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 It's time for UNA Basketball Night at Lost Pizza Company, featuring Coach Candy Whitaker and Coach Tony Pujol.

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 UNA Basketball Night is brought to you by Lost Pizza, Bank Independent, Burnley Spine and Sport, Renaissance Eye Care, The Carriage Wine and Market, Alabama Health Guidance, and Singing River Brewery.

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 Now live from Lost Pizza Company in historic downtown Florence, here's the voice of the UNA Lions, Benjamin Ray.

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 We flip on the light switch to week number three down here at Lost Pizza Shoals in historic downtown Florence for episode three of UNA Basketball Night.

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 Benjamin Ray, Mike Ezekiel back with you.

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 And Mike, after three straight losses for both programs, it's nice to be talking about a W for both teams.

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 It was just a little reset on Saturday with games against Bellarmine.

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 You're exactly right.

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 You don't always like to take moral victories, but I think both teams took a lot of what they learned at EKU and some of the confidence they had in that game into Saturday and turned that into a victory.

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 And looking really good going into next week, you've got a great opportunity here to get back even.

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 And obviously, you've taken a game at a time, but a great opportunity ahead for this team.

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 Getting those wins on Saturday, those are huge momentum builders.

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 Let's start with the men, and they dropped a road contest to Eastern Kentucky.

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 Then they bounced back with a win against Bellarmine.

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 And it's like something clicked against Bellarmine.

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 A very slow start to that ball game.

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 Dallas Howell, eight of nine from three.

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 Cornelius Williams, a double-double.

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 And that's really what got UNA going.

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 You know, sometimes it's as simple as you just take the lid off the rim sometimes.

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 And you might be doing everything right in a game, and you're playing good defense.

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 The shots just aren't falling.

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 Well, in that game, they certainly fell 11 of 21 behind the arc and really limited Bellarmine and what they do.

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 They were the second-best three-point shooting team in the league at that point.

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 Limited them behind the arc and made a lot of shots.

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 Dallas Howell, as you said, went eight of nine, virtually unstoppable, especially from that corner that he kept shooting from.

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 And just a really good game.

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 And Cordelius Williams, also a big breakout game for him, 20 points, 15 rebounds, a big factor in that win over Bellarmine as well.

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 Then the other side, the UNA women dropped a heartbreaker to Eastern Kentucky, who's actually probably the best team in the league right now.

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 They had a big win Saturday against Central Arkansas, so top-tier team, two-point loss.

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 And that kind of propelled the Lions to a dominant win on Saturday over Bellarmine.

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 Yeah, and again, you don't want to talk about moral victories too much, but you look at what UNA did in that EKU game.

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 They're going to have an opportunity to win there with the last possession and just didn't go their way.

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 But turned that into a huge win on Saturday, led wire to wire, just looked like the better team throughout.

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 And you're playing like that against an EKU team on Thursday that right now seems to be the cream of the crop.

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 And then you turn that into a dominant win on Saturday.

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 It shapes up as you take it a game at a time.

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 And when you get into February and March, that type of stuff will pay off.

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 We've got some absolute Titans with us here this evening.

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 Player lineup will have Jazzy Kling momentarily.

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 Allie Alvarado's here as well on the men's side where we're going with some young Lions.

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 Braylon Patton, Cortez Graham, they'll make their debuts here at UNA Basketball Night.

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 Tony Pujol will stop by in just a little bit as well.

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 But coming up next, subbing in for head coach Candy Whitaker.

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 We've got Kayla Petrie who's going to swing by to talk some UNA women's basketball.

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 We'll take our first time out.

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 When we come back, we'll catch up with Coach Petrie.

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 This is UNA Basketball Night from Lost Pizza Shoals on 93.9 The Score.

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 No matter the size of your team or your fan crew, Lost Pizza's got you covered.

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 We're talking wings, salads, and the one and only Monster Pizza.

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 Perfect for team dinners, watch parties, or post-game celebrations.

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 Big plays deserve big flavor, and nobody delivers like Lost Pizza.

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 Feed the team, feel the fans.

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 Go big with Lost Pizza.

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 Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is now offering soft wave therapy.

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 Effective for osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, foot ulcers, shoulder pain, and more.

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 We also offer the only Theralight 360 red light therapy beds in the Shoals area.

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 Helping with sleep, energy, recovery, pain, and inflammation.

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 Therapies coupled with dry kneeling can help with sugar point and muscular pain.

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 In addition, we also offer genetic testing, deep tissue laser, adjustments, and more.

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 Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is now open Saturdays to better serve our patients.

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 Please visit us at burnleycaro.com.

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 Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance.

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 Whether you are looking for a Medicare health plan, or you are under 65 and exploring individual

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 health care options, Alabama Health Guidance can help you find the plan that fits your needs.

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 Our local agents make it simple, so stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard, or give

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 us a call at 256-648-5710.

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 Again, that's 256-648-5710.

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 Have you ever seen those halftime scholarships where you have to nail a 40-yard field goal?

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 Yeah, this isn't that.

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 I didn't have to write a long essay or audition or make a half-court shot.

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 I just had to open a bank independent account, use my debit card, sign up for online banking,

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 and have a positive balance.

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 That's it.

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 A 20% scholarship to UNA.

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 When bank independent invests in students like me, they're investing in all of us and the

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 future of our community.

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 Bank independent.

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 Hey guys, how long have you been wearing those out-of-date, scratched-up glasses?

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 This is Dr. Hamp Moore with Renaissance Eye Care.

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 Go ahead and do as the woman in your life has been asking and schedule an eye exam.

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 You can go to renaissanceeyecare.com or call 767-5000 to see either Dr. Kathy Werner, Dr.

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 Lisa Campbell, or myself.

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 Everyone knows it's time to evaluate the health of your eyes and get a new pair of glasses.

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 We can make sure you won't miss any of the action this fall.

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 And Roar Lions.

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 Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun.

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 Ready to serve delicious drinks and host amazing events?

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 Try our Golden Manor Leo's Roar, and 50% goes to UNA Athletics.

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 Support your local business and college community while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere.

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 Don't miss out on the good times.

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 Come sip, socialize, and savor the taste of Singing River Brewery.

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 Got wine?

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 Offering 10% off six or more bottles of mix-and-match wine and an unmatched selection of nearly a thousand

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 different wines to suit any budget, the Carriage Wine & Market is your one-stop wine and craft

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 beer destination in the heart of downtown Florence.

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 In the mood to relax and wind down?

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 Indulge in our bar service featuring fine wines, wine cocktails, and craft beers, all

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 paired perfectly with house-made small bites and charcuterie, and served with a smile in

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 our cozy living room-style atmosphere.

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 Come spend a little time with us and uncork your wine journey at the Carriage Wine & Market,

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 located at 121 East Mobile Street on Mobile Plaza across from the Shoals Theater.

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 Cheers!

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 Things were going great for a while.

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 We're off and running here at UNA Basketball Night from Loss Pizza Shoals in North Alabama.

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 Associate Head Coach Kayla Petrie subbing in for Head Coach Candy Whitaker.

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 Coach Petrie, making your debut here at UNA Basketball Night, what pizza did you go with?

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 Hard-hitting question out of the gates.

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 I went with the Cujo.

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 The Cujo.

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 Fantastic.

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 I'm not familiar with that one.

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 What are the toppings?

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 I think it was like a Supreme.

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 Gotcha.

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 A little bit of everything.

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 A little bit of everything.

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 That's the way to go right there.

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 Year one here at the University of North Alabama.

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 First of all, what's been your overall impression of Florence, the Shoals, and UNA?

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 Well, first off, I'm from Texas, and when I first got here, you know, Texans were very,

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 very proud to be from Texas.

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 Yes.

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 And so, when I started calling home, telling people about my experience, I was like,

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 y'all are not going to believe this, but this place is just like Texas.

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 Everybody is nice.

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 Everybody's helpful.

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 So friendly.

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 So that is like the biggest compliment I could give somebody.

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 I love it here.

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 Very, very, very nice.

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 Very, very welcoming from day one.

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 Well, it's a great community, and I want to talk about your journey from West Texas.

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 It's a small town called Cisco, which is an amazing town, by the way.

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 Home of Hilton's first hotel.

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 I believe you told me that.

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 Oh, yeah.

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 And home of a really good restaurant called Slowpoke Cafe Bin.

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 Okay.

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 Amazing.

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 White beans and cornbread.

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 It was a lot of fun.

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 Anyway, so you start there.

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 That was where your career kind of blossomed, and then began playing at Texas Tech.

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 Went on that big Elite Eight run with that team.

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 And then coaching.

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 I mean, it's taken you all over the place.

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 It's a very successful head coaching career, but get connected with Coach Whitaker, another

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 West Texas person.

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 Why UNA?

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 Why this community, and why Coach Whitaker?

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 Well, first off, I've known Coach Whitaker for 20 years.

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 She was at Texas Tech a couple of years before me, and then when I was at South Plains College

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 in Leveland, that's when she was at Texas Tech.

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 So our paths always kind of intertwined, and we've been friends for a long time, but I've

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 always respected her.

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 And when she called me this spring, it was a no-brainer, and it's been great so far.

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 Now, Coach Whitaker's not here, so you can be honest.

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 Coach Whitaker, the player at Texas Tech, how good was she?

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 I will tell you this.

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 She was crazy tough.

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 I remember, so I was a JUCO player and watching the Tech games all the time when they were recruiting

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 me, so that's when she was playing.

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 She broke her finger, and her pinky was crooked, but she was just so tough, and you would see

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 her dribbling, but crazy intelligent, really, really good defender, really, really smart.

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 Her team was really good also.

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 And similar path for you, same as Coach Whitaker.

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 JUCO to Texas Tech, and that kind of launched your coaching career.

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 Yes, sir.

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 It was good.

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 Back in the early 2000s, Texas Tech kind of was, it was the place.

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 The team, my senior year, we were ranked number one in the country a little bit.

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 I think there were 10 players that made a WNBA roster.

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 I was not one of them, but I cheered hard and had a lot of fun.

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 But that was where every West Texas little girl wanted to grow up and go.

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 Yeah, quite a star-studded roster as you look back and see some of the players that came

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 through Texas Tech, especially that year that you're referring to.

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 And speaking of star-studded, let's talk about this team and these two girls that you got here

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 today that's going to come on the show, Jazzy and Allie.

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 Talk about this roster and talk about these two in particular that we're going to hear from

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 tonight.

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 These two that are here with us tonight are unbelievable.

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 They both just play with tremendous amount of heart.

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 They love the game, and they both overcame a little bit of adversity with a little bit

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 of injuries and whatnot.

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 Allie is tough and smart and big-time score force, and both of them play with a lot of passion.

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 Staying on the star player train right now, Gabby Jackson, true freshman, named ASUN Freshman

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 of the Week.

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 She was unbelievable, had a double-double one game, leading score for UNA in ASUN play,

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 as well as the top rebounder for UNA in ASUN play.

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 But how much has she grown up through these first four games?

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 Yeah, she is on fire lately.

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 She has tremendous confidence, tremendous poise.

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 She's a competitor and works really hard, so I'm happy to see her have some success.

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 I think she is doing now what the coaches saw last year in recruiting her.

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 They knew that she was going to be an impact player, and that's exactly what she's doing.

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 Yeah, going back to the press conference after Thursday's game and just seeing the confidence

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 from Coach Whitaker to put the ball in her hands in that last play and obviously didn't

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 go how she wanted it to, and she owned that.

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 But to be a true freshman, to be in that position, and then to go into the next game and do the

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 same thing, just go completely dominant, play really good basketball, good team basketball

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 too, it says a lot to be in that position as a freshman.

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 Absolutely.

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 You know, it shows the confidence that she had, and after the game, Coach said she would

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 have drawn up the same play.

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 She would have went there.

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 Gabby's got a bright future.

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 Let's talk about the two games from this past week, and obviously it was a tough road trip

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 down to Florida to open.

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 You love that you're coming home, but then you get Eastern Kentucky, overlooked by many,

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 I'm sure, but right now the best team in the Atlantic Sun on paper and seeing them, but you

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 guys drop a tough one, 80-78, shot at nearly 80% in the first quarter, never really looked

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 back, and I know we dropped that ball game, but did that kind of send the team a message

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 like, hey, we are in a good spot, we can play with anybody?

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 I think we're the type of team that we respect everyone but don't fear anyone, but going into

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 the game, we talked about, Coach Whitaker had said that, you know, they were one of the

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 best team, maybe the best team that she had seen in the A-Sun since she's been the coach

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 here, and so to go in and have that kind of success, even though that we came up a little

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 bit short, I think it was huge for our girls' confidence, you know, we know that we can play

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 with anybody, and if we can just get, continue to get healthy, I think that we're going to

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 go on an upswing here soon.

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 Yeah, and we know in this league, things can flip like a griddle, you know, you got a team

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 like that on Thursday coming to town, and then to turn that into a win on Saturday, just a

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00:13:34,440 --> 00:13:39,780
 tremendous game, just leading the way you did, but talk about just the ebbs and flows

225
00:13:39,780 --> 00:13:43,380
 that you go through and the confidence that you get, not just from a moral victory, but

226
00:13:43,380 --> 00:13:45,340
 to turn that into a real win on Saturday.

227
00:13:45,420 --> 00:13:48,700
 Yeah, it definitely was fun, I did think Coach Whitaker was going to chew through her bubble

228
00:13:48,700 --> 00:13:55,140
 gum, I mean, it was crazy, she was stomping the floor, she was chewing that gum, but to

229
00:13:55,140 --> 00:14:02,360
 see that fire and that passion and the girls to feed off, it was fun to be a part of, but

230
00:14:02,360 --> 00:14:07,460
 like I said, I think we're just going to carry that over into this week, we're going down to

231
00:14:07,460 --> 00:14:15,520
 Florida for the Jacksonville-North Florida swing, and we took yesterday off, we had a

232
00:14:15,520 --> 00:14:22,340
 lot of shooting and skills today, film, weights, but took the day off from like team practice

233
00:14:22,340 --> 00:14:28,120
 to kind of get some of these nagging injuries to nurse them a little bit, so hopefully we're

234
00:14:28,120 --> 00:14:31,820
 going to have, not hopefully, I know we're going to have a great practice tomorrow, and

235
00:14:31,820 --> 00:14:35,720
 then we'll head down to Florida and make this momentum carry on.

236
00:14:35,880 --> 00:14:39,580
 Speaking of Coach Whitaker, and the stomping and the bubble gum chewing, one thing about

237
00:14:39,580 --> 00:14:44,280
 this staff is, you guys are always dressed in your Sunday best, right, for every single

238
00:14:44,280 --> 00:14:48,340
 game, and it's kind of an era of college basketball on both sides, where it's a little more relaxed

239
00:14:48,340 --> 00:14:53,260
 on the sidelines, where most people, they'll coach kind of how I'm looking, and a pullover,

240
00:14:53,360 --> 00:14:57,420
 maybe even some sweats some games, but not you guys, what's it like trying to keep up

241
00:14:57,420 --> 00:15:00,840
 with Coach Whitaker and the flair and what she brings to the sidelines?

242
00:15:01,160 --> 00:15:05,740
 It's definitely a challenge, she had gold shoes on, it was the gold rush game,

243
00:15:05,740 --> 00:15:12,380
 on Saturday, Thursday was the whiteout, do you think Coach Pujols and his staff text each

244
00:15:12,380 --> 00:15:18,460
 other, hey what are you wearing, because she and I actually had a text thread going before

245
00:15:18,460 --> 00:15:23,820
 the game, like, it's a whiteout, do we need to wear a white suit, and she was like, yeah

246
00:15:23,820 --> 00:15:29,040
 both of us don't need to wear white, and I was like, okay, you got it, so she rocked the

247
00:15:29,040 --> 00:15:34,760
 all white suit, and I did the white blazer, black pants, but yeah, not typical for a

248
00:15:34,760 --> 00:15:37,120
 staff, but she brings it, doesn't she?

249
00:15:37,120 --> 00:15:37,540
 I like it.

250
00:15:37,540 --> 00:15:38,160
 She looks very nice.

251
00:15:38,200 --> 00:15:42,260
 When I go on the road with you guys, I always feel, I can't wear my pullover, I've got to

252
00:15:42,260 --> 00:15:45,760
 put on a jacket or something, I've got to meet the standard that you guys are setting on

253
00:15:45,760 --> 00:15:46,240
 the sidelines.

254
00:15:46,300 --> 00:15:49,620
 You know, imitation is the best form of flattery, so we appreciate that.

255
00:15:50,000 --> 00:15:53,680
 Well, let's start with this question, would you rather dress for a whiteout or a goldout,

256
00:15:53,780 --> 00:15:57,300
 and then just going back through all your years of coaching, what's been your favorite outfit

257
00:15:57,300 --> 00:15:59,540
 that just comes to mind if you think of your favorite one?

258
00:16:00,740 --> 00:16:05,800
 I used to name my outfits back when it was, like, when everybody dressed up, and so I had

259
00:16:05,800 --> 00:16:12,500
 one that was America, it was blue, blue jacket, white shirt, black pants, red heels, America.

260
00:16:13,000 --> 00:16:13,400
 America.

261
00:16:13,680 --> 00:16:14,180
 I love it.

262
00:16:14,840 --> 00:16:19,280
 All right, coming up next, you guys head back down to Florida, the Jacksonville swing, Thursday

263
00:16:19,280 --> 00:16:24,800
 against North Florida, Saturday against Jacksonville, and we've been playing these teams now for eight

264
00:16:24,800 --> 00:16:29,640
 years, and we're very familiar with both programs, two of the better programs in the Atlantic Sun

265
00:16:29,640 --> 00:16:33,920
 since we've joined back in 2018, but what's the challenge down in Florida this weekend?

266
00:16:35,260 --> 00:16:37,680
 Jacksonville beat Georgia Tech, I believe.

267
00:16:38,700 --> 00:16:41,160
 They're my scout, so I'm more familiar with them.

268
00:16:41,980 --> 00:16:48,440
 I believe that they play very similar to EKU, kind of that five-out, you know, dribble-drive

269
00:16:48,440 --> 00:16:52,600
 motion, a lot of ball screens, shoot a lot of threes.

270
00:16:53,040 --> 00:16:58,400
 They're making eight to ten threes a game, getting to the free throw line about 25 times,

271
00:16:58,540 --> 00:17:03,740
 so if our transition defense is there and we can take away the three and maybe rebound a little

272
00:17:03,740 --> 00:17:11,120
 bit, we'll be okay, and North Florida's very similar, both strong teams.

