Reddies Open Exhibition Basketball Season
Nov. 2, 2009
By Cody Qualls

Henderson State opened the exhibition portion of its schedule on Saturday night in Carbondale, Ill. against Division I Southern Illinois. The Reddies dropped the game against the Salukis 82-55, but featured many bright spots, including outrebounding their opponents.

Lance Smith, a junior transfer from Southwest Tennessee Community College, played a large role in the Reddie’s effectiveness on the glass, grabbing 16 rebounds in the contest. Smith added 11 points on 5-of-9 shooting.

Senior Vincent Patterson (Camden, Ark.) led the team with 18 points on 8-of-17 shooting. Patterson also grabbed five rebounds, and will play a large part in what HSU plans to do offensively after averaging 10 points per game last season.

Tommy Tillman (Jr., Lauderdale, Miss.) scored six points, while Tyrus Mann (Selma, Tenn.) added four.

Jeff Shelton (Dover, Del.) was second on the team with six rebounds. Seniors Kyle Oldham (three assists) and Lucas Whisenhunt (three rebounds) contributed.

Henderson State will look to continue to improve and prepare for the upcoming season when the team travels to Jonesboro to play Arkansas State in another exhibition game on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m.