UTC senior Jasmine Joyner (3) drives past an ETSU opponent Saturday in UTC's 60-45 SoCon win
photo by Dennis Norwood
UTC freshman Lakelyn Bouldin led the Mocs with 17 points in Saturday's 60-45 win against ETSU
photo by Dennis Norwood
UTC's Jas Joyner (left) and Lakelyn Bouldin listen to a question in Saturday's post-game press conference
photo by Dennis Norwood
UTC senior center Jasmine Joyner is one the best shot blockers in the nation.
She leads the nation in blocked shots with 72 (tied her school record with nine blocked shots in Saturday’s win against ETSU, 60-45), is third in blocks per game (3.94) before Saturday and is 16th in the NCAA all-time with 386
With her long legs, long arms and a solid knowledge of basketball since elementary school days and excellent mentors along the way, Jas has put physical talent and mental toughness and smarts to be feared by opponents tall and short who dare drive the hoop or attempt to post up the 6-2 center.
“My AAU coach in North Carolina really helped me develop good foot work when I played for him in elementary and middle school,” said Joyner.
“Over the years I have learned to play smart and understand I do not have to nor can I block every shot.
I have really worked on being smart and not getting into early foul trouble.”
Force in the Middle: Joyner was a big part of the Mocs holding ETSU to 16 points under their scoring average as the visitors shot 25.8% from the field (17-66).
Quick Start: Freshman guard Lakelyn Bouldin hit her first three shots – two of them from 3-point range – to help give the Mocs a12-7 lead at 2:53 of the first quarter ... The former Van Buren County HS valedictorian graduating with a 4.360 GPA a year ago ended with a team-high 17 points, along with three rebounds and two assists in 34 minutes on the hardwood ... she leads the team in 3s with 35.
Birthday: Senior Moses Elisha Johnson turns 22 next Sunday …The Mocs have home games with Western Carolina (Thursday Jan.19) and UNCG (Saturday Jan.21) before lighting the candles.
contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net