, All-District IX selection and Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference Player of the Year.

Turtle, a member of the Cowboys baseball team in 1984 and 85, was signed by head coach Perry Keith on the tailgate of a pickup at Pryor, Okla., and went on to become the all-time career homerun (41) and runs-batted-in (190) record holder at Connors.

He was a two-time All-Region selection and second team NJCAA All-American in 1985. Following his graduation at Connors he signed with Kansas State, where he hit .337 and .397 with 21 home runs over two years, being named All-Big Eight in 1987. Turtle went on to play in the San Francisco Giants organization.

Sodowsky played for the Cowboys in 1991where he posted an 8-3 record with 63 strike outs and an earned run average of 2.34. He drafted in the ninth round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Detroit Tigers.

The right-hander pitched for four major league teams, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Arizona and St. Louis, posting a career record of 8-14 with a 6.17 earned run average. He was a member of the inaugural Arizona Diamondbacks team that began play in the MLB in 1998.

Sodowsky retired from professional baseball in 2006 after playing 10 seasons in Triple-A.

Tipton played two seasons for the Cowgirls, 1995-96 and played an instrumental part in leading Connors State to the NJCAA National Tournament, finishing fifth. The outfielder was an NJCAA second team All-American, hitting .467 with 44 stolen bases, which stood for 16 years as the all-time record stolen base record. She was a Bi-State Conference and Region 2 first team selection.

Tipton went on to Oklahoma State, playing two seasons.

Taylor, who played for the Cowgirls in 1996 and 96, was the top pitcher for the ‘96 club which went on to the NJCAA National Tournament, posting a 36-6 record. The right-hander ranks No. 2 on the Cowgirls all-time single season records. She posted a 1.33 earned run average in ’96 en route to be named second team NJCAA All-American, while be a first team Bi-State and Region 2 first team selection.

Taylor then went on to Southwestern State University, playing just one season. She was the primary pitcher on the Lady Bulldogs first ever intercollegiate softball team. She led the team in starts with 30, posting nine wins with 101 strike outs.

The 1985 Cowgirls basketball team under the guidance of head coach Monte Madewell and assistant Bill Martin, won Connors State first-ever national championship at Senatobia, Miss., as a No. 8 seed at the national tournament, capturing a 73-71 victory over top-ranked Odessa Junior College in the championship game, to end the season with a 32-4 record.

Team members of the championship squad are Lisa McMillin, Traci Krumsiek, Carolyn Greuel, Michelle Gordon, Stacy Cunningham, Gail Cooks, Vicki Price, Jan Gilmore, Alicia Burke, Rhonda Smith, Tonya Godsby, Mannon Mahan, Wendy Sanders, DeDe McLemore, and LaDonna James.

Miller, CEO of Cross Telephone Company, has over 40 years of telecommunications experience and is a second generation in the business. He has been employed with Cross since 1963, working in all areas of the company, including repair, sales and management.

He has been very active in Muskogee as well as the communities that Cross Telephone Company serves. Miller serves on several boards such as the Foundation of Connors State College since its inception as a member of the board and also as chairman for several years.

Miller has also served as President of the Oklahoma Telephone Association, board member of the FiveStar Financial Corporation, Oklahoma State Insurance Board, Five Civilized Tribe Museum Foundation, chairman and board member of the Muskogee County Excise Board, and the Muskogee Country Club.

He has also worked closely with the Shriners in helping crippled and burned children, local ball teams and school related functions.

Former TU American, NFL Star Speaks to Connors State Student-Athletes

Jerry Ostroski

Jerry Ostroski, former University of Tulsa All-American and an 8-year pro with the National Football League’s Buffalo Bills addressed 125 athletes Wednesday night at the Connors State College Westbrook Library Auditorium telling the athletes to “take advantage of your opportunity”

Ostroski, who started 108 games for the Bills as an offensive lineman, after being cut three times by Kansas City and Atlanta stressed to the student-athletes to “make the most of the opportunity.

“But the real opportunity is to ask yourself is.. what are you really doing with this opportunity. Are you wasting it or using it to the best of your ability?

Ostroski, who sustained several knee injuries during his NFL career stressed to the student-athletes that “it’s a grind, but you have to embrace the grind to become the best that you can be. You have to put in the time. It’s not easy

“Its what do at home and in the classroom that you bring to athletics that makes you a better athlete, by putting in the time. You don’t need to be out on the weekend, drinking, smoking or driving around with friends when you can be working on your game.

“You don’t need to be blowing five days a week of hard work on two days of weekend trouble and getting right back where you started,” said Ostroski.

Ostroski told the student-athletes he wanted to attend Penn State, but the opportunity wasn’t there. He was recruited by TU’s George Henshaw, who left before he enrolled his freshman season and played four years under Dave Rader, where he played in two bowl games.

“It was my dream to play by Penn State, but wasn’t given the opportunity, and I embraced the TU opportunity. That’s what I telling these student athletes take advantage of the opportunity they have and make the most of it. I thought many times of returning home to Pennsylvania but I wanted to make my parents proud and that’s what you should want.

“There is no magic formula for success. You just have to grind it out. Only one percent of college athletes become pro athletes. But this time (college) is the best time of our life. Embrace the grind and take advantage of the opportunity,” said Ostroski.

Deese Joins Cowgirls Softball Staff

– Connors State College head softball coach Rick Carbone has announced the hiring of Michael Deese as assistant coach for the Cowgirls staff.

Deese comes to Connors State from Auburn University staff where he served as hitting instructor, while working with the Tigers’ outfielders, infielders and catchers.

“Mike brings a lot to our staff and we our very fortunate to have him join our staff,” said Carbone. “He will also be a vital part of our recruiting with his ties to the southeastern part of the country. We look forward to him bringing some new ideals to our program, “said Carbone.

Deese is a graduate of Penn State University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and is NASM certified Performance Enhancement Specialist.

Before his stint at Auburn, Deese coached at Centennial High School in Pa. He was an All-Region player at St. Francis High School and played at Young Harris Junior College in North Georgia, where he was an All-Region selection.

Fall Softball and Baseball Schedules Announced

  Connors State softball coach Rick Carbone and baseball coach Perry Keith have announced their fall schedules for the Cowgirls and Cowboys.

The Cowgirls have scheduled eight playing dates with their first home game on Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. against Murray State. The Cowgirls will open the fall season on Sept. 4 at Independence (Kan.) Community College.

The Cowboys will have 18 playing dates with their first home game Sept. 6 with Carl Albert at 4 p.m.

Cowgirls softball schedule:

September: 4 at Independence CC 2 p.m.; 8 at Southeastern State 10 a.m.; 11 Murray State 1 p.m.; 18 at Arkansas Tech 4 p.m.; 20 at Northeastern State 2:30 p.m.; 23/24 Mid-South Tournament (Bixby) TBA.

October: 5-7 OU Festival (Norman) TBA; 11  Crowder CC 2 p.m.

 Cowboys baseball schedule:

September: 6 Carl Albert 4 p.m.; 13 at Bacone 1 p.m.; 15 Allen County (Jenks) Noon; 18 Crowder 1 p.m.; 22 Northern Noon; 23 at Southeastern State Noon; 27 at Carl Albert 12:30 p.m.; 29 OCAC Festival (Jenks) 10 p.m.

October: 2 at Crowder College 2 p.m.; 3  Ontario Blue Jays 4 p.m.; 4  Ontario Blue Jays 11 a.m.; 5 OSU Festival (Stillwater) 4 p.m.; 11 at Rogers State Noon; 15 Murray State 3 p.m.; 16 at Northern Enid noon; 23 at Murray State 11 a.m.; 25 at East Central University Noon; 30 Scout Day 11 a.m.

Wallace Named Cheerleading Coach

Lacey Wallace, who served as the Connors State College assistant coach for the cheerleading squad, has been elevated to head coach, announced CSC Athletic Director Bill Muse.

“I am honored to keep the cheerleading program at Connors State moving in a positive direction,” said Wallace. “I am following an amazing coach (Lyndsey Sharp) and friend that has been able to elevate the skill level of the cheer program and building the cheerleaders into strong student athletes, as well as, poised responsible young adults.”

Wallace has 10 years of experience in cheerleading, which includes Sallisaw High School and Eastern State College. Wallace has a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Human Performance with an emphasis in clinical wellness and minor in Human Ecology from Northeastern State University. She also has masters in Sports Administration from East Central University. She also holds the position as a Public Health Educator in Sallisaw for the Cherokee Nation/Healthy Nation.

During her cheerleading career she has had the opportunity to help judge several tryouts and competitions, assist with cheerleading camps and became certified in safety and Liability from the National Cheerleading Association. Wallace is a member of the American Association of Cheerleading.

Cheerleading Open Tryouts Scheduled

Connors State is looking for a few good men and women to lift the spirit and enthusiasm of the CSC Nation during the upcoming Cowboys and Cowgirls 2012-13 basketball season.

If you want to be a part in helping the Cowboys and Cowgirls to a NJCAA National Championship......Then we want you!!!!!

Connors State ‘s cheerleader coach Lacey Wallace is holding open gym sessions on Monday, August 20, Tuesday, August 21 and Thursday, August 23rd at Melvin Self Field House. Monday and Tuesday’s sessions will be from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday’s session at 8 p.m.

All Athletes interested in participating in open gym/practices must complete all release forms from CSC athletics. Please bring medical consent form and physical with you to open gym.

Five full tuition scholarships are available for the cheerleading squads and two full tuition scholarships, plus 10-hours of work study a week are available for mascots.

For more information contact Lacey Wallace at (479) 461-0002 or e-mail at llwallace74955@gmail.com

Fisher Named to Cowgirls Coaching Staff

Connors State Cowgirls head basketball coach Eddie Kite has hired Jamie Fisher as an assistant coach on his staff.

Fisher, who comes to Connors State from Howard College in Big Spring, Texas, where he has coached the past four seasons, replaces Heather Wimberley, who resigned in June to pursue other opportunities.

“I am very excited to have Jamie join the Cowgirl basketball program,” said Kite. “He is a tireless worker and a very resilient recruiter.”

Fisher helped Howard to reach the National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament in 2009.

Fisher graduated from Northeastern State University with a public relations and marketing degree. Before attending NSU he was at Coffeyville Community College where graduated in 2004 and  played on the Red Ravens golf team.

He is a graduate of Sperry High School, where his father, Bill coached for over 30 years and winning 7 state high school baseball championships.

Barton and Cook Earn NJCAA Pinnacle Academic Excellence

Connors State baseball players Jake Barton and Braden Cook have been awarded the 2011-12 National Junior College Athletic Association Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence it was announced by the NJCAA headquarters in Colorado, Springs, Col.

Barton, sophomore infielder form Stilwell, Okla. and Cook, a sophomore infielder from Chickasha, Okla., recorded 4.0 grade point averages during the academic year at Connors State College.

Barton and Cook were among 1,680 NJCAA student-athletes who met the requirements for individual academic honors.

Nearly 60,000 student-athletes competed in the NJCAA for the 2011-2012 academic year on over 3,500 teams in 28 different sports.

The 2011-2012 season marks the 29^th year the NJCAA has recognized the success of its student-athletes in the classroom. With minimal changes, the NJCAA academic awards program has been in place since 1983.

Nine Cowboys Sign Baseball Letters of Intent

Nine Connors State College baseball players have signed National Letters-of-Intent to continue their playing careers, announced Cowboys head baseball coach Perry Keith.

Signing letters-of-intent are Chris Tavares, catcher from Brooklyn, N.Y., with University of Texas San Antonio; ;pitcher/infielder Jared Graham from Tulsa, with Rogers State University; infielder Braden Cook from Chickasha with Southwestern Oklahoma State; outfielder Ryan Clarke with Missouri Baptist University; pitcher Kylar Trumbla from Westville with University of Central Oklahoma; infielder Jacob Barton from Stilwell with Southwestern Oklahoma State; pitcher Chris Romano from Markham, Ontario, Canada with Missouri Baptist University; pitcher Jordan Morales from Hatillo, Puerto Rico with Missouri Baptist University and pitcher Devan Rinehart from Gore with Mid-American Christian University.

Decade of Athletic Excellence

Connors State College under the guidance of Athletic Director Bill Muse the Cowboys and Cowgirls athletic teams have an unprecedented record over the past decade.

Connors State has won 10 conference championships, 6 Region II Championships, appeared in 3 National Junior College Athletic National Basketball Tournaments, 2 NJCAA College World Series and 1 Final Four.

No other Oklahoma state junior college athletic department has recorded as many feats as the Cowboys and Cowgirls in the past 10-year period.

CSC Golf Scramble July 13

Connors State Athletic Department will hold a scramble golf tournament July 13 at Cobblestone Creek Golf Course in Muskogee, announced CSC Athletic Director Bill Muse.

 The teams will consist of four players per team and the cost is $100 per player.

 All proceeds from the tournament will go to student-athletic scholarships at Connors State.

 For more information contact Bill Muse at 918-463-6231.

Knight and Harris Sign with Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Connors State men’s basketball coach Bill Muse announced that Tyren Knight and Devin Harris have signed NAIA National Letters of Intent with Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

Knight, 6-5 sophomore forward from Vian, Okla., averaged 2.0 points per game for the Cowboys and Harris a 6-0 sophomore guard from Oklahoma City, averaged 4.0 points last year for CSC.

Oklahoma Wesleyan. located in Bartlesville, Okla., is coached by Jason Beschta and competes in the Midlands Collegiate Athletics Conference.

Shannon Signs With Quinnipiac

Connors State’s Shaquille Shannon, 6-3 sophomore guard from Philadelphia, Pa., has signed an NCAA Division I National Basketball Letter-of-Intent with Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn., announced Cowboys head basketball coach Bill Muse.

Shannon averaged 11.8 scoring, 75 percent at the line and is a 43.3 percent shooter from the field. He averaged 1.5 steals per contest.

Quinnipiac finished 18-14 last season and fifth in the Northeast Conference under head coach Tom Moore.

Cowboys Sign Porter HS Star

 Connors State head basketball coach Bill Muse has announced the signing of Porter High School’s Erick Braodnax to an NJCAA National Letter-of-intent.

Broadnax, 6-foot, 8-inch center, led Porter to a 24-7 record last season and to the area finals. He was a member of the Muskoge Phoenix All-Area Team.

2012 Cowgirl Basketball Camp

2012 Cowgirl Basketball Camp

June 25-29, 2012

Connors State College Head Women’s Basketball Coach Eddie Kite and staff will be hosting an Overnight and Day Summer Basketball Camp for young basketball enthusiasts from elementary ages through high school ages.  Campers will be drilled in the fundamentals that will help them continue to improve their individual skills and overall knowledge of the game.  For more information, please call Eddie Kite at 918/463-6305.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Free Basketball to Every Camper

Camp Address: Eddie Kite Basketball Camps and Clinics P.O. Box 1235 Warner, Ok. 74469

_____ Overnight Camper            _____ Day Camper           T-Shirt Size: __S  __M  __L  __ XL

__ Child Sized Shirt        __ Adult Sized Shirt

Name ______________________________    Age (As of 6/2011) _____                              Height: __________        

Address ___________________________________    City ________________________             State _____         Zip Code _______________

Home Phone ________________________     Work Phone ________________________             Cell Phone ____________________________

School Name ______________________________      Roommate Preference ______________________________

Overnight Camper Tuition:  $190.00    Day Camper Tuition:  $155.00

A $50.00 Non-Refundable deposit must accompany each application, and is necessary to cover the cost of processing each application and is applied toward the camper’s tuition balance.

Make checks payable to:  Eddie Kite Basketball Camps and Clinics.  Enclosed is a check for $_______________

Cowgirls' Lauren Pittman Signs With Oklahoma Christian

WARNER – Connors State College’s Lauren Pittman, sophomore from Washington, Okla., has signed a NAIA softball National Letter-of-Intent with Oklahoma Christian University, announced Cowgirls head coach Rick Carbone.

Pittman, a second team All-Region 2 selection at shortstop , hit .340 for Connors, with 13 doubles, 29 RBIs, 3 stolen bases and 7 home runs. She had a .925 fielding percentage this season.

Oklahoma Christian is a member of the Sooner Athletic Conference and is coached by Tom Heath.

Cowboys Fall to Eastern in Region 2 Title Game

JENKS – Connors State could not overcome an early 8-1 deficit against Eastern State in the championship game of the NJCAA Region 2 Baseball Tournament Sunday at Hinch Field and the Cowboys’ season came to an end falling to the Mountaineers 12-8.

Connors advanced to the title game by defeating Seminole State 11-4 in an elimination game. The Cowboys end the year 35-24 while Eastern advances to the NJCAA South Central District tournament next week in Missouri with a 36-19 record.

“We let the first two innings get away from us and just couldn’t overcome them’: said Connors State head coach Perry Keith. “They really didn’t hit anything, we just had a lot of walks and hit batsman.”

The Cowboys used four pitchers, starter Jordan Morales, relievers Arnaldo Hernandez, Chad Backward and Bernard Sawyer against the Mountaineers. The four combined for six walks and six hit batters, while scattering 10 base hits.

“Jordan wasn’t really wild, he was just out of the zone just enough, said Keith. “If we could just have gotten ahead of them. We got close.

“But what a great testament for these kids. We could have mailed it in when we were down 8-1. But we kept chipping away. This guys showed how big a heart they have. I am so proud of them. They’ve been through so much as a group and hung in there. They gave themselves a chance.”

