WINSTON-SALEM N.C.- The Winston-Salem State University men's basketball team begins regular season play in Institute, West Virginia, on November 10th and on November 11th.
Things to Know – vs West Virginia State
Location: Institute, WV (Walker Convocation Center)
Date/Time: Nov. 10 /7:30 p.m.
Media:
Watch/
Live Stats
Things to Know – vs Davis & Elkins College
Location: Institute, WV (Walker Convocation Center)
Date/Time: Nov. 11/ 2 p.m.
Media:
Watch/
Live Stats
Rams Returners:
The Rams brought back seven returners from last year's team, sophomores
Jeremy Dixon, Ketron "KC Shaw, juniors
Ralph Bland, Stefon McLead,
Isaac Parson, senior
Jaylen Alston, and graduate student
Jaylin Parker.
Ram Newcomers:
The Rams welcomed newcomers
Lance Gill,
Myles Pettis,
Antonio Perkins,
Camyl Witherspoon,
Devon Bristow, Daylin Brandon,
Tristan Davis,
Tyrhe Fortney Jahnarious Snell,
Clint Wickliffe, and
Imajae Dodd.
CIAA Preseason:
Isaac Parson was named to the All-CIAA preseason team Backcourt and
Jaylen Alston was named to the All-CIAA Frontcourt team. Overall, the Rams were selected to finish fourth in the season poll and third in the Southern Division.
Scouting Report
Winston-Salem State Head Coach Cleo Hill led the Rams to their second CIAA crown under his leadership. The Rams finished the 2022-2023 season with a 21-9 overall record and 9-7 mark in league play. WSSU claimed three wins in the opening, quarterfinal, and semifinal rounds, defeating Saint Augustine's (65-49), Claflin (60-52), and Virginia Union (45-44) before knocking off Lincoln (PA) in the CIAA Championship game by a score of 62-57.
Jayley Alston was named to the Frontcourt and
Isaac Parson was named to the Backcourt.
Alston finished last season playing in 29 games starting in 23. He averaged 11.6 points with 6.9 rebounds, 37 assists, 25 steals, and five blocks. He averaged .505 from the field. Jaylen and the Rams won the 2023 CIAA Basketball Championship, and he was named to the All-CIAA Tournament Team as well as the Tournament MVP.
Parson played in 28 games this year and started 25 of them. He averaged 10.6 points per game and is ranked fifth in the CIAA in assists averaging 3.1 assists per game. Parsons led the team in three-point percentage at 43%.
Last year West Virginia State University finished (21-9, 14-8 MEC). In the preseason poll, the Yellow Jackets were picked to finish fourth in the MEC. They are returning eight players and one starter from last year, Anthony Pittman averaging 11.3 points a game. Pittman scored his season-high 25 points on January 18th against Glenville State Pittman also scored double figures in 12 games. The Yellow Jackets averaged 88 points a game last season. On November 19th they scored a season-high 114 points versus Glenville State.
Davis & Elkins finished (19-11, 12-10 MEC) last season. The Senators were picked to finish fifth in the MEC preseason polls. The Senators are returning three players who averaged double figures per game, Breland Walton 14.1 points a game, and Vadim Clanet 12 points a game. Davis & Elkins is returning their leading scorer, Sam Rolle IV, who averaged 18.4 points a game last season. He scored 20 or more points in 13 games. Rolle IV posted his season-high 29 points on November 28th versus Seton Hill. Last year Duke & Elkin averaged 79.1 points per game. The Senators scored their season 100 points in two separate games, one against Glenville State, then versus Alderson Broaddus.
Up Next
The Rams will host University of Mount Olive for their home opener, on Tuesday, November 14th at C.E. Gaines Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
