BASKETBALL Hogs’ Fortson still suspended
There is no change in the status of Arkansas sophomore point guard Courtney Fortson.
Razorbacks Coach John Pelphrey said Fortson was still serving an indefinite suspension during his weekly radio show Monday. Arkansas (7-5) plays Baylor (9-1) on Wednesday in North Little Rock.
“Nothing has changed in that regard,” Pelphrey said. “The plan is still in place, and we have one or two things to accomplish. We’ve made some progress in certain areas, but we still have a few things to finish off. Hopefully, we’ll do that.”
Fortson played in Arkansas’ two exhibition games before missing the Razorbacks’ first 12 games of the regular season. He began practicing with the team in late November.
Last year, Fortson averaged 14.8 points, 5.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds and made the SEC’s All-Freshman team.
Inman quits UA women’s team
Sophomore point guard Julie Inman has quit the Arkansas women’s team to concentrate on academics.
Inman, a sophomore from Carlisle, averaged 0.6 points and 0.7 rebounds in seven games this season after averaging 1.9 points as a freshman. Arkansas Coach Tom Collen said Inman had discussed quitting the team with him several times during the fall, but he told her to think the decision over during the eight-day layoff.
Inman’s departure leaves Arkansas with two point guards, sophomores C’eira Ricketts and Lyndsay Harris.
“We’re really sorry we lost Julie Inman,” Collen said. “I know Razorback red runs through her blood and through her family. We’re disappointed.”
“Julie felt like she would be happier and have a better chance at getting into dentistry school if she concentrated on academics full time.” Pelphrey to speak at Tip-Off Club
Arkansas Coach John Pelphrey will be the guest speaker at the Downtown Tip-Off Club’s luncheon at 11:30 a.m. today at the Wyndham Riverfront-Little Rock hotel in North Little Rock.
In addition to hearing from Pelphrey, the Downtown Tip-Off Club will honor Aaron Ross from Little Rock Parkview and Jerrica Scott from Star City as the Arvest players of the week.
Gary Stephens of North Little Rock will be recognized as the recipient of the weekly Lifetime Achievement Award for his 38 years of work as a game clock official at the high school and college level.
Lunch is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Lunch reservations are requested, but walk-ups are welcome to attend. Annual membership dues are $40. Membership applications are available at the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce at 100 Main St. or online at www.nlrchamber. org. For more information, call Bob Major of the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce at (501) 372-5959.
UCA’s Herbert honored - again - by Southland
Central Arkansas freshman forward Megan Herbert has been named the Southland women’s player of the week for the third time this season.
Herbert, a native of Rogers who played at Shiloh Christian, set a Central Arkansas record last week with her 10th consecutive game with at least 10 points and 10 rebounds.
She had a game-high 20 points and 13 rebounds as the Sugar Bears won their eighth consecutive, coming from behind to beat Eastern Kentucky 52-47.
FOOTBALL Three Tech players selected to play in Cactus Bowl
Three Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys, including Harlon Hill finalist and Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Year Nick Graziano, have been selected to play for the East All-Star squad in this year’s 16th Annual Cactus Bowl on Jan. 8 in Kingsville, Texas.
Graziano, a senior quarterback, will be joined on the East All-Star squad by senior receiver Frantz Simeon and senior center Torrence Wright.
The Cactus Bowl is an all-star game featuring NCAA Division II senior players.
Sports, Pages 21 on 12/29/2009