In the championship game against Eastern State, Connors scored in the top of the first without a base hit. Angel Flores opened the game with a walk and following a Jake Barton sacrifice, Flores moved to third on a wild pitch.  Flores then scored on an infield error on a Victor Claudio ground ball for a 1-0 Cowboys lead.

Eastern responded with a 4-run first, on two base hits and an error, against Morales for a 4-1 Mountaineers lead.

Mountaineers made it an 8-1 contest with four runs in the second, as Connors used two relief pitchers in the inning Hernandez, who took over for Morales followed by Backward for Hernandez.

Cowboys fought back to make it 8-4 on a pair of home runs. Barton connected on a solo blast over the left field wall. Diedrick then walked and came home on Chris Tavares two-run blast to make it 8-4.

Connors made it an 8-6 game in the fourth with two runs on two base hits, RBI single by Diedrick that scored Flores and Barton scored on an Eastern error.

Eastern added two runs in the last of the fifth on a 2-run RBI base hit by Codey McElroy, giving the Mountaineers a 10-6 lead.

Cowboys continued to chip away at Eastern’s lead scoring in the sixth slicing the Mountaineers lead to 10-7. Flores scored on a fly ball to left field by Tavares that was dropped which allow Flores to score.

The score got closer in the top of the seventh when CSC’s Braden Cook hit a solo home run over the right field wall making it a 10-8 contest which was as close the Cowboys managed. Eastern added two more runs in their half of the seventh.

Against Seminole State the Cowboys rallied from a 3-0 deficit in the opener erupting for five runs in the fourth inning and four more in the fifth for an 11-4 advantage. It was a lead that Seminole could not overcome as Kylar Trumbla in relief of Caleb Banks got the win.

Trumbla went 6 innings, scattering five hits and walking just 2, while striking out four in getting the win.

Cowboys had 7 base hits with Cook leading the attack with a 3-for-5 performance, including a RBI and three runs scored. Diedrick continued his home run assault with a 2-run blast over the right field wall in the fifth inning.

Seminole entered the tournament ranked No. 7 in the NJCAA and the No. 2 seed. The Trojans close the year 41-15.

Four Cowboys were named to the All-Tournament team, Diedrick, Cook, Flores and Chris Romano.

Cowboys Rip Rose; Play for Region 2 Title

JENKS – Connors State behind the pitching of Chris Romano and the power hitting of Phil Diedrick and Angel Flores, overwhelmed Rose State 10-3 at Hinch Field Saturday to advance to the championship game of the NJCAA Region 2 Baseball Tournament.

Connors (35-23) will play the winner between Seminole State and Eastern State, at 1 p.m. Sunday. The Trojans and Mountaineers played the late game Saturday.

“We got to Sunday and that’s what counts,” said a jubilant Connors State head coach Perry Keith.

Romano threw his first complete 9-innning game of the year in recording the win. Romano is 3-3 on the season. The sophomore right hander from Markham Ontario, Canada, scattered 7 hits, and struck out nine, while walking two and hitting two batters.

“Romano was just awesome,” said Keith. “He got a little tired in the middle, but found his way back and got Rose to hit balls right at our guys in the middle innings. He was just great. We were able to hit them in the mouth at the git-go and he came out and didn’t let them peck away.”

Diedrick went 2-for-4 at the plate with 3 runs-batted-in that included a 3-run homer in the first inning. He also scored three times. Flores was a 3-for-4 at the plate, including a home run with an RBI and scored twice, with Eli Roundtree going 2-for-4 and two runs scored.

“Phil (Diedrick) has gotten better and better,” said Keith. “It’s all about strike zone with him and he  really has lifted us. Angel makes us go and we have started to put it all together. These guys believe in themselves and we’ve got to Sunday and that’s all you can do.”

The Cowboys jumped on Rose starting pitcher Chalmer Wyatt, who last only 1/3 of an inning, giving up 5 Connors runs on four base hits in the first inning.

The big blow in the inning was a 3-run blast by Diedrick over the over the right field wall. Diedrick’s homer, his 7th of the season, plated Flores who reached on a single to right field. Jake Barton’s fly ball to right field was misplayed and was dropped by the Raiders’ Brandon Weddie.

Keith Korey drew a walk, and Eli Roundtree singled to right field and both came home on Braden Cook’s double off the centerfield wall, giving the Cowboys a 5-0 lead.

Connors increased its lead to 6-0 in the top of the second when Diedrick, who collected his second base hit, scored on Victor Claudio’s double to the left field fence.

Rose put its first run on the scoreboard in their half of the second, taking advantage of two Cowboys’ throwing errors and a sacrifice fly, cutting CSC’s lead to 6-1.

Cowboys’ home run barrage continued in the fourth inning as Flores connected for his first homer of the season, a solo shot over the center field wall, giving Connors a 7-1 advantage.

Connors kept its offensive attack going in the fifth, with two more base hits to put a run across the plate. Roundtree, who singled to right field, scored on Flores’ third base hit of the game, a single to left field, giving the Cowboys a comfortable 8-1 lead.

Cowboys made it a 10-1 game in the sixth with two more runs. Tavares sent home Barton with a double to right field and Keith’s sacrifice fly plated Diedrick.  Barton had reached on a walk and Diedrick on a fielder’s choice.

Cowboys Stay Alive in Region 2 Play; Oust NEO

JENKS – Connors State rallied from a 2-0 deficit by pounding out 15 base hits, including three home runs to rout top-seed Northeastern A&M 10-2 and advance in the NJCAA Region 2 Baseball Tournament Friday at Hinch Field.

Cowboys will take a 34-23 record into Saturday’s elimination game at 3:30 p.m. against the loser of Seminole State and Eastern State. A Cowboy win in Saturday’s game would mean a second game at 7 p.m. Northeastern A&M closes the season 35-14.

It took the Cowboys five innings before it warmed up it bats, scoring three runs in the fifth, one in the eighth and six in the ninth frame, which included two home runs.

Phil Diedrick led the Cowboys hitting attack with a 3-for-3 performance, which included a two-run homer in the ninth inning. Chris Tavares connected on a solo blast in the ninth and Braden Cook hit a solo homer in the eighth.

Kelvin Rivas got the win on the mound going seven innings, scattering six hits, walking seven. Rivas is now 7-1 for the season. Caleb Banks pitched the final two innings facing six NEO batters, and not giving up a hit.

NEO took a 2-0 lead in the second inning when Rivas was touched for two base hits and walked home the Norsemen’s first run after the Norsemen loaded the bases on a base hit, fielder’s choice and a base hit. The second NEO run came on an RBI single by Samuel Dominque.

Connors’ Diedrick saved a run when after fly ball put out right field, threw a perfect strike to Tavares to nail Calvin Ellis at the plate to complete a double play.

Connors struck for three runs in the fifth inning on just one base hit, two fielder’s choices, an error and a wild pitch.

Ryan Clarke opened the fifth by reaching on an error, followed by an Angel Flores single to left field. Jake Barton then reached on a fielder’s choice to load the bases. Diedrick singled to right field scoring Clarke for the Cowboys’ first run. Barton then tied the game at 2-2 when he scored on a wild pitch.

Tavares then reached on a fielder’s choice and Victor Claudio drove home Diedrick with a fly ball to center field, giving Connors a 3-2 lead.

Cook opened the eighth inning with a towering home run over the left field wall, giving Connors State a 4-2 lead. It was Cook’s 4^th home run of the season.

Connors assault continued in the 9^th when Diedrick blasted a two-run homer over the centerfield wall at the 370-foot mark, giving the Cowboys a 6-2 lead. Diedrick’s blast, his 6th of the season, plated Barton, who had reached on a walk.

NEO replaced Travis Remillard, who took over for Norse starter Dany Coulombe in the sixth, was greeted on the first pitch by Tavares’ solo blast over the left field fence for a 7-2 Cowboys lead. It was Tavares’ 7^th homer of the year.

Claudio followed with a double and moved to third on Korey Keith’s infield base hit that sent Kyle Willard to the showers for NEO and he was replaced by Ricardo Rivera. Rivera was greeted by an RBI single by Cook up the middle that scored Claudio for an 8-2 CSC lead.

Connors made it 10-2 when Flores doubled to left center field scoring Keith and Cook.

Cowboys Fall to Seminole in Region 2 Tournament

TULSA --- Seminole State pounded out 11 base hits and took advantage of 11 walks, and three hits batsman en route to a 14-6 win over Connors State in the opening round of the NJCAA Region 2 Baseball Tournament at Hinch Field Thursday.

The loss drops the Cowboys (33-23) into the loser’s bracket at noon against the loser of Northeastern A&M (35-12) and Arkansas Baptist (23-33) which was played late Thursday night.

Cowboys led only once in the game and that was in the top of the first 1-0 when Jake Barton scored on a base hit by Victor Claudio to center field.

The NJCAA No. 5-ranked Trojans took the lead in the last of the first with two runs against Cowboys’ starter Jordan Morales, who took the loss. Morales was the first of four Connors pitchers in the game.

The Cowboys tied the game at 2-2 in the third when Phil Diedrick reached on a shot down the right field line and scored when Korey Keith hit into a double play that allowed Diedrick to score.

 Seminole added two more runs in their half of the  third for a 4-2 advantage  before Connors cut the Trojans lead to one, 4-3 in the top of the fourth when Barton, came home on a RBI single by Chris Tavares to left field.

The Trojans added a run in their half of the fourth for a 5-3 lead. Connors scored a run in the fourth on an Angel Flores base hit to left field that plated Keith, who had reached base on a strike out, but the catcher, mishandle the pitch allowing him to reach first base.

That was the closet the Cowboys would get to Seminole as they struck for five runs in the last of the fifth for a 10-4 advantage.

In the sixth Tavares connected on a solo home run over the leftfield wall making it a 10-5 game. Seminole added three runs in the seventh to make it 13-5 and another in the 8^th inning for a 14-5 lead.

Connors final run came in the ninth when Ryan Clarke, who reached on a walk, scored on Diedrick’s base hit to right field.

Claudio and Travers led the Connors hitting attack with three hits each

Cowboys Open Region 2 Tournament Play Thursday

Connors State opens play in the Region 2 Baseball Tournament on Thursday at Jenks High School’s Hinch Field.

The Cowboys (33-22) will battle Seminole State (39-13) at 3:30 p.m. Other opening round games in the double elimination tournament has Northeastern A&M (35-12) playing Arkansas Baptist (23-33)  at 7 p.m. and Rose State (29-22) meeting Eastern State (32-19) at noon.

A Cowboys win over Seminole would advance CSC into Friday’s winner’s bracket game at 3:30 against the winner of Rose State and Eastern. A loss and the Cowboys fall into loser’s bracket match at noon Friday against the NEO and Arkansas Baptist loser.

The semifinals begin at noon Saturday and championship games is Sunday at 1 p.m. A second game if necessary will be played at 4 p.m.

Seven Cowboys Receive Region 2 Honors

Four Connors State Cowboys were named to the Region 2 All-Region second team baseball squad and three were named honorable mention.

Named to the second team were outfielder Angel Flores, pitcher Kelvin Rivas, catcher Chris Tavares and first baseman Korey Keith. Tavares and Keith were named to the Gold Glove team.

Honorable mention selections were outfielders Phil Diedrick, Ryan Clarke and pitcher Jordan Morales.

Harrison Signs With Stephen F. Austin

Connors State’s Jared Harrison, 5-10 sophomore point guard from Slidell, La., has signed a NCAA Division I National Letter of Intent with Stephen F. Austin University, announced Cowboys head basketball coach Bill Muse.

Harrison, who was named to the Region II and Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference first teams, averaged 12.4 points a game for the Cowboys. He shot 82 percent at the free throw line, 49.2 percent from the field, including 43 percent from behind the arc. Harrison is averaged 3.2 assists per game and 1.3 steals.

Stephen F. Austin, located in Nacogdoches, Texas, competes in the Southland Conference and posted a 20-12 record last season under head coach Danny Kaspar.

Cowgirls Season Ends at Region II Tournament

OKLAHOMA CITY – Connors State Cowgirls were ousted from the Region II Softball Tournament Saturday at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, winning their first elimination game 8-5 over Rose State, before falling to Western State 6-2 in a second elimination contest. The Cowgirls close the year at 26-28

Cowgirls pounded out 16 hits en route to their victory over Rose State as CSC jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning.

Paige Boling’s 2-run RBI double to the right field wall was the big blow in the first inning. Boling’s line drive shot sent home Kenna McCoy who singled to left field and Brandi Schueler, who also reached on a base hit.

Connors made it 7-0 in the second inning with a 4-run explosion. Schueler’s 2-run RBI double to left field plated Emily Wares, who had reached on a single to left field and Ashley Dunigan, who had an infield single to make it 5-0.

Boling followed with a triple to score Schuler giving the Cowgirls a 6-0 advantage. Boling scored the fourth run of the inning when Baile Neel ripped a single down the left field, putting CSC on top 7-0.

The Connors assault continued in the third inning, when Summer Cunningham scored on a RBI single by McCoy to put the Cowgirls on top 8-0 and within reach of run-ruling the Raiders.

Cowgirls starter Lauren Robertson had silenced the Raiders’ bats four innings, allowing just two hits, ran into trouble in the fifth. Rose struck for four runs on four base hits, cutting Connors lead to 8-5. Robertson was relieved by Jordan Jones. Robertson went 5 1/3 innings, striking out three and giving up six hits. She did not walk a batter.

Jones shut down the Raiders the final 1 2/3 innings to earn the save, allowing just one hit. Robertson got the win.

In the second game of the day, Connors took a 1-0 lead over Western State in the second inning when Lauren Pittman’s double to left center field scored Boling, who had reached base on a single to right field.

Connors made it 2-0 in the fourth inning when Balie Neel singled to left field and after two groundout put outs, scored on a wild pitch.

Long kept the Pioneers bats silent for the first three innings, allowing them only two hits. However, Western scored five runs in the fourth, which included a grand slam by Martha Thomas. Western State added a run in the sixth for the 6-2 final. Jordan Jones pitched the final two innings for CSC.

Connors managed only four base hits against the Pioneers. Dunigan added to her school stolen base mark and the Bristow freshman now has 54 on the season.

Cowgirls Split in Opening Day of Region II Play

OKLAHOMA CITY--- Connors State pounded out three home runs in the opener of the Region II Softball Tournament double elimination play Friday en route to a 15-4 run-rule win over Northern Oklahoma –Tonkawa’s and then fell to NJCAA No. 5-ranked Seminole 6-0 in the second game at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium.

The loss drops the Cowgirls into the loser’s bracket play and CSC (25-27) will battle Rose State in an elimination game at 11 a.m. Saturday. Rose advance by defeating Carl Albert State College 4-3 and sent the Vikings home. A Cowgirls win over Rose State would then send them into a 3 p.m. elimination clash against the winner of Western State and Eastern State.

In the Cowgirls opener of the Region II Tournament Connors quickly found themselves behind 4-0 in the first inning.

Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa jumped on Cowgirls starter Jordan Jones, who lasted only 1/3 of an inning, giving up three base hits and two walks.

However, Jerelyn Long in relief shut down the Lady Mavericks bats the rest of the game. It was a 9-run explosion by CSC in the third inning and two home runs that powered the Cowgirls to the victory.

 Long during her stint gave up only three base hits in 4 1/3 innings in the circle, striking out two, and walking four in getting the win.

Long got plenty of help in the third inning as the Cowgirls sent 13 batters to the plate, pounding out 8 base hits, which included two home runs in the frame.

Brandi Schuler connected on a 3-run homer over the left center field wall, her ninth of the season and Long aided her own cause with a 3-run blast over the center field fence, her third of the year.

Kenna McCoy, Paige Boling, Balie Neel Lauren Pittman, and Ashley Dunigan each had a base hit in the third inning explosion which resulted in a 9-4 Cowgirls advantage.

The Lady Mavericks made it a 9-5 game in the top of the fifth on two base hits, but that was as close as NOC would get to the Cowgirls.

Connors put the game away with another offensive explosive, this time five runs in their half of the fifth, resulting in run-ruling the Lady Mavs.

The big blast of the fifth by CSC was Boling’s 2-run walk off homer over the right center-field wall. It was Boling’s seventh homer of the season. Ashley Dunigan also tripled in the inning for an RBI. McCoy plated Dunigan for another run on a fly out to center field and Long also scored in the frame on a wild pitch. Dunigan added to her school record stolen base total, swiping her 53^rd in the third inning.

Connors was held to just four hits in the second game, missing scoring opportunities in the second and seventh innings.

Lauren Robertson went six innings for the Cowgirls and sustained the loss, giving up five hits, and hitting a batter.

The game was scoreless until the top of the fifth when the Belles scored three runs before adding one in the sixth and two in the seventh.

Cowboys Sweep Arkansas Baptist to Close Regular Season

Connors State Cowboys closed out the regular season on a successful note sweeping a doubleheader from Arkansas Baptist 6-2 and 11-2 at Biff Thompson Field Saturday.

The Cowboys will enter next week’s Region II Baseball Tournament at Jenks with a 33-22 record.

In the opener Kelvin Rivas pitched a complete game to improve his record to 6-1 on the season. Rivas scattered 6 hits and struck out 8 in going the distance.

At the plate it was Phil Diedrick leading the assault with two home runs. Diedrick put Connors out front with a solo blast over the right field wall in the first and then launched a 3-run homer in the fifth. Diedrick now has five home runs on the season.

