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 CONTRIBUTED BY ETSU ATHLETICS
JOHNSON CITY – Fans got to see the Buccaneer men’s and women’s basketball programs in action on Wednesday night as the ETSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics held “Buc Madness,” a Tip-off to the 2021-22 basketball season, inside Brooks Gym.
The event, presented by Johnson City Honda, started with both first-year head coaches Simon Harris and Desmond Oliver introducing their teams to the Buccaneer faithful. Fans were treated to prizes as each player who was introduced threw special edition ETSU t-shirts into the stands.
Following team introductions, players from both teams then took to the floor for a Funny Skills Competition where Mohab Yasser, Matt Nunez and Jada Ryce won the event. Players from each team were partnered up and had to hold an egg in spoon while walking the length of the court, followed by the next player riding a tricycle back to the start line, and ending with the final teammate running the length of the floor to make a lay-up.
ETSU surprised one lucky fan with season tickets to both programs as they coached the winning team in a tug-of-war event where two student groups went head-to-head. The winning student organization received dinner to Aubrey’s, provided by Johnson City Honda.
The basketball portion of the night started with a Shooting Stars Competition as Buccaneers from each team were grouped together with an ETSU student and they had to make a shot from the block, top of the key, a three-pointer from the wing and half-court shot all in 90 seconds. The team of Meleah Kirtner and Isaac Farah won the competition by finishing with a time of 1-minute, 1-second.
In the three-point shootout, Jordan King won on the men’s side with 13 made threes, while Carly Hooks finished as the top shooter for the women with eight makes. In the finals, King defeated Hooks, totaling 15 made three-pointers.
The dunk contest featured Kordell Charles, Allen Strothers, Ty Brewer and Charlie Weber. Ty Brewer brought down the house as he connected on back-to-back perfect scores to capture the title.
The event was capped off with seven students receiving $200 in book scholarships. Former ETSU Athletic Director Dr. Richard Sander shot 10 free throws for 10 students. For each made free throw made, one student received the scholarship.
The ETSU women’s team hosts Lane in an exhibition game on Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. inside Brooks Gym. The Buccaneer men take on Catawba Friday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. inside Freedom Hall.
To purchase season tickets, call the ETSU ticket office at 423-439-3878 or visit ETSUTickets.com.