Tonight will prove to be very enjoyable for the Prairie View community and students as Midnight Madness will unveil both talent-filled men’s and women’s basketball teams. Due to NCAA rules and regulations the teams won’t be able to showcase their skills offensively, but the event is scheduled to be engulfed with prize giveaways, a 3-point contest for students, and skills challenge contest for students, an organization strut-off, and a performance by the Panther cheerleaders. The event will be highlighted with a performance from Houston rappers Paul Wall and Lil’ Keke.
The coaching staff is to be credited with the idea of holding such an event that will start the 2006-07 season off on a high note. Coach Wilson, assistant coach for the women’s team said, “Coach Cooper wanted the Prairie View students as well as the community to be introduced to the teams and to develop a new attitude about both teams. Other D-I schools always have events like this to promote the school spirit for their athletic teams, so we should too.”
The 2006-07 men’s and women’s basketball season is very much anticipated, especially with the recruitment of very talented players from all over the country.
The roster for the men’s team is as follows: Derek Johnson, Dominique Sharpe, Jonaris Blue, Jacolby Satterwhite, John Dixon, Mark Moore, Cliff Franks, Chris Gaines, Andy Genao, Kenyour Williams, Johnny Cobb, Brian Ezeh, Ivory McGilvery, Jared Ellison, and Daniel Clementino. The five red shirts are Aaron Smith, Pierre Epouner, Albert Abrahams, Dorian McDaniel and Michael Wheat. The team is led by head coach Byron Rimm.
The women’s team is as follows: senior Angel Smith, junior Shavonne Smith, sophomores Twila Stokes, Dominique Warrior, Eryn Scott, and freshman Gaati Werema, Chelsea Marshall, Candice Thomas, Kara Clark, Brittany Walker, Shakeya Johns, Karessa Sauls, and Dominiquea Holman. They are led by head coach, Cynthia Cooper.
With Midnight Madness planned to cater to the Prairie View community and students, the Panther fans can’t help but support the men’s and women’s basketball team on their upcoming season. The festivities will start tonight at 9 p.m in the Babydome.