In the second game kelvin Banks got the win on the mound for CSC going 8 of the 9 innings. Banks is now 2-0 on the hill. He gave up just four hits and struck out five.

The game was scoreless entering the second inning when Cowboys took the lead for good with 3 runs. Korey Keith opened the frame with a single followed by bases hit from Jiro Morales and Ryan Clarke to load the bases.

Angel Flores drew a walk that sent Keith home for the first run. Jake Barton lifted a sacrifice fly to drive home Morales for a 2-0 CSC advantage, followed by a Diedrick base hit sending Clarke home for a 3-0 Cowboys’ lead.

Connors added a run in the third for a 4-0 Cowboys advantage and put the game away with a four run burst in the fifth for an 8-1 CSC lead

Cowboys hitting attack with led by Flores with three hits, while Diedrick, Victor Claudio, Keith, Morales and Clarke with two hits each.

Cowboys Lose Twice to Arkansas Baptist

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Connors State fell twice to Arkansas Baptist 9-8 and 16-8 in a non-conference baseball doubleheader Thursday.

The loss drops the Cowboys to 31-22. The two clubs will close out the regular season with a doubleheader on Saturday at Biff Thompson Field beginning at 1 p.m.

In the opener the Cowboys trailed 3-1 entering the fifth inning and grabbed a 5-3 lead before the Buffaloes struck for  6 runs in their half of the inning to take a 9-5 advantage.

Connors’ Eli Roundtree singled followed by a Ryan Clarke walk to open the fifth frame. Angel Flores doubled to plate both Roundtree and Clarke to tie the game at 3-3. Jake Barton sent home Flores to give the Cowboys a 4-3 lead. The final run of the inning came across when Phil Diedrick drove home Barton for a 5-3 Connors lead.

Following Arkansas Baptist’s 6-run explosion, Connors scored three runs in the sixth to make it 9-8. Korey Keith doubled to open the inning, and moved to third on a fielders’ choice and scored on Braden Cook’s sacrifice fly. Clarke then singled and Barton followed with a walk before Flores doubled to score both Clarke and Barton for the 9-8 final.

Jordan Morales took the loss for the Cowboys on the mound.

In the nightcap Connors’ Chad Backward started and took the loss and is now 7-3. Cowboys took a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Arkansas Baptist held an 8-2 lead before the Cowboys scored 6 runs in the fifth inning to tie the game.

The Buffaloes outscored Connors 8-0 the final two innings of play to get the win. Keith had three base hits in the nightcap for 3 RBIS, and Flores also knocked out 2 hits.

Quesenberry Qualifies for National Collegiate Finals Rodeo

Connors State bull rider Winston Quesenberry placed second in the long round and first in the short round and average at the Oklahoma Panhandle State University rodeo last weekend in Guymon, Okla.

Quesenberry performance at the Guymon rodeo places him third for the year in the Central Plains Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.

The third place finish earns Quensenberry a trip to the Collegiate National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wy., June 10-16.

In the breakaway roping, C Jae Lenhart finished third in the long round, second in the short round, and second in the average just missed making the finals by 20 points and will finish fourth overall in the Central Plains Region.

The top three in each event from each region earn the right to compete at the CNFR, in addition to the all-around and team winners.

“It is always exciting at the last rodeo with several spots in most events still undecided,” said Connors State rodeo coach Jake Lawson. “We are extremely proud of both of these students.  They showed real heart in making a final push for a spot in the CNFR,” said Lawson.

Boiling Named First Team All-Region; Pairings Announced

Connors State Cowgirls received the No. 4 seed in the Region II Softball Tournament which opens play on Friday and outfielder Paige Boiling was named first team All-Region II on Monday.

The Cowgirls (24-26) will play Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa (24-27) the No. 5 seed at 1:30 p.m. at the ASA Complex in Oklahoma City.

Boiling, sophomore from Muskogee, is a two-time All-Region first team selection and a member of the NJCAA All-American team as a freshman. The outfielder hit .429 this season with six home runs and 39 runs-batted-in.

Named to the second  team from Connors were sophomore shortstop Lauren Pittman from Washington, Okla., a second team All-Region selection a year ago; freshman outfielder Summer Cunningham from Tahlequah; and freshman third baseman Brandi Schuler from Bartlesville.

Named honorable mention where sophomore Balie Neel of Locust Grove; freshman Ashley Dunigan of Bristow and sophomore Lauren Roberston of Bixby.

Other first round Region II games on Friday are top-seed and NJCAA No. 7 ranked Seminole State (43-10) battling No. 8 seed Eastern State (13-33); No. 2 seed and No. 9-ranked NJCAA Northeastern A&M (35-12) playing No. 7 seed Carl Albert State College (16-34) and No. 3 seed and No. 19-ranked NJCAA Western State (42-11) meeting No. 6 seed Rose State (22-32).

All first round games begin at 1:30 p.m. with a second game, win or lose beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the double elimination tournament. The semifinals will be played Saturday and the finals are scheduled Sunday.

Errors in 9th Doom Cowboys Against NEO

WARNER –Three errors in the ninth inning proved costly for Connors State as Northeastern A&M broke a 6-6 tie to score six runs and capture a 12-7 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball victory over the Cowboys at Biff Thompson Field Sunday.

The loss drops the Cowboys to 31-20 and 5-11 in league play. Connors will battle Murray State at 6 p.m. Monday at Thompson Field.

Caleb Banks, who came in relief in the fourth inning, trailing 4-0, going 5 2/3 innings to take the loss. Banks gave up a 2-run homer in the sixth that gave NEO a 6-0 advantage.

Connors battled back to tie the game in the 8^th inning at 6-6, before Banks gave up a solo homer to give the Norsemen the lead 7-6 in the ninth. After the solo shot, Connors committed three errors which led to five unearned runs in the frame.

Cowboys scored their first run in the sixth when Jake Barton walked and scored on a Korey Keith fielders’ choice in the sixth inning to make it 6-1.  In the seventh CSC’s Braden Cook doubled, followed by walks to Ryan Clarke and Angel Flores to load the bases.

Phil Diedrick drove a base hit up the middle to send home Cook and Clarke cutting NEO’s lead to 6-3.  Connors came back in the 8^th inning to tie the game when Eli Roundtree scored on a Clarke RBI base hit, making it 6-4. Flores was then hit by a pitch to reach base. Then with Clarke at third base, he came home on a wild pitch to make it a 6-5 game. Flores scored for the deadlock on an infield single by Barton.

Chris Tavares led the CSC hitting attack with three hits, with Victor Claudio and Clarke with two hits each.

Cowboys Rally Past Northeastern A&M

Connors State scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to defeat Northeastern A&M 3-2 for an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball victory Friday night at Biff Thompson Field.

The Cowboys are 30-19 for the year and 4-10 in OCAC play and will travel to Miami Saturday for Game 3 of the four game series. The Norsemen are 28-11 and 7-5 in league play.

Connors tied the game with one out in the ninth when Braden Cook walked, and Ryan Clarke then moved him to second on a sacrifice bunt. Angel Flores ripped a base hit to left field, but Cook wasn’t able to score from second.

Flores’ base hit put Cowboys at third and first base. Jake Barton followed with a single to send Cook home to tie the game at 2-2.

 The winning run came home when Phil Diedrick’s one-hop shot bounced off NEO’s shortstop and went into left centerfield, allowing Flores to score the winning run.

Connors jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the third inning when Clarke singled and then stole second base. Clarke moved to third base on a wild pitch and scored on a Barton sacrifice fly.

The Norsemen took a 2-1 lead in the fifth on Cowboys starter Kelvin Rivas. Rivas was relieved by Kylar Trumbla, who went the rest of the way to get the win. Trumbla allowed just two hits, in four innings, striking out six, walking just one.

Cowgirls Close Regular Season With Two Losses

WARNER – Connors State closed out the regular season with a doubleheader loss to Seminole State Thursday night on Sophomore Night, falling 8-3 in nine innings of the first game and 8-0 in the nightcap.

Connors closes the regular season24-26 and 13-15 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play.

In the first contest Connors and Seminole were tired 3-3 until the ninth inning when the Belles struck for five runs to get the win. The Cowgirls had opportunities to win the ball game in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings but had runners thrown out at home plate each time.

Jerelyn Long took the loss in relief for the Cowgirls. Brandi Schueler led the hitting attack with a3-for-5 performance at the plate with Baile Neel 2-for-5 and Paige Boling 2-for-5.

The nightcap was all Seminole as the Belles scored 6 runs in the first two innings as Jordan Jones took the loss.  Cowgirls hitting attack was led by Kenna McCoy who had two hits.

Cowboys Fall to NEO in 11 Innings

MIAMI – Connors State sustained a heartbreaking 5-4 loss to Northeastern A&M 5-4 in 11 innings Thursday in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball clash.

The two clubs will play Game 2 of the four-game series at Biff Thompson Field Friday at 6 p.m. The Cowboys enter with a 29-20 season mark and 3-10 in OCAC play. NEO is now 27-10 for the season.

Cowboys held a 2-1 lead in the last of the ninth when the Norsemen tied the contest and sent it into extra innings.

Connors took a 4-2 lead in the 11^th inning but could not hold the lead. Jordan Morales went 9 innings for CSC on the mound, giving up two runs, 7 hits, walking 3 and striking out 8 before giving way to Jordan Romano in the 10^th inning. Romano took the loss and is now 2-1 for the year.

Cowboys grabbed a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Victor Claudio singled, and came home on Ryan Clarke’s base hit.  NEO tied the game at 1-1 in the third before the Cowboys regained the lead in the sixth inning 2-1.

Korey Keith singled, followed by Claudio’s second base hit of the game. Both runners then moved up on a sacrifice bunt. Keith then scored on a wild pitch.

In the last of the ninth, NEO put together three consecutive base hits to tie the game at 2-2.  Connors regained the lead in the top of the 11^th when Phil Diedrick doubled and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Chris Tavares. Diedrick then scored on a wild pitch for a 3-2 CSC advantage. After Hunter Spencer walked and moved to third, he scored on a fielders’ choice by Clarke, giving the Cowboys a 4-2 lead.

Romano in relief of Morales, failed to hold the lead, as he had a strike out, gave up a double, walked one and hit another batter. A balk was also called for the tying run.

Cowgirls, NOC-Tonkawa Split Doubleheader

TONKAWA – Connors State split an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball twinbill with Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa, losing the opener 6-5 in nine innings and taking the night cap 10-2 in a run-rule six inning contest.

The Cowgirls close out the regular season on Sophomore Night Thursday at Warner against Seminole State at 4 and 6 p.m. in a doubleheader. Connors enters the final game with a 24-24 season mark and 13-13 OCAC record.

Connors pounded out 27 base hits in the two games with Ashley Dunigan leading the hitting attack with a 5-for-6 hitting performance. Dunigan also established a school record in stolen bases, stealing three, for a season total of 48 snapping the previous mark of 44 held by Cassie Tipton in 1996.

In the opener the Cowgirls held a two-run lead, 5-3 in the ninth; however, the Lady Mavericks scored three in the half of the ninth to take the victory. Lauren Robertson scattered 8 hits and struck out 8 in taking the loss.

Cowgirls got home runs from Brandi Schueler her eighth of the season and Blaine Matheson connected on her second of the year.

In the night cap Jordan Jones tossed a two hitter and had five strikeouts to get the win. Balie Neel led the attack with three base hits and Dunigan had two hits.

Lloyd Signs with Park University

Connors State ‘s Taylor Lloyd, 5-9 sophomore guard from Brooklyn, N.Y., has signed a basketball national letter of intent with Park (Mo.) University, announced Cowgirls head coach Eddie Kite.

Lloyd was an honorable mention Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference selection last season. Lloyd averaged .8.2 points per game.

Park University is located in Parkville, Mo., and is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The Lady Pirates, who posted a 19-8 record under head coach Kenneth Cooper last season, competes in the American Midwest Conference.

Quesenberry Takes Bull Riding Title at Ft. Hays Event

Connors State bull rider Winston Quesenberry won first in the long round and first in the average in the bull riding event at the Fort Hayes (Kan) University rodeo event that was held April 20-22.

In the breakaway roping event  Callin Jae Lenhart placed fourth in the long go, second in the short go, and third overall.

   William Whayne made the short go in the tie down roping event.

 Connors will compete in its final rodeo event of the season at Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Guymon, on April 26-28. Quesenberry, with a good performance at the Panhandle event in the bull riding event has an opportunity to qualify for the Collegiate National Finals at Casper, Wy. In June.

Carl Albert Drops Cowboys

Carl Albert State College dropped Connors State 14-5 in a non-conference baseball clash Tuesday night at Biff Thompson Field.

Cowboys are now 29-18 on the season and will open a four-game Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference series on Thursday against Northeastern A&M in Miami.

The Vikings took a 2-0 lead in the first inning before the Cowboys grabbed the lead with three runs in their half of the first. Angel Flores, Jake Barton and Phil Diedrick all walked to load the bases. Jiro Morales single to plate Barton and Flores tying the game at 2-2. Connors took the lead when Korey Keith’s sacrifice fly scored Diedrick for the lead.

Carl Albert erupted for six runs in the second inning for an 8-3 lead. Connors made it 8-4 in the fourth when Keith doubled and scored on Victor Claudio’s single. The Vikings put the game away with six runs in the sixth. C.J. Machete (2-4) took the loss for the Cowboys.

Eastern State Run-Rules Cowboys

Eastern State won its third game of the four-game series with Connors State Sunday at Biff Thompson Field capturing a 14-1 run-rule Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball victory on Alumni Day.

Connors, falls to 29-17 and 3-9 in OCAC action, will play host to Carl Albert State College on Tuesday in a single contest at Biff Thompson Field, beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Eastern State improves to 32-11 and 11-1 in league action.

The Cowboys managed only four base hits against three Mountaineer pitchers. Connors managed only five base runners in the game.

Trailing 9-0- in the sixth, the Cowboys got on the scoreboard when Ryan Clarke reached on a bunt single and scored on Jake Barton’s RBI single to center field.

The only other scoring threat by the Cowboys came in the third inning. Victor Claudio walked and following two Cowboy strikeouts, Angel Flores singled. However, both runners were stranded.

Mountaineers used two base hits and a Connors error to put two runs on the scoreboard in the second inning.

Eastern upped its lead to 6-0 in the fifth inning, pounding out three bases hits against Chad Backward, who was relieved by lefthander Kylar Trumbla. Backward (6-2) went 4 1/3 innings, scattering 8 base hits and striking out two. He did not walk a batter.

Mountaineers added three more runs in the sixth for a 9-0 lead as the Cowboys committed two errors in the frame. All three runs were scored against Trumble, who struck out one and waked two in 1 1/3 innings of work.

Cowboys’ Daniel Concepcion pitched 2/3 of an inning in the seventh inning in relief for Trumble allowed five Mountaineer runs on 3 base hits and two walks. Concepcion was relieved by C.J. Machete, who got the final out.

Cowboys Pop Eastern State

WILBURTON –Connors State broke a two-game losing streak against Eastern State with an 8-5 victory over the Mountaineers in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball clash Saturday.

The win lifts the Cowboys to 29-16 for the year and 3-8 in OCAC play as the Cowboys host Eastern in a 3 p.m. game at Biff Thompson Field Sunday. It’s CSC Alumni Day for the baseball team and a cook-out will be held at Thompson Field beginning at 1 p.m.

The Mountaineers took a 4-0 lead in the first inning on two home runs  against CSC starter Kelvin Rivas, who went seven innings and got the win. He struck out six, walked two and scattered seven hits. Chris Romano pitched the final two innings to get the save.

Cowboys cut the Mountaineers lead to 4-2 in the sixth inning  when Braden Cook walked , followed by a two-run homer by Victor Claudio, his second of the season to tie the game at 4-4.

Connors took the lead in the 8^th-inning when Korey Keith doubled to center field and moved to third on Claudio’s bunt single down the first base line. Brian Clarke then plated Keith home for a 5-4 Cowboys lead.  Cowboys made it 7-4 when Angel Flores tripled home Claudio and Clarke. Jake Barton followed with a fielders’ choice to score Flores for an 8-4 advantage.

Eastern added a run in the last of the eighth inning.

Carl Albert Ends Cowgirls Winning Streak

POTEAU –Connors State Cowgirls four-game winning streak was snapped with a doubleheader loss to Carl Albert State College 11-3 and 2-1 in 8 innings Saturday in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play.

Cowgirls are now 23-23 for the season and 12-12 in OCAC play will travel to Tonkawa on Wednesday play Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa. Cowgirls pounded out 16 hits in the twin bill, but left 11 base runners.

Carl Albert took a 1-0 lead in the first and scored 6 in the second inning for a 7-0 advantage and put the game away. Cowgirls Paige Boling had a 2-run RBI base hit in the fifth to make it 7-2 and added a run in the sixth on a Lauren Pittman RBI. Lauren Robertson took the loss for Connors.

Connors fell in the night cap in the eighth inning of a pass ball. Jordan Jones went the distance for CSC and took the loss.

Carl Albert took a 1-0 lead in the fourth before the Cowgirls tied the game in the sixth inning.

Ashley Dunigan, Pittman and Candace Kellar each had two hits in the game.

Cowgirls Sweep NOC-Tonkawa; Extend Winning Streak

Connors State Cowgirls extended its winning streak to four games with a doubleheader sweep of Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa 4-3, 6-0 Thursday in a pair of Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball games.

