Several Dragons athletes earn Region XIV honors

Published or Revised March 10, 2011

The men's and women's basketball teams of Paris Junior College achieved quite a lot at the National Junior College Athletic Association Region XIV Tournament recently, and several individual players earned honors from it. The Lady Dragons reached a new level at the tournament by advancing to the third round of play and forcing Trinity Valley Community College, ranked third nationally, into overtime. Two sophomore Lady Dragons have received NJCAA Region XIV honors. Destiny Smith of Mount Pleasant, Texas, was named to the All-Region Tournament and All-Conference teams. Dominique Moseley of Chicago, Ill., made the All-Tournament Team and Honorable Mention All-Conference. "Destiny is by far the hardest working player in the conference," said PJC Head Women's Basketball Coach Sean LeBeauf, "especially considering she's undersized in the post. She leaves her heart on the floor every game. "Dominique is one of the most skilled post in the league," he added "and I think she displayed that at the regional tournament." Three sophomore Dragons basketball players also received NJCAA Region XIV honors. Xavier Roberson of Houston, Texas, was named to the First Team All-Conference, and Second Team All-Region and All-Tournament Team. Anthony (A.J.) Jones Jr. of Memphis, Tenn., and Maurice "Mo" Hughley of Queens, N.Y., were named to the Honorable Mention All-Conference Team. "Xavier exemplifies being professional at all times, and I'm proud of his leadership of the team, both on and off the court," said PJC Head Men's Basketball Coach Chuck Taylor. "I'm proud of the accomplishments of A.J. and Mo. They both worked hard despite starting the year in a difficult situation. The honors are a testament to their hard work. "These boys all had to overcome walking in to a new coach their first day, and they adjusted," Taylor added. "Whatever their expectations on how they would get to play, they adapted to my style and did what I wanted them to do. They rose to the challenge, and I appreciate them for it."