The Shawnee State University Men’s Basketball Team will return to action this year carrying the momentum of two consecutive winning seasons.  The back-to-back successes were the first winning seasons for the Bears since the 1995-1996 season.  Second year Head Coach Jeff Hamilton has a roster packed with four returning starters and a total of nine returning letter winners.  

The four returning starters, Adam Davenport, Delano Thomas, Antwain Lavender, and Terrence Davison, all put up impressive numbers in 2002-2003.  Senior guard Antwain Lavender led the Bears in points (16.9/game), assists (4.0/game) and steals (1.4/game).  He was named 1^st Team All-AMC and Honorable Mention All-American. Fellow senior Delano Thomas, a 6-9 center, set a school record with 72 blocks.  He pounded out ten double-double games, and earned 2^nd Team All-AMC honors. Adam Davenport, a 6-6 junior center recorded eight double-double games last season, and was named 2^nd Team All-AMC.  Sophomore guard Terrence Davison started 26 of 34 games in his freshman season, and earned All-AMC Freshman Team honors.  Curt Grimes, Jason Burston, Richard Montague, and Kevin Cunningham all return, bringing with them a host of experience. 

Also returning to the mix is senior guard Andre Horton.  Horton spent the 2002-2003 season on the sidelines due to a season ending knee injury after playing just three games.  “Andre returns better than ever,” said Coach Hamilton.  “He has worked hard to increase his strength and all-around floor game.  I can’t wait to see him in uniform again.”  In the 2001-2002 season Horton led the AMC in scoring with 25.6 points per game.  He set the single season scoring record at Shawnee State University by racking up 818 points.  Andre was the AMC Player of the Year and earned 1^st Team All-American Honors. 

New to the mix this season are Tommy Futrell, Shane Holsinger, and Michael Cheesbro.  Futrell, a sophomore forward, played one season at The University of Mobile.  “Tommy is a great asset to the team,” said Coach Hamilton.  “He can play either forward position and is an explosive finisher.”  Holsinger, a sophomore guard, is a transfer from Eastern Kentucky University.  “Shane is a great athlete.  He can knock down the jumper, but he is most effective on the break.”  Cheesbro, a freshman guard, earned 2^nd Team All-Ohio honors as a senior.  He finished his career at Peebles High School with 1,281 points. 

“I am extremely excited about the upcoming season,’ said Hamilton.  “We have one of the best backcourts in the NAIA in Lavender and Horton.  Not only can they score, they provide all the intangibles you look for in players to lead a team.  We also have the pieces in place around them to make this a very special season.  I can’t wait to get started.”