Marshall Thundering Blog

Weekend Round Up: Softball Exits NCAA’s, Kerns Plays Final Round, Baseball Misses Tournament, Brantley Picks Herd, & Kane not Pitt Bound

2013-05-20T09:34:00.001-04:00

1) Marshall was eliminated from the NCAA Softball Tournament Saturday night after a 3-2, 13 inning loss to Virginia Tech. Earlier in the day the Thundering Herd knocked Notre Dame out of the double elimination regional with a 3-1 win over the Fighting Irish. Marshall picked up its first loss on Friday, dropping a 2-1 decision to Kentucky.

2) Senior men’s golfer Nathan Kerns wrapped up his impressive Marshall career at the NCAA Columbus Regional on Saturday. Kerns finished the tournament tied for 22^nd place with a three day score of 221 (+8).

3) When Sunday rolled around Marshall baseball needed to beat Rice and receive a little bit of help from Tulane in order to qualify for the Conference USA Tournament. Neither happen as the Owls completed a three game sweep of the Herd with a 6-0 win and UAB took down the Green Wave 6-3. Marshall has not qualified for the conference tournament since 2010.

4) One of the top ranked point guard prospects in the class of 2013, Notre Dame Prep’s Jaylen Brantley signed a letter of intent with Marshall over the weekend. A four star recruit according to MaxPreps.com, Brantley also had scholarship offers from Georgetown, Florida, and Virginia.

5) Earlier this month it was reported that former Marshall basketball player DeAndre Kane was transferring to Pittsburgh. Those plans appear to be on hold as Kane did not commit to the Panthers during a weekend visit. Reports indicate that Memphis is now in hot pursuit of Kane’s services.

Marshall Basketball: Top Prospect Brantley Signs with Herd

2013-05-18T11:13:00.002-04:00

Marshall University has added another member to its 2013 basketball recruiting class, Notre Dame Prep point guard Jaylen Brantley.

Standing 5-feet-10, 160 pounds, Brantley averaged 16 points and five assist per game during his senior season while shooting 44 percent from three-point range.

A four star recruit according to MaxPreps.com, he was also ranked as the 74th best prospect in the class of 2013 by HoopScoop.

Brantley had scholarship offers from major basketball programs including Georgetown, Florida, Virginia, and Missouri but, his academics are a concern. It is possible he will sit out next season in order to gain eligibility.

For more on Brantley follow the links below.

1) 247Sports.com Profile
2) ESPN.com Profile
3) Rivals.com Profile
4) Highlight Video (1)
5) Highlight Video (2)

HerdZone.com

Brantley Signs with Men's Basketball

Huntington Herald Dispatch

MU lands prep school point guard

Random Musings: New Basketball Travel Partner, Kambola in China, Kerns at NCAA’s, Softball Regional’s

2013-05-16T10:46:00.000-04:00

1) From Doug Smock of the Charleston Gazette, Marshall’s travel partner for men’s and women’s basketball has switched from ODU to UNC Charlotte. The 49ers will be the Thundering Herds only home and home opponent next season. Marshall will play every other Conference USA member once.

2) Next month C-USA’s board of directors is likely to approve a 16 team basketball tournament that will include every school in the league. With all 16 teams participating the basketball championships will be played over five days. For those of you familiar with the Big East tournament, C-USA will follow a similar format with the top four teams receiving a double bye into the quarterfinals.

3) Speaking of basketball, Marshall’s J.P. Kambola has joined Kentucky based ministry group Sports Reach for an 18-day tour of China.

4) Marshall men’s golfer Nathan Kerns will tee off at the NCAA Regional Tournament in Columbus Ohio at 10:10am Thursday morning. You can follow the three day event by clicking here.

5) Last but definitely not least, here is a schedule for this weekend’s NCAA softball regional in Lexington Kentucky. All games will be streamed online at ESPN3.

