MEAC report

SportsLine.com Report
April 10, 2000

It was a year to forget for the Hornets, who couldn't sustain any success. Two two-game winning streaks were the highlight. The Hornets started the season losing their first 14 games.

That set the tone and nothing really improved. Making matters worse was rookie coach Tony Sheals' resignation after he allegedly assaulted one of his players. He was suspended during the season and stepped down following the campaign.

A glance at 2001

Thirteen players return, but is that a good thing? The team's leading scorer, Stefan Malliet, used up his eligibility. Andre Matthew, the MEAC freshman of the year, is a bright spot.

The program needs to get drastically better, and needs a new coach as Tony Sheals resigned after posting a 6-22 record (5-13 in MEAC) in 1999-2000.

The coach

Delaware State is currently searching for Sheals' successor.

Who'll be back

Andre Matthews (6-5, 200) is a nice player to build on. Matthews was second on the team in scoring at nine points a game, while shooting a sizzling 59.9 percent from the field, while also being second on the team in rebounding at 4.8 per contest.

Sophomore guard Marty Bailey (6-2, 170) chipped in 8.4 points a game, and Leon Piper (6-6, 200) was solid at forward, averaging 7.2 a contest.

More scoring is needed, however, and Matthews should provide that.

Who's gone

Leading scorer Stefan Malliet (6-1, 190) departs after averaging 11.5 points a game. Guard Demond Wilkerson (6-4, 205) is also gone after averaging 5.9 points per game.