RiverHawks Open Season

Northeastern State  men's basketball coach Larry Gipson and his RiverHawks open the 2009-10 season Monday night at Jack Dobbins Field House with Ecclesia College. Tip-off is 7 p.m.

The RiverHawks are led by pre-season Division II All-American Jason Jones. Jones a 6-8 senior post from Cahors, France, averaged 12.0 points and 7.6 rebounds en  route to being selected to the Lone Star Conference North Division first team All-Conference squad last season.

The RiverHawks which finished 11-16 a year ago, will have 10 new players in Northeastern State uniforms when they take the floor Monday night.

Gipson said "I'm excited about this year's team and we are ready to get the season under way. I believe we have brought in some talented players to go along with Jason (Jones)."

The RiverHawks opening game opponent, the Ecclesia Royals, enter Monday night's game with a 6-1 record. Their only loss was to Lyons College 64-59.

 The Royals are led by 6-1 guard Robert Valentine, who averages 16.0 points. Valentine is a junior from Lake View Terrance, Calif.

Following Monday night's game the RiverHawks go on the road to play Harding University in Searcy, Ark. on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m.