By Rev. Justin Cole Jackson

Stafford, Texas - February 17, 2024

In the heart of Stafford, Texas, a showdown unfolded between the North American University (NAU) Stallions and the Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) in a contest that transcended mere athletics, embodying the essence of determination and resilience.

LSUS, known for their formidable presence in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC), entered the game with a wave of momentum propelling them forward. The LSUS team displayed their prowess with five players reaching double-digit points. At the forefront was Calvin Carpenter, orchestrating the offense with finesse, tallying 20 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds. Melvion Flanagan and Josh LeBlanc complemented Carpenter's performance with 19 and 17 points respectively. Tyler Washington and Paul King added 11 points each to LSUS's impressive total, while Jalen King dominated the boards with 10 rebounds and 8 points, solidifying LSUS's victory with a final score of 102-76.

However, amidst LSUS's commanding presence, the NAU Stallions refused to be overshadowed. Led by the resilient Jalon Clark, the Stallions fought valiantly throughout the game. Clark's skill and determination, marked by 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, served as a beacon of hope for the Stallions' faithful. Embodying the spirit of defense, E.J. Wynn showcased his prowess with 3 steals, 2 blocks, and 9 points, rallying his teammates and igniting the crowd with his tenacity.

Moreover, the game witnessed the emergence of future stars as Ethan Rodela and Joshua Wills, recently promoted to the varsity team, made their presence felt with 2 points each in a brief yet impactful display of their potential, offering a glimpse into the bright future of NAU basketball.

As the final buzzer echoed through the arena, NAU's message of unity and support reverberated louder than ever. The call to the NAU family, faculty, staff, and students alike to stand behind their student-athletes resonated deeply. With an upcoming match against Our Lady of the Lake University on February 22, 2024, the importance of a united front in bolstering team morale and attracting new talent cannot be overstated. NAU extends a warm invitation to all to join in this celebration of sport and solidarity.
As a reminder of the significance of a strong fan base in fostering team spirit and recruiting new talent, NAU encourages all members of the NAU family to attend the game and show their support.

In the grand tapestry of life, moments like these transcend the confines of competition, embodying the shared values of perseverance, camaraderie, and faith. As the NAU Stallions march forward, guided by their unwavering spirit, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of a community united in purpose and passion.  

In the spirit of unity and pride, NAU remains committed to excellence both on and off the court. With unwavering support, the Stallions aim to soar to greater heights, representing their university with distinction. Hooves up, and Go Stallionssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See you at the game!