Friday, May 17

Game 1 - Notre Dame vs. Virginia Tech - 5 p.m. ET (ESPN3)

Game 2 - Kentucky vs. Marshall - 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN3)

Saturday, May 18

Game 3 - Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2 - 1 p.m. ET (ESPN3)

Game 4 - Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN3)

Game 5 - Loser Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4 - 6 p.m. ET (ESPN3)

Sunday, May 19

Game 6 - Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5 -1 p.m. ET (ESPN3)

Game 7 - (If necessary) -3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN3)

C-USA Considering Changes to Basketball Format

2013-05-15T17:02:00.002-04:00

Next month Conference USA’s board of directors will consider a number of measures that will potentially impact the leagues men’s and women’s basketball teams.

One proposal would allow all 16 teams to participate in the conference tournament. Previously, C-USA planned to include just 12 schools. With an expanded field the tournament would be held over five days.

The conference is also considering a scheduling change for men’s basketball, moving from a Wednesday-Saturday format to Thursday-Saturday. The league would also like to institute travel partners to reduce long road trips and rising cost.

For more on the proposals visit the links below.

Conference USA

Conference USA Concludes 2013 Spring Meetings

Charleston Daily Mail

Everyone in the pool for the C-USA hoops tournaments

Marshall Softball: Herd Heads to Lexington Regional

2013-05-12T23:12:00.000-04:00

After winning the Conference USA softball championship this weekend Marshall University is headed to the Lexington Kentucky region for the NCAA Tournament.

In Lexington the Thundering Herd will be paired with the University of Kentucky, Notre Dame, and Virginia Tech. In the double elimination bracket Marshall's first game is against the Wildcats at 7:30 PM Friday evening. The Herd and Kentucky met earlier this season, a 4-3 UK win at home. Friday's game will be broadcast live and free online at ESPN3.com.

Marshall Softball: Herd Wins First-Ever C-USA Championship

2013-05-11T18:47:00.002-04:00

Story via Marshall University athletics, HerdZone.com.

TULSA, Okla. – For the first time in school history, the Marshall softball team will be heading to the NCAA Tournament after a 3-1 win over Houston on Saturday to capture its first ever Conference USA Championship.

The No. 4 seed Thundering Herd (35-20) received another outstanding pitching performance from senior Andi Williamson (32-16) who pitched all seven innings, scattered four hits, struck out four, walked two and allowed the only run which was unearned. She was named the C-USA Tournament MVP and shared all-tournament team honors with Ashley Gue, Bri Anna Hope, Katalin Lucas and Jazimine Valle.

Williamson ended the tournament without allowing an earned run and struck out 12 in 21 innings of work.

“Our main goal was to win it. I am still so speechless,” Williamson said. “I still cannot believe that it happened. We are going to the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history. That has been our main goal since the beginning. We said that we would not be satisfied with second place, and that showed with the determination that we played with all game.”

Not only did Marshall get a big performance from its senior pitcher, but the freshmen as well. Lucas went 2-for-3 at the plate, scored a run and had a stolen base. Alexandra Bayne came through in the fourth inning with a key insurance run, an RBI double as a pinch-hitter to score the game’s third and final run. Bayne also had a stolen base.

Senior Jazmine Valle went 2-for-2 as the Herd finished the game with eight hits to the Cougars’ four.

“This is a big win for us, getting to the championship game as the four seed and doing what we did,” said head coach Shonda Stanton. “This is for all of the girls who have ever worn the green and white. This is our twentieth anniversary of Marshall Softball. We have so many special people, and I am so proud of the way our student-athletes represented today.”

Marshall, which never trailed, was the first to score. A lead-off walk from junior Savanah Webster put sophomore pinch runner Kristina Braxton on first in her place. With one out, Lucas doubled into right field. In the throw back to the plate, Houston second baseman Kayla Holland threw the ball into Marshall’s dugout and was charged for the error that allowed K. Braxton and Lucas to score, 2-0.

No. 2 seed Houston (40-18) took one back in the top of the third as a leadoff single and throwing error put Houston on second base with no outs. Back-to-back outs put Marshall one out away from shutting Houston down for another inning, but an RBI-single by Haley Outon brought a Katie St. Pierre across the plate to shrink the lead, 2-1.