273
00:17:12,560 --> 00:17:17,360
 Three of the next four on the road for the Lions, they'll be home next Thursday against

274
00:17:17,360 --> 00:17:22,460
 Queens, but this weekend it's a trip down south to Jacksonville, North Florida and Jacksonville.

275
00:17:22,460 --> 00:17:26,080
 Coach Petrie, we appreciate you swinging by and filling in for Coach Whitaker, and best of

276
00:17:26,080 --> 00:17:26,720
 luck this weekend.

277
00:17:26,960 --> 00:17:27,640
 It's really fun.

278
00:17:27,720 --> 00:17:29,280
 Don't tell her that I talked about her gum.

279
00:17:29,440 --> 00:17:30,280
 Never, never.

280
00:17:30,420 --> 00:17:31,560
 Secret is safe with us.

281
00:17:31,620 --> 00:17:32,360
 We'll take a timeout.

282
00:17:32,420 --> 00:17:33,220
 We got two players.

283
00:17:33,340 --> 00:17:37,100
 We'll see who wants to come up next, Jazzy Kling or Ali Alvarado when we come back.

284
00:17:37,180 --> 00:17:40,680
 This is UNA Basketball Night for Balls Pizza Shoals on 93.9 The Score.

285
00:17:44,680 --> 00:17:51,060
 Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is now offering soft wave therapy effective for osteoarthritis,

286
00:17:51,060 --> 00:17:52,900
 and the one and only monster pizza.

287
00:17:53,500 --> 00:17:57,180
 Perfect for team dinners, watch parties, or post-game celebrations.

288
00:17:57,880 --> 00:18:01,280
 Big plays deserve big flavor, and nobody delivers like lost pizza.

289
00:18:02,500 --> 00:18:04,500
 Feed the team, fuel the fans.

290
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 Go big with lost pizza.

291
00:18:09,420 --> 00:18:14,880
 Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is now offering soft wave therapy effective for osteoarthritis,

292
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 plantar fasciitis, knee pain, foot ulcers, shoulder pain, and more.

293
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 We also offer the only Theralight 360 red light therapy beds in the Shoals area, helping with

294
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 sleep, energy, recovery, pain, and inflammation.

295
00:18:27,160 --> 00:18:30,360
 Therapies coupled with dry needling can help with sugar point and muscular pain.

296
00:18:30,360 --> 00:18:35,300
 In addition, we also offer genetic testing, deep tissue laser, adjustments, and more.

297
00:18:35,620 --> 00:18:39,180
 Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is now open Saturdays to better serve our patients.

298
00:18:39,420 --> 00:18:41,180
 Please visit us at burnleycaro.com.

299
00:18:41,860 --> 00:18:44,440
 Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance.

300
00:18:44,700 --> 00:18:50,380
 Whether you are looking for a Medicare health plan, or you are under 65 and exploring individual

301
00:18:50,380 --> 00:18:55,060
 health care options, Alabama Health Guidance can help you find the plan that fits your needs.

302
00:18:55,480 --> 00:19:01,380
 Our local agents make it simple, so stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard, or give

303
00:19:01,380 --> 00:19:05,060
 us a call at 256-648-5710.

304
00:19:05,860 --> 00:19:09,860
 Again, that's 256-648-5710.

305
00:19:13,060 --> 00:19:17,140
 Have you ever seen those halftime scholarships where you have to nail a 40-yard field goal?

306
00:19:17,820 --> 00:19:19,080
 Yeah, this isn't that.

307
00:19:19,240 --> 00:19:23,300
 I didn't have to write a long essay or audition or make a half-court shot.

308
00:19:23,300 --> 00:19:28,360
 I just had to open a bank independent account, use my debit card, sign up for online banking,

309
00:19:28,560 --> 00:19:29,780
 and have a positive balance.

310
00:19:29,920 --> 00:19:30,480
 That's it.

311
00:19:30,580 --> 00:19:32,460
 A 20% scholarship to UNA.

312
00:19:32,660 --> 00:19:36,860
 When bank independent invests in students like me, they're investing in all of us and

313
00:19:36,860 --> 00:19:38,140
 the future of our community.

314
00:19:38,320 --> 00:19:39,020
 Bank independent.

315
00:19:39,240 --> 00:19:40,680
 We're invested in your future.

316
00:19:40,900 --> 00:19:41,780
 Member FDIC.

317
00:19:42,020 --> 00:19:45,860
 Hey guys, how long have you been wearing those out-of-date, scratched-up glasses?

318
00:19:46,340 --> 00:19:48,740
 This is Dr. Hamp Moore with Renaissance Eye Care.

319
00:19:48,740 --> 00:19:53,100
 Go ahead and do as the woman in your life has been asking and schedule an eye exam.

320
00:19:53,420 --> 00:20:01,320
 You can go to renaissanceeyecare.com or call 767-5000 to see either Dr. Kathy Werner, Dr. Lisa

321
00:20:01,320 --> 00:20:02,480
 Campbell, or myself.

322
00:20:02,980 --> 00:20:07,500
 Everyone knows it's time to evaluate the health of your eyes and get a new pair of glasses.

323
00:20:07,920 --> 00:20:10,860
 We can make sure you won't miss any of the action this fall.

324
00:20:11,220 --> 00:20:12,020
 And roar lines.

325
00:20:12,720 --> 00:20:17,320
 Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun.

326
00:20:18,740 --> 00:20:21,280
 Ready to serve delicious drinks and host amazing events?

327
00:20:24,200 --> 00:20:25,960
 Try our Golden Manor, Leo's Roar.

328
00:20:26,380 --> 00:20:28,320
 And 50% goes to UNA Athletics.

329
00:20:29,380 --> 00:20:32,820
 Support your local business and college community while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere.

330
00:20:36,040 --> 00:20:37,400
 Don't miss out on the good times.

331
00:20:37,720 --> 00:20:41,100
 Come sip, socialize, and savor the taste of Singing River Brewery.

332
00:20:42,700 --> 00:20:43,660
 Prohibition is over.

333
00:20:43,660 --> 00:20:48,980
 And the good times will flow once again at the Florence Wine Fest, February 20th and 21st.

334
00:20:49,040 --> 00:20:53,460
 Friday night sets its own with coupes, cocktails, and velvet smooth live music.

335
00:20:53,600 --> 00:20:56,940
 Saturday afternoon, taste your way through an unforgettable wine experience.

336
00:20:57,080 --> 00:21:01,920
 Then Saturday night, the city comes alive with the Florence Wine Fest free block party and concert.

337
00:21:02,120 --> 00:21:04,600
 Featuring Atlanta's great grand finale band.

338
00:21:04,700 --> 00:21:09,060
 Free block party tickets and full event details are at FlorenceWineFest.com.

339
00:21:09,060 --> 00:21:16,480
 Proudly presented by Visit the Shoals with support from CB&S Bank, Clearview Cancer Institute, and the Hotels of Florence.

340
00:21:25,080 --> 00:21:29,220
 Our next guest here on UNA Basketball Night from Lost Pizza Shoals,

341
00:21:29,400 --> 00:21:33,540
 Allie Alvarado, a redshirt senior guard from Richmond, California.

342
00:21:33,540 --> 00:21:39,560
 She came to North Alabama after a standout career at San Francisco State, where she finished her career there.

343
00:21:39,760 --> 00:21:46,060
 Sixth in program history and total scoring, seventh all-time in assist, tenth all-time in total steal.

344
00:21:46,160 --> 00:21:47,500
 She was an all-conference selection.

345
00:21:47,680 --> 00:21:50,600
 Now she's a lion here at the University of North Alabama.

346
00:21:51,080 --> 00:21:52,840
 Allie, we've got so much to jump into with you.

347
00:21:52,880 --> 00:21:54,840
 First and foremost, what did you order over there?

348
00:21:55,120 --> 00:21:56,640
 I got a chicken Alfredo.

349
00:21:56,760 --> 00:21:57,960
 Chicken Alfredo.

350
00:21:57,980 --> 00:22:00,280
 I'm a big fan of chicken on pizza.

351
00:22:00,680 --> 00:22:04,560
 It's something that I get made fun of sometimes, but I think it's an underrated topping.

352
00:22:04,760 --> 00:22:05,280
 I like it.

353
00:22:05,280 --> 00:22:07,720
 I like it with white sauce most of the time if I'm getting chicken.

354
00:22:07,860 --> 00:22:08,460
 There you go.

355
00:22:08,580 --> 00:22:12,620
 Yeah, and you know, with that chicken Alfredo, especially at Lost Pizza, you know it's good when it's one of those,

356
00:22:12,660 --> 00:22:16,440
 you have to use a spatula to kind of cut into it because it's got that crusted cheese on it.

357
00:22:16,480 --> 00:22:18,600
 It's really good, but chicken Alfredo, a great choice here.

358
00:22:18,840 --> 00:22:19,240
 Thank you.

359
00:22:19,680 --> 00:22:22,140
 All right, year one here at the University of North Alabama.

360
00:22:22,140 --> 00:22:28,020
 You've been one of the top scorers for UNA, one of the top playmaking guards in terms of assists and everything.

361
00:22:28,100 --> 00:22:34,220
 Let's talk about your journey from playing Division II basketball at San Francisco State, growing up in Richmond, California,

362
00:22:34,320 --> 00:22:36,420
 which you told me, I'm not a geography major.

363
00:22:36,500 --> 00:22:37,780
 It's right there in the Bay Area.

364
00:22:37,900 --> 00:22:41,500
 So what was your journey from California to Florence, Alabama?

365
00:22:42,780 --> 00:22:44,500
 I mean, it's different.

366
00:22:44,660 --> 00:22:47,820
 It's very different coming from California all the way to Alabama.

367
00:22:48,160 --> 00:22:49,320
 The culture is different.

368
00:22:49,620 --> 00:22:52,240
 Everyone is so nice out here compared to California.

369
00:22:52,520 --> 00:22:53,580
 It's a common theme on this show.

370
00:22:55,820 --> 00:22:58,480
 Yeah, I mean, I really like everyone so down to earth.

371
00:22:58,640 --> 00:22:59,680
 I love my teammates.

372
00:23:00,040 --> 00:23:03,880
 I mean, that's what really made me choose here was my teammates.

373
00:23:04,600 --> 00:23:08,740
 So obviously you got the Golden Gate Bridge kind of in your purview where you're from,

374
00:23:08,740 --> 00:23:10,460
 but then you get here, you got the O'Neill Bridge.

375
00:23:10,560 --> 00:23:11,100
 It's beautiful.

376
00:23:11,720 --> 00:23:15,040
 What was your first impression when you got to Florence, Alabama for the first time?

377
00:23:15,400 --> 00:23:20,660
 My first impression was that it's super small out here just because I came from San Francisco,

378
00:23:20,880 --> 00:23:21,760
 so it's a big city.

379
00:23:22,180 --> 00:23:24,020
 There's a lot of tall buildings everywhere.

380
00:23:25,480 --> 00:23:28,520
 Yeah, I mean, there, and I just really wanted to focus on basketball.

381
00:23:28,680 --> 00:23:31,460
 So this coming here really gave me the opportunity to do that.

382
00:23:31,740 --> 00:23:36,940
 And then you've got an interesting connection to a former UNA player, Charity Gallegos.

383
00:23:36,940 --> 00:23:41,700
 If you'll remember the Mighty Lion from a season ago, transferred in from the Division II ranks as well.

384
00:23:41,720 --> 00:23:44,180
 Well, finished as an all-conference guard a season ago.

385
00:23:44,240 --> 00:23:49,620
 But tell everybody about your relationship with Charity and kind of how Charity's path here helped you get here as well.

386
00:23:49,980 --> 00:23:56,220
 Yeah, so Charity was one of the people that I reached out to when I got talked to to come to North Alabama.

387
00:23:56,480 --> 00:24:03,620
 She basically helped me make my choice in, like, knowing if the coaches were the right choice for me and things like that.

388
00:24:03,740 --> 00:24:08,220
 She, I played against her in high school, and then we ended up playing in the same conference in D2.

389
00:24:08,440 --> 00:24:13,580
 And then she just basically gave me the confidence to be able to move up a level and come here.

390
00:24:13,780 --> 00:24:16,300
 And she told me I could play in this conference for sure.

391
00:24:16,760 --> 00:24:20,720
 Yeah, and between yourself and Charity and others, a lot of good basketball out in California.

392
00:24:20,720 --> 00:24:24,420
 What was it like competing in that conference at the Division II level?

393
00:24:24,820 --> 00:24:34,460
 I think that the conference that I came from, we were a big school, like, big conference for kids that didn't get recruited because of COVID.

394
00:24:34,600 --> 00:24:40,920
 That should have been D1, but of all the COVID that happened and things like that, that we went to the Division II level.

395
00:24:40,920 --> 00:24:44,920
 So the skills there in the conference that I came from was really good.

396
00:24:45,180 --> 00:24:49,260
 And then from California to Alabama, what do you miss most about home?

397
00:24:49,860 --> 00:24:50,400
 My family.

398
00:24:50,520 --> 00:24:50,980
 Your family.

399
00:24:51,080 --> 00:24:52,020
 What about food-wise?

400
00:24:52,280 --> 00:24:52,680
 Food?

401
00:24:53,140 --> 00:24:55,060
 I would say my family's cooking.

402
00:24:55,260 --> 00:24:57,160
 I mean, I love coming home to eat their food.

403
00:24:57,400 --> 00:24:59,460
 All right, and what are they cooking for you in that?

404
00:25:00,060 --> 00:25:02,240
 My dad can make some great lasagna.

405
00:25:02,420 --> 00:25:02,720
 Oh, yeah?

406
00:25:02,880 --> 00:25:03,320
 Yes.

407
00:25:03,560 --> 00:25:04,760
 I loved his lasagna.

408
00:25:04,760 --> 00:25:09,120
 And then coming here to Florence, Alabama, other than the people being nice,

409
00:25:09,220 --> 00:25:11,620
 what's been the most unique thing about Florence?

410
00:25:12,360 --> 00:25:14,000
 The most unique thing?

411
00:25:17,540 --> 00:25:21,400
 I would probably say the basketball community here.

412
00:25:21,700 --> 00:25:23,460
 Everyone's, like, sports fans.

413
00:25:23,600 --> 00:25:25,680
 Like, everyone here is sports fans, and I love that.

414
00:25:25,740 --> 00:25:28,080
 Coming from D2, we didn't really have that many fans.

415
00:25:28,180 --> 00:25:30,620
 The only people I was looking at in the stands were my two parents.

416
00:25:30,620 --> 00:25:35,380
 So coming here and seeing all the supporters that we have, it's, like, really fun to, like,

417
00:25:35,660 --> 00:25:38,740
 just play for everyone that's really interested in seeing our success.

418
00:25:39,220 --> 00:25:43,500
 And speaking of that support, it had to be special being on the road for six games

419
00:25:43,500 --> 00:25:45,240
 all the way back from December 1st.

420
00:25:45,260 --> 00:25:49,240
 That was the last home game we had played up until this weekend to finally be back home

421
00:25:49,240 --> 00:25:52,920
 to see the crowd play against EKU and Bellarmine and get a win on Saturday.

422
00:25:53,060 --> 00:25:54,620
 How did it feel to finally be back home?

423
00:25:55,200 --> 00:25:55,880
 It felt great.

424
00:25:55,880 --> 00:26:01,160
 I love being in my house most of the time because I get to relax and things like that.

425
00:26:01,460 --> 00:26:05,760
 So coming back here and just being able to chill and go back to home-cooked meals

426
00:26:05,760 --> 00:26:09,080
 because my roommate loves cooking, so, and I love eating her food, so.

427
00:26:10,060 --> 00:26:10,300
 All right.

428
00:26:10,320 --> 00:26:12,020
 You lead the team in three-pointers made.

429
00:26:12,160 --> 00:26:13,540
 You're second on the team in assists.

430
00:26:13,660 --> 00:26:16,280
 You trail Buki by one assist for the team lead.

431
00:26:16,360 --> 00:26:18,080
 You got a catcher after this weekend, right?

432
00:26:18,140 --> 00:26:21,560
 But how would you describe your game to somebody if they asked you,

433
00:26:21,580 --> 00:26:22,520
 what kind of player are you?

434
00:26:23,360 --> 00:26:25,020
 I think I just work really hard.

435
00:26:25,540 --> 00:26:28,420
 I want to be mainly a team player.

436
00:26:28,420 --> 00:26:32,960
 So my coach wants me to be more of a scoring threat,

437
00:26:33,420 --> 00:26:36,060
 and that's what I see is it's going to help the team.

438
00:26:36,200 --> 00:26:39,980
 So just doing anything in my power to play hard and just work for the team

439
00:26:39,980 --> 00:26:41,440
 and do whatever they need me to do.

440
00:26:41,980 --> 00:26:44,020
 And what's it like playing for Candy Whitaker?

441
00:26:44,180 --> 00:26:46,800
 Obviously, it's a tough style of basketball.

442
00:26:47,140 --> 00:26:51,300
 It's not for the weak at heart, but talk about how you really fit into this

443
00:26:51,300 --> 00:26:53,080
 and what it's like playing for her on a daily basis.

444
00:26:53,440 --> 00:26:56,240
 Yeah, I mean, she just – she believes in me a lot.

445
00:26:56,400 --> 00:27:00,700
 So she tells me things that I don't want to hear sometimes,

446
00:27:00,760 --> 00:27:03,000
 but I got to hear it because she's making me a better player.

447
00:27:03,160 --> 00:27:06,040
 So just even, like, the night before, she's telling me to shoot the ball

448
00:27:06,040 --> 00:27:07,080
 when I need to, so.

449
00:27:08,420 --> 00:27:09,440
 Portal recruitment.

450
00:27:09,600 --> 00:27:12,320
 Everybody wonders, what's it like when you go into the portal?

451
00:27:12,320 --> 00:27:13,760
 So, again, you hit the portal.

452
00:27:13,860 --> 00:27:15,720
 There's all sorts of people in the portal, right?

453
00:27:15,800 --> 00:27:20,460
 Like, I think I saw today over 10,000 players in the football portal alone.

454
00:27:20,580 --> 00:27:22,680
 So basketball is probably a little bit crazier than that.

455
00:27:22,740 --> 00:27:25,420
 But how did your portal path lead you to UNA?

