Lions ready for last juco tourney run

The University of Arkansas Fort Smith will open Region II play today in Shawnee, OK at Oklahoma Baptist for the last time as a junior college. The Lions will begin play in 2009-2010 season as a member of the Heartland Conference NCAA Division 2 program. The Lions are currently (22-8) on the season under head coach Josh Newman.

The Lions open play versus Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa. The Lions are led in scoring this season by sophomores Jenirro Bush of Starkville, MS with 14.2 ppg and LaDustin Williams of Jonesboro, AR adding 13.6 ppg. The Lions have seven players averaging five points or more per game this season.

Former Lion Jared Cunningham has committed to Cleveland State University according to head coach Newman. Cunningham was dismissed from team earlier this spring after playing in 23 games while averaging 9.9 ppg and 5.2 rebounds. Cunningham, (SO) 6-foot-9 (235), hails from Oregon City, OR. Cunningham had signed with George Washington coming out of high school.

The Lions will begin play today and JucoJunction will keep you posted on Region 2 action throughout the tourney.