Men's basketball seniors lead offensive explosion against Southeastern Baptist on Senior Day

WEST POINT, Ga. (February 11, 2023) – The Point University men's basketball team was at home for a non-conference matchup against Southeastern Baptist and came out with the victory by a score of 93-52 on Senior Day.

The Skyhawks would get the scoring started first when Javier Turner would make his jump shot to start the game. Turner's name would get called again quickly when Jake Smith would give him a perfect pass to make a dunk to give the Skyhawks the early 4-0. RJ Selman would give the Skyhawks a 8-0 run to start the game when he would make his layup, assist by Jack Gray. After a steal by Jack Gray, followed by a three-pointer from Gray, would give the Skyhawks a 10-point lead at 13-3 at the 15:14 mark. A missed three-point attempt by RJ Selman, would be followed up by a tip-in by Micah Fallin to make it 21-12. A 7-0 run by the Skyhawks, would cause Southeastern Baptist to take a full timeout with the score 32-19 at the 6:46 mark. The Skyhawks would go on another offensive run, this time being a 13-0 run that would make it 43-24 with 3:06 left in the first half. A dunk by Micah Fallin, assist by Jake Smith, would send the Skyhawks to the locker room for halftime up by a score of 47-28.

Jack Gray would start the scoring in the second half with his made jump shot at the 18:56 mark to make it 49-28. An 8-0 run by Southeastern Baptist, would cut the Skyhawks lead to 52-39.  The Skyhawks would go on a 14-0 run that would include three-pointers from Joshua Barber Simmon and Theaplais Williams to make it a 67-39 score. Both teams would exchange three-pointers at the 6:30 mark to make the score 74-46. The Skyhawks would go on another big offensive run with a 13-0 run that would finish on a three-pointer from Jack Gray to make it 87-48. The Skyhawks would get three-pointers by Jake Smith and Joshua Barber Simmon to end the game with a 93-52 victory at home on Senior Day.

In the box

Jake Smith led all Skyhawks in scoring with his 18 points on the night. Smith also had a double-double on the evening with his 18 points and 12 assists. He would also add seven rebounds and five steals in the contest. Three other Skyhawks would comply double digits on the night with RJ Selman (17 points), Jack Gray (13 points) and Javier Turner (11 points).

Senior Day Script

#2 Theaplais Williams- Theo is a Center from Tampa, Florida and is being accompanied by his mom, Sherika Missouri and his uncle Demetrius Williams. Theo has been a Skyhawk for 3 years and is majoring in human services and counseling. His plan after graduating is to be in social work and get his masters to become a counselor. Theo's favorite memory as a Skyhawk was when they went on a run and set the school record in wins. From Theo: I would like to thank my mom for all the hard work and sacrifices that she provided for me. I also would like to thank Coach Deer for giving me a chance and an opportunity.

#0 Joshua Barber Simmons- Joshua is a guard from Clayton County, Georgia and is being accompanied by his mom Tabitha Simmons, his dad Keith Barber and his daughter Alani Simmons. Josh has been a Skyhawk for 4 years and is majoring in Psychology. His plan after graduating is to continue to work towards his goal of becoming a sports psychologist. Josh's favorite memory as a Skyhawk was special to him after he battled injuries and he finally was able to check into the game while hearing his name called and all his teammates were so excited for him. From Joshua: I would like to thank my parents for sacrificing everything for me and my daughter for making me become a better man and father.

#25- Javier Turner- Javier is a Forward/Center from Omaha, Nebraska and is being accompanied by Jade Turner-Harrell and Johnnie Harrell. Jay has been a Skyhawk for 2 years and is majoring in Business Administration Marketing. Jay's plans after graduating is to play overseas or go into commercial marketing or graphic design. His favorite memory as a Skyhawk was breaking the school record in blocks which was against Truett McConnell on January 17, 2023. From Jay: I'd like to thank my mom for sticking by me, Johnnie for helping me workout and improve my body, and I would like to thank myself for not giving up even though people constantly doubt and criticize my skill and abilities.