456
00:27:26,780 --> 00:27:29,760
 So I got in the portal, and I was a little stressed about it.

457
00:27:29,820 --> 00:27:34,560
 I was stressed about leaving home, doing anything that's a big change for me,

458
00:27:34,640 --> 00:27:36,140
 something that I'm not really used to.

459
00:27:37,240 --> 00:27:41,700
 I put myself on Twitter within a transfer portal that was on Twitter account,

460
00:27:41,800 --> 00:27:45,440
 and they posted me, and Coach Haley found me, and she said she loved my game.

461
00:27:45,560 --> 00:27:47,600
 She noticed I was in the same conference as Charity,

462
00:27:47,760 --> 00:27:51,420
 and then she showed me to Coach Whitaker, and now I'm here.

463
00:27:51,660 --> 00:27:55,540
 So you mean to tell me she's just scrolling Twitter one night, and you popped up.

464
00:27:55,620 --> 00:27:55,820
 Yeah.

465
00:27:56,220 --> 00:27:57,000
 Crazy how things work.

466
00:27:57,000 --> 00:27:58,820
 That's a pretty crazy story right there.

467
00:27:59,160 --> 00:27:59,860
 It is indeed.

468
00:28:00,120 --> 00:28:03,540
 And to be in your final year now and to be where you are,

469
00:28:04,100 --> 00:28:07,020
 and obviously North Alabama has really worked out for you.

470
00:28:07,100 --> 00:28:08,680
 You've really worked out for North Alabama.

471
00:28:08,820 --> 00:28:10,740
 It's been so special seeing you fit.

472
00:28:11,000 --> 00:28:15,440
 But to be able to spend your final year here as a redshirt senior, how special is that?

473
00:28:15,640 --> 00:28:16,420
 It's actually great.

474
00:28:16,520 --> 00:28:17,080
 I love it.

475
00:28:17,400 --> 00:28:20,740
 Coming to the D1 level just made me a better player.

476
00:28:21,580 --> 00:28:22,880
 Being more of a leader, too.

477
00:28:23,120 --> 00:28:24,500
 I was a leader at my old school,

478
00:28:24,720 --> 00:28:28,760
 but being a leader here is a little bit different than how it was before.

479
00:28:29,740 --> 00:28:32,700
 You have a lot more people looking at you.

480
00:28:33,440 --> 00:28:35,440
 So, yeah, I mean.

481
00:28:36,880 --> 00:28:39,300
 You've got two more months of basketball left.

482
00:28:39,580 --> 00:28:40,800
 What's next for you?

483
00:28:41,420 --> 00:28:42,540
 I want to play overseas.

484
00:28:43,040 --> 00:28:45,460
 So going into that, finding an agent,

485
00:28:46,120 --> 00:28:50,600
 going into the league that Charity went into when she went to the Bay Area to play for a little bit,

486
00:28:50,700 --> 00:28:51,580
 so going in there.

487
00:28:52,040 --> 00:28:56,600
 And then afterwards, going into the major that I wanted to do in criminal justice,

488
00:28:56,600 --> 00:28:59,520
 and I minored in juvenile justice because I want to work with kids.

489
00:29:00,260 --> 00:29:04,920
 So after that, finding where life leads me through that and with sports still involved.

490
00:29:05,240 --> 00:29:07,740
 And Charity has obviously had success overseas as well.

491
00:29:07,800 --> 00:29:09,980
 So your path, you just kind of keep following Charity, right?

492
00:29:10,280 --> 00:29:10,540
 Yeah.

493
00:29:11,200 --> 00:29:11,800
 That's great.

494
00:29:11,880 --> 00:29:12,100
 All right.

495
00:29:12,160 --> 00:29:14,780
 Well, Allie, we appreciate you joining us this weekend.

496
00:29:15,180 --> 00:29:16,720
 North Florida and Jacksonville.

497
00:29:16,760 --> 00:29:18,760
 What's it going to take to get some road dumps for this team?

498
00:29:18,980 --> 00:29:20,140
 I think just playing how we are.

499
00:29:20,200 --> 00:29:20,900
 A lot of energy.

500
00:29:21,100 --> 00:29:21,900
 We're an energy team.

501
00:29:21,900 --> 00:29:25,580
 So just keep pushing, keep talking, being loud, having fun.

502
00:29:25,700 --> 00:29:27,580
 That's the main thing, just having fun with our team.

503
00:29:27,880 --> 00:29:29,920
 Allie Alvarado, thank you so much for being our guest.

504
00:29:29,980 --> 00:29:34,240
 And we'll see you back at home next week in the bank, hopefully talking about two wins.

505
00:29:34,360 --> 00:29:34,720
 Best of luck.

506
00:29:34,720 --> 00:29:35,080
 Thank you.

507
00:29:35,100 --> 00:29:35,560
 Yes, thank you.

508
00:29:35,660 --> 00:29:36,740
 That's Allie Alvarado.

509
00:29:36,840 --> 00:29:37,760
 We'll take another timeout.

510
00:29:37,880 --> 00:29:39,120
 Jazzy Kling is up next.

511
00:29:39,220 --> 00:29:42,420
 You're on UNA Basketball Night from Lost Pizza Shoals on 93.9 The Score.

512
00:29:45,300 --> 00:29:49,300
 No matter the size of your team or your fan crew, Lost Pizza's got you covered.

513
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 We're talking wings, salads, and the one and only Monster Pizza.

514
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 Perfect for team dinners, watch parties, or post-game celebrations.

515
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516
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 And nobody delivers like Lost Pizza.

517
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523
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525
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526
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527
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 Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance.

528
00:30:45,700 --> 00:30:51,620
 Whether you are looking for a Medicare health plan or you are under 65 and exploring individual

529
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530
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 Our local agents make it simple, so stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard or give

531
00:31:02,640 --> 00:31:06,280
 us a call at 256-648-5710.

532
00:31:07,120 --> 00:31:10,960
 Again, that's 256-648-5710.

533
00:31:14,220 --> 00:31:18,420
 Have you ever seen those halftime scholarships where you have to nail a 40-yard field goal?

534
00:31:19,120 --> 00:31:20,360
 Yeah, this isn't that.

535
00:31:20,640 --> 00:31:24,560
 I didn't have to write a long essay or audition or make a half-court shot.

536
00:31:24,940 --> 00:31:29,620
 I just had to open a bank independent account, use my debit card, sign up for online banking,

537
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 and have a positive balance.

538
00:31:31,180 --> 00:31:31,740
 That's it.

539
00:31:31,840 --> 00:31:33,720
 A 20% scholarship to UNA.

540
00:31:33,920 --> 00:31:38,120
 When bank independent invests in students like me, they're investing in all of us and

541
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542
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 Bank independent.

543
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544
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 Hey guys, how long have you been wearing those out-of-date, scratched-up glasses?

546
00:31:47,580 --> 00:31:49,960
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547
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 Go ahead and do as the woman in your life has been asking and schedule an eye exam.

548
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549
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 Campbell, or myself.

550
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 Everyone knows it's time to evaluate the health of your eyes and get a new pair of glasses.

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553
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554
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555
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556
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557
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558
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559
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560
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561
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 Indulge in our bar service featuring fine wines, wine cocktails, and craft beers, all

564
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565
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566
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 Come spend a little time with us and uncork your wine journey at the Carriage Wine & Market,

567
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568
00:33:19,180 --> 00:33:19,480
 Cheers!

569
00:33:26,180 --> 00:33:30,600
 The fun continues down here at Lost Pizza Shoals for UNA Basketball Night.

570
00:33:30,940 --> 00:33:36,120
 Benjamin Ray, Mike Ezekiel, and next up we welcome in a senior from Overland Park, Kansas,

571
00:33:36,400 --> 00:33:39,740
 Jazzy Klinger, second year here at the University of North Alabama.

572
00:33:40,180 --> 00:33:44,380
 Had ten points in the game against Eastern Kentucky, seven rebounds in both of the games

573
00:33:44,380 --> 00:33:45,200
 over the weekend.

574
00:33:45,580 --> 00:33:46,940
 She's one of the veterans on this team.

575
00:33:47,060 --> 00:33:50,000
 Jazzy, year two at UNA, where does the time go?

576
00:33:50,080 --> 00:33:51,960
 How much are you enjoying your senior year so far?

577
00:33:52,300 --> 00:33:53,860
 Yeah, it definitely flies by.

578
00:33:54,340 --> 00:34:00,720
 My senior year is, it's turning out to be, I mean, our performance against EKU has definitely

579
00:34:00,720 --> 00:34:06,740
 like skyrocketed my hopes and kind of showed, I feel like everyone in our program kind of what

580
00:34:06,740 --> 00:34:07,560
 we're capable of.

581
00:34:08,100 --> 00:34:12,360
 I know it wasn't really like the turnout that we wanted, but it's probably the best team

582
00:34:12,360 --> 00:34:13,680
 basketball we've played all season.

583
00:34:14,460 --> 00:34:18,240
 Yeah, it's amazing you allude to that game, an EKU team that's kind of the cream of the crop

584
00:34:18,240 --> 00:34:22,400
 right now in the ASUN and just showed like where this team could go last year.

585
00:34:22,460 --> 00:34:26,500
 I think of the Central Arkansas game that was a win against a team that was in the ASUN

586
00:34:26,500 --> 00:34:27,300
 championship game.

587
00:34:27,360 --> 00:34:31,680
 But to turn that into a win against Bellarmine, to just do everything right, play a similar

588
00:34:31,680 --> 00:34:34,760
 game and to get another victory, had to feel special.

589
00:34:35,340 --> 00:34:36,200
 Right, 100%.

590
00:34:36,200 --> 00:34:40,580
 And I think that the fact that we had this performance against EKU, kind of you bring up

591
00:34:40,580 --> 00:34:43,300
 Central Arkansas, EKU's was earlier in the season.

592
00:34:43,420 --> 00:34:47,620
 So I think we can really capitalize off of that and, you know, keep doing our thing.

593
00:34:48,100 --> 00:34:50,280
 Last year, everything's new for you, right?

594
00:34:50,380 --> 00:34:52,760
 So year two, what's kind of the mindset for you?

595
00:34:53,440 --> 00:34:58,540
 Year two is always going to be better for anyone, no matter how old or young you are,

596
00:34:58,860 --> 00:35:03,240
 just because you know the ins and outs of the offense and defense and every single thing.

597
00:35:03,560 --> 00:35:06,920
 And so that's kind of just being more comfortable, I think.

598
00:35:07,000 --> 00:35:08,220
 I mean, you mentioned the seven rebounds.

599
00:35:08,340 --> 00:35:10,620
 Like, I should probably up that a little bit if we're being honest.

600
00:35:10,920 --> 00:35:16,180
 But just, you know, getting more comfortable in the program and just kind of playing my game.

601
00:35:16,580 --> 00:35:20,580
 I want to take this back all the way to the summer and just watching you guys during camp

602
00:35:20,580 --> 00:35:22,540
 and come back together to campus.

603
00:35:22,780 --> 00:35:23,600
 And it's a lot of seniors.

604
00:35:23,840 --> 00:35:28,420
 It's you and players like India Howard, Alyssa Clutter, that's been in the program a long time.

605
00:35:28,660 --> 00:35:33,580
 And to have a good team in this league, it seems like you've got to have players that have been together a long time.

606
00:35:33,820 --> 00:35:37,240
 And to have that camaraderie and just how you fit into that,

607
00:35:37,300 --> 00:35:41,360
 how does it feel to know that you've got that camaraderie and so many returners

608
00:35:41,360 --> 00:35:43,080
 that have been doing this a while with a common goal?

609
00:35:43,660 --> 00:35:49,780
 Yeah, I mean, I think that's crucial in any team success is your camaraderie.

610
00:35:49,780 --> 00:35:55,360
 And that's what I really enjoy about our team is our athletes are really close.

611
00:35:55,500 --> 00:35:59,380
 I love everyone on the team and it makes a huge difference when you're out there playing together.

612
00:35:59,380 --> 00:36:01,560
 Like you start to kind of read each other's minds.

613
00:36:01,660 --> 00:36:04,520
 You know what plays people are going to make and it makes it a lot easier and more fun.

614
00:36:05,060 --> 00:36:09,440
 So now that you're one of the veterans, Gabby Jackson, a true freshman, had a big weekend,

615
00:36:09,540 --> 00:36:11,500
 ASUN freshman of the week as well.

616
00:36:11,580 --> 00:36:15,980
 What's it like for you to see a young player kind of slowly figure out the game like that?

617
00:36:16,580 --> 00:36:21,500
 I mean, it's great for a team to be able to have a freshman to be able to step up,

618
00:36:21,620 --> 00:36:23,960
 especially right at the beginning of conference play.

619
00:36:24,040 --> 00:36:25,260
 Like there's no better time.

620
00:36:26,060 --> 00:36:32,740
 And to be able to have anyone step up in any position like that, we're very grateful for that.

621
00:36:33,020 --> 00:36:35,580
 And it's really nice to be deep in positions.

622
00:36:35,900 --> 00:36:38,220
 And she's shown that she can play a lot of spots too.

623
00:36:38,400 --> 00:36:39,620
 And that's very helpful.

624
00:36:40,300 --> 00:36:43,060
 Yeah, Gabby's been amazing this week and throughout the season.

625
00:36:43,340 --> 00:36:46,700
 And speaking of Gabby and yourself, a couple of Midwest players,

626
00:36:46,780 --> 00:36:49,160
 it must be a Midwest thing to be good at basketball.

627
00:36:50,220 --> 00:36:52,440
 Well, you never know.

628
00:36:52,440 --> 00:36:54,720
 But our coaches actually do.

629
00:36:54,860 --> 00:36:55,140
 It's funny.

630
00:36:55,260 --> 00:36:57,080
 We have a lot of connections in the Midwest.

631
00:36:57,340 --> 00:37:03,320
 And I actually have had some old players play for these coaches, Coach A and Coach Whitaker.

632
00:37:04,140 --> 00:37:08,040
 Yeah, you've got to follow up because Gabby mentioned she's an avid Chiefs fan.

633
00:37:08,160 --> 00:37:10,340
 I know that Coach Whitaker is also a Chiefs fan.

634
00:37:10,420 --> 00:37:11,360
 Does that apply to you as well?

635
00:37:11,460 --> 00:37:11,900
 Absolutely.

636
00:37:12,620 --> 00:37:13,540
 Yes, I am.

637
00:37:13,820 --> 00:37:17,820
 It's a Chiefs takeover over at our department, Dr. Looney as well.

638
00:37:18,160 --> 00:37:21,700
 All right, also for you, year one, where you're also not just figuring out the program,

639
00:37:21,700 --> 00:37:23,000
 you're figuring out the community.

640
00:37:23,540 --> 00:37:26,300
 Now that you're year two, somebody like Allie comes over from California.

641
00:37:26,300 --> 00:37:29,640
 Do you feel like you're kind of that person that helps people get settled in now?

642
00:37:30,360 --> 00:37:34,740
 Yeah, I definitely do like and enjoy helping my teammates get settled.

643
00:37:34,860 --> 00:37:39,260
 I think, like you said, our community is very important with that too.

644
00:37:39,760 --> 00:37:43,220
 I mean, as Allie mentioned, we have, everyone loves sports.

645
00:37:43,340 --> 00:37:48,040
 We have courtside people who just love to be there, watch you play, or cheer you on throughout

646
00:37:48,040 --> 00:37:50,180
 the game individually and as a team.

647
00:37:50,320 --> 00:37:54,880
 Like, I think that that's very important as well as teammates.

648
00:37:55,420 --> 00:37:59,240
 Months of December and early in January, you played six straight road games.

649
00:37:59,340 --> 00:38:01,880
 You were away from the home barn for a while.

650
00:38:01,980 --> 00:38:06,140
 And to finally come home last week to see that support you were just talking about, how did

651
00:38:06,140 --> 00:38:08,940
 it feel to be back in CB&S Bank Arena last week?

652
00:38:09,400 --> 00:38:11,640
 It's so much better than playing away.

653
00:38:11,840 --> 00:38:16,540
 I love playing at home, and it did feel like it was a very long time.

654
00:38:16,800 --> 00:38:21,080
 And I honestly feel like it is a factor in how we played against EKU.

655
00:38:21,180 --> 00:38:25,320
 I mean, I feel like you could tell with all of our team how much we miss playing at home

656
00:38:25,320 --> 00:38:26,600
 and how big of a difference it makes.

657
00:38:27,040 --> 00:38:28,580
 All right, so you are a senior.

658
00:38:28,980 --> 00:38:32,440
 You're hopefully graduating in May or this summer, depending on how classes fall out for

659
00:38:32,440 --> 00:38:32,620
 you.

660
00:38:32,680 --> 00:38:34,040
 But what's next for you?

661
00:38:34,100 --> 00:38:34,760
 What do you want to do?

662
00:38:35,640 --> 00:38:41,440
 So I actually, my end goal is kind of working with like team operations on a higher level team,

663
00:38:41,720 --> 00:38:43,500
 maybe eventually the pros.

664
00:38:43,500 --> 00:38:47,940
 But I just, I love, you and I were kind of talking about the day-to-day.

665
00:38:48,140 --> 00:38:53,480
 I really like how, it's a little ironic, but I like to be running around and putting out

666
00:38:53,480 --> 00:38:54,260
 fires everywhere.

667
00:38:54,440 --> 00:38:55,700
 That's kind of right up my alley.

668
00:38:55,860 --> 00:38:58,720
 Putting out fires, that's what Coach Petrie and I talked about the other day.

669
00:38:58,760 --> 00:39:00,880
 That's what assistant coaches do, Dobos do.

670
00:39:01,080 --> 00:39:04,540
 So if you like being a firefighter like that, that's a field for you.

671
00:39:05,680 --> 00:39:06,240
 That's right.

672
00:39:06,420 --> 00:39:10,940
 And just talk about what kind of classes you're going through right now to kind of achieve

673
00:39:10,940 --> 00:39:11,480
 that goal.

674
00:39:11,620 --> 00:39:12,700
 What's your major like?

675
00:39:12,980 --> 00:39:14,480
 What kind of classes are you in this semester?

676
00:39:15,240 --> 00:39:18,400
 Yeah, so my major is IDS, interdisciplinary studies.

677
00:39:18,580 --> 00:39:22,140
 And so I've already kind of, I have half business and half sports management.

678
00:39:22,140 --> 00:39:24,920
 And so I've already kind of handled all my business classes.

