Pacers fans turn out for teams

AIKEN --- More than 1,000 students and fans piled into the USC Aiken Convocation Center on Wednesday for the final pep rally before business turned serious.

In advance of today's official start of basketball season, supporters came out to see this year's edition of the Pacers and Lady Pacers. USC Aiken is the lone Peach Belt Conference school to feature its men's and women's teams in last season's NCAA Division II Tournament

Fans also gave a standing ovation to Meredith Legg, who finished this past season as the school's all-time leading scorer. She was awarded the inaugural Meredith Legg Inspiration Award. In April, Legg underwent radiation treatment for a rare form of eye cancer. She is currently cancer-free.

"It's a bittersweet award. She's been through a lot of highs and lows. I'm just glad she's here to get it," USC Aiken women's coach Mike Brandt said. "She's truly an inspiration to others."

The USC Aiken men are seeking to continue their success after finishing No. 16 in the nation after a 25-8 campaign. The Pacers advanced to the Southeast Regional championship, their second consecutive appearance in the Division II Tournament.

"We wanted to be a top-20 program when we came in here and I think we're there," fifth-year coach Vince Alexander said. "It's been great the past two years."

The USC Aiken men will feature nine returners and five newcomers, including junior guard Byron Faison (Winthrop), sophomore forward/center Michael Technow (American) and freshman guard Re'Mon Nelson. The Pacers still are waiting on the possible second-semester additions of Oklahoma transfer Kyle Cannon, a 6-foot-8 forward, and forward Kevin Willis -- each are clearing up academic issues. Sammy Obetoh, a freshman at Maryland-Eastern Shore last season, decided at the last minute to attend junior college instead of USC Aiken, Alexander said.

The Pacers will look to replace forward Chris Commons, a two-time Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year. Commons scored 1,229 points in his two seasons with the Pacers.

Also, forward Josh Dollard, who averaged 15.3 points and 7.4 rebounds a game left after his junior season -- his lone year at USC Aiken.

The USC Aiken women lost four of their top five starters, but the Lady Pacers brought in seven newcomers, including transfers Catherine Cain, Deandra Schirmer and Hannah DeGraffinreed -- all forwards.

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com