Thursday, October 20, 2011

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Oct. 20, 2011) – The ETSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics kicked off its 2011-12 men’s and women’s basketball season by hosting the fourth annual Bluenanza Tipoff Celebration event on Thursday night inside the ETSU/MSHA Athletic Center.

Over 1,200 fans entered the Dome to see the teams hold a 10-minute scrimmage, three-point contest, and slam dunk contest.

On the women’s side Natalie Pickwell (Kingsport, Tenn.) and Tarita Gordon (Wichita, Kan.) went head-to-head in the 3-point contest, while Marcus Dubose (Hartsville, S.C.) and Rashawn Rembert (Tampa, Fla.) competed for the men. When it was all said and done, Pickwell was the champion on the women’s side, while Dubose won the overall 3-point title after knocking down 17 threes in the championship round.

Freshman guard Brianna Bogard (Georgetown, Texas) was named MVP of the women’s scrimmage as she led the Blue team with nine points in the, 25-21, win over Gold. On the men’s side, Adam Sollazzo (Tampa, Fla.) captured MVP honors after netting 11 points in the Blue victory, 32-29.  

In the dunk contest, Sollazzo, Lester Wilson (Knoxville, Tenn.), Jarvis Jones (Memphis, Tenn.), and John Walton (Memphis, Tenn.) all treated the Buccaneer faithful to their top highlights. Eventually, Sollazzo beat Wilson to win the crown.

The event, which was presented by Johnson City Honda, began with a free dinner to BASA basketball season ticket holders and students.

The men’s basketball team will now gear up for its first exhibition game as ETSU hosts Tusculum on Saturday, Oct. 29. Tip is set for 4 p.m. The women’s team opens their exhibition slate with Carson-Newman on Nov. 3.

To purchase season tickets for the upcoming men’s and women’s basketball season, contact the ETSU ticket office at 423-439-ETSU (3878).

For more information on Buccaneer athletics, visit www.ETSUBucs.com.