With Loyola Marymount University’s men’s basketball team off to its first 5-0 start in 15 seasons, LMU’s James Batemon was named West Coast Conference Player of the Week after leading the Lions to the Montego Bay Division title in the Jersey Mike's Jamaica Classic.
A senior from Milwaukee, Batemon was the leading scorer in all three wins during the tournament, averaging 21 points and six assists per game and earning tournament MVP honors. Against Georgetown, Batemon scored 22 of his 27 points in the second half to complete a 65-52 comeback win, then tallied 16 in a 65-56 win over Ohio.
Previously, the Lions downed Westcliff, UNLV (at Las Vegas) and Cal State Northridge. This week, LMU takes on Central Connecticut State (Nov. 21) and Florida A&M at Gersten Pavilion.
Women’s basketball
Like the men, the LMU women’s basketball team is undefeated following a 70-57 win at UC Santa Barbara on Nov. 19 to run its record to 3-0, matching last season’s start.
Sophomore Chelsey Gipson, former L.A. City Player of the Year from Palisades High School, scored 15 points to pace the Lions, while senior Bree Alford had 10 points and 10 rebounds.
LMU opened its season with a 69-63 win at home over UCLA and then beat Arizona 66-64 at Tucson. Gabby Green had 25 points in the UCLA win, and Jasmine Jones, who scored 19 points in the Arizona victory, earned WCC Player of the Week honors.
The Lions host the annual LMU Thanksgiving Classic this weekend at Gersten Pavilion, playing Northern Arizona Nov. 23, and then either Robert Morris or SMU on Nov. 24 in either the consolation or championship game.
Soccer
Sarina Bolden, who led LMU with six goals and 13 points this season, was named to the All-West Coast Conference women’s soccer team. Shelby Cormier earned Honorable Mention recognition, and Jalyn Lupo was named to the All-WCC Freshman team.
In men’s soccer, Antonio Porreco was named to the All-WCC second team; Gerardo Lopez earned Honorable Mention; and CJ Neville and Jack Sauls made the All-WCC Freshman team.
Men’s water polo
LMU was represented on each of the Western Water Polo Association All-Conference teams. Blazo Mitrovic, the Lions’ top scorer with 68 goals, was named Freshman of the Year and first team All-WWPA; Alexandros Athymaritis earned second team recognition; and Dayne Jagga received Honorable Mention honors.
Mike Nelson is the former editor of The Tidings (predecessor of Angelus News).
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