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Cody Leist

PDT Sports Writer

For one program, it’s another week of being recognized nationally for its accomplishments.

For the other, it’s history-making news. Both the Shawnee State men’s and women’s basketball teams are ranked in the latest NAIA Division I coaches polls, becoming one of only 10 schools nationally to have both teams ranked.

The women check in at 19th, one spot up from a week ago. The Bears defeated Bluefield College 89-82 Saturday in their only game from the past week.

The men are 24th in this week’s poll, the first time they have cracked the Division I Top 25 since their move in the 2010-2011 season. SSU defeated Wilberforce 80-56 last Tuesday and Bluefield 89-57 Saturday afternoon.

It’s the first time the Bears have been ranked in a men’s poll since the 2003-2004 preseason poll. At that point, they were 14th in Division II.

The ranking continues a busy week for awards towards the men’s program. Senior Tyler Morgan was named Mid-South Conference player of the week for the second time in his career.

The MSC litters both polls with members. On the men’s side, Pikeville is third, Lindsey Wilson is seventh, Cumberlands (Ky.) holds the 25th spot and Georgetown is on the outside looking in. Columbia (Mo.) is the top team in the country according to the coaches.

For the women, Cumberland (Tenn.) is the highest MSC team at No. 7, Campbellsville is tied for 10th and Georgetown checks in at No. 13 while St. Catharine and Lindsey Wilson are in the others receiving votes category. Atop the women’s poll is Lubbock Christian (Texas).

Both Shawnee State teams will be continuing homestands this week as Georgetown comes into town Thursday night and St. Catharine is Saturday’s opponent.

Cody Leist can be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 294, or cleist@civitasmedia.com.