For those who love the game of college basketball and others that enjoy seeing an outstanding player perform whose name will rekindle former Vikings and Flames memories all the way back to the mid-1960 era, the place to be is Walker Arena when the University of Alabama in Huntsville visits Lee in the GSC headliner on Friday evening. It will be the second game of a doubleheader; the Lady Flames will tip at 5:30 and the men will follow.
The Flames will put an unbeaten 5-0, (3-0 GSC) record on the line against the Chargers, 4-3, 2-1, in what has developed into a heated rivalry since Lee joined the conference. Over the past two seasons, the Flames have dropped four straight to Huntsville, but all have been close encounters. Coach Bubba Smith and his Flames will also face another rugged challenge on Sunday afternoon when West Alabama is in town.
“This weekend will be a true test to where we are as a team. Two really good and well-coached teams that present unique and different styles of play,” pointed out Coach Smith. “The one thing that is consistent with both programs is the talent they have at each position.
“We will have to be really good defensively for 40 minutes to win either game. UAH has had a challenging schedule with non-conference games against Lincoln Memorial and Nova Southeastern, so they have been tested. We will have to play with poise and composure and handle runs from each team. We know we will have to make open shots, which is part of how UAH plays. We must find a balance of taking what is given to us while still being aggressive and attacking the paint.”
One name on the Charger roster that will quickly capture the attention of those who have followed Viking and Flame teams over the years is Murr, and it identifies with those who for many years had loyal fans that packed gyms to watch the battles with Tennessee Temple.
Tommy Murr is the leading Huntsville scorer. He is a junior guard who transferred to Huntsville from Lipscomb University and is in his first season with the Chargers. He averages over 18 points per game. He ended his high school career as the Alabama High School Athletic Association's all-time leading scorer with 5,716 points. That total ranks second all-time nationally, according to the NFHS online record book. Only four players in history have ever surpassed 5,000 points. According to the NFHS record book, Murr also set a reported national record with 1,226 career free throws made.
Tommy Murr’s grandfather was one of five Murr brothers to play for Temple. Former Lee Viking coach Dale Hughes recalls his team facing Bobby Murr in 1966. The Associated Press published a story about Bobby being one of the nation’s leading scorers, averaging over 38 points per game.
Tommy’s high school coach was his father, Steve. As the Lee, Temple and Murr series moved along and finally came to an end, Steve was the last Murr to face the Flames. In 1996 at Emmanuel College, the Crusaders defeated a Lee team coached by Larry Carpenter in the NCCAA Region Tournament. On Friday evening Steve will return to Walker Arena and watch his son play against the Flames.
Six Flames Average Double-Digit Scoring
Not only are six Lee players posting double-figure marks, two more are at eight points or better as the Flames face two of the top opponents in the GSC. Veteran players Noah Boler-Kyle (14.5), Beyuan Hendricks (13.8) and JJ Barnes (12.8) are leading the team that is averaging over 92 points per game and giving up 65.
Sophomores Tim Vaughn (11.8) and Willie Walton (10.6) are right behind, while red-shirt senior Makhi McGuire (10.0) rounds out the double-digit point getters. However, Tariq Daughton and Zach Gray have been getting their share of minutes, adding to the valuable depth.
Lady Flames Seek Fifth Straight Win
After surging from behind to defeat Montevallo last Sunday, Lee (4-2, 3-0 GSC) will host a Charger team (2-4, 1-2) that claimed its first GSC win over West Alabama last weekend. Coach Marty Rowe’s club joins Union as the only unbeaten teams in the GSC standings. Four other teams have one loss at this early mark in the year.
Senior Mallory Hampton continues to pace Lee’s scoring averaging 19.2 points per game. Junior Haylee Johnson is at 9.3, while three others are tallying just over 6 points. The coaching staff would like to see those marks climb as the team averages 66.50 points and allows 67.17. Rebounding is a concern with the opponents holding a 31.7 to 30.5 advantage.
No Hesitation in going to Bench
While senior Addison Smith, junior Anna Muhonen, and freshmen Mia Alexander and Kara Williams have been starters, but junior Mia Hurst has earned more playing time as has freshman Keira Leffew. Hurst had a career high 21 points in the win at Montevallo and Leffew had a career high 11 rebounds. Leffew currently is the team’s leading rebounder, claiming 4.2 per game in averaging 14 minutes of playing time. Red-shirt sophomore Baylee Delbridge has given the team a lift by totaling 3.5 rebounds in averaging 16.2 minutes per game of action.