#10 Benjamin Ross- Ben is a Wing from Atlanta, Georgia and is being accompanied by his mom Tara Ross, his dad Reginald Ross and his brother Noah Ross. Ben has been a Skyhawk for 7 months and is currently getting his master's in business administration. Ben's plan after graduating is to continue playing basketball professionally. Ben's favorite memory as a Skyhawk was scoring 27 on opening night in front of his family. From Ben: I would like to thank God for keeping me humble and guiding me throughout my experiences. He changed my perspective and taught me how to enjoy the process. I'd like to thank my parents & family for their continuous support and love they showed. Both my mom and dad have shown me great love and given me good advice throughout the season. I appreciate Coach Deer for caring more about me as a person than as a ball player. Coach Brent and Coach Rogers, I thank them for treating me like their little bro and giving me honest advice and constant support. Lastly, I want to thank my teammates. I love those guys through the wins and losses and the good and the bad. We've always maintained love for one another with constant support.

#22 Jack Gray- Jack is a shooting guard/wing from Powder Springs, Georgia and is being accompanied by his Father Ricky Gray and his mother Stacey Gray. Jack has been a Skyhawk for 2 years and is getting his master's in business administration. Jack's plans after graduating are to pursue a career in marketing or logistics. His favorite memory as a Skyhawk is countless road trips and getting to spend quality time with his teammates who are now his brothers. From Jack: I'd like to thank Coach Deer for believing in me, giving me the opportunity to continue my collegiate career, pursue a master's degree, and helping me become a better man, person, and leader. I'd also like to thank Coach Brent and Coach Rogers for consistently instilling confidence in me day in and day out. I want to thank my family for the constant support and love they've shown me these five years of pursuing my dream. I cannot forget Andrew for always making I'm healthy and that my ankles work. Lastly, I want to thank my teammates for always providing a laugh and being the best brothers, I could ask for.

#1 Jake Smith- Jake is a Point Guard from Lakeland, Florida and is being accompanied by his mother Krista Wood, his sister Desiree Hill, and his grandma Sonny Hadden. Jake has been a Skyhawk for 3 years and is majoring in Business Management. Jake's plans after graduating is to play professional ball and then become a coach. Jake's favorite memory as a Skyhawk is being the AAC player of the week earlier in the year, his COVID year where he created a forever brotherhood (KBE 4L), and hopefully winning a championship this year. From Jake: I would like to thank my family and coaches for believing in me.

#11 RJ Selman- RJ is a guard from Monroe, Georgia and is being accompanied by his mom Erica Selman, his dad Rico Selman, his brother Cameron Selman, and his aunt Cynthia Boyce. RJ has been a Skyhawk for three years and is majoring in psychology. His plans after graduating are to go into coaching at the high school level. RJ's favorite memory as a Skyhawk is his entire COVID season where they were ranked top 25, won the conference, and set the record for most team wins in a row. From RJ: I would like to thank my parents for their sacrifices and my aunt & brothers for always being supportive. I'd also like to thank my coaches and teammates for always pushing me to get better and believing in me. Lastly, I would like to thank Andrew for always keeping me healthy.

Ka'Von Williams- Von is a student assistant from Atlanta, Georgia and is being accompanied by his mother Ty Williams and father Kevin Williams. Von has been a Skyhawk for two years and is majoring in Organizational Leadership. He plans to continue his education at Point after graduating by entering the master's program and becoming the Graduate Assistant for Men's Basketball team. Von's favorite memory as a Skyhawk was riding scooters around Knoxville, Tennessee his junior year with the team. From Von: I would like to thank God for blessing me with another opportunity to be around the sport I love, I would like to thank my parents for being a a great support system, my family for keeping tabs on me and making sure I'm handling my business, and Coach Deer for giving me an opportunity to be around the sport I love and learn new aspects from it.

Up next

The Skyhawks will return to action on Tuesday, February 14 for a home AAC conference matchup against Tennessee Wesleyan with the tip-off at 7:30 P.M.