Connors improves to 23-21 for the year and 12-10 in league play. The Cowgirls next play on Saturday at Carl Albert State College in Poteau in an OCAC twin bill.

Lauren Robertson scattered four hits in taking the win inside the circle in the opener as the Cowgirls jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning.

BaIie Neel was hit by a pitch followed by a Lauren Pittman single. Neel and Pittman were scored on a double by Jerelyn Long.

The Lady Mavericks tied the game at 2-all in the fifth inning and took the lead in the sixth inning, 3-2.

Connors regained the lead in their half of the sixth inning. Neel and Brandi Schueler each had back to back base hits to open the sixth, Pittman followed with a two-run RBI base hit.

Jordan Jones took the win in the second game, scattering four hits in going the distance. Cowgirls took a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Ashley Dunigan reached on a base hit and Bailey sent Dungun home on a base hit. Schueler then doubled home Bailey.

Connors upped its lead to 4-0 in the fourth on a solo home run by Blaine Matheson, her first of the season. Neel then collected an RBI single scoring Dunigan, who had walked and stole second and third base. Dunigan finished with 5 stolen bases in the twin bill.

It was 6-0 Cowgirls in the sixth inning when Robertson and Long were driven home on a double by Summer Cunningham.

Eastern Wins Game 2 Against Cowboys

WILBURTON – Eastern State took game two of the four-game series with Connors State Wednesday with a 10-0 run-rule seven inning victory on the Mountaineers home field.

Connors State falls to 28-16 for the year and 2-8 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play. Eastern remains unbeaten in OCAC play at 7-0 and 31-8 for the season.

The two clubs will play Game 3 on Saturday at Eastern at 1 p.m. with Game 4 on Sunday at Biff Thompson Field at 3 p.m.

Cowboys managed only four hits against the Mountaineers with Phil Diedrick collecting two, a single and double.

Connors and Eastern were scoreless entering the fifth inning when the Mountaineers scored four in the fifth, four in the sixth and two runs in the seventh for the 10-0 victory.

Eastern Drops Cowboys

Eastern State remained unbeaten in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play blasting two home runs en route to an 8-1 victory over Connors State Tuesday night at Biff Thompson Field.

Connors falls to 28-15 for the season and 2-7 in OCAC play, while the Mountaineers go to 30-8 and 6-0 in league play. The two teams collide again on Wednesday at Wilburton.

Cowboys’ Jordan Morales took the loss for going six innings, scattering four base hits, and walking four. Morales is now 3-4 for the year.

Two Eastern pitchers held Connors to eight base hits, while the Cowboys stranded 16 base runners.

Eastern broke open a scoreless tie in the third inning when Jacob Rose connected on a three-run homer over the left centerfield wall off Morales.

Cowboys missed scoring opportunities in the first and second inning leaving the bases loaded in both innings.

Connors made it a 3-1 game in its half of the third when Korey Keith doubled home Eli Roundtree, who had reached on a fielders’ choice. However, for the third consecutive inning the Cowboys left the bases loaded.

Eastern used the long ball again to increase its advantage in the fifth as Codey McElroy blasted a two-run homer over the left field wall, giving the Mountaineers a 5-1 lead.

Mountaineers made it 6-1 in the sixth on a base hit, sacrifice bunt and fielders’ choice.

Mountaineers added to their total with two runs and an 8-1 lead in the seventh. Sawyer Barnard came in relief for Morales walking two, and hitting a batter before being relieved by Arnaldo Hernandez, who entered with the bases loaded.

Cowgirls Sweep Murray State

Connors State Cowgirls swept visiting Murray State 12-2 and 4-3 Monday in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball doubleheader Monday. The Cowgirls are now 21-21 on the year and 10-10 in OCAC play.

Lauren Robertson with the aid of 13 base hits recorded the win inside the circle to run rule the Aggies. Cowgirls led 4-2 after the first inning and added four runs in the second and fourth to put the game away.

Brandi Schueler and Paige Boling led the hitting attack with three hits each. Boling also collected four RBIs. Kenna McCoy and Robertson each had two hits.

In the second game Jordan Jones was the winning pitcher going 4 1/3 innings. Jerelyn Long relieved going 2 2/3 innings.

Connors took a 2-0 lead in the first and added two more in the third. Murray scored its three runs in the fourth.

Ashley Dunigan led the hitting attack going 2-for-3 and scored twice.

The Cowgirls return to action Thursday at home against Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa at 2 p.m.

Cowboys Blast Rhema Bible Twice with Long Ball

Connors State used the long ball in blasting visiting Rhema Bible College 18-0 and 11-0 in run-ruled five innings games at Biff Thompson Field Monday.

The twin bill killing upped the Cowboys’ record to 28-14 as they play host to Eastern State College in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash at Thompson Field at 7 p.m.

In the opener Phil Diedrick blasted a 3-run homer, his third of the season, followed by a grand slam by Braden Cook, his third of the year.

In the night cap Eli Roundtree connected on this seventh home run, a two-run blast, Caleb Banks connected on a two-run homer, his second of the year and Hunter Spencer ripped three homers, for five on the season. Spencer’s homers were a 2-run shot, and two solo homers.

CSC's Quesenberry First in Bull Riding

WEATHERFORD –  Connors State’s Winston Quesenberry placed first in the average bull riding, first in the short round and fourth in the long go at theSouthwestern State University rodeo event on April 14 in Weatherford.

CSC will next compete at the Fort Hays State University rodeo on April 20-22.

Seven Sign Letters of Intent With Cowgirls

Connors State Cowgirls basketball coach Eddie Kite has announced the signing of seven players to NJCAA National Letters of Intent.

Joining the Cowgirls for the 2012-13 basketball season are Kami Bunch, 5-5, point guard from Tulsa Booker T. Washington; Shanques Gibson, 6-2, center from Tulsa Webster High School; Hayley Keys, 5-5, shooting guard from Oaks Mission, High School; Courtney Medcalf, 6-2 center from Wilburton High School, Sha’Georgia Williams, 5-4 point guard from West Mesquite, Texas; Keima Franklin, 5-6 shooting and Raven Massey, 5-6 shooting guard from Commerce (Texas) High School.

Bunch led the No. 6-ranked Hornets to a 19-8 record and area finals as a senior, where she averaged 8.0 points per game and 3.0 assists per game.

Gibson help lead Webster to a 21-8 record and the area finals her senior season. She averaged 10.0 points per game, 7.0 rebounds per game and 5.0 assists per game. Gibson is also the Senior Class President and is a National Honor Society member.

Keys led Oaks Mission to a 19-6 record and region semifinals as a senior where she averaged 14 points per game, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds.

Medcalf led the 12^th-ranked Lady Diggers to a 23-7 record and area finals while averaging 11 points and 12 rebounds as a senior.

Williams led West Mesquite to a 31-8 record and region finals as a senior. Williams was selected as TABC second team All-State selection, District Co-MVP, All-Dallas-Ft. Worth second team selection. Williams will play in the TABC All-Star game later this month. She averaged 18 points per game, and 11 assists.

Franklin averaged 20 points, 5 assists and 5 steals per game at Paris High School. She was an All-District player her senior season.

Massey averaged 18 points a game, 7 steals and 6 assists at Commerce High School. She was a first team All-District selections and was named the, District Offensive MVP, and an honorable All-State selection as a senior.

Cowboys Snap Losing Streak, Drop No. 10 Seminole State

SEMINOLE – Connors State snapped a three-game losing streak to Seminole State with a 6-1 victory over the 10^th-ranked Trojans Saturday in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash.

The victory lifts the Cowboys to 26-14 on the season and 2-6 in OCAC play.

Cowboys’ starting pitcher Kelvin Rivas went 7-of-9 innings to get the win. The right-hander pitched seven innings of shutout ball, scattering four hits, striking out 10 in recording his third win of the season against one defeat.

Rivas got plenty of offensive help. Connors struck for four runs in the fifth inning to break a 0-0 deadlock.

Cowboys’ Korey Keith opened the fifth with a single and Corey Mills followed with a base hit, advancing Keith to second base. Angel Flores doubled to send home Keith with the first Connors run. Jake Barton made it 2-0 Connors on a base hit that plated Mills. Phil Diedrick unleashed the third Cowboys base hit of the inning to score Flores for a 3-0 Connors lead. The fourth CSC run came on a Chris Tavares RBI single that sent Barton home and a 4-0 CSC advantage.

Connors added to its total in the seventh inning for a 6-0 lead with two more runs before the Trojans scored its only run of the game in the ninth.

The Cowboys had multiple hit game from Tavares, Keith and Braden Cook with two hits each.

Connors will return to play on Monday to play Rhema Bible College at Biff Thompson Field.

Seminole State Drops Cowboys

Seminole State captured an 11-1 win over Connors State in eight innings Friday at Biff Thompson Field in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash.

The two clubs will meet again on Saturday at Seminole. Connors enters the game with a 25-14 record and 2-6 in league play.

Cowboys managed just four hits in the game as Seminole scored eight runs in the second inning. Connors scored its only run of the game in the second when Korey Keith plated Eli Roundtree, who opened the inning with a triple.

Chris Romano took the loss for the Cowboys on the mound. Keith and Braden Cook each had two hits in the game.

Seminole Strikes Late to Drop Cowboys

SEMINOLE—Connors State jumped out to an early lead against 10^th-ranked Seminole State Thursday night, but could not hold the lead as the Trojans took an 11-6 Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference victory.

The Cowboys will meet the Trojans for a third consecutive night on Friday at Biff Thompson Field at 6 p.m. Connors will enter the game with a 25-13 overall record and 2-5 in OCAC play.

Connors jumped out to a 3-0 lead against Seminole on the strength of Chris Tavares’ 3-run homer, his fifth of the season.

Seminole struck back with three runs in the first off Cowboys starter Eli Roundtree, who was relieved by Caleb Banks. Banks pitched eight innings and took the loss, who is now 2-1.

Connors regained the lead in the third inning 6-5 when Roundtree connected for his third homer of the season, a 3-run shot over the left field wall. Seminole tied the game in their half of the third.

Seminole took the lead for good in the fifth with two more runs for an 8-6 advantage and added three more in the seventh on a 3-run homer for the 11-6 final.

Both clubs pounded out nine hits each.

Cowgirls Lose Two Heartbreakers to Seminole State

Seminole, Okla. –Connors State sustained two heartbreaking losses Thursday, falling to Seminole State 5-4 and 3-2 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference action on the Belles home diamond.

The double header losses give the Cowgirls a 19-21 season record and 8-10 in OCAC play. Connors will travel to Tonkawa on Saturday to battle Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa in an OCAC doubleheader.

Connors State pounded out 25 base hits in the doubleheader. Lauren Robertson took the loss for the Cowgirls in the opener and Jerelyn Long in the nightcap.

In the first game Connors held a 4-3 lead in the seventh inning on a two-run home run by Summer Cunningham.  The Belles answered in their half of the seventh with a 2-run walk-off home run for the victory.

Cowgirls’ Ashley Dunnigan was perfect at the plate getting four hits in four appearances in the first game. Paige Boling and Long had two hits each.

In the second game the Cowgirls tied the game in the seventh frame 2-2, on a 2-run RBI double by Baile Neel. In Seminole’s seventh Cowgirls’ Long walked in the winning run with two outs.

Cowgirls Earn Split with Crowder

NEOSHO, Mo. – Connors State split a non-conference softball twin bill with Crowder Community College on the road Wednesday, winning the opener 3-2 and losing the nightcap 4-2.

The doubleheader split leaves the Cowgirls 19-19 on the year as they return to Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play on Thursday at Seminole State.

Connors Lauren Robertson took the win in the opener and Jordan Jones sustained the loss in the second game.

Cowgirls jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning on RBI singles by Lauren Pittman and Brandi Schueler, who plated Paige Boling and Kenna McCoy. Cowgirls made it 3-0 in the third when Schueler collected her second RBI of the day when she sent Kellar home. Schueler was 2-for-4 in the game.

It was Robertson’s third consecutive win as she scattered 8 hits. Balie Neel, Pittman and Schueler each had two hits in the game.

In the second game, Connors scored two runs in the first inning when Neel plated both runs on a double. Connors stranded 8 runners in the game and committed four errors. Jordan took the loss giving up 7 hits, as only one Crowder run was earned.

Cowboys Lose Heartbreaker to No. 10 Seminole

 Connors State error in the ninth inning opened the door for 10^th-ranked Seminole State as Cowboys starter Jordan Morales, who had pitched superb baseball through eight innings gave up two of his five hits in the ninth and walked another, as the Trojans rallied for a 2-1 win at Biff Thompson Field Wednesday night.

The Cowboys managed only three base hits against three Seminole pitchers, while stranding 10 base runners.

Morales, who went the distance, fell to 3-3, as the Cowboys are now 25-12 for the year and 2-4 in OCAC play. The Trojans are 26-9 and will host the Cowboys Thursday in a single game. Morales scattered five base hits and walked four while striking out seven.

Cowboys broke a scoreless ballgame in the seventh inning, finally getting to Seminole starter Billy Waltrip. The lefthander had kept Connors at bay with 10 strikeouts and just two base hits, before being relieved in the last of the seventh by Steve Williams. Williams was relieved in the ninth by Nick Pettus, who struck out three CSC batters after Angel Flores opened the inning with a walk.

Connors took a 1-0 lead in the seventh without getting a base hit. After a strikeout by Korey Keith to open the inning, Victor Claudio walked and then moved to second base on a balk by Waltrip.

Jiro Morales then walked and Mark Maddox entered as a pinch runner. Angel Flores struck out for the second out of the inning. Jake Barton’s ground ball to short was mishandled for an error to load the bases.

Phil Diedrick ran the count on Waltrip to 2-2 when he was hit by a pitch by the lefthander to force in Claudio, giving the Cowboys a 1-0 lead.

Connors only other scoring threats came in the first, second and fourth innings when they left base runners at second base.

Cowgirls Sweep Rose State

WARNER –Connors State behind the pitching of Lauren Robertson and Jerelyn Long, the Cowgirls swept Rose State 2-0 and 6-3 in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball twin bill Tuesday on CSC’s home field

The doubleheader victory puts the Cowgirls at 18-18 for the season and 9-7 in OCAC play. Cowgirls will travel to Missouri on Wednesday to play a doubleheader at Crowder College.

In the opener Connors took a 1-0 lead when Balie Neel, who went 2-for-3 in the game, knocked home Paige Boling in the second inning.

Connors made it 2-0 in the fifth inning when Summer Cunningham’s sacrifice fly scored Neel.

Robertson scattered five hits in going the distance (7 innings).

In the nightcap Long also went the distance in getting the win. The Cowgirls scored three runs in the first inning, added two more in the fourth for a 5-0 advantage and added a single run in the sixth.

Connors pounded out 10 hits in the second game with Cunningham, Boiling, and (2 RBIs), Candace Kellar, Brandi Schueler and Long (2 RBIs) all recorded two base hits each.

Cowboys Lose Heartbreaker to NOC-Enid in 11 innings

ENID –Connors State pounded out nine base hits but left 12 base runners on base, falling to Northern Oklahoma-Enid 6-5 in 11 innings Monday night at David Allen Field.

The loss leaves the Cowboys at 25-11 on the year. Connors will return to Oklahoma Collegiate Conference play Wednesday against Seminole State at Biff Thompson Field at 6:30 p.m.

The Jets pushed across the winning run in the 11^th with two outs when Arnaldo Hernandez walked in the winning run, who is now 2-1 on the season.

Cowboys trailed 4-1 in the sixth inning when Eli Roundtree connected for a 3-run homer to tie the game at 4-4, his fifth of the season. Connors regained the lead in the 8^th inning when Braden Cook walked, and advanced on a bunt single by Victor Claudio. Jake Barton then hit into a fielders’ choice that allowed Cook to score giving Connors a 5-4 advantage.

NOC-Enid tied the game in the ninth on a solo home run by Logan Bradley to knot the game at 5-5, which set the stage in the 11^th inning. Connors used three pitchers that limited the Jets to just five hits for the contest.

Two Home Runs Lift Cowgirls Over NEO in Nightcap

MIAMI, Okla. – Connors State with the aid of two home runs in the nightcap, split an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference  softball clash with Northeastern A&M Monday on the Lady Norse home field. NEO won the opener 7-0 and the Cowgirls took a 7-5 win in the second game.

The Cowgirls are now 16-18 for the year and 8-8 in OCAC action. Connors will host Rose State at 2 p.m. Tuesday on the Warner campus.

Paige Boling put the Cowgirls on the scoreboard in the third inning of the night cap with a 2-run homer, her eighth of the season. Connors then added two more runs in the fifth inning to tie NEO at 4-4.

In the seventh with two outs and two on, Cowgirls’ Jerelyn Long hit a 3-run homer for the 7-4 lead. NEO then added a run in the last of the seventh.

CSC’s Lauren Robertson was the winning pitcher, scattering 6; hits and is 8-9 on the season.

In the opener NEO scored seven runs in the second inning as Jordan Jones took the loss in the circle.

Cowboys Split Twin Bill with Rose State

WARNER—Connors State split an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader with Rose State Saturday afternoon at Biff Thompson Field. The Cowboys won the opener 2-1 and fell in the nightcap 3-2.

The split left the Cowboys at 25-10 on the season and 2-3 in OCAC play. Connors will travel to Enid, on Monday to play Northern Oklahoma-Enid.

