2009 Cellular South Howell and Gillom Trophy Finalists Announced
State's Top Male and Female Collegiate Basketball Players To Be Named March 30th in Jackson
Jackson, MS - (March 23, 2009) – Two Ole Miss men joined one Lady Rebel while Mississippi State and University of Southern Mississippi placed a finalist apiece in media voting for the Cellular South Howell Trophy and Cellular South Gillom Trophy, which honor the state's top men's and women's college basketball players.
MSU center Jarvis Varnado and Lady Bulldogs guard Alexis Rack join Ole Miss' David Huertas, Terrico White and Bianca Thomas along with USM's Pauline Love to complete the three finalists for each award.
Cellular South Howell Trophy Finalists
David Huertas, University of Mississippi junior forward from Hurnacao, Puerto Rico. Led team in scoring after starting point guard Chris Warren's injury early in the season. Ranked fifth in scoring in the SEC (18 ppg); fourth in conference three-point shooting averaging (2.6 baskets/game) and fifth in SEC free throw accuracy (81 percent); second team All-SEC selection.
Jarvis Varnado, Mississippi State University junior center from Brownsville, Tennessee. Led nation in blocked shots; first team All-SEC selection and SEC Defensive Player of the Year; led SEC tournament champions in scoring (12.9 ppg) and rebounding (8.8 rpg) while starting all 31 games.
Terrico White, University of Mississippi freshman guard from Memphis, Tennessee. Averaged almost 14 points per game (second on team) while leading the Rebels in assists; named SEC Newcomer of the Year despite starting only 21 of 31 games, second team All-SEC selection.
Other players receiving votes for the Cellular South Howell Trophy included Chad Akins, Delta State University; Courtney Beasley, USM; Dee Bost, MSU; Darrion Griffin, Jackson State University; Troy Jackson, Alcorn State University; Ravern Johnson, MSU; Oliver Mansour, DSU; Grant Maxey JSU; Alton Robinson, DSU; Barry Stewart, MSU and Jeremy Wise, USM.
Cellular South Gillom Trophy Finalists
Pauline Love, University of Southern Mississippi junior forward from Luxora, Arkansas. Led team in scoring (16 ppg) and rebounding (10.5 rpg) while averaging a double-double; Repeat All-Conference USA first team selection as league's No. 2 rebounder; Finalist for 2008 inaugural Cellular South Gillom Trophy.
Alexis Rack, Mississippi State University junior guard from Franklin, Louisiana. Started every game and led the Lady Bulldogs in several categories en route to the second round of the NCAA playoffs, including minutes played, scoring (14.6 ppg) and assists while shooting 82 percent from the foul line; second team AP All-SEC selection.
Bianca Thomas, University of Mississippi junior guard from Henderson, Tennessee. Second team AP All-SEC selection who led the Lady Rebels into the second round of WNIT play; led team in scoring (16 ppg); defensive rebounding, minutes played (more than 100 minutes more than the runner-up) and free throw percentage (82 percent).
Other players receiving votes for the Cellular South Gillom Trophy included Moe Bell of Delta State University; Shantell Black, University of Mississippi; Bug Cooper, Delta State University; Erlexis Cooper, Jackson State University; Shawn Goff, University of Mississippi; Stephanie Helgeson, University of Southern Mississippi; LaMaesha McAdory, Delta State University and Veronica Walker of Delta State University.
The six finalists and their coaches are expected to be in attendance Monday March 30, 2009 when the trophy recipients are announced at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in Jackson, MS. A 5:30 p.m. reception will be followed by the formal awards program at 6:30 p.m.
For ticket information, contact the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame at 1-800-280-FAME (3263).
About Cellular South
Cellular South is a privately-owned diversified mobile communications company passionately committed to helping customers get the most out of their wireless devices and services. The company accomplishes this goal by providing the most reliable and advanced 3G nationwide wireless voice and data network, offering industry-leading family and unlimited flat rate voice, text and mobile web plans, and through its online and in-store Discover Centers, which give customers easy, simple and convenient tools, tips, advice and information to get the most out of their mobile phone. For more information, visit www.cellularsouth.com.
