Pioneer Men Open Region Play With Back-to-Back Wins

SPARTANBURG, SC- The Spartanburg Methodist College Pioneers men's basketball opened their 2010 Region X play with back-to-back wins this week.

In the Pioneers first region game of the season Saturday, they beat the Brunswick Community College Dolphins 81-62."

What a great way to start off our conference play with a big win at home against one of the more talented teams in Region X," said SMC  coach Rob Burke.  

Sophomore Darion Canty (Scott's Branch HS / Summerton, SC) led the game for the Pioneers, posting 16 points, four  rebounds, five assists and two steals.

Freshman forward Zack Atkinson (J.L. Mann HS / Greenville, SC) contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds, while freshman wing Bennie Mozingo had 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists.Freshman point guard DJ Glover (Calhoun County HS / St. Matthews, SC) added 12 points and five steals to the mix for the Pioneers.

"Our effort is what got us over the hump in the second half. Our execution was not particularly great, but we got all loose balls and made all the hustle plays. That showed up in the end as the difference," commented Burke.

The Pioneers followed that win up with a tight win Tuesday night over Clinton Junior College.

"Our focus for our first conference game on the road was evident throughout the first half. I thought we handled their pressure early on and it allowed us to jump out to an early lead. Our starters really set a good tone for the evening," said Burke.

SMC kept the Clinton Golden Bears down during the second half, holding them to an 85-78 Pioneer victory.

"For the most part, we took advantage of the possession opportunities. But there were stretches in the second half where we allowed Clinton to make runs at us that kept them in the game. As a group, we have to get better in that phase of the game. Going into a hostile environment and being on the road, we have to be ready to take full advantage of every opportunity and possession we can get," said Burke.

Spartanburg Methodist College has 14 intercollegiate teams that compete in Region X of the National Junior College Athletic Association, which includes colleges in the Carolinas, Virginia, and West Virginia. The College is in its 99th year of providing quality education to students in a Christian environment.  More than 90 percent of SMC graduates continue their education at other institutions of higher learning.

For more information, contact sports information director Susie Williams at (864) or 587-4008 or (864) 285-7516.