679
00:39:24,920 --> 00:39:28,380
 So now it's more the sports management route and taking all those.

680
00:39:29,100 --> 00:39:32,860
 All right, Jazzy, you guys are heading on the road down to Jacksonville, North Florida

681
00:39:32,860 --> 00:39:34,040
 and Jacksonville this weekend.

682
00:39:34,040 --> 00:39:38,940
 But first and foremost, you guys get to stay in one city on this road trip, one flight.

683
00:39:39,160 --> 00:39:41,760
 Do you guys get excited to go on the road together as a team?

684
00:39:43,120 --> 00:39:46,220
 Yes, as I mentioned earlier, it is better to be at home.

685
00:39:46,780 --> 00:39:49,880
 But I mean, Florida, I'm never going to complain about going to Florida.

686
00:39:50,100 --> 00:39:51,000
 Right, this time of year.

687
00:39:51,160 --> 00:39:51,520
 Yes.

688
00:39:51,740 --> 00:39:54,800
 And so that, I mean, I think we are excited.

689
00:39:54,920 --> 00:39:58,080
 Last year, we all kind of sat on the beach and did our homework one of the days.

690
00:39:58,240 --> 00:40:00,780
 So, you know, that's always fun to do.

691
00:40:01,180 --> 00:40:02,800
 So I'm guessing you're more of a beach person?

692
00:40:03,480 --> 00:40:03,880
 Absolutely.

693
00:40:04,280 --> 00:40:05,740
 Any opportunity you get.

694
00:40:05,740 --> 00:40:11,560
 But obviously, a lot of that's going to be a basketball trip, probably 90% of it, I would imagine.

695
00:40:11,860 --> 00:40:18,300
 So talk about when you're on the road, what do practices usually look like compared to what they would look like back home?

696
00:40:19,040 --> 00:40:26,940
 Yeah, they're usually a little lighter just comparatively because you have less time to prepare.

697
00:40:27,120 --> 00:40:27,940
 You're on the road.

698
00:40:28,060 --> 00:40:32,720
 You've got to stretch more, you know, kind of get out the jet lag, whatever that might be dealing with.

699
00:40:32,960 --> 00:40:38,500
 And so it's just kind of making sure you take care of your bodies even more than you usually would.

700
00:40:38,980 --> 00:40:43,700
 And maybe taking a little bit off the load and definitely, oh, very scout heavy.

701
00:40:44,640 --> 00:40:46,280
 Well, Jazzy, a road trip coming up.

702
00:40:46,320 --> 00:40:48,500
 You guys will be back home next Thursday, as always.

703
00:40:48,660 --> 00:40:49,820
 It's great catching up with you.

704
00:40:49,900 --> 00:40:52,760
 Enjoy the rest of this season, and I know we'll probably chat with you again.

705
00:40:53,140 --> 00:40:53,440
 Perfect.

706
00:40:53,560 --> 00:40:54,280
 Thank you so much.

707
00:40:54,360 --> 00:40:55,240
 That's Jazzy Kling.

708
00:40:55,300 --> 00:40:56,460
 We appreciate her joining us.

709
00:40:56,520 --> 00:41:00,300
 We'll take a timeout when we come back with Alabama head coach Tony Pujol swings by.

710
00:41:00,300 --> 00:41:02,900
 This is UNA Basketball Night from Los Pizzas Shoals.

711
00:41:02,960 --> 00:41:09,380
 No matter the size of your team or your fan crew, Los Pizzas got you covered.

712
00:41:10,560 --> 00:41:14,200
 We're talking wings, salads, and the one and only Monster Pizza.

713
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 Perfect for team dinners, watch parties, or post-game celebrations.

714
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 Big plays deserve big flavor, and nobody delivers like Los Pizzas.

715
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716
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717
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718
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719
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 We also offer the only Theralight 360 red light therapy beds in the Shoals area, helping

720
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721
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 Therapies coupled with dry needleing can help with trigger point and muscular pain.

722
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 In addition, we also offer genetic testing, deep tissue laser, adjustments, and more.

723
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 Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is now open Saturdays to better serve our patients.

724
00:42:00,720 --> 00:42:02,500
 Please visit us at burnleychiro.com.

725
00:42:03,020 --> 00:42:05,820
 Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance.

726
00:42:06,260 --> 00:42:11,760
 Whether you are looking for a Medicare health plan, or you are under 65 and exploring individual

727
00:42:11,760 --> 00:42:16,440
 health care options, Alabama Health Guidance can help you find the plan that fits your needs.

728
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 Our local agents make it simple, so stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard, or give

729
00:42:22,760 --> 00:42:26,380
 us a call at 256-648-5710.

730
00:42:27,220 --> 00:42:31,240
 Again, that's 256-648-5710.

731
00:42:34,240 --> 00:42:38,540
 Have you ever seen those halftime scholarships where you have to nail a 40-yard field goal?

732
00:42:39,240 --> 00:42:40,480
 Yeah, this isn't that.

733
00:42:40,720 --> 00:42:44,700
 I didn't have to write a long essay, or audition, or make a half-court shot.

734
00:42:45,040 --> 00:42:49,760
 I just had to open a Bank Independent account, use my debit card, sign up for online banking,

735
00:42:49,880 --> 00:42:51,100
 and have a positive balance.

736
00:42:51,300 --> 00:42:51,880
 That's it.

737
00:42:51,960 --> 00:42:53,880
 A 20% scholarship to UNA.

738
00:42:53,880 --> 00:42:58,000
 When Bank Independent invests in students like me, they're investing in all of us,

739
00:42:58,080 --> 00:42:59,540
 and the future of our community.

740
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 Bank Independent.

741
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742
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743
00:43:03,420 --> 00:43:07,240
 Hey guys, how long have you been wearing those out-of-date, scratched-up glasses?

744
00:43:07,720 --> 00:43:10,100
 This is Dr. Ham Moore with Renaissance Eye Care.

745
00:43:10,440 --> 00:43:14,480
 Go ahead and do as the woman in your life has been asking, and schedule an eye exam.

746
00:43:14,780 --> 00:43:22,380
 You can go to renaissanceeyecare.com or call 767-5000 to see either Dr. Kathy Warner, Dr.

747
00:43:22,380 --> 00:43:23,860
 Lisa Campbell, or myself.

748
00:43:24,360 --> 00:43:28,900
 Everyone knows it's time to evaluate the health of your eyes and get a new pair of glasses.

749
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 We can make sure you won't miss any of the action this fall.

750
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 Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun.

751
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 Ready to serve delicious drinks and host amazing events?

752
00:43:45,580 --> 00:43:49,720
 Try our Golden Mainer Leo's Roar, and 50% goes to UNA Athletics.

753
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 Support your local business and college community while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere.

754
00:43:57,520 --> 00:43:58,820
 Don't miss out on the good times.

755
00:43:58,820 --> 00:44:02,500
 Come sip, socialize, and savor the taste of Singing River Brewery.

756
00:44:03,940 --> 00:44:10,340
 Prohibition is over, and the good times will flow once again at the Florence Wine Fest, February 20th and 21st.

757
00:44:10,400 --> 00:44:14,840
 Friday night sets its own with coops, cocktails, and velvet smooth live music.

758
00:44:14,980 --> 00:44:18,320
 Saturday afternoon, taste your way through an unforgettable wine experience.

759
00:44:18,440 --> 00:44:25,960
 Then Saturday night, the city comes alive with the Florence Wine Fest Free Block Party in Concert, featuring Atlanta's great grand finale band.

760
00:44:26,080 --> 00:44:30,460
 Free block party tickets and full event details are at FlorenceWineFest.com.

761
00:44:30,580 --> 00:44:37,680
 Proudly presented by Visit the Shoals, with support from CB&S Bank, Clearview Cancer Institute, and the Hotels of Florence.

762
00:44:43,640 --> 00:44:44,500
 Here we go.

763
00:44:45,420 --> 00:44:48,220
 Fun continues down here at Lost Pizza Shoals.

764
00:44:48,700 --> 00:44:53,860
 Benjamin Ray, Mike Ezekiel, and head basketball coach Tony Poole up next to the UNAMM.

765
00:44:54,200 --> 00:44:59,600
 Coming off of a split on the road, a tough road loss to Eastern Kentucky, 88-80.

766
00:45:00,040 --> 00:45:04,140
 The Lions bounce back with a dominant win over Bellerin, 82-73.

767
00:45:04,360 --> 00:45:09,980
 But, Coach, obviously you want to win every game you play, but a split on the road is a positive at the end of the day, right?

768
00:45:10,160 --> 00:45:10,480
 100%.

769
00:45:10,480 --> 00:45:15,520
 If you can get a split on the road in this league, you know, you're in pretty good shape.

770
00:45:15,640 --> 00:45:23,260
 So now, you know, we went out there, and I thought both games we were right in there, and I thought our guys competed really well.

771
00:45:23,260 --> 00:45:29,940
 But to walk away from a game and a decisive game, in that matter, with Bellerin, I thought was pretty good.

772
00:45:30,940 --> 00:45:35,620
 You know, Coach, sometimes the shots don't fall, and sometimes they do, and boy, they fell on Saturday.

773
00:45:35,780 --> 00:45:37,380
 11 of 21 behind the arc.

774
00:45:37,800 --> 00:45:40,400
 Dallas just could not miss, especially just from that corner.

775
00:45:40,820 --> 00:45:43,200
 I mean, what's it like to see shots just fall like that in a game?

776
00:45:43,200 --> 00:45:55,160
 Yeah, I was very, you know, obviously Dallas Howell has kind of made a name for himself for, you know, shooting and extending defenses, you know, from a half-court standpoint.

777
00:45:55,700 --> 00:46:01,780
 And to see him go 2 of 3 in the first half, but then 6 for 6 in the second was truly impressive.

778
00:46:02,340 --> 00:46:06,700
 And the best part about it was the way his teammates just kept going to him, right?

779
00:46:07,060 --> 00:46:08,640
 His teammates just kept trying to find him.

780
00:46:08,960 --> 00:46:10,200
 I thought Cannon did a great job.

781
00:46:10,380 --> 00:46:14,080
 Cortez did a great job in making sure that, you know, he got looks.

782
00:46:14,640 --> 00:46:18,700
 All his teammates were constantly looking for him, especially when you have a hot line like that.

783
00:46:18,720 --> 00:46:19,560
 It was really good to see.

784
00:46:20,020 --> 00:46:22,580
 And speaking of Dallas, Coach, I was going to talk about him.

785
00:46:22,700 --> 00:46:24,740
 Florida Gulf Coast, he went 0 of 9 from 3.

786
00:46:24,860 --> 00:46:26,680
 Started A-some play 1 of 14.

787
00:46:26,800 --> 00:46:29,880
 Probably felt like his hands were in ice cubes every time he touched the basketball.

788
00:46:30,480 --> 00:46:33,080
 Goes up to Kentucky, 3 of 9 against EKU.

789
00:46:33,160 --> 00:46:33,740
 That's great.

790
00:46:33,860 --> 00:46:36,560
 And then 8 of 9 from 3 against Bellarmine.

791
00:46:36,600 --> 00:46:38,040
 He was absolutely on fire.

792
00:46:38,500 --> 00:46:41,140
 But I was in the gym last Monday before you guys left.

793
00:46:41,140 --> 00:46:44,220
 Grant Wakefield and I were packing up, getting ready to come over here.

794
00:46:44,440 --> 00:46:47,560
 And your assistants were in there working with Dallas.

795
00:46:47,660 --> 00:46:49,880
 Coach Steele was in there getting shots up with him.

796
00:46:50,020 --> 00:46:51,360
 And kind of two things, Coach.

797
00:46:51,400 --> 00:46:53,380
 How much work do these guys put in on their own?

798
00:46:53,460 --> 00:46:57,620
 And what about the investment from your staff to just continue to pour into dudes like that?

799
00:46:57,620 --> 00:47:00,700
 Yeah, and that's why you have to have good people in your organization.

800
00:47:01,700 --> 00:47:07,700
 They understand that they're not there just to continue to grow these young men as basketball players,

801
00:47:07,740 --> 00:47:08,940
 but as human beings as well.

802
00:47:09,660 --> 00:47:13,880
 And right now I can tell you that I'm sure Dallas was going through some things.

803
00:47:14,880 --> 00:47:20,000
 You know, knowing him, he's probably kicking himself for not hitting shots early on.

804
00:47:20,680 --> 00:47:24,600
 But one thing I can tell you about Dallas Howell, he's a grown man.

805
00:47:24,900 --> 00:47:32,280
 And he's one that will wake up every day and put in the work because he trusts in the process that he's built over the years.

806
00:47:32,880 --> 00:47:38,200
 And the fact that we have staff members that believe in him, players that believe in him,

807
00:47:38,700 --> 00:47:42,000
 it's easy for him to come back and have a game like he did the other night.

808
00:47:42,420 --> 00:47:43,920
 And you talk about a six-year senior.

809
00:47:44,080 --> 00:47:48,300
 It's good to have somebody like that when you've got a couple of true freshmen that you brought here tonight, by the way,

810
00:47:48,340 --> 00:47:49,360
 that we're going to talk to soon.

811
00:47:49,780 --> 00:47:52,200
 Braylon Patton had 13 points in that game on Thursday.

812
00:47:52,500 --> 00:47:57,520
 And then to see what Cortez did on Saturday, 10 points, seven assists, moving the ball very well.

813
00:47:57,580 --> 00:47:59,860
 And these two, they're blooming like carnations right now.

814
00:48:00,200 --> 00:48:01,120
 No, 100%.

815
00:48:01,120 --> 00:48:03,000
 And we have a lot of trust in these guys.

816
00:48:03,180 --> 00:48:08,920
 Like anything else with freshmen, it's not, to me, it's not the speed of the game or the physicality of the game.

817
00:48:09,260 --> 00:48:10,660
 It's their focus, right?

818
00:48:10,720 --> 00:48:15,860
 It's the way that they need to focus in every game because every game has a life of its own.

819
00:48:15,940 --> 00:48:21,120
 But also at this level, unlike in high school where, you know, there's going to be games where in high school,

820
00:48:21,220 --> 00:48:24,740
 you're going to go into the game knowing that you can kind of sleepwalk through the game.

821
00:48:24,820 --> 00:48:25,900
 You're still going to win by 20.

822
00:48:26,600 --> 00:48:29,200
 At this level, that doesn't happen, especially in league play.

823
00:48:29,740 --> 00:48:34,960
 Everybody's got to bring it every day because if not, you know, it's going to, you know, we tell them all the time,

824
00:48:35,340 --> 00:48:38,980
 if we have a mental lapse, boom, it's a 10-0 run and the game's over.

825
00:48:39,380 --> 00:48:43,400
 And one of the things that our freshmen need to understand is that they've got to bring that every day.

826
00:48:43,540 --> 00:48:44,860
 And these guys have done that.

827
00:48:44,860 --> 00:48:45,880
 These guys have done that.

828
00:48:46,000 --> 00:48:49,000
 They've got leadership that has shown them how to do it.

829
00:48:49,320 --> 00:48:53,100
 And then they've embraced it and continue to grow every single day in the game.

830
00:48:53,300 --> 00:48:58,380
 From the freshmen making their marks early on an ASOM play to a dude coach who a lot of people felt like

831
00:48:58,380 --> 00:49:00,200
 could be the player of the year in Cornelius Williams.

832
00:49:00,340 --> 00:49:02,740
 And obviously the first three games, a little tough for him.

833
00:49:02,780 --> 00:49:06,280
 He missed the Florida Gulf Coast game, still working his way back against Eastern Kentucky,

834
00:49:06,420 --> 00:49:08,960
 but looked like his dominant self against Bellarmine.

835
00:49:09,040 --> 00:49:12,360
 21 points or 20 points, 15 rebounds.

836
00:49:12,460 --> 00:49:13,840
 How good was it to get Neal going?

837
00:49:13,840 --> 00:49:15,640
 Oh my gosh, tremendous, right?

838
00:49:15,700 --> 00:49:19,840
 Because Neal's such a presence in the interior for us, right?

839
00:49:19,980 --> 00:49:26,420
 And he affects winning by the fact that he can rebound the basketball and just score at a high level.

840
00:49:27,500 --> 00:49:29,920
 His percentages have been tremendous around the rim.

841
00:49:30,460 --> 00:49:36,760
 But where he helps us tremendously is not only on the defensive end, but the way that he rebounds on both sides of the ball.

842
00:49:37,360 --> 00:49:43,360
 When we didn't have him against Florida Gulf Coast, I think it was one of the games that we've lost in the rebounding battle.

843
00:49:43,920 --> 00:49:49,440
 You know, when you've got a guy that's the leading rebounder in the league and he's not with you, especially for us, right?

844
00:49:49,580 --> 00:49:54,300
 Efficiency for us is taking care of the basketball and second chance opportunities on the offensive end.

845
00:49:54,580 --> 00:49:55,800
 And he's a big part of that.

846
00:49:56,040 --> 00:49:59,460
 So it's something that we need every single time we come out.

847
00:49:59,780 --> 00:50:01,640
 Speaking of efficiency, let's talk about Cannon.

848
00:50:01,760 --> 00:50:04,900
 Jefferson kind of flew under the radar with the other performances we had.

849
00:50:04,980 --> 00:50:08,320
 But 11 assists in those two games, only three turnovers.

850
00:50:08,400 --> 00:50:10,220
 You really got to like seeing that from your point guard.

851
00:50:10,680 --> 00:50:11,080
 100%.

852
00:50:11,080 --> 00:50:13,680
 And, you know, we sat down a couple of times.

853
00:50:13,780 --> 00:50:18,620
 Cannon and I have had numerous conversations about how he can, you know, how can he best affect the game.

854
00:50:19,200 --> 00:50:27,760
 You know, a lot of people, you know, he's known for the way he can score around the rim and, you know, how he can extend defenses with his three-point shot.

855
00:50:27,860 --> 00:50:30,860
 But he need, I challenged him to be more of a facilitator.

856
00:50:31,400 --> 00:50:32,800
 And, man, he's taking the challenge on it.

857
00:50:32,820 --> 00:50:33,940
 I remember having breakfast with him.

858
00:50:34,340 --> 00:50:35,200
 I'll never forget it.

859
00:50:35,220 --> 00:50:36,060
 He had scrambled eggs.

860
00:50:36,120 --> 00:50:36,780
 I had a croissant.