Chris Romano pitched a complete game in the opener to remain unbeaten on the mound with a 3-0 record. Romano gave up just three hits, striking out five and walking two.

Cowboys grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Jake Barton doubled and scored on Chris Tavares RBI single. Connors upped its lead to 2-0 in the fourth inning when Eli Roundtree connected for a solo home run over the right field wall, his fourth of the year. Rose State scored its only run in the seventh inning.

In the nightcap, Connors managed only five base hits and left 12 base runners on base in the loss. The Cowboys took a 1-0 lead in their half of the first when Phil Diedrick singled and moved to second base on a walk to Tavares.

Diedrick crossed home plate on a single by Braden Cook for the lead. That margin stood up until the fifth inning when Connors’ J.C. Machete gave up a three-run homer. Machete took the loss and is now 2-3 on the year.

Connors had scoring opportunities in the sixth, seventh, eighth and nine innings, but could not come up with the timely base hit with runners on base.

Cowgirls Rained Out

Miami, Okla. –Connors State Cowgirls Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball game with Northeastern A&M on Saturday was postponed due to inclement weather.

The doubleheader has been rescheduled for 4 p.m. Monday on the Lady Norse home field. Cowgirls enter the game with a 15-15 record on the year and 7-7 in OCAC play.

Rose State Sweeps Cowboys

MIDWEST CITY --- Rose State swept Connors State Thursday afternoon, 3-2 in 11 innings in the opener and in the night cap 8-2 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball doubleheader on the Raiders’ home field.

The Cowboys are now 24-9 on the year and 1-3 in OCAC play. Connors will play host to Rose State on Saturday at 1 p.m. in a doubleheader at Biff Thompson Field.

Rose took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning on a solo home run of the opener before the Cowboys took the lead in the sixth inning with two runs.

Victor Claudio doubled to open the inning and scored on a sacrifice fly by Angel Flores to tie the game at 1-1. Cowboys took the lead when Jake Barton singled and moved to third on Phil Diedrick’s base hit. Barton then scored on a wild pitch for a 2-1 Cowboys lead.

The Raiders tied the game in the seventh inning with two outs to send the game into extra innings and pushed a run across in the 11^th for the victory.

Jordan Morales went eight innings for the Cowboys, striking out eight and walked two. He was relieved by Daniel Concepcion, who took the loss. Concepcion is now 3-2 on hill.

Connors’ Chad Backward sustained his first loss of the year on the mound for the Cowboys. The sophomore from Salina is now 6-1 on the year.

The Cowboys scored a run in the first inning when Barton singled came home on Diedrick’s triple.

Rose regained the lead for good in their half of the first on a two-run home run and a solo home run in the second for a 3-1 advantage.

Diedrick had two hits in the loss, including his fourth home run of the season in the fourth inning.  Tavares had two hits and Korey Keith two hits.

Western State Sweeps Cowgirls

Connors State fell to Western State twice, 4-1 and 4-0 in nine innings in the nightcap Thursday afternoon on the Cowgirls softball field in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader.

The twin bill loss left the Cowgirls 15-17 on the season and 7-7 in OCAC play. The Cowgirls will battle Northeastern A&M on Saturday in an OCAC doubleheader at 2 p.m.

In the opener the Cowgirls trailed the Lady Pioneers 2-0 entering the fourth inning slicing the Western lead to 2-1 when Lauren Pittman scored on an RBI single by Candace Kellar. Western added two runs in the sixth on a two-run homer for the 4-1 final. Jordan Jones pitched for the Cowgirls and took the loss.

In the nightcap the two teams battled to a 0-0 deadlock after nine innings of play. Cowgirls’ Jerelyn Long pitched eight innings of shutout softball in the circle before being relieved by Lauren Pittman who took the loss.

Western State scored four runs in the top of the ninth to get the victory.

Cowboys Rout Carl Albert

POTEAU – Connors State College used five pitchers in routing Carl Albert State College 12-0 to open Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball play Tuesday afternoon.

Freshman Caleb Banks, who went 2 1/3 innings, got the win, his first of the season, as head coach Perry Keith used four other pitchers on his staff. Also seeing action on the mound for the Cowboys were Eli Roundtree, who started, C.J. Machete, Daniel Concepcion and Jordan Romano. Connors’ five pitchers allowed just four hits in posting the shutout.

The Cowboys took a 2-0 lead in the first inning and added four runs in the sixth for a 6-0 lead. Connors is now 24-7 for the season and will go on the road Thursday to Midwest City to battle Rose State in an OCAC doubleheader.

In the first the Angel Flores singled to open the inning, followed by a Jake Barton base hit and a walk to Chris Tavares to load the bases. Braden Cook’s RBI single plated Flores for a 1-0 Cowboy lead. Barton then scored on a wild pitch to make it 2-0.

In the four-run sixth inning, Flores walked and scored on a RBI double by Phil Diedrick for a 3-0 Connors lead. The assault continued with a double by Cook that drove home Diedrick, giving Connors a 4-0 advantage.

Korey Keith followed with a walk and Roundtree singled, plating Cook with the fifth run of the inning.  The scoring in the inning was completed with an RBI single by Victor Claudio to drive home Keith and a 6-0 Cowboys’ lead.

Connors State capped the rout in the ninth with a 3-run home run by Roundtree, his third of the season.

Cowboys hitting assault was led by Roundtree’s three base hits and four RBIs. Cook also had four hits in the game, two doubles and two singles, which included three RBIs.

Cowboys Rank Among Top 10 on NJCAA Statistical Charts

Connors State Cowboys finished among the top 10 in four categories of the NJCAA National basketball statistics for the 2011-12 season.

Cowboys led the nation in field goal shooting percentage at 54 percent for the season. CSC also ranked No. 4 in 3-point shooting at 40 percent and No. 8 in the nation in free throw shooting at 70 percent.

Connors was 10^th on the NJCAA national scoring chart averaging 87 points per game.

The Cowboys under head coach Bill Muse completed the year with a 23-7 record.

Murray State Upends Cowboys

TISHOMINGO – Connors State managed only three hits and fell to Murray State 7-1 Saturday afternoon in a junior college baseball clash.

The loss left the Cowboys with a 23-7 record as they travel to Poteau to play Carl Albert State College Tuesday.

The Aggies took a 2-0 lead in the first and added two more runs in the third and three in the eighth inning for a 7-0 advantage.

Connors got on the scoreboard in the ninth when Phil Diedrick doubled and scored on a RBI single by Chris Tavares.

Kelvin Rivas, pitched only one inning and took the loss. He was relieved in the second when he developed tightness in his elbow. Rivas is now 3-1 for the season.

Cowboys Knockoff No. 5 Ranked NJCAA D-II NOC-Enid

WARNER – Connors State rallied from a 2-0 deficit with a four-run explosion in the fourth inning en route to a 5-3 win over the NJCAA’s Division II No. 5-ranked Northern Oklahoma-Enid Jets (22-8) on Armstrong Bank Night Thursday.

The victory improves the Cowboys’ record to 23-6 and will next battle Murray State on Saturday in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference double header in Tishomingo.

Jordan Morales went the distance for the Cowboys in getting his third win of the year against two defeats. Morales struck out seven and scattered seven hits, while walking three.

The Jets took 2-0 lead into the fourth inning, scoring a run in the first on no hits and a Cowboys error. Enid added a run in the fourth on two base hits and another CSC error before the Cowboys exploded for four runs in its half of the fourth.

The big blow in the frame was a two-run home run by Chris Tavares over the left field wall, to tie the game at 2-2. Tavares’ blast scored Jake Barton who had reached on a single to left field.

Braden Cook then doubled to centerfield and following a Korey Keith fly out to center, Eli Roundtree was walked and Victor Claudio drove home Cook with a base hit to left field for a 3-2 Connors lead. Dalton Daniels then sent Roundtree home with the fourth run on a single to left field as Claudio was thrown out at the plate for the third out of the inning.

Connors added a run in the fifth inning when Angel Flores, who had reached on a bunt single, scored on Phil Diedrick’s sacrifice fly to centerfield for a 5-2 Cowboys lead.

The Jets made it a 5-3 game in the ninth when lead off hitter J.R. Head smashed a liner over the left field wall.

Cowgirls Capture Split with Eastern State

WILBURTON – Connors State behind the suburb pitching of Lauren Robertson and two home runs, the Cowgirls earned a split with Eastern State College in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader Thursday afternoon.

Connors won the night cap 2-1 in eight innings on solo home runs by Emily Ware, her first of the season and Balie Neel, her second of the year. The Cowgirls lost the opener 3-1.

Cowgirls are now 16-16 on the season and will next play Western State College on April 5^th in Warner.

Mountaineers held a 1-0 lead entering the fifth inning of the second game when Ware connected on her homer to tie the game at 1-1. Then in the 8^th frame Neel’s blast gave the Cowgirls the win.

In the opener the Cowgirls took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Candace Keller doubled and scored on a Jessica Dacus single. Eastern tied the game their half of the first and added single runs in the third and fifth innings.

Jordan Jones who struck out six Eastern batters, but the Cowgirls who had 9 base hits, could not push across any runs.

Cowboys Split with Oklahoma Wesleyan

BARTLESVILLE – Connors State split a doubleheader with Oklahoma Wesleyan Wednesday afternoon losing the opener 5-3 and taking the nightcap 10-0 in a run-ruled five-inning game.

Cowboys are now 22-6 entering Thursday night’s game with Northern Oklahoma-Enid at Biff Thompson Field. The Armstrong Bank Night game begins at 6:30 p.m.

Connors took a 2-0 lead in the first inning and Wesleyan came back with a run in its half of the first. Wesleyan took the lead for good in the third with two runs for a 3-2 advantage and added two more in the sixth for a 5-2 advantage.

Connors loaded the bases in the seventh inning and managed to only push across one run. Chris Tavares opened the frame with a walk, and Braden Cook then singled followed by Korey Keith single to load the bases. After one out by Eli Roundtree, a walk to Corey Mills forced in Tavares for the lone run of the end.

Cowboys managed only four hits in the opener with Sawyer Barnard taking the loss on the mound, going four innings.  Barnard is now 3-1 for the year.

In the nightcap it was all Connors as Chris Romano tossed a 3-hitter, striking out two in getting his second win against no defeats.

Cowboys scored a run in the second for a 1-0 lead before exploding for 6 runs in the third for a 7-0 advantage. Jake Barton had two hits, a double and home run, his second of the season while Victor Claudio connected for his first home run of the year.

Crowder Sweeps Cowgirls

Crowder Community College swept Connors State in a softball twin bill Wednesday afternoon on the Cowgirls home field, as the Roughriders posted an 8-0 win in the opener and 7-3 victory in the nightcap.

The Cowgirls now 14-14 on the season returns to Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play on Thursday, battling Eastern State College in a doubleheader at Wilburton.

Cowgirls collected 8 hits in the opener but could now push any runs across the plate. Jordan Jones took the loss inside the circle and she is now 8-6 for the season. Crowder scored 3 in the first and added two more in the second inning for an early 5-0 margin the Cowgirls got not overcome.

Paige Boling and Summer Cunningham had two hits each in the loss.

In the second game Connors and Crowder were deadlocked 1-1 after the first inning, before Crowder stretched its lead to 6-1. The Cowgirls had nine hits in the game, two each by Brandi Shueler and Boling.

Cowboys Split Twin Bill with Arkansas Tech Varsity

RUSSELLVILLE, ARK. – Connors Cowboys traveled to Arkansas to play Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys, earning a split with the Wonder Boys varsity, taking the opener 9-6 and falling in the nightcap 11-1.

The Cowboys will hit the road again Wednesday traveling to Bartlesville with a 21-5 record to play Bartlesville Wesleyan in a doubleheader at 1 p.m.

Cowboys jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the opening game. Angel Flores singled and Phil Diedrick was issued a walk. Flores and Diedrick both came home on a single by Braden Cook. Cook made it 3-0 when he crossed home plate on a base hit by Hunter Spencer.

It was a lead the Cowboys never relinquished. In the game Flores had two base hits and Victor Claudio pounded out three base hits, which included two singles and a double. Spencer also had two base hits for the Cowboys.

Chad Backward went six innings in getting the win, his fifth of year against no defeats. He had four strikeouts, while scattering seven hits. Arnaldo Hernandez came in relief, getting his fourth save.

In the second game Arkansas Tech jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first and the Cowboys could never recover.

Cowboys managed only five hits in the game as Daniel Concepcion took the loss for Connors and is now 3-1 for the year. Concepcion went four innings, giving up four earned runs, while striking out two.

Cowgirls Sweep Carl Albert in Softball Twin Bill

Connors State swept Carl Albert State College 5-1 and 8-5 in softball play Tuesday afternoon on the Cowgirls home field to improve their record to 14-12 on the season.

Cowgirls will next play Crowder Community College Wednesday at 3 p.m. in a Cancer Awareness contest, where everyone is encouraged to wear pink.

Cowgirls Jordan Jones tossed a 6-hitter with 4 strikeouts in upping her record inside the circle to 8-5 for the year in the opener. Connors struck for four runs in the first inning and was never contested the rest of the game.

Leading the hitting attack was Jerelyn Long going 2-for-3 and Lauren Pittman was 2-for-3 at the plate.

In the second game the Cowgirls’ Balie Neel broke a 5-5 tie in the sixth inning with a 3-run home run with two outs. It was her first home run of the season. Neel pounded out hits in the game, which included the home run and a double. Ashley Dunigan collected two base hits and had three stolen bases. Also pounding out two base hits were Paige Boling, two RBIs and Brandi Schueler.

Connors broke out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning before the Vikings came back to tie the game in the sixth inning. Jerelyn Long came in relief to get the win for the Cowgirls.

Cowboys Sweep Bacone

Connors Cowboys swept a twin bill from Bacone College 11-10 and 6-2 Monday afternoon at Biff Thompson Field snapping a two-game losing streak.

The doubleheader wins improves the Cowboys record to 20-4 entering Tuesday’s doubleheader with Arkansas Tech at Russellville, Ark.

 Cowboys scored a run in the last of the seventh inning, breaking a 10-10 tie in the opener to get the victory. Ryan Clarke walked and then stole second base.  Clarke then scored on a RBI single into right field by Eli Roundtree for the win.

Jake Barton was 3-for-4 at the plate, including three doubles, with two RBIs. Angel Flores had two hits and two RBIs in the game.

Arnaldo Hernandez picked up this second win of the season in relief.

In the nightcap the Cowboys Kelvin Reeves went six innings to get the win, striking out 11 and allowed just two hits.

The game was scoreless through four innings when the Cowboys took a 4-0 lead on a grand slam by Roundtree, his second home run of the season. Chris Tavares opened with a walk, followed by double by Braden Cook and then Korey Keith walked followed by Roundtree’s slam off the scoreboard.

 Connors added a run in the fifth inning on a solo home run by Keith over the right field wall, his second of the season for a 5-0 Cowboys lead.

Flores pounded out two hits in the second game, along with Keith and Roundtree.

Cowgirls to Hold Open Tryouts

Connors State Cowgirls will be holding open basketball tryouts on April ^12th , according to head coach Eddie Kite.

The tryouts will be held at Melvin Self Field House on the Connors State campus in Warner, beginning at 1 p.m.

For more information contact Cowgirls head coach Eddie Kite at (918) 463-6305.

Cowgirls Split Twin Bill in Texas

GALVESTON, TEXAS –Connors State traveled across the Red River and split a softball twin bill with Galveston Community College 9-7 in eight innings and 12-7 Monday afternoon.

The Cowgirls are now 12-12 for the year and their scheduled game on Tuesday with Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, on Tuesday has been cancelled due to the threat of inclement weather. Connors will next play on Tuesday at home in a doubleheader with Carl Albert State College.

Lauren Robertson was the pitcher of record in both games losing and winning in the circle. Brandi Schueler had the big bat on the day connecting for two home runs and was 3-for-4 at the plate in the opener.

Connors jumped out to a 6-0 lead after five innings before Galveston came back with five runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth for a 7-6 advantage. The Cowgirls tied the game in the seventh inning at 7-7 before getting the win in the eighth on a Paige Boling double scoring Lauren Pittman who had reached on a walk.

In the nightcap Galveston took a 6-0 lead to open the game. Connors came back with three in the first cutting the Texans lead to 6-3. Galveston struck for five more runs in the second for an 11-3 lead.

Cowgirls added a run in the fourth and two more in the fifth on Schueler’s second homer of the day making it 11-6. Galveston added its final run in the fifth for a 12-7 win.

Jefferson Sweeps Connors, Winning Streak Ends

Connors State’s 14^th game winning streak came to an end in the opening game of a doubleheader with 20^th-ranked Jefferson Community College at Biff Thompson field, falling twice 3-1 and 4-3 Thursday afternoon.

Connors is now 18-4 for the season and will next play on Sunday, March 25 at Russellville, Ark., against Arkansas Tech before returning home for a twin bill against Bacone College on Monday, March 26.

Jefferson took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first of the opener and that stood up until the third inning when Connors tied the game. Dalton Daniels doubled to left field and moved to third on an infield bunt single by Ryan Clarke. Angel Flores lifted a sacrifice fly to left field, allowing Daniels to score and tie the game at 1-1.

Jefferson took advantage of a Cowboys error, a double and two sacfrices in the fourth inning to plate two runs.

The Cowboys had their opportunity to tie the game in the fifth and seventh inning, leaving the bases loaded in the seventh and two on in the seventh.