Houston threatened to score in the top of the fourth inning, but the Herd ended the threat and took the opportunity to extend the lead in the bottom of the fourth. Webster led the inning off with a single through the left side of the infield, but was taken out at second on a fielder’s choice by Hope on first. Lucas singled into right field to put runners on first and second, before Bayne blasted an RBI-double down the right-field line to push Marshall ahead, 3-1.

Both teams stranded multiple runners on base, Houston with eight, Marshall with 10.

Diedre Outon (12-7) took the loss for the Cougars, who will most likely receive an at-large bid to next weekend’s NCAA Tournament.

Marshall will find out what regional it will play in via the NCAA selection show on Sunday at 10 p.m. on ESPNU.

Marshall Basketball: Kane Headed for Pitt

2013-05-08T16:50:00.001-04:00

First reported by Jeff Goodman of CBS Sports, former Marshall University basketball player DeAndre Kane is transferring to Pittsburgh. As a graduate student Kane will be eligible immediately with one year of eligibility remaining.

A two time All Conference USA second team selection, Kane averaged 34.1 minutes, 15.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assist per game in three seasons with the Thundering Herd. He also started 93 of 96 games played in a Marshall uniform.

Kane joins a Panther backcourt in dire need of depth. Tray Woodall, the team’s starting point guard is graduating after leading Pitt in points per game last season. In addition to Woodall, reserve guard Trey Zeigler and his 15.5 minutes per game transferred to TCU. Sophomore point guard James Robinson does return and the Panthers are adding Josh Newkirk, one of the nation’s top backcourt prospects, in this year’s recruiting class.

Marshall announced Kane’s departure in April, he is one of three players (Chris Martin and D.D. Scarver) to leave the basketball program with eligibility remaining this offseason.

Marshall Football: Herd Featured Prominently on National T.V.

2013-05-07T21:04:00.000-04:00

Conference USA released its football television schedule for 2013 and Marshall University is prominently featured. Seven of the Thundering Herd's 12 games are slated for national T.V. coverage.

Three games will be aired on the CBS Sports Network including Marshall's home opener against Miami University. In addition CBSSN will feature the Thundering Herd's conference bout with Southern Miss on November 9th and the regular season finale at Joan C. Edwards Stadium against ECU.

Marshall is playing two Thursday night contest on the road, at Middle Tennessee on October 24th and at Tulsa November 14th. Both games, including the Herd's away game against FIU November 23rd are going to be broadcast by Fox Sports. Initially, all three contest are ticketed for FSN although, it is a distinct possibility that the Thursday night games will be moved to Fox Sports 1, a new network that will debut in over 90 million homes this August.

Rounding out the broadcast, Comcast Sports Southeast will show Marshall's home game against UAB November 9th.

Although they were not announced today two away games, Ohio September 15th and Virginia Tech one week later are likely destined for coverage.

Updated 2013 Marshall University Football Schedule

August 31st - Miami (OH), 7pm, CBS Sports

September 7th - Gardner-Webb, TBA

September 14th at Ohio, TBA

September 21st at Virginia Tech, TBA

October 5th - Texas San Antonio, TBA

October 12th at Florida Atlantic, TBA

October 24th at Middle Tennessee, 7:30pm, Fox Sports

November 2nd - Southern Miss, 12:30pm, CBS Sports

November 9th - UAB, TBA, Comcast Sports

November 14th at Tulsa, 7:30pm, Fox Sports

November 23rd at Florida International, TBA, Fox Sports

November 29th - East Carolina, 12pm, CBS Sports

*All times eastern.

Marshall Basketball: DD Scarver Latest to Leave the Program

2013-04-30T21:14:00.000-04:00

Through a press release Marshall University basketball coach Tom Herrion announced that rising senior shooting guard D.D. Scarver has left the program.

Scarver arrived at Marshall from Trinity Valley Community College (Texas) as the 23rd best junior college prospect in the nation according to JucoRecruiting.com. During his second season at Trinity, Scarver was named a NJCAA All-American and Region XIV Player of the Year after averaging 24.1 points per game.

In his lone season with the Thundering Herd Scarver appeared in all 32 games, starting 29 while averaging 26.4 minutes, 11.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assist per contest. He also lead Marshall in three-point attempts, taking 199 shots from beyond the arc, hitting 65 of them for a .327 field goal percentage.

