Braves fill up NCCSIA all-state squad

By Johnathan Bym
Asst. Sports Editor

April 26, 2012

Photo by Nick Phillips

Braves senior Marcus Heath dribbles upcourt this season.

Five Braves basketball players were named to the North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association (NCCSIA) all-state team after two successful seasons for both the men's and women's teams.

The NCCSIA selects 10 players from both men's and women's teams from eight North Carolina College teams to make up the All-State teams. The Black and Gold had two players chosen for the men's team, which was tied for the most with Mount Olive. On the women's side, UNCP was the only school to have multiple players picked as the Lady Braves had three players selected.

Senior Marcus Heath and junior Shamahl Brackett were both chosen as they both finished first and second on the team in scoring this year. Heath and Brackett both provided big performances this season as the Braves were able to qualify for the PBC tournament.

Brackett, a preseason all-American by the Sporting News, led the Braves in scoring with 14.1 points per game. The all-PBC second team selection posted double figure scoring games in 24 of the Black and Gold's 29 games this season. Brackett also shot an efficient 80.2 percent from the free throw line this season, which was eighth in the PBC.

Averaging 11.8 points per game, Heath ended his career in Pembroke providing a sharp shooting threat from outside, shooting 37.9 percent from behind the arc on the year. The Greensboro native posted his highest scoring total of the year in an upset of then 19th ranked USC-Aiken at home as he posted 23 points. Heath finished fifth in the conference with a 81.2 free throw percentage.

Photo by Nick Phillips

UNCP junior Shahmel Brackett brings the ball upcourt this year.

The senior backcourt duo of DeDe Cotten and Domonique Washington both were named to the all-state squad along with freshman forward Jasmine Kemp after a 12 win season in conference play, a feat that had never been accomplished by the Lady Braves.

Cotten provided the deep threat for the Lady Braves this season as she shot 33.2 from long range to lead the team. The Fayetteville product posted a career high 22 points this season versus Augusta State. Cotten averaged 9.9 points a game this year for the Black and Gold in her final campaign.

Washington, the Redlands, Calif., native was named to the PBC all-tournament team. The senior averaged 9.6 points per game in her final season along with a team-high 3.3 assists a game. The Lady Braves finished 13-12 on the season, including a 3-9 record in Peach Belt Conference action.

Kemp completed a successful rookie campaign shooting 47.9 percent from the floor on the year. The East Bladen product was the only Lady Brave to be named PBC player of the week this season. Kemp led the Black and Gold on the glass as she averaged 6.1 rebounds a game along with adding 8.7 points a contest.

Photo by Mindy Hubbard	Photo by Nick Phillips	Photo by Nick Phillips
UNCP freshman Jazmine Kemp looks to move towards the basket this season.	Black and Gold senior Domonique Washington dribbles during last season.	Lady Braves senior DeDe Cottensmiles during a game this season.