Connors had four base hits against three Jefferson County pitchers. Cowboys’ Jordan Morales took the loss and is now 3-2.

In the second game Connors took a 1-0 lead in the third when Ryan Clarke singled, stole second and advanced to third base on a wild pitch. He scored when Phil Diedrick singled up the middle.

Jefferson tied the game in the sixth inning on a bad hop single over CSC’s Victor Claudio at shortstop with two outs.

Kelvin Reeves, who started for the Cowboys went six innings before being relieved. He struck out six and allowed just three hits.

In the seventh with C.J. Machete on the mound, who took the loss (1-1), Jefferson scored on a hit batter and a single for a 2-1 lead.  CSC then tied the game when Claudio walked and Clarke was hit by a pitch putting runners at first and second. Angel Flores was issued a walk to load the bases and Jack Barton was hit by a pitch to force in Claudio to tie the game at 2-2. Connors, however, could not plate another run in the inning.

Jefferson made it a 4-2 game in the eighth inning with a double, walk, and a bunt that loaded the bases. Machete was replaced by Eli Roundtree, who gave up a hit that scored two runs.

The Cowboys had an opportunity in the last of the ninth. Connors loaded the bases and scored to make it 4-3 with nobody out. But Connors could not take advantage and left three runners on base to end the game.

Former Cowgirls Competing in NAIA National Tournament

Three former members of the Connors Cowgirls basketball team a year ago are participating in the NAIA Women’s National Tournament in Frankfort, Ky.

Oklahoma City University assistant coach Claire Scroggins, who was an assistant on CSC’s Eddie Kite’s staff for three seasons, has played an instrumental part in the Stars 32-1 record. The Stars are seeded No. 1 in the tournament.

In their opening game OCU defeated Our Lady of the Lakes University 93-71 and former Cowgirl Chelsea Kellogg, of Waldron, Ark., who is a junior, is a member of the Lady of the Lakes,were making their first ever national tournament appearance.

Sierra Cornwell, who plays for Rogers State, scored 14 points in leading the Hillcats to an upset of No. 2 seeded Cumberland College in overtime. Cornwell was named the defensive player of the year in the Sooner Athletic Conference.

The former players can be followed on the NAIA website.

Cowgirls Split Doubleheader With Rose State

MIDWEST CITY – Connors State split a softball twin bill with Rose State Wednesday afternoon taking the opener 6-3 and losing the nightcap 6-3

Cowgirls are now 11-11 for the year and will next play Galveston Community College in Texas on March 19.

Connors pounded out 27 base hits in the doubleheader but could not push runners home with timely base hits. Cowgirls pitchers held Rose State to eight base hits in the twin bill. All-American Paige Boling led the Cowgirls hitting attack with a 5-for-7 hitting performance on the day.

In the first game home runs by Lauren Pittman, her 7^th of the season and Summer Cunningham, who hit her fourth on the year, gave the Cowgirls the win. Jordan Jones started in the circle before being relieved by Jerelyn Long in the seventh, who earned her fourth save. Jones earned the victory.

In the second game the Cowgirls errors cost them the game as they trailed 4-3 in the sixth inning as Rose state pushed across two runs in the sixth on an error to secure the win. Connors could not rally in the seventh as Lauren Robertson took the loss.

Bailie Neel led the Cowgirls hitting with two base hits and two RBIs. Brandi Schueler connected on her third home run in the fourth inning.

Cowboys Sweep Maplewoods; Streak Continues

Connors State continued its winning ways, sweeping Maplewoods Community College 9-0 and 1-0 for its 14^thconsecutive victory in a double header at Biff Thompson Field Wednesday afternoon.

Connors, 18-2 for the season, will battle 20^th-ranked Jefferson County, Mo., Thursday in a doubleheader beginning at 2 .p.m.

In the night cap Daniel Concepcion was suburb on the mound, throwing a four hitter, striking out eight and walking one while hitting a batter.  It was Concepcion’s third win of the year against no defeats.

Connors and Maplewoods were scoreless entering the sixth inning of the night cap before the Cowboys punched across a run.

Phil Diedrick singled to left field and Mike Maddox came in to run for Diedrick. Braden Cook then singled to left field that sent Maddox to third base. Korey Keith’s infield out allowed Diedrick to come home with the deciding run.

Cowboys got on the scoreboard in the third inning to break the deadlock in the opener. Eli Roundtree doubled to the left field wall and moved to third on a base hit bunt by Victor Claudio. Ryan Clarke sent Roundtree home with a sacrifice fly to left field.

Connors erupted for six runs in the fourth inning taking advantage of three Monarchs infield errors and back-to-back home runs. Jack Barton had a three run blast over the left field wall; his second of the year and Phil Diedrick followed with a solo shot, also over the left field fence, his first of the season.

Diedrick gave the Cowboys a 9-0 lead in the sixth inning when the doubled to right field, scoring Clarke, who reached on a walk and Angel Flores, who singled to right field.

Backward went the distance for the Cowboys, allowing just two hits, and striking out two in posting his fourth win of the year and second shutout.

Cowboys had eight hits with Roundtree leading the way with 3 hits and 2 RBIs. Diedrick had two hits and three RBIs

Cowboys Hold Off Coffeyville for 12th Straight Win

COFFEYVILLE, KAN. –Connors State held off Coffeyville Community College 9-8 Tuesday afternoon to register their 12^th consecutive baseball victory. The win improves the Cowboys record to 16-2.

Connors will play host to Maplewoods Community College at Biff Thompson Field Wednesday in a doubleheader that begins at 3 p.m.

Connors jumped out to an early lead against the Red Ravens grabbing a 2-0 lead in the third inning. Angel Flores walked to open the inning and came home on Phil Diedrick triple. Diedrick crossed home plate on Braden Cook’s RBI single.

The Red Ravens came back with a run in their half of the third to make it 2-1, before the Cowboys erupted for six runs in the fifth inning for an 8-1 Connors lead. In the inning Cook had an RBI single; Eli Roundtree plated two runs with a double to highlight the Connors attack.

However, the Red Ravens came back with six runs in the sixth, scoring five unearned runs on two Connors errors to make it an 8-7 contest.

Connors answered with a run in the 8^th inning for a 9-7 advantage when Jake Barton doubled, and scored on a Cook double. Coffeyville scored a run in their half of the ninth for the 9-8 final.

Coffeyville had the tying and winning runs on third and second base, but Arnaldo Hernandez came in relief in the ninth to get the final two outs to end the Red Ravens scoring threat for his second save of the season. Chris Romano started and went 5 2/3 innings and got the win, his first of the season. Romano struck out four and scattered nine hits, allowing two earned runs.

Cook led the Cowboys hitting attack with three base hits and 3 RBIs and Roundtree had two base hits and two RBIs in the win, with Flores, Barton and Ryan Clarke contributing two hits each.

Depew Sixth in Barrel Racing at Ft. Scott Rodeo Event

Connors State rodeo team competed at the Fort Scott , Kan., Community College rodeo last weekend and sophomore Randa Depew from Muldrow placed sixth in the long go and fourth in the average of the barrel racing event.

Callin Jae Lenhart, a freshman from Bedford, Iowa, also reached the short round in the barrel racing, while several other team members just missed participating in the short round, according to head coach Jake Lawson.

Connors will next compete in the Southwestern Oklahoma State rodeo event on April 12-14 in Weatherford.

Cowgirls Win 2-of-3 at Midwest Festival

TULSA –Connors State pounded out 32 base hits en route to a 2-1 record in the Midwest Classic Softball Festival at Arrowhead Park Saturday afternoon.

Cowgirls defeated Ellsworth, Kan., Community College 7-3 before losing the second game to Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa 5-4 in 8 innings, and closing out the day with a 7-0 win over Independence Community College.

Connors is now 10-10 on the season and will play three more games in the Festival Sunday weather permitting. Cowgirls are scheduled to play Allen County, Kan., Labette County, Kan. and Crowder, Mo.

Jordan Jones struck out 11 in the win over Ellsworth with Lauren Pittman going 2-for-3 at the plate, which included two home runs. She hit a grand slam in the fourth and a solo shot in the sixth for five runs-batted-in.  She has 6 homers for the season.

Baile Neel went 2-for-four at the plate and Brandi Schueler was 2-for-3.

Against NOC-Tonkawa Jones took the loss in relief. Jones was the third pitcher for the Cowgirls in the game; she took over for Jerelyn Long. Jones allowed just one hit in two innings in the circle.

Leading the hitting attack for CSC was Paige Boling, who hit a home run, her fourth of the year; Lauren Pittman added to her home run total on the day, her fifth of the season. Trinity Busby went 2-for-4 at the plate.

Jones struck out 10 against Independence, for her second win of the day in the circle. She had 21 strike outs in her three appearances and is 5-3 for the season.

Summer Cunningham blasted her third home run of the year, going 2-for-3 at the plate. Paige Boling also homered, a 3-run shot, her fifth of the year. Ashley Dunigan had two hits in three appearances and Brandi Schueler was 3-or-4.

Dunigan also had a great day on the base path with seven stolen bases and now has 30 on the year.

Cowboys Sweep Central Lakes; Keith Gets Win No. 1,301

WARNER – Connors State won its 11th consecutive baseball game Saturday afternoon at Biff Thompson Field sweeping Central Lakes, Minn., in a twin bill 11-0, 9-1 as Cowboys head coach Perry Keith won No. 1,301 against just 366 losses.

“I’ve been very fortunate over the years to have some very good players in getting that many wins and it’s a tribute to them for all their hard work,” said Keith following the doubleheader victory.

The twin killing gives the Cowboys a 15-2 mark for the year. Connors will next meet Coffeyville Community College on Tuesday on the road, before taking on Maplewoods, Mo., in a doubleheader at Thompson Field on Wednesday.

Connors took an early lead in the opener grabbing a 2-0 lead in the second inning when Chris Tavares walked and came across the plate for the first run on a RBI triple by Korey Keith down the right field line. Dalton Daniels followed with a double down the left field line scoring Keith for a 2-0 Connors lead.

Cowboys put the game away in the third inning when they erupted for nine runs. In the inning Connors pounded out four hits, and Central Lakes pitchers walked three Cowboys and hit another .

Tavares pounded out two hits with a RBI, while Phil Diedrick, Braden Cook and Daniels each had two RBIs in the game, which went only five innings.

Kelvin Rivas started on the mound for Connors and picked up his second win of the season.  He struck out six and allowed only one hit in four innings.

The nightcap was more of the same as Connors scored six runs in the first inning. In the inning Corey Mills had an RBI double, with Jared Graham and Hunter Spencer adding RBI singles. Mills, Caleb Banks and Mike Maddox each had two hits in the nightcap.

Connors added a run in the fifth and two more in the sixth inning. Cook doubled home two runs in the sixth frame.

Eli Roundtree allowed just one hit and struck out seven in getting his first win of the season.

NOC-Enid Holds Off Cowgirls in Region II Play

SHAWNEE—Connors Cowgirls gave the top-seed and No. 5 ranked NJCAA Northern Oklahoma Jets all they wanted for 37 minutes of play in the Region II Basketball Tournament at Oklahoma Baptist University Saturday afternoon.

Connors, however, went scoreless for almost two minutes late in the second half, after charging back from an eight-point deficit to fall 74-65 in semifinal play at the Noble Center. The Cowgirls close the year 18-13, as the Jets advanced to Sunday’s championship game with a 29-3 record.

It was a physical game with 43 fouls whistled in the contest. The difference in the contest came at the free throw line as the Cowgirls went to the line just 16 times, draining 8, while the Jets were 30-of-36 attempts.

“We just could not get to the paint and attack the way we wanted,” said Cowgirls head coach Eddie Kite. “We kept settling for perimeter shots (7-of-24 from behind the arc) or turn the ball over (19). We didn’t have quality possessions when it mattered the most.

“Their big girl (Marisha Wallace) in the middle makes a big difference (16 rebounds, 19 points). She controlled the inside. But Tiara (Hall) did a good job battling her and Tonisha (Dean) grew up today from the last time. She battled her a lot better this time.

“We just didn’t execute offensively well enough,” said Kite.

NOC-Enid held a 34-28 lead at the half, breaking a 28-28 deadlock with six unanswered points in the final 1:29 of the half. The Jets then increased its margin to eight points 57-49 with 4:23 remaining. Connors cut the margin to three points 57-54 with 3:30 left.

The Jets then scored six unanswered points over a two-minute span, increasing its lead to as much as 12 points 66-54 with 1:55 remaining. It’s a margin Connors could not overcome, coming no closer than five 70-65 with 22 ticks left on the clock.

Tonisha Dean just missed on a double-double for Connors scoring 15 points and pulling down eight rebounds. Tiffanie Abrams scored 13 points and Kaila Crawford scored 12 to close out the Cowgirls double-digit scoring.

Connors shot 41 percent from the field (25-of-61) and NOC-Enid 19-of-59 for 32 percent. Jets outrebounded Connors 48-36, including 23-17 on the offensive boards.

“This is a good group of girls, they battled through a lot this year,” said Kite. “I can’t complain about anything they did this season. Overall we could have had a team that would collapse, they showed a lot of character and bow-up the way they did.

“We played a top 10 team to single digits three times and just couldn’t make any magic at the end,” said Kite.

NOC-ENID 74, CONNORS STATE 65

NOC-Enid 34 40--74

Connors State 28 37—65

NOC-Enid (29-3)—Payne 20, Wallace 19, Bellamy 10, Bates 10, Briegge 7, Bledsoe 4, Fowler 3, Lang 1.

Connors State (18-13)—Dean 15, Abrams 13, Crawford 12, Hall 9, Lloyd 6, Alsenay 6, Lewis 4.

Carl Albert Upsets Cowboys in Region II Tournament

SHAWNEE –It was a game of two halves and Carl Albert State won the one that counted…the second half.

The 10-seeded Vikings rallied from a 13-point halftime deficit to score 53 points in the second to shock No. 2-seeded Connors State 71-64 in the quarterfinals of the NJCAA Region II Basketball Tournament at Oklahoma Baptist University’s Noble Center Friday afternoon.

Connors ends its season 22-8, while the Vikings advanced to the semifinals with a 7-23 record.

“It was two completely different halves,” said Connors coach Bill Muse. “I don’t know what happened to our team in the second half. We came out with a 13 point lead, hold them to 18 points in the half and they come out and score 53 the second half.

“It was just unbelievable the performance. We got one good performance and that was (Shaquille) Shannon (who finished with a double-double, 25 points and 10 rebounds). Our point guard made the first shot of the game and then missed everything else.

“And, it was just a total breakdown on defense. We couldn’t guard them at all. We panic a little bit at the end when we got behind.

“It’s very disappointing. We can be happy we won 22 games, but to come into the first round of the tournament and play like this…..is really disappointing,” said Muse.

The Cowboys led 31-18 at the break opened but opened the second half cold from the field. Connors failed to score a field goal for six-minutes. Josh Cameron ended the drought scoring on a short jumper. He finished with 13 points.

During the Connors scoring drought, Carl Albert cut the margin to seven points, 33-26 at the 14:00 mark. Carl Albert took its first lead of the game 40-39 with 7:10, but it was short lived as Cameron scored on a reverse layup for a 41-40 Cowboys lead with 6:48 left.

However, that was the last time Connors would hold the lead as Jaymere Hadden scored giving the Vikings a 42-41 advantage, a lead they never relinquished. Carl Albert stretched its lead to as many as 10 points, 64-54 late in the game with Myron Williams leading the assault.

Williams led the Vikings scoring with 26 points, draining 9-of-18 attempts. Adrion Webber followed with 15 and Jamal Allston added 14.

Carl Albert shot 43 percent from the field (22-51) and 6-of-13 from behind the arc. Connors was 20-of-58 from the field for 34.5 percent and just 6-of-24 on 3-point shots for 25 percent. The Cowboys outrebounded Carl Albert 40-33, including 17-8 on the offensive end.

Cowboys jumped out to a 31-18 lead at the break behind the hot shooting of Terrance Walker and Shannon who scored 10 points each. The Cowboys shot 40 percent in the opening 20 minutes, canning 10-of-25 attempts.

Defensively Connors was outstanding as the Vikings managed only 29 percent from the field on 7-of-24 attempts. The Cowboys controlled the boards the first half outrebounding Vikings 22-13, including six offensive boards.

Connors largest lead of the half was 16 points, 26-10 at the 6:02 mark on a pair of free throws by Walker.

Carl Albert 71, Connors State 64

Carl Albert   18 53—71

Connors State 31 33—64

Carl Albert (7-23) –Harmon 26, Webber 15, Allston 14, Hadden 6, Gallion 6, Williams 3, Gracie 1.

Connors State (22-9) –Shannon 25, Cameron 13, Walker 11, Harrison 6, Henderson 4, Moore 3, Worthy 2.

Cowgirls Resume Play Softball Play Saturday

Connors State softball team will return to action Saturday in the Midwest Classic at Arrowhead Park in Tulsa after Friday’s home game with Marshalltown, Iowa, was rained out.

The Cowgirls enter the classic with a 7-8 record open the two-day classic Saturday at 9 a.m. against Midland, Texas, followed with a 1 p.m. clash with Northern-Tonkawa and a 6 p.m. game with Independence Community College.

Sunday the Cowgirls will go against Lebette, Kan., Community College at 11 a.m. followed by a 3 p.m. encounter with Allen County Community College of Kansas and a finale at 5 p.m. with Crowder Community College.