Scarver joins two other former players, Chris Martin and DeAndre Kane, who have left Marshall's basketball program this offseason with eligibility remaining.

Marshall Football: Date Change for ECU

2013-04-29T22:21:00.003-04:00

Earlier today Conference USA announced three date changes for the upcoming football season including ECU's visit to Marshall.

Previously scheduled for Saturday November 30th, the Thundering Herd and Pirates will now meet on Friday November 29th. The change was made to accommodate a national television broadcast on a yet to be determined network.

For the full release from C-USA click here.

Marshall Football: Herd Ends Spring Practice with Green-White Game

2013-04-28T12:49:00.001-04:00

Marshall University ended spring football practice Saturday afternoon with the annual Green-White game. In front of 5,115 fans at Joan C. Edwards stadium the green team (offense) defeated the white squad (defense) 55-38.

For more on yesterday's scrimmage follow the links below.

Huntington Herald Dispatch

Herd wraps up spring

Chuck Landon: Spring ball brings more excitement than usual

Defense comes together

Grant Taylor: Herd spring has run its course

Charleston Daily Mail

Green-White Report, featuring "Cato" Kaelin (Al Cowlings and Judge Lance Ito not included)

Charleston Gazette

Herd closes drills on up note

West Virginia Metro News

Herd wraps up spring

HerdZone.com

Mitchell Moves Up, Makes Hits, Open Eyes

Herd Insider

Thundering Herd wraps up spring game with annual G-W Game

Marshall Football: Aaron Dobson Selected by Patriots in Second Round of NFL Draft

2013-04-26T23:20:00.001-04:00

Marshall University wide receiver Aaron Dobson was selected in the second round, 59th overall, by the New England Patriots during day two of the NFL draft.

A all Conference USA second team selection during his senior season, Dobson caught 57 passes for 679 yards and three touchdowns. In 2011 the West Virginia native had a breakout campaign, leading the Thundering Herd with 668 receiving yards and a team high 12 touchdowns. He leaves Marshall ranked 11th all time in receptions (165) and ninth (2,398) in yards by catch.

Dobson joins a Patriots roster in need of outside receivers Leaning on standout tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, New England wide receivers caught 59 percent of passes thrown by the team last season, a league low. The Patriots also lost Pro Bowler Wes Welker to the Denver Broncos this off-season and last years second leading receiver, Brandon Llyod, remains unsigned. New England acquired Danny Amendola in free agency but Julian Edelman's 235 receiving yards leads all returning wide receivers.

Dobson is one of six Marshall receivers selected in the NFL draft including former Patriots Troy Brown and Randy Moss.

Marshall Basketball: DeAndre Kane Leaves Herd

2013-04-23T15:46:00.001-04:00

Marshall University basketball player DeAndre Kane will not return for his senior season. In a press release issued earlier today head coach Tom Herrion had this to say about Kane’s future.

“After meeting with DeAndre, I have decided it is in our program’s and his best interest that he seek opportunities elsewhere,”. “We appreciate his contributions to our team and wish him the best in his future.”

As a junior Kane averaged 37.1 minutes and 7.0 assist per game, both team highs. He finished second to Elijah Pittman in scoring while averaging 15.1 points per game. With those numbers Kane was named to Conference USA’s All Second Team, a distinction he also received as a sophomore. Kane was honored as C-USA’s freshman of the year in 2011 after averaging 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assist per game.

Despite only playing three years Kane leaves Marshall as the Herds 15^th all time leading scorer. He also ranks 11^th in steals and 8^th in all time assists.

If Kane graduates this semester (a definite possibility according to multiple reports) he can transfer to another school and play immediately if the institution offers a graduate program unavailable at Marshall. He could also enter his name in the NBA Draft or pursue professional opportunities overseas.

Marshall Football: Spring Football Scrimmage, 4/20/13

2013-04-21T16:21:00.002-04:00

Notes from Saturday's scrimmage as Marshall closed its second to last week of spring football practice.