861
00:50:36,960 --> 00:50:45,160
 And we were just going back and forth about what are the things that we can do moving forward to just make him a more complete point guard.

862
00:50:45,600 --> 00:50:50,220
 And one of the areas that I told him and challenged him on is I needed you to be more of a facilitator.

863
00:50:50,340 --> 00:50:51,340
 And he has done that.

864
00:50:51,640 --> 00:50:52,460
 He's embraced it.

865
00:50:52,700 --> 00:50:55,000
 This last game, I think he had six assists, two turnovers.

866
00:50:55,120 --> 00:50:57,680
 I've told him three to one has got to be his ratio.

867
00:50:58,180 --> 00:50:59,780
 And, obviously, he's doing that.

868
00:51:00,200 --> 00:51:05,620
 You talk to you a lot over the years, Coach, about not getting too high after wins and not getting too low after losses.

869
00:51:05,620 --> 00:51:09,680
 And, obviously, the start to A-some play did not go how we wanted, losing three straight.

870
00:51:09,780 --> 00:51:12,440
 But how did this team kind of stay together and stay the path?

871
00:51:12,920 --> 00:51:16,900
 I mean, the thing is, it's so cliche, but it's so true, right?

872
00:51:16,900 --> 00:51:17,860
 It's one day at a time.

873
00:51:18,380 --> 00:51:18,540
 Okay?

874
00:51:18,800 --> 00:51:22,760
 Again, every practice has a life of its own, and we have to continue to grow.

875
00:51:22,960 --> 00:51:24,780
 And that's what we talk to our team about anyways.

876
00:51:25,140 --> 00:51:26,320
 It's the growth of our team.

877
00:51:26,820 --> 00:51:26,980
 Okay?

878
00:51:27,520 --> 00:51:29,160
 Championships are not won in January.

879
00:51:29,840 --> 00:51:31,460
 Championships are won in March.

880
00:51:31,460 --> 00:51:37,100
 So, our thing is, we have to grow our team to play for championships.

881
00:51:37,260 --> 00:51:41,280
 And, right now, we know that there's enough in the room to win a championship.

882
00:51:41,460 --> 00:51:45,100
 So, now, our thing is, we've got to make sure that the team is heading in the right direction.

883
00:51:45,700 --> 00:51:45,840
 Okay?

884
00:51:45,900 --> 00:51:49,880
 Today, I told him, man, we're not even going backwards to increase momentum.

885
00:51:50,200 --> 00:51:51,580
 We are going forward, period.

886
00:51:52,140 --> 00:51:57,460
 So, whatever has, in the past, hurt this team, we want to dispose of that.

887
00:51:57,780 --> 00:52:01,720
 And whatever has helped our team win, we want to continue to carry that with us.

888
00:52:02,180 --> 00:52:04,440
 And that's the mindset of these guys.

889
00:52:04,540 --> 00:52:06,740
 It's one day at a time, and let's go out and compete.

890
00:52:07,400 --> 00:52:10,800
 Coach, this feels like a good time to kind of close the book on last week a little bit.

891
00:52:10,880 --> 00:52:17,420
 And last week on the show, we talked about what it's like as a coaching staff preparing for the contrasting styles of EKU

892
00:52:17,420 --> 00:52:19,200
 and then turning around and preparing for Bellarmine.

893
00:52:19,300 --> 00:52:24,360
 Now that you're past that and kind of looking back on it, how did that process go for you and your coaching staff?

894
00:52:24,680 --> 00:52:30,700
 Yeah, I mean, what we did was we obviously lost two games at home, which is not the way you want to start the season.

895
00:52:30,980 --> 00:52:34,740
 But then we knew going in there, we were going to have a tough challenge in EKU.

896
00:52:35,060 --> 00:52:36,600
 And that's the beauty of our league.

897
00:52:36,940 --> 00:52:42,920
 The beauty of our league is every time, like this weekend coming up, you've got two contrasting styles of play, right?

898
00:52:43,480 --> 00:52:46,200
 EKU and Bellarmine, two contrasting styles of play.

899
00:52:46,200 --> 00:52:48,920
 You've got a team that wants to pressure you, play up and down.

900
00:52:49,300 --> 00:52:50,420
 You know, quick shot clock.

901
00:52:50,740 --> 00:52:53,960
 You've got another team that wants to run the clock down to two, right?

902
00:52:54,060 --> 00:53:01,160
 Looking for the mouse in the house that's not paying attention, that gets bored, that doesn't do the right things defensively so they can just score on you.

903
00:53:01,480 --> 00:53:03,900
 So I thought the challenge was going to be there for our guys.

904
00:53:03,980 --> 00:53:11,820
 So that's where we focused all our thoughts in was how are we going to prepare our guys to play with those two contrasting styles.

905
00:53:12,260 --> 00:53:14,240
 And I thought our guys did a tremendous job doing it.

906
00:53:14,560 --> 00:53:19,220
 Speaking of contrasting styles, North Florida and Jacksonville, the opponents this weekend, Coach.

907
00:53:19,280 --> 00:53:24,400
 But before we dive into them, this league through four games, you know, we've talked about parity in the league.

908
00:53:24,440 --> 00:53:27,860
 When we first got in, it was kind of Lipscomb and Liberty, right?

909
00:53:27,860 --> 00:53:31,540
 And then North Florida kind of crept up there one year, but it was always Lipscomb and Liberty.

910
00:53:31,720 --> 00:53:33,360
 It felt like battling it out.

911
00:53:33,500 --> 00:53:36,400
 It feels like the last two, three years, the league's opened up.

912
00:53:36,440 --> 00:53:41,040
 But I don't feel like it's ever been like this where one through 12, it's, geez, who's going to win this thing?

913
00:53:41,220 --> 00:53:47,780
 And that's, okay, for example, you know, everybody leading into the league, everybody, Lipscomb's the favorite, right?

914
00:53:48,340 --> 00:53:51,480
 Well, Lipscomb goes to Stetson and gets beat by 20.

915
00:53:52,000 --> 00:53:56,680
 I mean, that's the beauty of this league, right, is you have to bring it every day.

916
00:53:56,760 --> 00:54:00,560
 You have to be prepared and ready to go because at any moment, any team can beat you.

917
00:54:00,560 --> 00:54:06,780
 Last year, I remember Bellarmine was 0-12, and Austin Peay was in the top five, top four teams in our league.

918
00:54:07,280 --> 00:54:09,540
 They went over there and got beat by 40 late in the season.

919
00:54:09,960 --> 00:54:13,760
 So I'm just telling you, this league is so wide open this year.

920
00:54:13,920 --> 00:54:15,000
 Anybody can take it.

921
00:54:15,080 --> 00:54:19,820
 That's why it's very important for us to understand that this is going to be a day-by-day thing.

922
00:54:20,180 --> 00:54:23,800
 And like I said earlier, championships are won in March, not in January.

923
00:54:24,420 --> 00:54:27,440
 Yeah, and we're looking at a North Florida team that's hungry to get a win.

924
00:54:27,800 --> 00:54:29,800
 They're the only one without an ASUN win so far.

925
00:54:29,800 --> 00:54:32,400
 So you've got to know you're getting a really motivated team on Thursday.

926
00:54:32,620 --> 00:54:32,980
 100%.

927
00:54:32,980 --> 00:54:35,920
 But, guys, look at their scores and their four losses in the league.

928
00:54:36,500 --> 00:54:38,300
 It's been three possessions or less.

929
00:54:38,840 --> 00:54:43,800
 I mean, it's going to be – our guys need to understand, again, it doesn't matter what the record is.

930
00:54:44,120 --> 00:54:44,900
 It really doesn't.

931
00:54:44,980 --> 00:54:47,500
 What matters is, are you ready and prepared to win the game?

932
00:54:47,940 --> 00:54:52,920
 And for us right now, that's our focus is to make sure our guys are prepared to play North Florida.

933
00:54:53,200 --> 00:54:56,320
 So North Florida, new coach, but not a lot's changed, right?

934
00:54:56,400 --> 00:54:57,820
 Like still the high-octane offense.

935
00:54:58,220 --> 00:55:01,660
 Jacksonville, we know it's going to be a 10-round boxing match, right?

936
00:55:01,720 --> 00:55:04,100
 I mean, what's the mental preparation like for this?

937
00:55:04,200 --> 00:55:12,500
 Well, the good thing is that you're going up against a team that – in North Florida that's going to run about 150 sets, right?

938
00:55:12,540 --> 00:55:13,680
 So you're going to have to prepare.

939
00:55:14,120 --> 00:55:15,800
 It gives us more time to prep for them.

940
00:55:16,420 --> 00:55:20,920
 And then, obviously, you know, not even thinking about Jacksonville, but you already know what type of game that's going to be.

941
00:55:21,340 --> 00:55:26,680
 But right now, what's helping us right now is the fact that we're – hopefully our guys now have kind of refocused.

942
00:55:27,180 --> 00:55:29,780
 And it looks like we feel like we've rightened the ship.

943
00:55:30,220 --> 00:55:32,880
 So now it's time to now lock in on North Florida.

944
00:55:32,960 --> 00:55:33,380
 Excuse me.

945
00:55:33,820 --> 00:55:37,300
 Lock in on North – lock in on North Florida and just get ready for them.

946
00:55:37,820 --> 00:55:39,700
 I think about that home stretch last year.

947
00:55:39,900 --> 00:55:41,720
 Especially Jacksonville comes to mind right away.

948
00:55:41,780 --> 00:55:42,980
 That was one of the better crowds.

949
00:55:43,380 --> 00:55:45,620
 And I'm talking the regular season that we have had.

950
00:55:46,000 --> 00:55:49,540
 How important is it to have a big home crowd now that the students are back in session?

951
00:55:49,740 --> 00:55:59,780
 Yeah, I think both the teams, right, men and women, for us, I think it's very important that the student body understands that they bring so much energy to the building.

952
00:56:00,300 --> 00:56:02,940
 Our student athletes, our students bring so much energy.

953
00:56:03,480 --> 00:56:06,880
 And for us, for our players at least, I know it's motivation.

954
00:56:07,440 --> 00:56:15,360
 For our guys, it's hard when you see people commit like that, our fans, right, folks that are here consistently, that follow our team.

955
00:56:15,360 --> 00:56:18,840
 We had a great group of folks that followed us to Kentucky.

956
00:56:19,080 --> 00:56:19,420
 Rowdy group.

957
00:56:19,480 --> 00:56:19,660
 Right?

958
00:56:19,740 --> 00:56:20,660
 A very rowdy group.

959
00:56:21,180 --> 00:56:26,920
 And for us, whenever we see that, you know, it's easy for us to be motivated to play.

960
00:56:27,020 --> 00:56:31,480
 It's easy for us to, you know, double down on our discipline and our preparation.

961
00:56:31,980 --> 00:56:37,900
 Because you have – you don't want to let these folks down who are coming out and just supporting the heck out of you.

962
00:56:38,120 --> 00:56:39,700
 Thursday night, 6 o'clock.

963
00:56:39,800 --> 00:56:42,620
 It's a whiteout Saturday gold rush game.

964
00:56:42,700 --> 00:56:44,380
 It's also the baby race game.

965
00:56:44,380 --> 00:56:46,880
 My son Asher, he's going to be participating in that.

966
00:56:46,980 --> 00:56:48,020
 He's not crawling yet.

967
00:56:48,340 --> 00:56:50,020
 But we've got about four days to get him ready.

968
00:56:50,160 --> 00:56:52,120
 So we're going through some two-day training right now.

969
00:56:52,240 --> 00:56:55,060
 But, Coach, I've got to ask you a question.

970
00:56:55,300 --> 00:56:55,580
 Okay.

971
00:56:55,580 --> 00:57:00,060
 I've heard a rumor that you make a really good Cuban sandwich.

972
00:57:00,440 --> 00:57:01,360
 Is that true?

973
00:57:02,360 --> 00:57:02,620
 Okay.

974
00:57:02,700 --> 00:57:04,700
 First of all, I need to know who your sources are.

975
00:57:04,940 --> 00:57:09,440
 Well, I just got to know, what goes into a good Cuban sandwich?

976
00:57:09,800 --> 00:57:11,220
 Well, I can tell you this.

977
00:57:11,540 --> 00:57:13,360
 The secret is the bread.

978
00:57:13,520 --> 00:57:14,060
 The bread.

979
00:57:14,300 --> 00:57:19,420
 Well, our friends here, Chuck here at Lost Pizza, they're debuting a new sandwich.

980
00:57:19,600 --> 00:57:20,720
 It drops tomorrow.

981
00:57:21,100 --> 00:57:23,940
 And we're getting to taste it right here today live.

982
00:57:24,360 --> 00:57:28,080
 This is the full court press, a Cuban sandwich.

983
00:57:28,600 --> 00:57:30,340
 And, Coach, you break it down.

984
00:57:30,520 --> 00:57:33,220
 I believe you were the inspiration for this.

985
00:57:33,240 --> 00:57:33,480
 Okay.

986
00:57:33,840 --> 00:57:39,100
 Well, the Cuban sandwich, obviously, it's panini style here, but it'll have ham.

987
00:57:39,500 --> 00:57:40,960
 It'll have a little pork in it.

988
00:57:41,320 --> 00:57:46,380
 It'll have Swiss cheese, mustard, and the most important ingredient, it's got to have a pickle.

989
00:57:46,980 --> 00:57:47,160
 Okay?

990
00:57:47,440 --> 00:57:53,760
 And, I mean, it is, first of all, in the Cuban community, this is the go-to at lunch.

991
00:57:54,100 --> 00:57:54,760
 It's the go-to.

992
00:57:54,840 --> 00:57:57,060
 Now, after this, you're going to need a nap.

993
00:57:57,560 --> 00:57:57,740
 Okay?

994
00:57:59,500 --> 00:58:02,360
 Well, hey, let's skip the first official bites.

995
00:58:02,900 --> 00:58:03,340
 Here we go.

996
00:58:03,440 --> 00:58:03,580
 Cheers.

997
00:58:03,580 --> 00:58:04,440
 Here it is.

998
00:58:04,720 --> 00:58:09,320
 The full court press, you can get it starting tomorrow here at Lost Pizza Shoals.

999
00:58:09,320 --> 00:58:11,040
 Here's the first bite from Coach Pujol.

1000
00:58:13,180 --> 00:58:13,860
 Oh, wow.

1001
00:58:14,600 --> 00:58:15,420
 That's really good.

1002
00:58:16,320 --> 00:58:16,780
 That's really good.

1003
00:58:16,880 --> 00:58:17,160
 Mercy.

1004
00:58:17,760 --> 00:58:18,160
 Wow.

1005
00:58:18,860 --> 00:58:19,300
 Fantastic.

1006
00:58:19,760 --> 00:58:20,780
 That smoke flavor.

1007
00:58:20,980 --> 00:58:21,760
 I really like it.

1008
00:58:21,760 --> 00:58:26,080
 I've always wanted to do a live eating segment, so this checked off a lot of boxes.

1009
00:58:26,420 --> 00:58:28,080
 This is phenomenal right here.

1010
00:58:28,100 --> 00:58:28,740
 That is really good.

1011
00:58:29,080 --> 00:58:33,720
 Added, I mean, another great option here, and the chips here are phenomenal as well.

1012
00:58:33,780 --> 00:58:38,000
 The full court press will be available starting tomorrow here at Lost Pizza Shoals.

1013
00:58:38,000 --> 00:58:40,340
 We're going to debut it right here, and it is delicious.

1014
00:58:40,960 --> 00:58:41,440
 It's really good.

1015
00:58:41,620 --> 00:58:43,360
 Does that meet your approval right there?

1016
00:58:43,520 --> 00:58:44,000
 100%.

1017
00:58:44,000 --> 00:58:44,380
 Great job.

1018
00:58:44,380 --> 00:58:44,940
 I'm taking one home.

1019
00:58:45,400 --> 00:58:45,920
 Great job.

1020
00:58:46,320 --> 00:58:50,960
 Well, hey, Coach, this weekend, I know we want a big turnout, but best of luck.

1021
00:58:51,200 --> 00:58:53,020
 And again, call to action.

1022
00:58:53,100 --> 00:58:54,420
 We want everybody there to pack the bank.

1023
00:58:54,600 --> 00:58:55,200
 Yeah, no doubt.

1024
00:58:55,380 --> 00:59:01,820
 And listen, again, this is something that our guys, again, have, I think, earned.

1025
00:59:02,260 --> 00:59:10,640
 But we want to let everybody know that supports this program how appreciative we are that not only do they support us here at home, they go on the road.

1026
00:59:10,940 --> 00:59:15,800
 The students, when they come out, they just, again, the energy that's brought into the building is amazing.

1027
00:59:16,320 --> 00:59:18,140
 So, again, to everyone, thank you so much.

1028
00:59:18,240 --> 00:59:21,580
 We're very grateful that you all support the Lions.

1029
00:59:21,580 --> 00:59:24,000
 So, Roy Lions, we hope to see it right now.

1030
00:59:24,000 --> 00:59:25,280
 Wow, I'm going to try to scarf this down.

1031
00:59:25,500 --> 00:59:25,620
 Me too.

1032
00:59:26,340 --> 00:59:27,860
 Three and a half minute timeout.

1033
00:59:27,980 --> 00:59:28,760
 Thank you so much.

1034
00:59:28,940 --> 00:59:29,660
 Thank you, Coach.

1035
00:59:29,980 --> 00:59:32,800
 Hey, we got Cortez, Graham, Braylon, Patton in the house next.

1036
00:59:32,840 --> 00:59:34,180
 We got 30 more minutes to go.

1037
00:59:34,260 --> 00:59:35,240
 We'll be back after this.

1038
00:59:35,300 --> 00:59:39,360
 This is UNA Basketball Night from Lost Pizza Shoals on 93.9 The Score.

1039
00:59:42,180 --> 00:59:46,200
 No matter the size of your team or your fan crew, Lost Pizza's got you covered.

1040
00:59:47,480 --> 00:59:51,040
 We're talking wings, salads, and the one and only Monster Pizza.

1041
00:59:51,760 --> 00:59:55,380
 Perfect for team dinners, watch parties, or post-game celebrations.

1042
00:59:56,140 --> 00:59:59,440
 Big plays deserve big flavor, and nobody delivers like Lost Pizza.

1043
01:00:00,800 --> 01:00:02,680
 Feed the team, feel the fans.

1044
01:00:03,180 --> 01:00:04,300
 Go big with Lost Pizza.