Connors Stops Murray to Reach Region II Semifinals

Shawnee-   Connors State overcame a sluggish first half and revved up its offense in the final 20 minutes of play to oust Murray State 68-59 in the quarterfinals of the NJCAA Region II Tournament Thursday afternoon at the Nobel Center at Oklahoma Baptist University.

The Cowgirls (18-12) will play  top-seeded NOC-Enid  at 1 p.m. Saturday in the semifinals. Enid (28-3) defeated Western State 74-53.

Connors point guard Nikki Lewis ignited the Cowgirls offense dishing out seven assists and scoring 18 points. Five of her assists went to Tiara Hall for buckets as Hall led the Cowgirls scoring with 21 points, connecting on 9-of-12 shots. Taylor Lloyd also scored in double figures with 10 points.

Murray had four players score in double figures with Antoinette Carter leading the lady Aggies attack with 16 points. Kashyla Fields and Hannah Wedding scored 13 each and Janae McJunkins added 12.

Cowgirls shot 44 percent for the game (20-of-45) while holding the Lady Aggies to 18-of-63 attempts for 28 percent. Murray was 15-of-20 at the free throw line, all in the second half.

Concerning the first half of play, Connors head coach Eddie Kite said, “slow might be an understatement.  We really struggled. We didn’t run our offense very well and didn’t get to the free throw line.  We were just really amped up. We couldn’t relax.

“We did a nice job for the most part. If we don’t send them to the free throw line 20 times in the second half they don’t score 59 points.  But it’s good to get past this first one. ‘’

Connors broke out of its offensive slump in the second half cruising to a 12-point lead 64-52 with 1:09 left, the largest lead of the game for Connors.  The Cowgirls snapped a 44-44 deadlock on a Hall basket underneath the hoop after taking a Lewis pass with 7:19 left.  It was all Cowgirls the rest of the game.

“Nikki was a real key for us,” said Kite. “She did a nice job and had a really good week of practice. Nikki really made them (Murray) play honest and gave us a chance to get to the free throw line. She made us attack the rim. She would have had more assists if we hadn’t missed so many easy shots in the first half.”

Connors dominated the first half of play but held only a five point advantage at the break, 24-19. The margin could have been much greater, but the Cowgirls missed as many at 10 shots underneath the basket, shooting only 36 percent on 8-of-22 attempts.

It took nearly three minutes of play for either team to score to open the game and that came on a layup by Cowgirls’ Tiffanie Abrams.

At the 13:33 mark of the first half Connors held a 5-2 lead. Both clubs finally got their offensive games untrack playing to a 15-15 tie with 4:47 left. Murray grabbed their largest lead of the half 19-15 at the 3:22 mark.

Connors then pulled away scoring nine unanswered points for the 24-19 lead at the half. Hall and Alsenay led the Cowgirls scoring attack in the half with six points each. Alsenay’s points came on two 3-point shots as the Cowgirls were 2-of-6 from behind the arc.

CONNORS STATE 68, MURRAY STATE 59

Connors State 24 44 –68

Murray State 19 40 –59

Connors State (18-12)—Hall 21, Lewis 18, Lloyd 10, Alsenay 6, Abrams 6, Dean 5, Crawford 2.

Murray State (17-11)—Carter 16, Fields 13, Wedding 13, McJunkins 12, Sims 5.

Cowgirls, Murray State Split Twin Bill

Connors split a softball twin bill with Murray State Wednesday, losing the opener 6-5 and in the second game dropped the Aggies 3-0 in eight innings in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash.

Cowgirls are now 8-9 on the season and will step out of OCAC play on Thursday to play Marshalltown, Iowa, at Warner at 3 p.m.

In the nightcap Jordan Jones went the distance for the Cowgirls, striking out eight in recording here fourth win of the season.

In the eighth inning, Ashley Dunigan connected on her fifth hit of the doubleheader to open the frame. She stole second base, her third stolen base in the twin bill. She then moved to third on a ground out.

Jones helped here won cause with a two-run blast over the left field wall, giving the Cowgirls a 2-0 lead.  Brandi Schueler then blasted a solo shot over the wall for the 3-0 final.

The opener was all Murray as the Lady Aggies jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. The Cowgirls got on the scoreboard with one run in the third and two more in the top of the fifth to tie the game. Connors’ Paige Boling and Balie Neel drove home the Cowgirls runs.

However, the Lady Aggies scored three times in their half of the fifth to get the win. Connors made a run at the Aggies in the seventh on back-to-back base hits by Summer Cunningham and Dunigan. Neel moved them both to third base with two outs.  Jerelyn Long then hit a ball up the middle that was caught for the final out. She took the loss in the circle for the Cowgirls.

Cowgirls’ Boling, Dunigan, Neel and Cunningham all had two hits in the loss.

Region II Games Can be Viewed on Webcast

Fans and students of Connors State Cowboys and Cowgirls basketball, who cannot attend the NJCAA Region II Basketball Tournament that begins on the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee Thursday, can view the games on a web cast presented by Infinity Sports.TV.

To get the web cast go WWW. Infinity Sports.TV and click on watch “Live” button or  http://www.infinitysports.tv/region_2_webcast.html

The Cowgirls open the Tournament on Thursday at 1 p.m. against Murray State in the quarterfinals, while the Cowboys open quarterfinals play on Friday against Carl Albert State College at 1 p.m.

Semifinal play for both the men and women will be held on Saturday and the championship games on Sunday. All games will be held at Oklahoma Baptist University.

Region II Women's Pairings Set

The quarterfinal pairings of the NJCAA Region II Women’s Basketball Tournament are set following Monday night’s first round games.

Connors State (17-12), the fifth seed will play Murray State (17-10) the fourth seed at 1 p.m. Thursday at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee. Northeastern A&M (20-9) the No. 2 seed will play Eastern State (5-14) at 3 p.m. after the Lady Mountaineers defeated Redlands 67-56 on Monday night in first round play.

Top seed NOC-Enid (27-3) takes on Western State (9-17) at 6 p.m. in a quarterfinal matchup Thursday. Western State defeated Carl Albert 75-71 in Monday’s first round game. Seminole (18-8) will play NOC-Tonkawa (16-15) in Thursday’s finale at 8 p.m. NOC-Tonkawa advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Arkansas-Baptist 74-67 Monday night.

A Connors State win over Murray State will send the Cowgirls against the NOC-Enid/Western State winner in Saturday’s semifinals.

Cowboys to Play Carl Albert in Region II Tourney Opener

Connors State Cowboys, the No. 2 seed in the NJCAA Region II Basketball Tournament at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee will play Carl Albert State College in the quarterfinals  Friday.

Carl Albert advanced to the 1 p.m. Friday quarterfinal game against Connors with a 73-70 overtime win over Northeastern A&M on Monday night in a first round contest at NEO. The Vikings enter the quarterfinals with a 6-23 record.

The Cowboys are 22-7 for the season and defeated Carl Albert twice in the regular season.

Top seed Eastern State will play Western State at 8 p.m. Friday after Western State eliminated Seminole State on their home floor 78-73. Eastern enters with a 27-3 record while Western State is 14-16.

NOC-Enid (2O-9) will open quarterfinal action against Arkansas Baptist (19-12) at 3 p.m. Friday. Arkansas Baptist advanced with a 95-92 win over Redlands Community College in El Reno Monday night.

Cowboys Rock University of Ozarks Twice

CLARKSVILLE, ARK. – Connors State Cowboys rolled over University of Ozarks with a doubleheader sweep on the road.

Cowboys pounded out 37 base hits in collecting wins of 19-4 and 16-3 to improve to 13-2 on the season. The doubleheader wins was also the 1,299^th for Cowboys head coach Perry Keith as he goes for win No. 1,300 at Connors with a doubleheader on Saturday at Biff Thompson Field against Central Lakes, Minn.

Cowboys jumped on Ozarks with 3 runs in the first inning and was never contested the rest of the game and added two more in the second inning for a 5-0 lead. The Cowboys put it away with a 9-run sixth inning.

Phil Diedrick, Braden Cook, Korey Keith each pounded out three hits each in the opener. Angel Flores, Ryan Clark, Chris Tavares each had two hits in the rout.

Arnaldo Hernandez, picked up his first win in relief, striking out two, allowing just two hits. He relieved C.J. Machete, who pitched three innings.

In the second game, Connors held a 3-1 lead after three innings, and broke the game open with 7 runs in the fourth inning for a 10-1 advantage.

Caleb Banks led the offensive attack with three hits and three RBIs, and a two-run home run in the fourth inning, his first of the year. Hunter Spencer also pounded out three hits. Jiros Morales also connected for a solo home run in the second inning.

Also getting in on the offensive attack were Corey Mills, Keith and Jared Graham with two base hits each.

Daniel Concepcion getting his first start, picked up the win, his second of the season, striking out sixth, giving up only three hits.

Northeastern A&M Sweeps Cowgirls

Connors State was their own worst enemy in a twin bill against Northeastern A&M Tuesday afternoon on the Cowgirls home diamond in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash.

The Cowgirls committed nine errors in the doubleheader, losing twice, falling 3-1 to the Lady Norse in opener in 8 innings and 4-1 in the nightcap. The Cowgirls are now 7-8 on the season heading into a doubleheader at Murray State in Tishomingo on Wednesday.

In the opener Jordan Jones took the loss giving up back-to-back home runs in the eighth inning. She is now 3-3 in the circle this season. She recorded five strike outs against NEO batters.

Cowgirls trailed 1-0 going into the sixth inning when CSC’s Ashley Dunigan blasted a two-out double and then stole third.  She came home on a base hit by Paige Boling to tie the game. NEO then won the game with two solo homers in the eighth inning.

In the nightcap Lauren Robertson took the loss for the Cowgirls in the circle. She is now 3-3 on the year.

Northeastern A&M jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second inning before the Cowgirls scored a run in the fifth inning.

Dunigan knocked out a base hit, and then stole second base. She came home on an RBI single by Paige Boling.

The Lady Norse then added one more run in the sixth inning for the 4-1 win. Connors left the bases loaded in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings in the nightcap, scoring only once.

Connors managed only seven base hits in the double header.

Jackson Sixth at Garden City Rodeo

GARDEN CITY, KAN. ---Connors State Rodeo team participated in the Garden City Community College  rodeo last weekend and three members of the team advanced to the short round.

Clint Jackson, freshman from Warner, split sixth in the long go and placed sixth in the average tie down roping.

Randa Depew, sophomore from Depew, made it back in two events, the breakaway roping and barrel racing, but just missed in the short round.

Winston Quesenberry placed fourth in the long go of the bull riding event, but was bucked off during his short round.

Connors State will next compete in the Fort Scott Community College Rodeo in Fort Scott, Kan., March 9-11.

Cowboys Sweep Second Twin Bill from Central Illinois

Connors State made it four in a row over Central Illinois Sunday afternoon at Biff Thompson Field with a doubleheader sweep of the Cougars. The Cowboys rolled past the Illinois club 8-4 and 11-4, pounding out 20 base hits.

The twin bill sweep boosts the Cowboys’ record to 11-2 on the year as they travel to Clarksville, Ark., on Tuesday to battle University of Ozarks in a twin bill.

Connors broke out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning of the opening game. Angel Flores and Jake Barton opened the game with base hits. Flores crossed the plate with Connors first run on a base hit by Phil Diedrick. Chris Tavares followed with a sacrifice fly to send Barton home with the second run. Connors was never contested the rest of the game.

Barton blasted a two-run homer over the left field wall in the fourth inning, his first of the season. Connors hitting attack was led by Flores, who had three base hits, and an RBI, followed Barton’s two-hit performance and two RBIs.  Ryan Clarke also banged out two hits for the Cowboys.

Kylar Trumbla (1-0) picked up the win in relief of starter Sawyer Barnard. Trumbla entered in the fourth inning and pitched three complete innings, allowing two hits, striking out two.

In the second game, Connors scored on an error when Barton walked, stole second base and scored when Central Illinois third baseman misplayed Chris Tavares’ ground ball, allowing Barton to score in the first inning.

Cowboys upped its lead in the second inning when Korey Keith blasted his first home run of the season over the center field wall. The home run barrage continued in the third inning when Tavares blasted a two-run home run, his third of the year, over the left field wall during a five-run third inning for  the Cowboys. During the third Jiro Morales knocked home two runs with a double.

Morales, Keith, Tavares and Corey Mills each had two RBIs in the nightcap.

Winning pitcher for the Cowboys was Kelvin Rivas, his first of the season. Rivas went five innings, striking out five.

Cowgirls, Western State Split Doubleheader

ALTUS—Connors State split an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference softball twin bill with Western State Saturday afternoon, losing the first game 3-2 in 11 innings and taking the nightcap 6-1

Cowgirls are now 7-6 on the season and will play Northeastern A&M at home Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. in a twin bill.

Connors’ Jordan Jones  went just one inning in the circle and took the loss. She was relieved by Lauren Robertson, who went nine innings for no decision. The Cowgirls hitting attack was led by Ashley Dunigan, and Paige Boling with two hits each.

In the night cap Jones got the win, as she went five innings before Jerelyn Long took over. Dunigan, Lauren Pittman and Trinity Busby and Emily Wares each collected two hits in the win.

Cowboys Sweep Twin Bill from Central Illinois

Connors Cowboys swept Central Illinois in a double header at Biff Thompson Field Saturday afternoon. The Cowboys defeated the Illinois club 7-2 and 12-6 and will battle again Sunday afternoon at noon in a twin bill at Thompson Field. The win lifts the Cowboys to a 9-2 record.

Connors pounded out 20 base hits in the doubleheader to get the sweep.

In the opener Jordan Morales, went six of the seven innings on the mound to get the victory, allowing just one hit. He recorded seven strike outs en route to his second victory of the year against one loss. The only hit he allowed was a two-run homer in the fourth inning.

Connors got on the scoreboard in the second inning when Braden Cook singled, followed by a Korey Keith base hit.  Cook and Keith both scored on a throwing error by Central Illinois’ shortstop for a 2-0 Connors lead.

In the third inning Phil Diedrick reached on an error, and Chris Tavares doubled home Diedrick for a 3-0 Cowboys lead. Connors put the game away in the sixth inning when Eli Roundtree connected for a 3-run homer, his first of the year, giving Connors a 6-2 lead.

In the second game Central Illinois jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first, but Connors came back to take the lead for good with a four-run explosion.

 Angel Flores and Jake Barton opened with singles. Roundtree then doubled scoring both Flores and Barton. Braden Cook followed with a double to drive home Roundtree for a 3-2 Connors advantage.

Keith connected on a sacrifice fly to plate Cook putting the Cowboys on top 4-2 and the Cowboys  never relinquished the lead.

Barton led the Cowboys hitting attack in the second game with a 4-for-5 performance, which included a double and two RBIs.

Chad Backward collected his fourth win of the year on the hill for Connors, going five innings, striking out four.

NJCAA Region II Pairings Announced

The National Junior College Athletic Association Region II basketball pairings have been announced and the Connors Cowgirls will open play on Thursday, March 8 against Murray State at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee.

The Cowgirls (17-12) and Lady Aggies (17-10) will tip-off the tournament at 1 p.m. Other first round women’s games will have Northeastern A&M (20-9) playing the winner of Redlands (13-16) and Eastern State (9-20) which is played Monday night in Wilburton in a play-in game, at 3 p.m.

Seminole (18-8) will meet the winner of a play-in game between NOC-Tonkawa (15-15) and Arkansas Baptist (21-8) at Tonkawa Monday night, at 8 p.m. Thursday, while top seed NOC-Enid (27-3) goes against the play-in winner between Western State (8-17) and Carl Albert (11-17) at Altus, 6 p.m. on Thursday.

The semifinals will be played on Saturday, with the championship game to be played on Sunday.

In the men’s bracket, Connors Cowboys (22-7) will open play on Friday at 1 p.m. against the play-in winner of Northeastern A&M (12-18) and Carl Albert (5-23) Monday night at Miami.

Other first round pairings will have NOC-Enid (20-9) playing a 3 p.m. clash against the winner of the Redlands (14-14) and Arkansas Baptist (18-12) at El Reno Monday night. NOC-Tonkawa (17-13) will play a 6 p.m. game Friday against Murray State (13-14) while top seed Eastern State plays at 8 p.m. against the play-in game winner between Seminole State (9-19) and Western State (13-16) Monday night at Seminole.

The semifinals will be Saturday and the championship game is Sunday.

Cowboys Named to All-Region and OCAC Teams

Connors State’s Jared Harrison, 5-10 sophomore point guard from Slidell, La. was named to the Region II and Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference first teams.

Named to the OCAC third team were 6-1 freshman guard Josh Cameron from Racine, Wis., 6-8 sophomore forward Terrance Walker from Jonesboro, Ark., and 6-3 sophomore guard Shaquille Shannon from Philadelphia, Pa.

Harrison averaged 12.4 points a game for the Cowboys. He shot 82 percent at the free throw line, 49.2 percent from the field, including 43 percent from behind the arc. Harrison is averaging 3.2 assists per game and 1.3 steals.

Cameron is scoring at a 15.1 clip and is a 42 percent field goal shooter, while connecting on 81.6 percent of his free throws. On three-point shooting Cameron averages 43 percent.

Walker averaged 10.8 scoring with a 63 percent shooting mark from the field.

Shannon averaged 11.8 scoring, 75 percent at the line and is a 43.3 percent shooter from the field. He has averaged 1.5 steals per contest.

