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Hoops Teams Thrill Crowd In Second Annual Square Jam
Men’s And Women’s Basketball Teams Participate In Variety Of Games
Photo courtesy of Joshua McCoy / Ole Miss Athletics
OXFORD, Miss. — Two weeks away from their respective season openers, the Ole Miss men’s and women’s basketball participated in the second annual Square Jam Friday night.
“What a great night for Ole miss basketball, men and women, and to see the fan support,” said head women’s basketball coach Matt Insell, who experienced his first Square Jam. “I’m excited for our players to see the support they’re going to get this season. It’s priceless. I’m excited to be a part of it. “
Head men’s basketball coach Andy Kennedy served as Grand Marshal of the Homecoming parade, which ended on the Square and preceded Square Jam.
“It was fun,” said Kennedy, of the event. “This is kind of a big pep rally and an opportunity to introduce both teams to our fans in a festive atmosphere. It brings attention that basketball season is around the corner.
“A lot of people are excited about getting it started. And as a coach, I’m looking forward to seeing what this team is capable of doing.”
During the event, the teams participated in a 3-point contest, knockout and the men competed in a dunk contest.
A pair of freshmen, the team of Janari Joesaar and Shequila Joseph, won the 3-point content, defeating the team of Derrick Millinghaus and Valencia McFarland in the final.
“It was a great night for Shequila,” Insell said. “She’s got a bright future ahead of her. She has to continue to get better every day. I can see the excitement in her eyes.
“Tonight was the first time she got to really experience what it is like to be a student-athlete here at this school. It’s huge for her. She was excited, and I’m excited for her. I’m looking forward to seeing her in action even more.”
In the game of knockout, women’s player Kenyotta Jenkins knocked out men’s player Martavious Newby, and then knocked out Will Norman to win the competition.
Another freshman, Dwight Coleby, introduced himself to the Ole Miss faithful, advancing to the final against Anthony Perez of the slam dunk contest with a two-handed reverse dunk.
And then, as an encore in the final, he passed the ball to himself from mid court and threw down another two-handed dunk to be crowned slam dunk champion.
“It was exciting for them,” said Kennedy, of Joesaar and Coleby. “They had never had an opportunity to do anything like this before. I have four good freshmen, and they’re all going to have an opportunity to help us early.”
The men’s and women’s teams open the 2013-14 regular season with a doubleheader on Nov. 8. The women will host Jacksonville State at 5 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m. versus Troy.
For ticket information go to OleMissTix.com or call the Ole Miss Ticket Office at 1-888-REB-TKTS (732-8587).
— Ole Miss Sports Information
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