1045
01:00:05,300 --> 01:00:11,360
 Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is now offering soft wave therapy,

1046
01:00:11,560 --> 01:00:16,720
 effective for osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, foot ulcers, shoulder pain, and more.

1047
01:00:16,920 --> 01:00:21,500
 We also offer the only Theralight 360 red light therapy beds in the Shoals area,

1048
01:00:21,860 --> 01:00:24,760
 helping with sleep, energy, recovery, pain, and inflammation.

1049
01:00:25,300 --> 01:00:28,500
 Therapies coupled with dry needling can help with sugar point and muscular pain.

1050
01:00:28,500 --> 01:00:33,440
 In addition, we also offer genetic testing, deep tissue laser, adjustments, and more.

1051
01:00:33,760 --> 01:00:37,300
 Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is now open Saturdays to better serve our patients.

1052
01:00:37,500 --> 01:00:39,300
 Please visit us at burnleychiro.com.

1053
01:00:40,020 --> 01:00:42,560
 Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance.

1054
01:00:43,000 --> 01:00:48,500
 Whether you are looking for a Medicare health plan or you are under 65 and exploring individual

1055
01:00:48,500 --> 01:00:53,200
 health care options, Alabama Health Guidance can help you find the plan that fits your needs.

1056
01:00:53,680 --> 01:01:00,080
 Our local agents make it simple, so stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard or give us a call

1057
01:01:00,080 --> 01:01:03,220
 call at 256-648-5710.

1058
01:01:03,980 --> 01:01:08,000
 Again, that's 256-648-5710.

1059
01:01:10,960 --> 01:01:15,300
 Have you ever seen those halftime scholarships where you have to nail a 40-yard field goal?

1060
01:01:16,000 --> 01:01:17,240
 Yeah, this isn't that.

1061
01:01:17,460 --> 01:01:21,460
 I didn't have to write a long essay or audition or make a half-court shot.

1062
01:01:21,780 --> 01:01:26,500
 I just had to open a bank independent account, use my debit card, sign up for online banking,

1063
01:01:26,620 --> 01:01:27,920
 and have a positive balance.

1064
01:01:28,060 --> 01:01:28,620
 That's it.

1065
01:01:28,720 --> 01:01:30,600
 A 20% scholarship to UNA.

1066
01:01:30,800 --> 01:01:35,000
 When bank independent invests in students like me, they're investing in all of us and

1067
01:01:35,000 --> 01:01:36,280
 the future of our community.

1068
01:01:36,280 --> 01:01:37,180
 Bank independent.

1069
01:01:37,420 --> 01:01:38,840
 We're invested in your future.

1070
01:01:39,040 --> 01:01:39,940
 Member FDIC.

1071
01:01:40,180 --> 01:01:43,980
 Hey guys, how long have you been wearing those out-of-date, scratched-up glasses?

1072
01:01:44,460 --> 01:01:46,840
 This is Dr. Ham Moore with Renaissance Eye Care.

1073
01:01:47,180 --> 01:01:51,220
 Go ahead and do as the woman in your life has been asking and schedule an eye exam.

1074
01:01:51,520 --> 01:01:59,120
 You can go to renaissanceeyecare.com or call 767-5000 to see either Dr. Kathy Warner, Dr.

1075
01:01:59,120 --> 01:02:00,600
 Lisa Campbell, or myself.

1076
01:02:00,900 --> 01:02:05,640
 Everyone knows it's time to evaluate the health of your eyes and get a new pair of glasses.

1077
01:02:06,080 --> 01:02:08,980
 We can make sure you won't miss any of the action this fall.

1078
01:02:09,360 --> 01:02:10,140
 And Roar Lions.

1079
01:02:10,860 --> 01:02:15,420
 Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun.

1080
01:02:16,720 --> 01:02:19,380
 Ready to serve delicious drinks and host amazing events?

1081
01:02:22,300 --> 01:02:26,400
 Try our Golden Mainer Leo's Roar, and 50% goes to UNA Athletics.

1082
01:02:27,320 --> 01:02:30,940
 Support your local business and college community while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere.

1083
01:02:34,080 --> 01:02:35,500
 Don't miss out on the good times.

1084
01:02:35,840 --> 01:02:39,200
 Come sip, socialize, and savor the taste of Singing River Brewery.

1085
01:02:39,360 --> 01:02:41,340
 Got wine?

1086
01:02:41,820 --> 01:02:48,160
 Offering 10% off six or more bottles of mix-and-match wine and an unmatched selection of nearly 1,000 different wines to suit any budget,

1087
01:02:48,580 --> 01:02:53,480
 the Carriage Wine & Market is your one-stop wine and craft beer destination in the heart of downtown Florence.

1088
01:02:53,960 --> 01:02:55,900
 In the mood to relax and wind down?

1089
01:02:55,900 --> 01:03:03,460
 Indulge in our bar service featuring fine wines, wine cocktails, and craft beers, all paired perfectly with house-made small bites and charcuterie,

1090
01:03:03,840 --> 01:03:06,860
 and served with a smile in our cozy living room-style atmosphere.

1091
01:03:07,520 --> 01:03:11,340
 Come spend a little time with us and uncork your wine journey at the Carriage Wine & Market,

1092
01:03:11,740 --> 01:03:15,660
 located at 121 East Mobile Street on Mobile Plaza across from the Shoals Theater.

1093
01:03:16,080 --> 01:03:16,400
 Cheers!

1094
01:03:18,240 --> 01:03:26,000
 Valley Broadcasting Corporation, WITK-FM, Rogersville, Athens, Decatur, the Shoals, Sports Radio 93.9, The Score.

1095
01:03:31,380 --> 01:03:34,060
 Man, that Cuban sandwich was phenomenal.

1096
01:03:34,220 --> 01:03:35,700
 Not enough time to eat it.

1097
01:03:35,780 --> 01:03:40,560
 Come get it starting tomorrow here at Lost Pizza Shoals in historic downtown Florence.

1098
01:03:40,660 --> 01:03:43,640
 Benjamin Ray and Mike Ezekiel back with you here on UNA Basketball Night.

1099
01:03:43,680 --> 01:03:47,920
 We've got the true freshman guard, the phenom from Nashville, Tennessee.

1100
01:03:48,600 --> 01:03:51,140
 Hillsboro High School his first year at North Alabama.

1101
01:03:51,440 --> 01:03:53,020
 Cortez Graham stops by.

1102
01:03:53,140 --> 01:03:54,920
 Cortez, we appreciate you coming by.

1103
01:03:55,320 --> 01:03:56,760
 Hard-hitting question out of the gate.

1104
01:03:56,820 --> 01:03:58,620
 I saw you chowing down over there.

1105
01:03:58,680 --> 01:04:00,120
 What was the order tonight?

1106
01:04:00,480 --> 01:04:01,740
 I had the barbecue nacho.

1107
01:04:02,300 --> 01:04:03,260
 Barbecue nachos.

1108
01:04:03,360 --> 01:04:05,460
 Yeah, but you've got to get extra barbecue sauce with your chicken.

1109
01:04:05,680 --> 01:04:07,300
 Pretty good choice over there?

1110
01:04:07,320 --> 01:04:07,800
 Yeah, it was.

1111
01:04:07,980 --> 01:04:09,260
 I haven't ever gone that way.

1112
01:04:09,380 --> 01:04:10,960
 We'll have to try that sometime.

1113
01:04:11,120 --> 01:04:13,480
 I mean, the menu just keeps expanding over here.

1114
01:04:13,520 --> 01:04:16,220
 I feel like every time we get a meal, I get something different.

1115
01:04:16,220 --> 01:04:18,280
 Today I came in wondering, what do I want?

1116
01:04:18,340 --> 01:04:20,760
 Because I don't know if I want the beekeeper today because I always get it.

1117
01:04:22,260 --> 01:04:24,380
 Next week, full-court press for sure.

1118
01:04:24,560 --> 01:04:25,620
 I mean, that was amazing.

1119
01:04:26,060 --> 01:04:28,300
 Thanks to Chuck and everybody that organized that.

1120
01:04:28,320 --> 01:04:28,860
 That was awesome.

1121
01:04:29,280 --> 01:04:32,380
 Cortez, year one for you here at the University of North Alabama.

1122
01:04:32,860 --> 01:04:34,700
 Just how has your freshman year been going?

1123
01:04:35,120 --> 01:04:36,380
 Do you feel to this point?

1124
01:04:37,040 --> 01:04:39,880
 It was really kind of – at first it was kind of like an up-and-down experience,

1125
01:04:40,040 --> 01:04:44,320
 but the guys always – they just always told me to keep my head up through it all,

1126
01:04:44,320 --> 01:04:46,740
 even through the good or the bad games or the games I might not play.

1127
01:04:46,820 --> 01:04:50,960
 They always just told me to stay ready and just my time was going to come and just be ready.

1128
01:04:51,480 --> 01:04:54,820
 You had a very successful high school career, the Mr. Basketball Awards

1129
01:04:54,820 --> 01:04:57,680
 and all the things that you did at the high school level.

1130
01:04:57,680 --> 01:05:01,040
 You played a lot of positions, just did whatever the team needed you to do.

1131
01:05:01,460 --> 01:05:05,860
 And now as a freshman kind of has to do a little bit of the same, play a lot of different areas.

1132
01:05:06,040 --> 01:05:11,140
 But adjusting from high school to college, what has that been like for you in these first 15 games of your career?

1133
01:05:11,860 --> 01:05:14,620
 At first I thought it was pretty much the pace of it.

1134
01:05:14,700 --> 01:05:18,220
 But as I started playing more, I kind of got more comfortable with it.

1135
01:05:18,280 --> 01:05:20,160
 So it was kind of like just playing off instincts.

1136
01:05:20,260 --> 01:05:22,560
 That's kind of what it was last game, just getting others involved.

1137
01:05:23,100 --> 01:05:26,920
 TP always told me then, like when I first got there, I asked him, like, what type of player do he think on you?

1138
01:05:26,960 --> 01:05:31,840
 He was like, you can score the ball, but your main thing is to get others involved and just play off of it.

1139
01:05:32,040 --> 01:05:33,200
 And that came alive last game.

1140
01:05:33,560 --> 01:05:34,360
 It certainly did.

1141
01:05:34,460 --> 01:05:38,800
 Ten points, seven assists, five rebounds.

1142
01:05:39,040 --> 01:05:41,540
 At what point did you feel like, man, I'm in a groove?

1143
01:05:42,700 --> 01:05:44,920
 Really, it really wasn't so much me.

1144
01:05:45,040 --> 01:05:47,780
 It was really when D-Hal got high, it was kind of like a thing.

1145
01:05:47,900 --> 01:05:49,080
 Like we were just trying to get it to him.

1146
01:05:49,200 --> 01:05:51,720
 So I think like three or four of my assists was from him.

1147
01:05:51,840 --> 01:05:55,920
 So it was just really having fun with him, especially knowing, like being in the gym with him some time,

1148
01:05:55,980 --> 01:05:57,940
 seeing how much work he was putting in.

1149
01:05:58,040 --> 01:05:58,960
 And he had a few off games.

1150
01:05:59,060 --> 01:06:02,040
 Like he had a game where he went 0 for 9, 0 for 10 from the three.

1151
01:06:02,080 --> 01:06:04,400
 But I just kept telling him, like, I've seen the words.

1152
01:06:04,520 --> 01:06:05,860
 I'm always going to ride with you and trust you.

1153
01:06:06,300 --> 01:06:07,920
 So I got to follow up with that.

1154
01:06:08,220 --> 01:06:13,400
 Seven assists, when a guy's hot like that, right, and you make the pass that he scores off of,

1155
01:06:13,900 --> 01:06:15,240
 that's got to feel good.

1156
01:06:15,320 --> 01:06:18,740
 But compare that feeling to your highlight dunk.

1157
01:06:18,740 --> 01:06:23,600
 I mean, I imagine that the dunk's a little better, but is the assist kind of up there as well?

1158
01:06:23,940 --> 01:06:27,120
 Yeah, especially in a game like that where we haven't really got a win yet

1159
01:06:27,120 --> 01:06:28,400
 and we're just chipping away at it.

1160
01:06:28,660 --> 01:06:30,740
 And like I said, he's been struggling.

1161
01:06:30,840 --> 01:06:35,180
 So for him to be the one to finally get us over that push with his shot making, it was fun.

1162
01:06:35,720 --> 01:06:39,000
 The way that you performed individually in that game on Saturday,

1163
01:06:39,180 --> 01:06:41,300
 the way the team performed in that game on Saturday,

1164
01:06:41,660 --> 01:06:44,360
 has that been your favorite game so far as a true freshman?

1165
01:06:44,760 --> 01:06:45,300
 Yes, it has.

1166
01:06:45,360 --> 01:06:46,200
 That was the funnest game.

1167
01:06:46,820 --> 01:06:48,060
 And what else was fun about it?

1168
01:06:48,060 --> 01:06:51,520
 I mean, not just on the court, but the whole vibe of it all.

1169
01:06:51,680 --> 01:06:54,120
 Like, how did it feel just seeing everybody eat a little bit?

1170
01:06:54,520 --> 01:06:58,440
 Man, it was really good, especially the people who even wasn't in the game like that.

1171
01:06:58,580 --> 01:07:02,060
 Like, it was some guys who, like Dante and Kev, they usually play a lot in minutes.

1172
01:07:02,120 --> 01:07:04,680
 I didn't know until after the game, but as me and Bray was playing,

1173
01:07:05,220 --> 01:07:07,400
 I think they were about to get ready to make a sub to get one of us out.

1174
01:07:07,460 --> 01:07:08,700
 And they were both like, nah, leave it me in.

1175
01:07:08,740 --> 01:07:09,520
 They're already in their flow.

1176
01:07:10,260 --> 01:07:12,100
 And then really just looking behind the bench, you know,

1177
01:07:12,240 --> 01:07:14,720
 Will Soucy, who was here last year, he reaches out to me a lot.

1178
01:07:15,060 --> 01:07:20,040
 So just seeing him, him being there, talking to me, telling him how proud of me he is,

1179
01:07:20,080 --> 01:07:20,860
 it was just a big moment.

1180
01:07:21,540 --> 01:07:24,940
 Speaking of a guy like Will Soucy, you're being recruited last year,

1181
01:07:24,980 --> 01:07:27,840
 and you're also watching that historic run that they went on,

1182
01:07:28,140 --> 01:07:30,560
 the big crowds inside of CBNS Bank Arena.

1183
01:07:30,640 --> 01:07:32,860
 How much did that play in your decision to come to North Alabama?

1184
01:07:33,400 --> 01:07:36,800
 It played a lot of my decisions, especially in the last game,

1185
01:07:36,860 --> 01:07:37,740
 them losing at Lipscomb.

1186
01:07:38,060 --> 01:07:39,560
 And that's kind of always been a school.

1187
01:07:39,740 --> 01:07:42,260
 It's always been right there, and they never really recruited me like this.

1188
01:07:42,260 --> 01:07:45,700
 So it's really kind of our mission just for us to get back to the A-Sun championship

1189
01:07:45,700 --> 01:07:46,180
 and get one.

1190
01:07:46,540 --> 01:07:49,240
 And for you to be pretty close to home from Nashville,

1191
01:07:49,440 --> 01:07:52,380
 what's it like seeing that your family can come, watch you play,

1192
01:07:52,480 --> 01:07:53,880
 and be kind of close to Florence?

1193
01:07:54,240 --> 01:07:55,340
 Yeah, it means a lot.

1194
01:07:55,460 --> 01:07:58,500
 It really means a lot still being able to get back into family.

1195
01:07:59,080 --> 01:08:03,180
 And for them to still be there, it kind of makes it kind of like take the nerves away

1196
01:08:03,180 --> 01:08:05,080
 because, you know, I've always played with family there.

1197
01:08:05,160 --> 01:08:08,560
 So them being at the game still and I'm on a whole higher level, it means a lot.

1198
01:08:09,180 --> 01:08:11,380
 Going from high school to college,

1199
01:08:11,620 --> 01:08:12,740
 what was the biggest adjustment?

1200
01:08:15,100 --> 01:08:17,560
 Really just getting used to being around new players

1201
01:08:17,560 --> 01:08:19,900
 because this is like my first time in my life I went somewhere

1202
01:08:19,900 --> 01:08:21,700
 and it was like I knew nobody on the team.

1203
01:08:21,800 --> 01:08:24,160
 So really just building relationships with new people.

1204
01:08:24,380 --> 01:08:25,820
 But when I got better relationships with people,

1205
01:08:25,900 --> 01:08:27,060
 everything else just came easy.

1206
01:08:27,580 --> 01:08:29,640
 There's a lot of older guys on this roster.

1207
01:08:29,840 --> 01:08:31,440
 You've got a six-year senior like Dallas Howell.

1208
01:08:31,480 --> 01:08:32,620
 He's played a lot of basketball.

1209
01:08:33,040 --> 01:08:35,000
 You've got some other guys that are seniors and juniors.

1210
01:08:35,460 --> 01:08:37,740
 Two true freshmen, you and the guy we're going to talk to later,

1211
01:08:38,100 --> 01:08:38,800
 Braylon Patton.

1212
01:08:39,040 --> 01:08:40,180
 What's it like having Braylon?

1213
01:08:40,180 --> 01:08:42,660
 And you guys are both kind of going through the same thing right now,

1214
01:08:42,960 --> 01:08:44,260
 first year of college basketball.

1215
01:08:46,120 --> 01:08:50,360
 It's kind of like it's a real good relationship because you're kind of like with somebody and we live with each other.

1216
01:08:50,400 --> 01:08:53,680
 So it's kind of like you're with somebody who's going through the same thing as you.

1217
01:08:54,100 --> 01:08:56,940
 So like we kind of like feed off each other like he's having a good game.

1218
01:08:56,980 --> 01:08:57,900
 I'm super proud of him.

1219
01:08:58,460 --> 01:09:02,360
 He'll reach out to me telling me he's super proud of me after a game or keep my head up or anything like that.

1220
01:09:02,900 --> 01:09:07,420
 So you see a guy like Will Soucy who got the extra year, feels like he was here forever.

1221
01:09:07,420 --> 01:09:11,580
 You see a guy like Dallas Howell who you just talked about in the long runs that they've had.

1222
01:09:11,640 --> 01:09:16,140
 What kind of impact have they had on you and seeing guys that have been here in the way that this town,

1223
01:09:16,240 --> 01:09:18,080
 this community has fallen in love with them?