Huntington Herald Dispatch

New players step up for Herd

Chuck Landon: Defense continuing to exceed expectations

Charleston Daily Mail

Spring Practice Report for Scrimmage No. 2, Saturday, April 20

WV Metro News

Herd looks balanced in scrimmage

Charleston Gazette

Up and down scrimmage for Herd defense

Marshall notebook: Herd glad to have Roberts back on corner

Herd Insider

Football stats from scrimmage April 20, 2013

Marshall Football: Kevin Grooms Arrested

2013-04-21T15:24:00.001-04:00

Marshall University running back Kevin Grooms was arrested early Sunday morning. According to the Western Regional Jail, Grooms was charged with a pair of misdemeanors, underage consumption and obstruction of justice.

The athletic department released the following statement on Groom's arrest, "We are aware of Kevin's situation and will handle it appropriately and internally."

Last season Grooms rushed for 737 yards and eight touchdowns on his way to being named Conference USA freshman on the year.

C-USA Basketball: FIU Hires Evans

2013-04-15T22:45:00.003-04:00

In a press conference tomorrow FIU will introduce Anthony Evans as its next head basketball coach.

Evans has lead Norfolk State for the past six seasons. In 2012 the Spartans reached unprecedented heights, earning the schools first NCAA Tournament appearance and a win over two seeded Missouri as a 15 seed. This season Norfolk State won the MEAC regular season title and qualified for the NIT.

Evans takes over for Richard Pitino who took the head coaching position at Minnesota earlier this month.

Marshall Football: Spring Practice, Scrimmage Notes 4/13/13

2013-04-14T21:37:00.000-04:00

Notes from Marshall University's spring football scrimmage on Saturday April 13th.

Charleston Daily Mail

Spring Practice Report for Saturday, April 13

Herd Insider

Herd Football scrimmage report and statistics

West Virginia Metro News

Herd turns up intensity in scrimmage

Huntington Herald Dispatch

Herd defense digs in

Chuck Landon: Marshall defense goes on a Heater

Charleston Gazette

Holliday encouraged by Herd's first scrimmage

Marshall notebook: Kersey's bad day could be a learning experience

Marshall Football: Spring Practice, Day Six

2013-04-10T22:50:00.002-04:00

A collection of articles on the sixth day of Marshall University's spring football practice.

Huntington Herald Dispatch

Chuck Landon: Marshall may tackle better with some time

Charleston Daily Mail

Spring Practice Report for Tuesday, April 9

Marshall football: Transfers seek piece of action at wideout

Charleston Gazette

Pennington helped bring Furrey to Herd staff

West Virginia Metro News

Offensive line working on communication

Herd Zone

Furrey Happy with Many Receivers and One Reception

Marshall Football: Top Recruit Angelo Jean-Louis Arrested

2013-04-09T22:03:00.000-04:00

One of Marshall's top football recruits from the class of 2013 was arrested early Tuesday morning on two counts of using a fraudulent access device.

According to court records, wide receiver Angelo Jean Louis used a stolen credit card for two different purchases at the 7-Eleven across from campus on 5th Avenue. Jean-Louis carried out transactions totaling $14 and $11.

Jean-Louis was placed under arrest by a Marshall University police officer and booked at the Western Regional Jail at 4:30am. Bail was set at $20,000 and according to reports Jean-Louis was released on bond at 11:35am.

Jean-Louis signed a letter of intent with Miami out of Florida’s Palm Beach Central High School in 2012 but did not have the grades to qualify for admittance. One of ESPN’s top 150 recruits, he attended Fork Union Military Academy last fall and enrolled at Marshall in January. As a academic non-qualifier Jean-Louis has not participated in spring practice.

Marshall released a statement on Jean Louis this morning, "We are aware of his situation. We will handle the matter internally and appropriately.". No updated was provided on the arrest after today's spring practice session.

Marshall Football: Marques Aiken Joins Cincinnati Bearcats

2013-04-07T23:22:00.000-04:00

Earlier today former Marshall University defensive tackle Marques Aiken announced via Twitter that he has found a new football home with the Cincinnati Bearcats.

A rising senior, Aiken graduated from Marshall in December and left the football program shortly thereafter. As a junior he played a vital role along the Thundering Herds defensive front, starting 10 of 12 games while registering 37 tackles, 6.5 for loss, and two sacks.

