Greyhounds Listed in National Poll for First Time

Heading into Monday's game against Northeast Mississippi, the Greyhounds found themselves with an 8-3 record, having lost all three games by a combined 8 points.

On Tuesday, the Greyhounds learned they were listed in the NJCAA Division II national poll as one of nine teams receiving votes for the Top 20 poll released December 12. This is the first time in program history the Greyhounds have been mentioned in a national poll, and their 8-3 record matches the 2014-15 squad for the best start ever for a Greyhound team.

To make matters sweeter, the Greyhounds moved to 9-3 on the season after Monday's 113-92 victory over Northeast Mississippi, a team that entered the game with an 8-1 record and are currently ranked #21 in the latest NJCAA Division I poll. The Tigers are the second NJCAA Division I team the Greyhounds have defeated this season, having earned a 91-76 victory over Murray State College (OK) on November 11 in Harrison, Arkansas.

The Greyhounds are also listed nationally in several statistical categories as they are currently 20th in the nation in scoring with an average of 91.3 points per game, 20th in steals (10.8 per game), 22nd in assists (19.2 per game), 31st in field goal percentage (48.2%), and 33rd in rebounding (43.4 per game).

Individually, Trevor Banks is currently 28th in field goal percentage (.622), and Jerrick Cole is 33rd in three-point field goal percentage (.481). But the balance shown on the stat sheet makes the Greyhounds that much more dangerous as seven players average between 8 and 16 points, and in the 11 games this season the Greyhounds have had six different players lead the team in scoring.

And while Montgomery has turned it up lately by averaging 22.7 points in his last six games, he's done it by shooting an outstanding 43.5% from the three-point line (27-of-62). Trevor Banks has scored in double figures 7 of 9 games as the team's most effiecient scorer, and Terrandus Smith has scored in double figures eight games while shooting 53.3% from the three-point line in the last three (8-of-15). But it is Jerrick Cole who is the deadliest shooter on the team, leading the Greyhounds in both three-point percentage (.481) and free throw percentage (.800).

Montee Randle continues to provide the most balance, having led the Greyhounds in every statistical category at least once this season, and that was never more evident than Monday against Northeast Mississippi when he finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Terrikous Smith is the team's leader in steals and has hit a three-pointer in eight games this season, and K.J. Patrick anchors the middle by averaging 9.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. In addition, Kamron Rose has been a pleasant surprise off the bench, registering four double-doubles to lead the team in that category.

The Greyhounds come back from the break to play a two-game swing through Alabama on January 5-6, taking on Wallace State CC-Hanceville and Bevill State CC before returning to The Dog House on Monday, January 8, for a matchup against Bethel University JV.

Trevor Banks throws down a dunk in the Greyhounds' 113-92 victory over Northeast Mississippi CC.