1224
01:09:19,120 --> 01:09:23,800
 It really means a lot because they're all whatever question I got like how he's seen everything.

1225
01:09:23,980 --> 01:09:26,280
 Like anything I talk about to him, he's been through it.

1226
01:09:26,620 --> 01:09:28,520
 Or he's seen even talking to Will Soucy sometimes.

1227
01:09:28,700 --> 01:09:29,760
 Like I was playing situations with him.

1228
01:09:29,820 --> 01:09:31,340
 He was like he's been through the same thing.

1229
01:09:31,820 --> 01:09:33,000
 He was like it's just a trust thing.

1230
01:09:33,080 --> 01:09:34,540
 Just keep getting through the process.

1231
01:09:35,260 --> 01:09:38,640
 And not just those guys, but even like your family growing up.

1232
01:09:38,640 --> 01:09:42,240
 I mean you had relatives that were at high level college.

1233
01:09:42,240 --> 01:09:43,680
 You play in Vanderbilt, UCLA.

1234
01:09:44,120 --> 01:09:49,660
 You've got people that have just played all over in college basketball and college athletics.

1235
01:09:49,800 --> 01:09:56,400
 What's it like coming from a collegiate athletic type family where you have a lot of people that you can kind of lean on and talk to as mentors?

1236
01:09:56,940 --> 01:10:02,860
 That's a real good feeling, especially coming in as a freshman because a lot of them, they came in to Division I as freshman too.

1237
01:10:02,860 --> 01:10:07,800
 So they all just, they kind of telling me to just keep my head up and just keep being me, just keep being who I am.

1238
01:10:07,860 --> 01:10:08,860
 Don't try and change who I am.

1239
01:10:09,860 --> 01:10:13,420
 Everything, it just takes time with everything, especially coming in as a young player.

1240
01:10:13,880 --> 01:10:18,400
 Talk about some of that family and basketball connections because we learned about one at Mississippi State.

1241
01:10:18,620 --> 01:10:20,700
 They're the season opener this year.

1242
01:10:21,380 --> 01:10:25,580
 He's been talking to me about these moments since I was probably like seventh grade.

1243
01:10:25,800 --> 01:10:30,260
 So it's just been with him, he kind of like everything that's happening, he kind of expected it already to happen.

1244
01:10:30,260 --> 01:10:33,340
 So he reaches out to me on a normal, just giving me tips.

1245
01:10:33,840 --> 01:10:35,640
 And let's talk about that Mississippi State game.

1246
01:10:35,740 --> 01:10:38,780
 I believe that was kind of your first taste of college basketball.

1247
01:10:38,880 --> 01:10:42,880
 What was it like to be on that SEC type stage for your very first college game?

1248
01:10:43,300 --> 01:10:47,520
 It was an unreal moment, especially because that was a big dream as a kid just to play on the SEC floor.

1249
01:10:47,620 --> 01:10:51,420
 So being out there and actually competing on a level and to be in the game with him.

1250
01:10:51,420 --> 01:10:52,300
 You know, we were in the game.

1251
01:10:52,600 --> 01:10:54,040
 I feel like a game we probably could have won.

1252
01:10:55,120 --> 01:10:56,400
 It was just a surreal moment.

1253
01:10:57,340 --> 01:11:00,000
 The last couple of years, UNA's kind of been dunked city.

1254
01:11:00,320 --> 01:11:03,000
 Cornelius Williams, I always talk about the big boy slams.

1255
01:11:03,420 --> 01:11:06,440
 Tay Fields had one of the all-time great dunks against Jacksonville.

1256
01:11:06,760 --> 01:11:08,540
 It was Eastern Kentucky last year.

1257
01:11:08,620 --> 01:11:08,840
 Yes.

1258
01:11:08,940 --> 01:11:10,060
 Kind of just took off out of nowhere.

1259
01:11:10,120 --> 01:11:14,020
 He had a big one against Jacksonville as well in the postseason run last year.

1260
01:11:14,040 --> 01:11:17,240
 But you had one of the most powerful dunks I've ever seen inside of the bank.

1261
01:11:17,320 --> 01:11:17,760
 We settled.

1262
01:11:17,880 --> 01:11:18,900
 It was UT Southern.

1263
01:11:19,580 --> 01:11:21,320
 You had it at the top of the key.

1264
01:11:21,560 --> 01:11:25,080
 I think I was just mid-sentence and all of a sudden one move, one step.

1265
01:11:25,140 --> 01:11:27,300
 It's like you were dunking from the free throw line almost.

1266
01:11:27,800 --> 01:11:28,740
 Take us through that dunk.

1267
01:11:28,840 --> 01:11:30,880
 Is that one of your most memorable dunks in your career?

1268
01:11:31,820 --> 01:11:32,140
 Probably.

1269
01:11:32,340 --> 01:11:34,360
 I had one in high school where I went through the legs.

1270
01:11:34,420 --> 01:11:35,640
 That was probably my most memorable dunk.

1271
01:11:35,720 --> 01:11:38,600
 But this one probably hit different because it was like my first one in college.

1272
01:11:39,200 --> 01:11:40,440
 And it wasn't a fast break dunk.

1273
01:11:41,120 --> 01:11:42,460
 So, like, it was a big moment.

1274
01:11:42,620 --> 01:11:44,980
 So not to put pressure on you, but Andrew's still back there.

1275
01:11:45,000 --> 01:11:45,780
 I think he's here tonight.

1276
01:11:45,780 --> 01:11:46,680
 I don't know he was earlier.

1277
01:11:46,680 --> 01:11:47,940
 I can't see because of the column.

1278
01:11:48,080 --> 01:11:49,280
 Yeah, he's back there with his son.

1279
01:11:49,420 --> 01:11:52,660
 He told me that you should be getting one of those per game.

1280
01:11:52,860 --> 01:11:55,420
 So is that something we can start seeing more of?

1281
01:11:55,420 --> 01:11:56,940
 Yeah, he make it tough on him.

1282
01:11:57,040 --> 01:11:59,580
 He likes for everything to be off a steal or some type of deflection.

1283
01:12:00,140 --> 01:12:01,620
 So he liked the fast break dunk.

1284
01:12:02,260 --> 01:12:05,480
 I want to ask you this because you played a lot of positions in high school.

1285
01:12:05,580 --> 01:12:06,920
 We've seen you bring the ball up.

1286
01:12:06,980 --> 01:12:08,580
 We've seen you kind of play the wing.

1287
01:12:08,720 --> 01:12:11,600
 I'm sure you could also, you know, play the paint if you needed to as well.

1288
01:12:11,860 --> 01:12:13,640
 What's kind of your favorite role to have?

1289
01:12:14,080 --> 01:12:17,760
 Obviously, whatever the team needs, but what's your personal favorite when you get called to do something?

1290
01:12:18,220 --> 01:12:26,320
 My personal probably would be the one position, like being able to, especially being able to control who gets the ball or build it and just distribute with others.

1291
01:12:26,480 --> 01:12:33,020
 Like what I said with DeHal, like being able to be that person and get them the ball and keep getting them open and building that trust with all the guys, it just means a lot.

1292
01:12:33,540 --> 01:12:35,840
 Well, Cortez, the future is very bright for you.

1293
01:12:36,060 --> 01:12:38,640
 We can't wait to watch you continue to grow up inside of the bank.

1294
01:12:38,720 --> 01:12:40,340
 How excited are you to be back home?

1295
01:12:40,660 --> 01:12:44,200
 First time for you guys to be at home in front of the students since what?

1296
01:12:45,300 --> 01:12:45,660
 November.

1297
01:12:45,980 --> 01:12:46,140
 November.

1298
01:12:46,280 --> 01:12:49,500
 We probably didn't have a lot of students for that Thanksgiving break game.

1299
01:12:49,940 --> 01:12:52,160
 Hopefully you get a taste of what you saw last year.

1300
01:12:52,280 --> 01:12:54,680
 How excited are you to be back home this weekend?

1301
01:12:55,040 --> 01:12:57,340
 I'm super excited, especially I know their support.

1302
01:12:57,420 --> 01:13:00,340
 Even with the students who sit behind the bench, I know their support with us.

1303
01:13:00,900 --> 01:13:07,380
 Even watching the games last year, seeing how excited it was when it got to conference play, like how everybody came together and just supported each other.

1304
01:13:07,600 --> 01:13:11,180
 Do you know what will happen if you get one of those dunks with all the students in the house?

1305
01:13:11,280 --> 01:13:12,100
 They're going to go crazy.

1306
01:13:12,380 --> 01:13:16,300
 We don't want to put the expectations too high, but we would love to see that this weekend.

1307
01:13:16,500 --> 01:13:16,980
 I'm a good one.

1308
01:13:17,540 --> 01:13:21,060
 Cortez Graham, the future of UNA basketball, true freshmen stand out.

1309
01:13:21,120 --> 01:13:22,300
 We appreciate you stopping by.

1310
01:13:22,320 --> 01:13:22,700
 Thank y'all.

1311
01:13:22,780 --> 01:13:23,160
 Thank y'all.

1312
01:13:23,160 --> 01:13:24,320
 We'll take another time out.

1313
01:13:24,400 --> 01:13:25,760
 Braylon Patton's up next.

1314
01:13:25,900 --> 01:13:28,560
 This is UNA basketball night from Ross Pizza Shoals.

1315
01:13:30,900 --> 01:13:36,420
 No matter the size of your team or your fan crew, Ross Pizza's got you covered.

1316
01:13:37,580 --> 01:13:41,240
 We're talking wings, salads, and the one and only Monster Pizza.

1317
01:13:42,000 --> 01:13:45,560
 Perfect for team dinners, watch parties, or post-game celebrations.

1318
01:13:46,340 --> 01:13:49,640
 Big plays deserve big flavor, and nobody delivers like Ross Pizza.

1319
01:13:51,000 --> 01:13:52,880
 Feed the team, fuel the fans.

1320
01:13:53,380 --> 01:13:54,500
 Go big with Ross Pizza.

1321
01:13:57,880 --> 01:14:03,260
 Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is now offering soft wave therapy, effective for osteoarthritis,

1322
01:14:03,520 --> 01:14:06,960
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1323
01:14:07,180 --> 01:14:12,500
 We also offer the only Theralight 360 red light therapy beds in the Shoals area, helping with

1324
01:14:12,500 --> 01:14:15,000
 sleep, energy, recovery, pain, and inflammation.

1325
01:14:15,520 --> 01:14:18,740
 Therapies coupled with dry needling can help with sugar point and muscular pain.

1326
01:14:19,080 --> 01:14:23,660
 In addition, we also offer genetic testing, deep tissue laser, adjustments, and more.

1327
01:14:23,980 --> 01:14:27,540
 Burnley Spine and Sport Chiropractic is now open Saturdays to better serve our patients.

1328
01:14:27,880 --> 01:14:29,560
 Please visit us at burnleycaro.com.

1329
01:14:29,940 --> 01:14:32,860
 Hi, this is Ike Fowler with Alabama Health Guidance.

1330
01:14:33,300 --> 01:14:38,820
 Whether you are looking for a Medicare health plan, or you are under 65 and exploring individual

1331
01:14:38,820 --> 01:14:43,500
 health care options, Alabama Health Guidance can help you find the plan that fits your needs.

1332
01:14:43,920 --> 01:14:49,800
 Our local agents make it simple, so stop by our office at 885 Florence Boulevard, or give

1333
01:14:49,800 --> 01:14:53,520
 us a call at 256-648-5710.

1334
01:14:54,300 --> 01:14:58,300
 Again, that's 256-648-5710.

1335
01:15:01,480 --> 01:15:05,600
 Have you ever seen those halftime scholarships where you have to nail a 40-yard field goal?

1336
01:15:06,280 --> 01:15:07,540
 Yeah, this isn't that.

1337
01:15:07,740 --> 01:15:11,740
 I didn't have to write a long essay or audition or make a half-court shot.

1338
01:15:11,960 --> 01:15:16,800
 I just had to open a bank independent account, use my debit card, sign up for online banking,

1339
01:15:16,920 --> 01:15:18,220
 and have a positive balance.

1340
01:15:18,360 --> 01:15:18,920
 That's it.

1341
01:15:19,020 --> 01:15:20,900
 A 20% scholarship to UNA.

1342
01:15:21,100 --> 01:15:25,300
 When bank independent invests in students like me, they're investing in all of us and

1343
01:15:25,300 --> 01:15:26,580
 the future of our community.

1344
01:15:26,780 --> 01:15:27,460
 Bank independent.

1345
01:15:27,680 --> 01:15:29,120
 We're invested in your future.

1346
01:15:29,340 --> 01:15:30,220
 Member FDIC.

1347
01:15:30,460 --> 01:15:34,280
 Hey guys, how long have you been wearing those out-of-date, scratched-up glasses?

1348
01:15:34,760 --> 01:15:37,140
 This is Dr. Ham Moore with Renaissance Eye Care.

1349
01:15:37,460 --> 01:15:41,500
 Go ahead and do as the woman in your life has been asking and schedule an eye exam.

1350
01:15:41,820 --> 01:15:49,400
 You can go to renaissanceeyecare.com or call 767-5000 to see either Dr. Kathy Warner, Dr.

1351
01:15:49,400 --> 01:15:51,020
 Lisa Campbell, or myself.

1352
01:15:51,360 --> 01:15:55,940
 Everyone knows it's time to evaluate the health of your eyes and get a new pair of glasses.

1353
01:15:56,360 --> 01:15:59,280
 We can make sure you won't miss any of the action this fall.

1354
01:15:59,280 --> 01:16:00,460
 And roar lines.

1355
01:16:01,100 --> 01:16:05,720
 Join us at Singing River Brewery, your local hub for great beer and community fun.

1356
01:16:06,940 --> 01:16:09,680
 Ready to serve delicious drinks and host amazing events?

1357
01:16:12,520 --> 01:16:16,680
 Try our Golden Manor Leo's Roar, and 50% goes to UNA Athletics.

1358
01:16:17,800 --> 01:16:21,220
 Support your local business and college community while enjoying a fantastic atmosphere.

1359
01:16:24,340 --> 01:16:25,780
 Don't miss out on the good times.

1360
01:16:25,780 --> 01:16:29,520
 Come sip, socialize, and savor the taste of Singing River Brewery.

1361
01:16:31,040 --> 01:16:32,000
 Prohibition is over.

1362
01:16:32,160 --> 01:16:37,300
 And the good times will flow once again at the Florence Wine Fest, February 20th and 21st.

1363
01:16:37,360 --> 01:16:41,800
 Friday night sets its own with coops, cocktails, and velvet smooth live music.

1364
01:16:41,940 --> 01:16:45,280
 Saturday afternoon, taste your way through an unforgettable wine experience.

1365
01:16:45,380 --> 01:16:52,920
 Then Saturday night, the city comes alive with the Florence Wine Fest Free Block Party in Concert, featuring Atlanta's great grand finale band.

1366
01:16:53,040 --> 01:16:57,400
 Free block party tickets and full event details are at FlorenceWineFest.com.

1367
01:16:57,520 --> 01:17:04,760
 Proudly presented by Visit the Shoals, with support from CB&S Bank, Clearview Cancer Institute, and the Hotels of Florence.

1368
01:17:09,760 --> 01:17:15,340
 The time is flying, and it's a fun time down here at Lost Pizza Shoals in historic downtown.

1369
01:17:15,520 --> 01:17:17,220
 Florence Benjamin Ray, Mike Ezekiel.

1370
01:17:17,500 --> 01:17:24,040
 Before I introduce our next guest, this table to our right, you can't see him on camera, the boys in the back, the youngsters in the office.

1371
01:17:24,040 --> 01:17:32,080
 We want to shout out all of them for coming out, especially Taylor Clemons right here in the peppermint outfit you're talking about.

1372
01:17:32,080 --> 01:17:38,660
 She's got the Florence Water Department Employee of the Month, so shout out to Taylor Clemons right there.

1373
01:17:38,740 --> 01:17:40,900
 She's one of our student workers as well.

1374
01:17:40,900 --> 01:17:41,640
 Chief of the students.

1375
01:17:41,760 --> 01:17:42,680
 Chief of the students.

1376
01:17:42,800 --> 01:17:48,040
 Next up, we're chatting with true freshman Braylon Patton, a point guard from Birmingham, Alabama.

1377
01:17:48,400 --> 01:17:50,940
 He comes to UNA from Hueytown High School.

1378
01:17:51,060 --> 01:17:52,020
 He's in year number one.

1379
01:17:52,100 --> 01:17:53,100
 He had a big weekend.

1380
01:17:53,780 --> 01:17:55,860
 20 minutes played against Eastern Kentucky.

1381
01:17:56,020 --> 01:17:57,640
 Career high, 13 points.

1382
01:17:57,960 --> 01:18:01,840
 Followed that with 23 minutes against Bellarmine in the win for North Alabama.

1383
01:18:01,840 --> 01:18:03,880
 He and Cortez really sparked the Lions.

1384
01:18:04,400 --> 01:18:06,120
 Barry Lee, man, we appreciate you joining us.

1385
01:18:06,260 --> 01:18:07,880
 You're number one at UNA.

1386
01:18:07,980 --> 01:18:09,800
 How do you feel like it's been going for you to this point?

1387
01:18:10,280 --> 01:18:12,020
 First of all, I appreciate y'all for having me.

1388
01:18:13,560 --> 01:18:15,060
 It's been going smooth.

1389
01:18:15,580 --> 01:18:16,360
 It's been going smooth.

1390
01:18:17,640 --> 01:18:18,980
 Nothing I didn't expect.

1391
01:18:19,920 --> 01:18:25,420
 Coming in, I knew, like, going anywhere new, like, you just feel like you got to prove yourself.

1392
01:18:26,220 --> 01:18:27,400
 And that's what it's been about.

1393
01:18:29,400 --> 01:18:31,720
 But it was, it got easier.

1394
01:18:31,720 --> 01:18:43,000
 Well, with the people around me, you know, coaches, players, like, building a connection helped, like, help me go through a lot coming here.

1395
01:18:45,640 --> 01:18:48,300
 And that's just something you got to be thankful for, actually.

1396
01:18:48,420 --> 01:18:50,880
 You just got to be grateful and thankful for it all, for real.

1397
01:18:51,680 --> 01:18:52,400
 Well, I'll tell you one thing.

1398
01:18:52,480 --> 01:18:56,720
 This community here in the Shoals is thankful that you decided to come here from Hueytown.

