The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Sports

January 8, 2006

Humphrey making presence known

By Gary Fauber

HUNTINGTON — Ron Jirsa says Markel Humphrey does not play like a freshman. In some ways, Humphrey doesn’t sound like a freshman either.

The Ellenwood, Ga., native has made an immediate impact for Marshall. In making his fifth start of the season Saturday against No. 20 George Washington, Humphrey posted his second double-double with a career-high 15 points and 10 rebounds.

He had 10 points and a career-best 11 rebounds in the Thundering Herd’s 77-74 overtime win over Kennesaw State.

Humphrey figured prominently in the Herd’s near upset of the Colonials.

His buzzer-beating three-pointer gave Marshall a 33-32 halftime lead.

The Herd trailed George Washington just once in regulation, but faltered in the end and eventually fell, 79-73 in overtime.

But Humphrey, if he hadn’t already done so, made his presence known. After the game, he spoke with confidence that belies his true freshman status.

“I’m starting to get used to (the game),” he said. “I’m on the court more. Once I get into the game, I don’t think anybody can stop me, if you ask me.”

Jirsa certainly has taken notice of the 6-foot-5, 215-pound forward.

“We had a couple of guys who have been there before, like Mark Patton, who were not afraid to go through it and go to the basket. Markel Humphrey did the same,” Jirsa said.

“As a starter, he’s probably one of our steadiest players. He’s got more poise than most of the guys. Not to compare them, but he’s just playing with a high level of poise and he does not look like a freshman, and that’s a good sign.

“He made some easy basketball plays. I just thought he ran out of gas in the overtime.”

n n n

Notes: Before the game, a moment of silence was observed for the 12 coal miners who died in the explosion at the Sago mine in Tallmansville ... Ed Prelas, a Richwood native, was presented with an “M” Club Blanket during a timeout. Prelas is a former head wrestling coach and assistant football coach at Marshall ... The attendance of 4,415 was a season-high for the Cam Henderson Center.

— E-mail:

gfauber@register-herald.com

Text Only
Sports
  • Big12logo.jpg Getting to know the Big 12 Conference

    As West Virginia University moves into the Big 12 Conference, here's one place to come to find out about all of the Mountaineers new league opponents.

    April 18, 2012 1 Photo

  • WVU releases 2012 football schedule

    West Virginia University has released its football schedule for 2012.

    WVU announced Tuesday it has settled a lawsuit with the Big East for an unspecified amount, clearing the way for the conference power Mountaineers to join the Big 12 in July in time for the fall football season.
     

    February 14, 2012

  • WVU settles Big East lawsuit

    West Virginia University announced Tuesday it has settled a lawsuit with the Big East for an unspecified amount, clearing the way for the Mountaineers to join the Big 12 in July.
    Athletic Director Oliver Luck said the terms of the deal were confidential and WVU wouldn’t release details. But Luck said no state, taxpayer, tuition or other academic dollars will be used in the settlement.

    February 14, 2012

  • Shannon leads Woodrow win; Weiford 3 keys Spartans

    February 14, 2012

  • Woodrow holds off Huntington

     It took Woodrow Wilson’s boys basketball team nearly three quarters to figure out that the backside lob was open in Huntington High’s zone.

    January 10, 2012

  • MSU hosts Rio Grande

    For the first time since 1995, Mountain State stands a little past the half-way point at the season with five losses.

    January 10, 2012

  • OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE - WVU to join Big 12 Conference

    The Big 12 Conference Board of Directors have voted unanimously to accept West Virginia University as a full conference member effective July 1, 2012.  The Mountaineers will begin competing in the Big 12 beginning with the 2012-13 athletic season.

    October 28, 2011

  • Friday update: Big East notified WVU leaving for Big 12

    The Big East says it has been notified that West Virginia is leaving the conference and joining the Big 12.

    October 28, 2011

  • Cardinals force Game 7 in World Series

    After one of the greatest games in baseball history, a 10-9, 11-inning victory over Texas in Game 6 in which the Cardinals were twice within one strike of elimination.

    October 28, 2011

  • Schiano sings WVU’s praises

    It hasn’t been the year that Rutgers coach Greg Schiano envisioned.
    Not close.

    December 1, 2010