At Cincinnati Aiken will be reunited with former Marshall assistant Fred Tate, the Bearcats current defensive line coach. A graduate transfer, Aiken will be eligible to play immediately.

Marshall Football: Spring Practice, Day Five

2013-04-07T20:53:00.002-04:00

A collection of articles from the fifth day of Marshall University's spring football practice.

Herd Insider

Doc Holliday mostly pleased with Herd at end of week two, and Big Bird flying around at safety

Huntington Herald Dispatch

Herd offense sets tone

All eyes on defense

Swede dreams

Herd numbers rising

Chuck Landon: Cato not only hot QB in practice for Marshall

Charleston Daily Mail

Spring Practice Report for Saturday, April 6

Marshall football: Heater, Herd defense get back to basics

Charleston Gazette

Herd's 'Big Bird' needs to get down at safety

Roberts Returns More than Depth to Corner

Marshall Football: Spring Practice, Day 4

2013-04-05T22:34:00.001-04:00

A collection of articles from the fourth day of Marshall University's spring football practice.

Huntington Herald Dispatch

Herd defense doing some good things

Herd offense sets tone

Charleston Daily Mail

Spring Patrice Notes for Thursday, April 4th

Marshall football: Herd cornerback Leggett working to stay in the mix

Charleston Gazette

Hartley earning praise in new role

Marshall's Swedish import elevated to first team

Herd Zone

Combs' Late Arrival Works out Just Fine

C-USA Basketball: Jones Joins ODU & Pitino Leaves FIU

2013-04-03T23:10:00.000-04:00

The basketball coaching ranks in Conference USA added and lost a member today.

After firing long time coach Blaine Taylor in February, Old Dominion University started a nation wide search for his replacement. The Monarchs found Taylor's successor in Washington D.C., hiring American University head coach Jeff Jones. Jones lead American for 12 seasons, accumulating a record of 212-182, four Patriot League regular season titles, and the schools only two NCAA Tournament appearances. Prior to AU, Jones served as head coach at Virginia, reaching the NCAA Tournament six times in eight years. He also won the 1992 NIT championship in his second season with the Cavaliers.

While ODU was hiring a new coach FIU was losing theirs. After only one year with the Golden Panthers Richard Pitino was hired away by Minnesota. In his lone season at the Miami based school Pitino reached the Sun Belt Conference tournament championship game before falling to Western Kentucky.

Marshall Basketball: Herd Picks up JUCO Commitment Sane

2013-04-02T20:33:00.001-04:00

Marshall's basketball program picked up a big addition Tuesday morning when Snow College forward Cheikh Tidiane Sane announced via Twitter that he would continue his college career with the Thundering Herd.

Standing 6-foot-9, Sane averaged 10.2 points and 9.1 rebounds in 31 games this season. He also blocked 49 shots.

A native of Senegal, Sane took an official visit to Marshall this weekend. Besides the Herd, he also received strong recruiting interest from Montana and Montana State. As a junior college transfer he has two years of eligibility remaining.

Sane joins fellow JUCO's Justin Edmonds and Shawn Smith in this years recruiting class along with division one transfers Ryan Taylor and TyQuane Goard.

C-USA: WKU Joins League

2013-04-01T20:46:00.000-04:00

Earlier today Conference USA announced Western Kentucky University as its newest member. The Hilltoppers will officially join the league on July 1st 2014. In a corresponding move, Tulsa University will hold a press conference tomorrow announcing their move to the soon to be renamed Big East.

Western Kentucky has enjoyed a recent string of success in football and basketball. This year the Hilltoppers won the Sun Belt Conference men's basketball tournament championship. In the last 13 years they have advanced to seven NCAA Tournaments.

Now head football coach at South Florida, Willie Taggart lead the Hilltoppers to a bowl game and a victory over in-state rival Kentucky last year. When Taggart departed, WKU replaced him with former Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino.

With Western's move to C-USA, the Herd is looking for another out of conference football opponent. Marshall and WKU had agreed to a home and home football series in 2017 and 2018.