The four-year starter has embraced his leadership role in his senior campaign. Photo courtesy Sewanee Athletics

Keshonn Carter thought about playing football in college. After all, he was a football player in high school, playing wide receiver, tight end, and defensive end at Ensworth High School in Tennessee.

But the dual sport athlete who now shines as a leader for the Sewanee Tigers men’s basketball team decided he simply couldn’t give up basketball.

“I considered football in college,” Carter said. “But ultimately, my heart was in basketball. I wanted to stick with it.”

The decision was a good one as Carter has become a vital part of the Tigers’ success. The senior forward is the second-leading scorer on the team (11.5 points per game) and ranks second in rebounding (5.1) as well. He also ranks third all-time in school history in blocks (77).

“I’ve done a good job of being a leader,” Carter said. “Every time I step on the court I try to bring energy and set an example. I’ve also done a better job of being more efficient and taking better shots.”

Carter has helped Sewanee win eight of its first 12 games. The Tigers are 1-0 in the Southern Athletic Association as well after topping Centre 58-54 Sunday for their first road win over the Colonels since the 1998-99 campaign.

“As a team, I feel like we have been efficient and we have focused a lot on playing good defense,” Carter said. “We feel good about what we’ve been able to do so far but we know we can always improve.”

Since arriving on campus, Carter has made significant strides as a player. He started 24 games as a freshman, averaging 6.4 points per outing and scoring in double figures a total of seven times.

It set the stage for even more success the next two years as he earned All-SAA honors as a sophomore and junior. Carter put up 12.6 points per outing last year, shooting nearly 50 percent from the field (49.3) along the way, and also pulled down almost seven rebounds (6.7) per game.

Last season, Carter put up 11.5 points per outing, ranking 12th in the conference in scoring, and also grabbed 6.7 rebounds per game.

“I was a role player when I started out and was just trying to find my way and fit in,” Carter said. “Now, I know my role and have a chance to help lead the way for younger players.”

Adapting to the level of talent in the college game took time. Carter said his football background helped with his adjustment to college hoops.

“It definitely helped me handle the physicality of the game,” Carter said. “Players are a lot more physical in college but having played football made a difference for me.”

Sewanee finished 16-10 a season ago, falling 73-71 to Hendrix in the quarterfinal round of the SAA tournament. The Tigers intend to make a much deeper postseason run this year.

“The big thing for us is to continue to focus on defense and just work hard to be the top seed in our conference tournament and hopefully earn a trip to the NCAA tournament. If we play up to our potential, we have a chance to be where we want to be at the end of the season.”

Carter plans to do what he can to help the Tigers accomplish their goals.

“My dad always told me to put numbers in every category and not just be a scorer,” Carter said. “I’ve made an effort to make an impact in a lot of ways.”

Without question, the effort has paid off.

Close call for Comets

Nothing came easy for Texas-Dallas in its game against Sul Ross State Monday as the Comets held on for a 72-69 win over the Lobos.

Texas-Dallas led by as many as 14 in the first half but needed a clutch shot by Madison Steele to take the lead for good at 70-69 before Nicolette Erkman hit two free throws to close things out.

Micaela Gonzalez had a huge game for the Comets, recording her fifth double-double of the year. She scored 14 points and pulled down 13 rebounds. She also tallied three steals and blocked two shots. Sul Ross fell to 3-10 overall and 0-4 in the ASC.

Gonzalez has been nothing short of impressive for Texas-Dallas, which improved to 8-2 overall and 2-1 in the American Southwest Conference.

She is averaging 12.7 points per game on the year and is grabbing 8.9 rebounds per outing. Gonzalez has also racked up 16 steals and 11 blocks to pave the way for the Comets.

Panthers extend streak

Ferrum stretched its win streak to three games Saturday with an 83-74 win over Maryville in its USA South Athletic Conference opener.

Alex Ayer finished with 18 points as he led the team in scoring for the first time this season and Josh Grimard lit up the scoreboard for 17 points to go along with eight rebounds. Their efforts helped Ferrum improve to 6-4 overall.

Ferrum has scored 80 or more twice in its last three games. Ayer is one of four players averaging in double figures for the Panthers, putting up 10.8 points per game. Rashawn Speas leads the Panthers as he averages 13.2 points per game.

Grimard (11.2) and Marvin Wilson (11.1) have also been steady contributors for a team that has turned things around after dropping three of four between Nov. 24 and Dec. 7.

Bevan shines for Eagles

Michelle Bevan scored a career-high 21 points and Emory won for the eighth time in its last nine games by knocking off Rhodes 70-46 at home. Bevan had the hot hand all day, hitting on 10 of her 14 attempts from the field as she scored in double figures for the second time this year.

Bevan’s previous career high was 15 points, a total the junior has reached twice in her career. Classmate Shellie Kaniut scored 16 points off the bench. Fueling her performance with two 3-pointers, Kaniut reached double figures for the fourth time this year.

Emory improved to 9-2 with the win and remains unbeaten at home with a 5-0 mark.

Bevan has played a key role in the success, pouring in 9.2 points per outing. Kaniut averages 9.3 points per game. Emory is a team that defines what balance is about as no player is averaging 10 or more per game. A total of five players average 8.3 or more per outing for an Eagles team that scores just over 65 per game (65.4) and holds opponents to under 51 (50.9).

Mountaineers climbing high

Schreiner has been a team on a mission as of late, winning its fourth consecutive game on New Year’s Eve. The Mountaineers took down McMurry 80-60.

Dustin Bercutt rose to the occasion in the win, scoring 14 points and pulling down six rebounds off the bench as Schreiner moved above the .500 mark with a 6-5 record. It’s an impressive streak for a team that lost its first three games of the season.

Schreiner trailed 34-29 before rallying in the second half. The Mountaineers won’t return to action until Jan. 8 when they battle Centenary in their Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference opener.

Bercutt was playing in just his fifth game of the year and continues to make a good impression. He came into the encounter averaging 7.5 points per game and has proven to be a valuable player off the bench.

As a team, Schreiner has scored 80 or more in two of its last three games and has held two of its last three opponents under 70 points.