Lamar State begins 2010-11 season at home Monday night

[LamarStatesports]

After a month of watching his team in scrimmage games, Lamar State College-Port Arthur’s second-year head coach Matt Cross is ready to see them play in games that count.

He will get that opportunity Monday night, when the Seahawks start their 2010-11 regular season at 7 p.m. in the Carl Parker Center against the Wiley College junior varsity.

Lamar State completed its first-ever 20-win season this past spring in Cross’ first year at the helm.

There are 15 players on the roster this fall, including five veterans from last year’s squad that reached the quarterfinals of the Region XIV post-season tournament.

But the Seahawks won’t be at full strength Monday. Cross said sophomore forward Roman Vaughan and sophomore guard Dion Waiters are injured and will play limited minutes.

“We got hit by the injury bug in the last couple of weeks. So, we are nowhere near where we need to be to start the season,” Cross said. “However, those injuries will allow some of the new players to get more playing time. We hope to improve from day-to-day until everyone is healthy.”

Cross anticipates a tough game against Wiley College.

“The opening game always is exciting. After last year’s performance, we have great expectations and so should our fans,” Cross said. “Wiley College always has excellent players. So, we need to come out ready to play, execute our offense and play tough defense so we can be ready for Friday night’s game against No. 21 Shelton State Community College.”

Lamar State will play in the Oct. 5-6 Chipola College Tournament in Mariana, Florida, facing Lawson State Community College on Thursday and Shelton State on Friday.

The Seahawks then will be home for three more home non-conference tilts before starting their Region XIV schedule Nov. 23, at home against Lon Morris College.

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How's Nick Walters doing this year

[LamarStatesports]

Nick didn't return to the team this fall. I saw him in the hall in September, but haven't seen him since. There was some talk about him going to UT-Tyler.