1399
01:18:56,920 --> 01:18:58,920
 And you talked about making that impression.

1400
01:18:58,920 --> 01:19:01,440
 And let's talk about your debut.

1401
01:19:01,580 --> 01:19:06,740
 Mississippi State, back in November, your first taste of college basketball on a big-time stage.

1402
01:19:07,000 --> 01:19:11,660
 You go score at 11 points, most by a freshman since Jakari Lane did that in 2022.

1403
01:19:12,200 --> 01:19:17,240
 And just knowing that you were able to make that impact, and you continue to do that with the game you had at EKU.

1404
01:19:17,300 --> 01:19:21,160
 It's got to feel good to know that you got that first taste, and you're having a great freshman year.

1405
01:19:21,400 --> 01:19:22,020
 Yeah, yeah.

1406
01:19:22,120 --> 01:19:24,460
 That's, it's just confidence.

1407
01:19:24,920 --> 01:19:25,640
 Stacking good days.

1408
01:19:25,740 --> 01:19:27,140
 That's just stacking good days.

1409
01:19:27,680 --> 01:19:29,760
 Learning from the difficult days.

1410
01:19:29,960 --> 01:19:35,120
 And, you know, just keeping on pushing and, you know, growing.

1411
01:19:35,640 --> 01:19:40,480
 Let's talk about your recruitment to North Alabama from Birmingham, Alabama, Hueytown High School.

1412
01:19:40,720 --> 01:19:42,940
 What was the path that led you to North Alabama?

1413
01:19:44,580 --> 01:19:52,720
 It was, for me, from my perspective, it was the summer.

1414
01:19:53,180 --> 01:20:00,060
 That summer, my senior summer, I found out that they was coming to the games, the summer league games.

1415
01:20:00,540 --> 01:20:02,520
 And they were showing me attention.

1416
01:20:03,800 --> 01:20:09,960
 But it wasn't until after that they offered my coach, my high school coach, Coach Daniels.

1417
01:20:09,960 --> 01:20:14,720
 He told me that they've been looking, they've been paying attention way before, way before.

1418
01:20:14,960 --> 01:20:18,200
 And that's just something, like, I took, I took note of.

1419
01:20:20,620 --> 01:20:27,380
 Just them, them showing that attention, that, believe, that confidence that I could come here and make a difference.

1420
01:20:27,420 --> 01:20:29,680
 It just meant a lot to me.

1421
01:20:30,140 --> 01:20:34,880
 You know, there's been a lot of good basketball to come out of Birmingham and Hueytown specifically.

1422
01:20:35,100 --> 01:20:39,940
 Not only you, but I go all the way back to a UNA Athletic Hall of Famer that was on the basketball team.

1423
01:20:39,960 --> 01:20:40,760
 Albert Owens.

1424
01:20:41,240 --> 01:20:42,980
 A lot of good basketball out of Hueytown.

1425
01:20:43,060 --> 01:20:46,940
 Just talk about what it was like playing there and being from Birmingham and some good basketball.

1426
01:20:48,100 --> 01:20:56,580
 Honestly, I came from Nevada to come to Hueytown and play with my cousin, Corey.

1427
01:20:57,020 --> 01:20:59,340
 Corey Stevenson, he's playing at FIU right now.

1428
01:21:02,620 --> 01:21:10,320
 Growing up, playing, like, it wasn't even, it wasn't even, like, the school, just playing basketball, like, practicing the school.

1429
01:21:10,460 --> 01:21:11,360
 It was outside.

1430
01:21:12,360 --> 01:21:18,320
 A lot of the times I spent with him outside, me, my brother, him, his friends from just around the city.

1431
01:21:18,640 --> 01:21:24,880
 Like, that built a lot of character, you know, skill, toughness.

1432
01:21:25,360 --> 01:21:29,420
 A lot of that just made me who I am today.

1433
01:21:29,900 --> 01:21:32,620
 So, as you're being recruited by UNA, the offer comes in.

1434
01:21:32,680 --> 01:21:36,480
 You also get to watch UNA a season ago make that historic run.

1435
01:21:36,660 --> 01:21:39,400
 And we asked the same thing to Cortez.

1436
01:21:39,480 --> 01:21:40,100
 I want to ask you this.

1437
01:21:40,160 --> 01:21:45,520
 What was it like for you to watch that group, watch them compete, watch the crowds inside of CBNS Bank Arena?

1438
01:21:45,660 --> 01:21:49,480
 Did it excite you knowing, like, hey, I'm walking into a championship caliber program?

1439
01:21:49,800 --> 01:21:50,740
 Yeah, yeah, for sure.

1440
01:21:52,400 --> 01:21:57,760
 I know, I know my coach talked to me a lot about Jacquard.

1441
01:21:58,660 --> 01:22:04,100
 And it wasn't, it wasn't, I know most people might see it as, like, pressure.

1442
01:22:04,320 --> 01:22:05,100
 But it wasn't pressure.

1443
01:22:05,200 --> 01:22:09,000
 It was just, like, it's a legacy, you know, a legacy.

1444
01:22:09,000 --> 01:22:18,500
 Like, I'm able to uphold, you know, and, you know, build for somebody who might come out under me, you know.

1445
01:22:19,200 --> 01:22:25,280
 And just being here, it just showed me, like, what that legacy was about.

1446
01:22:25,720 --> 01:22:31,700
 Like, what it was, what it really, what was put into the team, the organization as a whole.

1447
01:22:32,500 --> 01:22:38,240
 Yeah, it was great to hear Cortez talk about getting to see a guy like Will Soucy, who he didn't necessarily play with,

1448
01:22:38,340 --> 01:22:42,800
 but a guy that has reached out to him before, that's been in this program a long time.

1449
01:22:43,080 --> 01:22:44,900
 You got Dallas Howell, that's a six-year senior.

1450
01:22:45,320 --> 01:22:49,180
 You see a lot of these guys that have just stayed with this program, stayed with this coaching staff,

1451
01:22:49,520 --> 01:22:50,860
 really built something special here.

1452
01:22:50,900 --> 01:22:56,420
 That's going to mean a lot to you to know that there's so much commitment from these guys to just stay and build

1453
01:22:56,420 --> 01:22:57,820
 and to be part of this program.

1454
01:22:57,820 --> 01:23:04,960
 I know Soucy, he came to the game, the last game.

1455
01:23:06,400 --> 01:23:13,560
 And even during the summer, we had guys come in from all over the country.

1456
01:23:15,560 --> 01:23:20,500
 You know, I know one of them came from overseas.

1457
01:23:20,500 --> 01:23:21,480
 He's playing right now.

1458
01:23:22,360 --> 01:23:34,020
 And just to see them come back, like, it just shows, like, the type of brotherhood within the entire organization.

1459
01:23:34,320 --> 01:23:40,100
 Like, to see them, you know, just be happy to be here, it's just like, it means a lot.

1460
01:23:40,700 --> 01:23:41,780
 It means a lot, for sure.

1461
01:23:42,000 --> 01:23:46,580
 What's it like kind of sharing this first year of college basketball with a guy like Cortez,

1462
01:23:46,580 --> 01:23:49,840
 knowing that you've got a teammate there, that I think you said you guys are roommates,

1463
01:23:50,020 --> 01:23:53,760
 to kind of go through those ups and downs of your freshman campaign together?

1464
01:23:55,580 --> 01:23:59,220
 It's like a, it's a relationship that's understood without words.

1465
01:23:59,520 --> 01:24:07,400
 Like, practices, games, like, you just know, like, we're both trying to prove ourselves

1466
01:24:07,400 --> 01:24:14,560
 and just make our name, like, just show that we're meant to be here, we're able to play at this level.

1467
01:24:15,080 --> 01:24:23,040
 And it's like, to see each other, like, thrive, it's just motivation, motivation to see the next person

1468
01:24:23,040 --> 01:24:27,880
 do what, you know what I'm saying, they love doing.

1469
01:24:29,020 --> 01:24:31,160
 What's your goal for your freshman year?

1470
01:24:31,240 --> 01:24:32,200
 What do you hope to accomplish?

1471
01:24:32,400 --> 01:24:36,480
 And then, as a team, and for this program, what do you hope to be part of and accomplish

1472
01:24:36,480 --> 01:24:38,620
 as you go throughout the rest of the season?

1473
01:24:40,060 --> 01:24:42,840
 Honestly, I want a ring.

1474
01:24:43,380 --> 01:24:44,140
 I want a ring.

1475
01:24:44,300 --> 01:24:48,000
 And I feel like that's, that's, that's, that's what we all want.

1476
01:24:48,180 --> 01:24:50,620
 And I feel like that's, that's the connection.

1477
01:24:50,840 --> 01:24:53,660
 That's the, that's the drive.

1478
01:24:53,760 --> 01:24:55,660
 That's what drives us every day, you know what I'm saying?

1479
01:24:55,800 --> 01:24:58,660
 We just trying to get that jury, for real, honestly.

1480
01:24:59,540 --> 01:25:04,700
 Trying to get that ring, and home opener this year, night of champions, the guys from last

1481
01:25:04,700 --> 01:25:09,740
 year's team got to get their rings, and what was your impression of the ring, how much motivation

1482
01:25:09,740 --> 01:25:12,960
 did that give you, what was it like for you to see them celebrated that night?

1483
01:25:14,420 --> 01:25:20,000
 Watching them enjoy that moment, it was just like, it just made me want to be a part of it,

1484
01:25:20,060 --> 01:25:25,500
 like, a part of it for, like, I just, I was thinking in my head, like, I want to, I want

1485
01:25:25,500 --> 01:25:32,040
 to have an impact on, on, on something, in something like that, personally, like, there's

1486
01:25:32,040 --> 01:25:33,600
 just, that's a lot.

1487
01:25:33,660 --> 01:25:38,240
 And that's something I've never, I personally never got to experience, and it's, it'd be,

1488
01:25:38,380 --> 01:25:40,740
 it'd be, it'd mean a lot to me to experience that here.

1489
01:25:41,100 --> 01:25:44,280
 It'd be a lot to me to experience that here, especially with the people around me, my teammates.

1490
01:25:44,880 --> 01:25:45,980
 You know what I'm saying, yeah.

1491
01:25:46,320 --> 01:25:50,820
 Yeah, and I want to talk about all the lessons you learned from that first game against Mississippi

1492
01:25:50,820 --> 01:25:52,880
 State, all the way up to now in conference play.

1493
01:25:52,980 --> 01:25:57,480
 What have you learned about yourself, your game, as you've went through these first 15 games

1494
01:25:57,480 --> 01:25:58,340
 of your college career?

1495
01:25:59,660 --> 01:26:06,600
 I learned that confidence, confidence is, it means a lot, and focus.

1496
01:26:07,640 --> 01:26:13,700
 I know, TV tell me, every day, focus, focus, focus, even Coach Steele, you know.

1497
01:26:14,280 --> 01:26:19,260
 But I feel like, for me, it was, it was my confidence, just knowing that, knowing, not

1498
01:26:19,260 --> 01:26:25,880
 questioning myself, not questioning my ability, just knowing and being confident in who I am

1499
01:26:25,880 --> 01:26:31,960
 on and off the court, it just shows, I just got to keep showing that.

1500
01:26:32,360 --> 01:26:37,360
 We had Kevin Dukovicic on the show last week, he's a sophomore guard, and I asked him the

1501
01:26:37,360 --> 01:26:41,780
 question, when you guys are on the road, you know, who's kind of the life of the party?

1502
01:26:41,780 --> 01:26:44,160
 Who kind of keeps guys laughing?

1503
01:26:44,440 --> 01:26:46,760
 And he mentioned you as a guy.

1504
01:26:46,760 --> 01:26:50,380
 Are you someone that's kind of a jokestra of the team?

1505
01:26:50,680 --> 01:26:54,160
 Yeah, I throw my jokes in, I throw my little one too.

1506
01:26:55,180 --> 01:26:57,660
 But it's always, it's always a different person.

1507
01:26:57,860 --> 01:27:02,140
 You know, you got my guy KB, actually like he-

1508
01:27:02,140 --> 01:27:02,520
 Kedar Bode.

1509
01:27:02,760 --> 01:27:03,000
 Yep.

1510
01:27:03,740 --> 01:27:03,980
 Yep.

1511
01:27:04,080 --> 01:27:08,320
 Kedar, he just, you just see a lot of joy in him.

1512
01:27:08,480 --> 01:27:09,120
 Even Kev.

1513
01:27:09,240 --> 01:27:14,540
 Kev is, he's the loudest one in practice, like, he's just, you know what I'm saying?

1514
01:27:15,460 --> 01:27:18,760
 D-Tate, it's just everybody, everybody, you know what I'm saying?

1515
01:27:18,880 --> 01:27:24,620
 It just, it just bring, it just bring different personalities to the table and it just, it just

1516
01:27:24,620 --> 01:27:26,060
 make it a family, you know what I'm saying?

1517
01:27:26,720 --> 01:27:28,700
 So, you can be honest here.

1518
01:27:28,840 --> 01:27:31,020
 Do you agree with Kevin that you're the funniest on the team?

1519
01:27:32,000 --> 01:27:34,240
 Yeah, I got, I'm going to take that one.

1520
01:27:34,720 --> 01:27:35,720
 I'm going to take that one.

1521
01:27:37,440 --> 01:27:39,920
 By far, by far, no question.

1522
01:27:40,240 --> 01:27:42,400
 Well, Braylon, man, we've enjoyed chatting with you.

1523
01:27:42,460 --> 01:27:45,560
 It's been great watching you inside of the bank and all season long.

1524
01:27:45,640 --> 01:27:46,960
 We know you're going to have a great career at UNA.

1525
01:27:47,380 --> 01:27:52,440
 I got to check off a long-term broadcast goal tonight of eating on air.

1526
01:27:52,780 --> 01:27:54,680
 You've never had a Cuban sandwich, right?

1527
01:27:54,820 --> 01:27:59,840
 Would you like to try a bite of this sandwich and give everybody your impression and rating?

1528
01:27:59,940 --> 01:28:01,480
 And no matter what, it's got to be good.

1529
01:28:01,800 --> 01:28:05,120
 So, anyway, that's the one I, yeah, try that one right there.

1530
01:28:05,340 --> 01:28:05,780
 Let's do it.

1531
01:28:05,820 --> 01:28:09,600
 Coach Pujol's a big believer in these Cuban sandwiches.

1532
01:28:10,320 --> 01:28:14,280
 I, I, I've got to be honest, I haven't had a lot of Cuban sandwiches in my life, but I really

1533
01:28:14,280 --> 01:28:14,920
 enjoyed mine.

1534
01:28:15,000 --> 01:28:15,280
 Here we go.

1535
01:28:15,340 --> 01:28:18,260
 First bite, first impression, Brunaro, what it's got to be good.

1536
01:28:18,840 --> 01:28:19,460
 Here we go.

1537
01:28:20,900 --> 01:28:22,960
 That's good crunch right there on air.

1538
01:28:23,140 --> 01:28:23,780
 That sound.

1539
01:28:24,500 --> 01:28:25,920
 That's a good sandwich, isn't it?

1540
01:28:26,700 --> 01:28:27,300
 That's it right there.

1541
01:28:28,520 --> 01:28:29,120
 Thumbs up.

1542
01:28:29,160 --> 01:28:30,120
 He is speechless.

1543
01:28:30,820 --> 01:28:32,620
 You, you, you can, you can finish that right there.

1544
01:28:32,680 --> 01:28:34,140
 It's an unbelievable sandwich.

1545
01:28:34,280 --> 01:28:36,420
 Braylon, man, you can take that, man.

1546
01:28:36,700 --> 01:28:37,740
 Enjoy the sandwich.

1547
01:28:37,980 --> 01:28:39,600
 That is great stuff right there.

1548
01:28:39,900 --> 01:28:40,900
 Hey, best of luck this week.

1549
01:28:40,920 --> 01:28:42,640
 We can't wait to see you roll inside the bank.

1550
01:28:43,280 --> 01:28:44,220
 Appreciate you, appreciate you.

1551
01:28:44,220 --> 01:28:45,920
 He's got a mouthful of sandwich there.

1552
01:28:45,980 --> 01:28:47,740
 We appreciate Braylon Patton joining us.

1553
01:28:47,740 --> 01:28:49,220
 Thanks to everybody for coming out tonight.

1554
01:28:49,300 --> 01:28:50,620
 We'll be back with you next week.

1555
01:28:50,780 --> 01:28:54,320
 Thanks to Jazzy Allen, Coach Petrie on the women's side.

1556
01:28:54,580 --> 01:28:57,380
 Thanks to Cortez, Braylon here, and of course, Coach Poole.

1557
01:28:57,460 --> 01:28:58,860
 Thank you to Chuck for hosting us.

1558
01:28:58,960 --> 01:29:02,680
 And thank you for everybody to keep coming out, especially the boys in the back over here

1559
01:29:02,680 --> 01:29:03,400
 at the table.

1560
01:29:03,500 --> 01:29:05,300
 Thank you all very much for coming.

1561
01:29:05,460 --> 01:29:08,340
 So for everybody over here, we're back full staff.

1562
01:29:08,340 --> 01:29:10,440
 Ty's back from the national championship game.

1563
01:29:10,520 --> 01:29:11,300
 He worked last week.

1564
01:29:11,420 --> 01:29:15,400
 Ty over here, Grant Eli Bray, and he's back from his anniversary trip.

1565
01:29:15,480 --> 01:29:16,740
 We appreciate everybody coming out.

1566
01:29:16,840 --> 01:29:20,600
 For Mike, for Blair back at the station, I'm Benjamin Ray saying roar lions.

1567
01:29:24,460 --> 01:29:29,560
 You've been listening to UNA Basketball Night at Lost Pizza Company featuring Coach Candy

1568
01:29:29,560 --> 01:29:31,220
 Whittaker and Coach Tony Poole.

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01:29:31,800 --> 01:29:38,460
 UNA Basketball Night has been brought to you by Lost Pizza, Bank Independent, Burnley Spine

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01:29:38,460 --> 01:29:45,940
 and Sport, Renaissance Eye Care, The Carriage Wine and Market, Alabama Health Guidance, and

1571
01:29:45,940 --> 01:29:47,160
 Singing River Brewery.

1572
01:29:47,160 --> 01:29:50,180
 Thanks for listening and roar lions.

1573
01:29:54,460 --> 01:29:58,020
 We'll see you next time.