River States Conference

Alice Lloyd College Prepares for 2008-09 Season

9/23/2008 12:00:00 AM

Alice Lloyd College Men's basketball team is looking to make serious improvements on a challenging 2007-08 campaign. This season the Eagles will be led by new head coach, J.R. Hammond, who is no stranger to the college on Caney Creek. Hammond, who was a member of Alice Lloyd men's basketball team for five seasons, helped lead the Eagles to four NAIA National Tournament births to go along with multiple conference tournament championships during his tenure. In his inaugural season, Hammond hopes to restore a program that is yet to live up to the preseason expectations.

The newly acquired Hammond is not alone, however, as the Eagle's roster is full of familiar faces and a cast of young talent that promises to deliver. Alice Lloyd returns all players who occupied starting roles from last season including a talented group of five experienced seniors. Topping the list is All-KIAC performers, point guard William Dillard (12 ppg), and Rodney Mitchell (14 ppg). Other seniors include three year starter Corey Hairston (12 ppg), Eric Mullins (8 ppg), and Preston Simon-Spradlin (6 ppg). Juniors Daniel Day and William Jones provide starting experience to the eagles as well. Sophomore point guard Casey Dalton and center Corey Dixon who connected on 65% of his field goals last season, along with redshirt freshmen Brandon Hayes, are expected to play pivotal roles this season.

The experienced Eagles are eager to embark on the upcoming season with their new coach J.R. Hammond, and look to improve on previous disappointing seasons. "This is our last ride as seniors, and we have all committed ourselves to this team and this season", the seniors commented, "We have worked hard the last four years and feel that it is now our time to help put this program back on top where it belongs".