Bishop State basketball teams hoping homecourt advantage results in more wins

by Press-Register, Cassandra McAboy

November 04, 2009

Veteran Bishop State coach Johnny Shelwood is thankful to be returning to the Fredericka G. Evans Cultural Centre after two years of playing across town at the former Shaw High School gym.

Now he's got to put a competitive team on the new floor after a 6-20 finish last season, and he may be able to do it with a trio of starters returning, including most of his sophomores.

The Wildcats can settle in back home after hurricanes Ivan and Katrina damaged the Evans Centre, forcing the building to close for repairs.

"We've got three starters returning, but more importantly we have seven of our nine sophomores returning," said Shelwood, who has been at Bishop for 16 seasons. "That's the heart of your team, getting your players to return. We're also bringing in some talented freshmen."

One of those returning starters, former LeFlore High player Rodney Broughton, has set a lofty goal. "There are some very productive sophomores leading the way," Broughton said. "We're looking to win at least 20 games this year."

Bishop women's coach Derrick Powe said having the home floor back would be a boost in many areas. "Bringing it back to our home gym is going to help us as far as practice schedules and everything else is concerned," he said. "It will also bring a lot of excitement back to the campus. Even during scrimmage games we've had a good crowd of kids coming back to experience the new Bishop State."

The Bishop women finished 5-21 last season, but Powe expects improved leadership this season. "We have two starters returning and we're looking forward to a much better season," he said. "We have more leadership, especially with seven players returning that got playing time a year ago."

Sophomore center Kenisha Lawrence of Mary Montgomery High said being back home will help the team win. "Last season it felt like we were constantly rushing," she said. "Now we're home and that will build our confidence because it's our gym. I'm looking forward to having better fan support and winning more games."