Cowgirls Named to Region II and OCAC Teams

Connors State Cowgirls Tiffanie Abrams, 5-10 sophomore forward from Detroit, Mich., has been named the Region II and Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference first teams.

Named to the second team was Nikki Lewis, 5-foot, sophomore point guard from Tahlequah with Tiara Hall, 5-11 freshman center from Paris, Texas, a third team All-OCAC selection.

Taylor Lloyd, 5-9 sophomore guard from Brooklyn, N.Y., was an honorable mention OCAC selection.

Abrams averaged 15.5 points, while shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 41.6 percent from behind the arc. She shot 68.7 percent at the free throw line.

Lewis averaged 12.4 points a game, while shooting 36.9 percent from the field, with 4.3 assists a game and 2.5 steals a contest.

Hall finished the regular season with a 12.3 scoring average and led the Cowgirls in rebounds pulling down 8.9 boards a game. She shot 542.1 percent from the field and was a 75 percent shooter at the free throw line.

Lloyd finished with an 8.2 scoring average this season.

WOMEN’S ALL-REGION II AND OCAC ALL-CONFERENCE TEAMS

1^st Team

Wilka Montout – NEO 6’5” So

Antoinette Carter – Murray 6’0” So

Ashlyn Briegge – NOC Enid 5’10” So

Marisha Wallace – NOC Enid 6’2” Fr

Tiffanie Abrams – Connors 5’10” So

2^nd Team

JaQuitta Dever – Seminole 5’4” So

Megan Jones – NOC Tonkawa 5’9” So

Whitney Barnes – Carl Albert 5’3” So

Brianna Pendleton – Western 5’8” Fr

Nikki Lewis – Connors 5’2” So

All Conference 3^rd Team

Sheana Jones – Redlands 5’7” So

Oultmatou Coulibabliy – Seminole 6’2” Fr

Tiara Hall – Connors 5’11” Fr

Janae McJunkins – Murray 5’7” So

Katy Cooper – NEO 6’2” So

All Conference Honorable Mention:

Arkansas Baptist: Angi Ramey, Cassie Vaughn, Bianca Brooks

Carl Albert: Shelby Trozzi

Connors: Taylor Lloyd

Eastern: Demetra Howlingwolf, Ashley Catlett

Murray: Carneisha Sims

NEO: BriAnna Garza

Northern-Enid: Chelsea Bates

Northern-Tonkawa: Delaney Jones, Cheniqwa Banks

Redlands: Laila Suleiman, Ndeye Ngom

Seminole: Brittany Harris, Jalissa Council, Tiara Dewberry

Western: Sharna Polk, Cetoria Petties

Cowgirls Lose Heartbreaker to Eastern State

Wilburton—Connors State sustained a heartbreaking 68-67 loss to Eastern State on the Lady Mountaineers home floor in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference contest.

The Cowgirls will enter the Region II Tournament next week at Shawnee with a 17-12 season record and 10-8 OCAC mark. Eastern completes the regular season 4-14 and 9-19.

Cowgirls held a 39-32 lead at the break but saw it slowly slip away in the final 20 minutes of play. Eastern’s zone defense shut down the Cowgirls scoring attack as they missed open shots down the stretch.

Tiffanie Abrams led the Cowgirls scoring attack with 16 points with Nikki Lewis adding 13 followed by Kaila Crawford and Tiara Hall with 9 points each. Taylor Lloyd and Tonisha Dean scored 5 points each.

Ashlei Goree led the Eastern scoring attack with 26 points.

The Cowgirls, the fifth seed in the Region II Tournament will play Murray State on Thursday at Shawnee at a time to be determined.

Cowgirls Sweep Twin Bill from Eastern State

 Connors State swept a softball twin bill from Eastern State 11-5 and 6-5 Thursday afternoon on the Cowgirls home field.

Cowgirls improved their season record to 6-5 for the year and 2-0 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play. Connors will travel to Altus, Okla. on Saturday to play Western State in an OCAC doubleheader.

Connors used four home runs to dispose of the Lady Mountaineers, two each by Summer Cunningham and Lauren Pittman.

In the opening game Connors broke a 4-4 deadlock in the fifth inning with a 3-run explosion and adding four more in the sixth to seal the win.  Lauren Pittman, Brandi Schueler and Baile Neel each collected three hits, with Ashley Dunnigan and Jerelyn Long getting two hits each.

Pittman and Cunningham each hit home runs in the sixth inning. Jordan Jones went four innings inside the circle, but did not get the decision with Long picking up the win in relief.

In the nightcap Connors snapped a 5-5 tie in the bottom of the sixth inning to put away the Lady Mountaineers on a solo home run by Cunningham. Laurent Robertson went the distance on the mound to get the win in the circle.

Pittman, Schueler, Paige Boling each had two hits in the victory. Pittman connected for her third homerun and Cunningham had her second of the season.

Cowboys Knock Off No. 6 Eastern State

WILBURTON – Connors State behind the double digit scoring of Jared Harrison, Terrance Walker, Shaquille Shannon, Denell Henderson and Josh Cameron, the Cowboys knocked off the National Junior College Athletic Association’s No. 6-ranked Eastern State Mountaineers 81-74 on their home floor.

The victory boosts the Cowboys record to 22-7 and 12-6 in OCAC play, while the Mountaineers fall to 15-3 in league action and 27-3 on the season.

Harrison led the Cowboys scoring assault with 18 points followed by Walker’s 16 point production. Shaquille Shannon pumped home 13 followed by Henderson’s 12 and Cameron’s 10 points.

“We played solid basketball,” said Connors head coach Bill Muse. “We held them below their 90 point scoring average with good defensive play. This gives us some momentum going into the Region II Tournament next week.”

The Cowboys knocked down 23 of 36 free throw attempts against the Mountaineers. Connors trailed 39-36 at the intermission, shutting down Eastern’s offense in the second half with tenacious defensive play.

Therone Chilton led the Eastern scoring with 19 points, followed by Mikel Terrance’s 14 points and Rod Lewis’ 12. Antwan Cathey scored 10 in the loss.

The Cowboys will now await the Region II Tournament pairings and All-Region selections which are due out on Friday.

CONNORS STATE 81, EASTERN STATE 74

Connors State 36  45—81

Eastern State 39 35--74

Connors State (22-7, 12-6) –Harrison 18, Walker 16, Shannon 13,Henderson 12, Cameron 10, Moore 6, Worthy 6

astern State (27-3, 15-3)—Chilton 19, Mi. Tarrance 14, Lewis 12, Cathey 10, Jones 6, Calloway 5, Ma. Tarrance 4, McClure 2, Ebondo 2..

Connors State No. 11 in College Rankings

The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association is in full swing and Connors State is No. 11 in the rankings.

Cowgirls are 12th in  tie-down roping, with William Whayne sixth. In steer wrestling, Connors’ Kash Koester holds sixth.

In women’s barrel racing Connors’ Blazi Weippert is 12th and Randa Depew  15th. Connors’ Callin Lenhart is 14th in breakaway roping.

Cowboys Drop Coffeyville Behind Tavares

Connors State behind the big bat of Chris Tavares rolled past Coffeyville Community College 7-3  Wednesday afternoon at Biff Thompson Field.

Cowboys are now 7-2 on the season and will host North Central Illinois for doubleheaders on Saturday and Sunday.

Tavares broke a 2-2 deadlock in the fifth inning with his third home run of the season, a two-run shot over the left field wall for a 5-2 Cowboy lead. Ryan Clarke opened the inning by reaching first on a Red Raven error. He then stole second base, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on Phil Diedrick’s RBI fielders’ choice.

Connors jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first when Diedrick doubled and came home on a RBI single by Tavares. Coffeyville tied the game in the second before the Cowboys regained the lead 2-1 in the second.

Michael Nieves blasted a solo home run, his first of the season, over the left centerfield wall for the 2-1 Cowboys lead. Coffeyville came back with a single run in the second before the Cowboys struck for three runs in the fifth.

Connors added a run in the sixth, when Dalton Daniels walked, stole second and Ryan Clark singled to right to score Daniels for a 6-2 Connors lead.

The final Cowboys’ run came on an RBI single by Caleb Banks, who plated Jake Barton, who opened the inning with a double.

C.J. Machete came in relief in the fourth inning, going 3 2/3 innings to get his first win of the season. Kylar Trumbla, relieved in the ninth for the final out to get the save.

Tavaras and Clark led the Cowboys’ hitting attack with two hits each.

Cowgirls Smash Western State on Sophomore Night

Connors State trailed Western State only once in the ballgame, 3-2 at the 17:48 mark of the first half and just 30 seconds later took the lead for good on a bucket by Tiffanie Abrams and it was the Cowgirls ball game the rest of the way on Sophomore Night.

Connors rolled to a 74-60 win over visiting Western State  in the home finale at Melvin Self Field House Monday night in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash.

Connors with the victory improves to 17-11 on the year and 10-7 in Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference play. Western State falls to 9-14 and 5-12 in OCAC play. Connors will go on the road Thursday for its final game of the season at Wilburton against Eastern State. Tip-off is 6 p.m.

It was the final home game of the season for sophomore’s Kaila Crawford, Nikki Lewis, Taylor Lloyd, Megan Alsenay and Abrams.

Freshman Taira Hall led the Cowgirls scoring with 23 points followed by Abrams’ 16 points, and Crawford’s 13 points.

“Tiara (Hall) played really well and Tiffanie picked it up in the second half,” said head coach Eddie Kite. “It was a very lethargic game and a lot of that has a got to do who you are playing. You just have to make sure you don’t play down this time of the year.

“We have got to start playing to our potential,” said Kite.

Western State’s scoring was pace by Brianna Pendleton’s 18 points with Sharna Polk scoring 11 points.

Connors held a commanding 32-12 lead at the break and increased its lead to 20 points 57-37 with 11:16 remaining. Western State made a mild comeback in the final 10 minutes, cutting the Cowgirls lead to 10 points, 70-60 with 45 seconds left.

Cowboys Roll Past Western State on Sophomore Night

It was Sophomore night at  Connors State  as six Cowboys played their last game at Melvin Self Field House Monday night, Jared Harrison, Devin Harris, Jerome Hamilton, Terrance Walker, Tyren Knight and Tevin Worthy .

The result was an 86-76 victory over Western State in an Oklahoma Collegiate Athletic Conference clash and snapped a two-game losing streak.

Cowboys placed five players in double-figure scoring led by Worthy and Shannon with 16 points each. Cameron followed with 13 with Walker and Devante Moore scoring 11 and 10 respectively.

Connors is now 21-7 going into the final regular season game on Thursday at Wilburton, against No. 6-ranked Eastern State. The Cowboys are 11-6 in OCAC play. Western State falls to 12-16 on the year and 5-12 in league play.

Connors broke open a tight ball game midway the second half with a 10-2 run to take a commanding 63-48 lead with 11:22 remaining. The Cowboys’ largest lead of the game was 17 points 67-50 with 9:28 left.

The Pioneers battled back to with seven points, 74-67 before the Cowboys took control with clutch free throw shooting down the stretch, connecting on 6-of-6 attempts.

“We let them get back into the game in the second half, but that’s been the story all year long for us,” said head coach Bill Muse. “We can’t put people away, we can’t sustain it. We have got to find a way the next couple of games or its going to be a short (Region II) tournament.”

Muse said he was “happy” with the Cowboys’ offensive output. But not defensively or at the free throw line.

“Our offense is fine, but we gave up too many points at home,” said Muse. The Cowboys were just 25-of-41 at the line. “We have got to concentrate at the line. We have shot 69 percent this year and last season we led the nation at 75 percent. It was one of those nights were it was a lack of concentration and not a lack of form.”

Cowboys held a precarious 41-33 lead at the break, as they managed to drain only 9 of 20 free throw attempts. However, Moore came off the bench to drain two consecutive back-to-back 3-point shots to put the Cowboys up 10 points, 36-26 at the two-minute mark. It was the largest lead of the half for Connors.

Connors State 86, Western State 76

Western State 33 43—76

Connors State  41 45—86

Western State (12-16, 5-12)—Jackson 15, Rowson 15, Williams 11, Grant 11, Patton 10, Hargrove 6, Lewis 3, Harp 3, Allen 2.

Connors State (21-7, 11-6)—Worthy 16, Shannon 16, Cameron 13, Walker 11, Moore 10, Henderson 9, Harrison 9, Knight 2.

Cowboys Sweep Allen County

Connors State swept Allen County, Kan., in a twin bill Sunday afternoon at Biff Thompson Field, winning the opener 5-2 and taking the nightcap 3-0.

 The Cowboys are now 6-2 on the season and will host Coffeyville Community College Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Thompson Field in a single game.

Braden Cook connected for his first home run of the season on the first inning of the opener, a 3-run shot over the left field wall, scoring Angel Flores and Chris Travares, who both had walked.

Michael Nieves singled his first of two hits for the game, in the second and came around to score on an error for a 4-0 Cowboys lead.  In the fourth inning Jiro Morales opened with a triple and scored on a fielder’s choice by Jake Barton to up the Connors lead to 5-0.

Allen County scored its two runs in the fifth inning off Connors starter Jordan Morales, who went six innings. He gave up just three hits and struck out six. Sawyer Barnard pitched the seventh inning to get his first save of the year.

In the nightcap Chad Backward pitched a complete game seven innings to register the shutout. He struck out three, allowing four hits.

Flores opened the game with a base hit, stole second and was sacrifice to third; scoring on a Phil Diedrick fielder’s choice ground out for a 1-0 Cowboys lead.

In the third Ryan Clark reached on an error, stole second and Jake Barton, who had two base hits, drove home Clark for a 2-0 Connors lead.  The final run came in the fifth when Clark reached on a bunt single and then stole second base.

On the stole base the catcher threw the ball into centerfield and the center fielder then threw the ball into the dugout, which allowed Clark to score from third.

Cowgirls Snare Two Wins at Murray Tournament

TISHOMINGO – Connors State pounded out 32 base hits in winning two-of-three games in the Murray State Invitational softball tournament Saturday, improving the Cowgirls season record to 4-5.

Cowgirls defeated Phillips, Texas,College 10-2, and Murray State 7-4 before falling to North Central Texas 7-2. Connors returns to action on Wednesday, playing host to Eastern State at 2 p.m.

Jordan Jones collected the win inside the circle for the Cowgirls against Phillips College with All-American Paige Boling leading the hitting attack with a 3-for-3 appearance at the plate, which included two doubles. Brandi Schueler, Summer Cunningham, Jones, Ashley Dunigan and Balie Neel each had two hits. Schueler and Lauren Pittman each connected for a home run.

Against Murray State Lauren Robertson was the winning pitcher, with Dunigan and Boling leading the hitting attack with three hits each. Boiling connected for her second home run of the season against Murray.

Cowgirls held a 3-2 lead over North Central Texas going into the seventh inning before the Texans exploded for five runs to get the win. Jones took the loss for the Cowgirls with Kenna McCoy the top Connors batter with two hits.

Cowgirls Lose Twice at Murray Tournament

TISHOMINGO – Connors Cowgirls sustained two losses in the opening day of the Murray State Invitational softball tournament Friday.

Cowgirls fell to Paris, Texas 16-2 and Northeast Texas handed Connors an 8-7 loss. Connors is now 2-4 on the year and will play three games in the tournament on Saturday.

Lauren Robertson took the loss in the opener and came in relief in the second game, also taking the loss.

Cowgirls’ Jerleyn Long hit her first home run of the season in the opening game.

Cowgirls Bid to Upset No. 9 NOC-Enid Falls Shorts

ENID—Connors Cowgirls sustained a heartbreaking 5-3-52 loss against league leading Northern Oklahoma-Enid, missing three shots inside the paint with 8-seconds remaining to fall short of the upset bid of the 9^th-ranked team in the NJCAA national poll.

The loss drops the Cowgirls to 16-12 for the year and 9-8 in OCAC play. The Lady Jets are 26-3 on the season and 16-1 in league play.

Connors held a 40-36 lead with nine-minutes to play but gave up three consecutive 3-point baskets to trail 49-42 with four-minutes remaining.

Cowgirls battled back to within a point, 53-52 with 18 seconds left and forced a jump ball with 14 seconds left to regain the ball. That’s when the Cowgirls missed three opportunities to win the game, but could not put the ball in the hoop.

Tiffanie Abrams led the Cowgirls scoring with 12 points with Tiara Hall adding 11 and Nikki Lewis and Kaila Crawford scoring 9 points each. Marisha Wallace led the Lady Jets scoring with 19 points.

Connors will close out its home season against Western State on Monday night at Melvin Self Field House.

Whayne Places Third at KSU Rodeo Event

Connors State rodeo team competed at Kansas State University rodeo in Manhattan, Kan., on Feb. 18-19 and three members of the team reached the short round, according to CSC rodeo Coach Jake Lawson.

Tulsa freshman William Whayne placed third overall in the tie-down roping event after winning the long go and placing third in the short go.

 EJ Thomas, sophomore from Keota placed sixth in the team roping after finishing sixth in both the long and short rounds.

Blazi Weippert, a Roland freshman, placed third in the long go of the barrel racing, while sophomore Ellie Anderson, from Rockwell, Iowa, who competed in breakaway roping, and Devyn Shaw, a sophomore from Winona, Mo., who competed in barrel racing, just missed in the short round of their events.

The rodeo team will next compete in the Garden City Community College rodeo on March 2-4, in Garden City, Kan.,  followed by an event at Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College on March 9-11.