All-Access at the A-10 Tournament in DC: HoopsHD interviews GW pep band teaching assistant Matt Brooks

Posted on March 13, 2025 by Jon Teitel

Conference tournaments are about basketball but also so much more: the fans, parents, bands, cheerleaders, etc. The A-10 Tournament is taking place this week in Washington, DC, and we could not be more excited to be there in person! HoopsHD is covering all the angles so you can look forward to an abundance of access in the days ahead. Jon Teitel continues our coverage from DC with an interview of GW pep band teaching assistant Matt Brooks about his radio shows and how he thinks the Revolutionaries will do tonight.

You are from Ridgefield, CT: what made you choose GW? I really wanted to study political science, and GW has an excellent program. I knew that I wanted to go to a city school and with GW being in DC it is the perfect match.

You are majoring in political science: how did you choose that subject? It was an interest I had during high school: my high school years from 2016-2020 were quite eventful in the world of politics so I figured that I would pursue it in college.

You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? My plan is to work in politics in DC, be it in government/policy. If I do not end up staying here, then I will probably move back to Connecticut and work for my parents’ small business.

You are the Teaching Assistant of the GW Foghorns Pep Band: what does that role involve? Our band is almost entirely student-run. I run rehearsals twice/week, choose the set list, recruit people to join the band, and bring the energy wherever we may be. We want to sound as great as we can, so I try to select music that people enjoy listening to and figure out new ways to get the crowd involved. We are as 1 of the heartbeats of the game, and the job of the TA is to lead that effort.

You play the French Horn: how long have you been playing it for, and what is your favorite song to play? I played the trumpet when I was younger but switched to French Horn/mellophone during high school. I really enjoy playing “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd.

You are a big college basketball fan: which team besides your own should we keep an eye out for this month? It is hard for me because I lock in on the A-10 all season long, but I also try my best to keep up with the power conferences. I heard that Auburn is better metrically this year than UConn was last year. Tennessee is also good so I think those 2 might go far.

You run some radio shows on GW’s student station (WRGW): what kind of shows do you do? I started out doing music shows with different curated playlists, but now I host the “George’s Army” show with our sports director Abe Rothstein. We talk about the basketball team from a fan’s perspective and discuss how the games went and how the student section is doing.

How does your school decide who gets to go to the A-10 tourney, and what will it mean to you to see your group doing its thing in front of a national TV audience? We have about 50 members in our band and will take 29 students and our director to the tourney. It is based on a # of things: seniority matters, and everyone is expected to attend at least 1 of the men’s/women’s tourneys. Instrumentation also matters so that you can build the band correctly, and we also just ask what people want to do. The whole season builds up to this, not just for the players but also for us. It is the last run for myself and my fellow seniors: it gets very emotional toward the end of the season because you never know when that final loss is coming. Most years we do not win the A-10 title but this year we are not half-bad. We pour in a lot of hours and make many sacrifices to be here. There is so much to do on campus at GW and so many ways to spend your time in DC, but the people who join the band make the choice to devote most of their time to the band. We are very invested in the band, so it means a lot to play on a national stage. We feel like we are the most hyped band in the A-10 and want to show that to everyone.

UMass also contracted with your band to perform on their behalf yesterday: how does that work? The rules require each school to have 19-29 people at the arena performing music. If you do not have a band or do not want to send your band to the A-10 tourney for whatever reason, you can contract with a different college or even a local high school. We showed up yesterday, played for UMass, and even got some t-shirts!

Any predictions for your game tonight vs. Fordham? I like our chances. I was expecting to play Rhode Island because a #15-seed has never won the A-10 tourney, so emotionally I am a little worried about Fordham. There was a devastating triple-OT home game last season that did not go our way…but I know that we are a much better team this year. We have a much tighter defense than Rhode Island so I will be very excited if we can face GMU on Friday, since it is very hard to beat a team 3 times in 1 year.

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Green Bay SR F Jasmine Kondrakiewicz

Posted on March 13, 2025 by Jon Teitel

Last Tuesday Green Bay beat PFW 76-63 in the Horizon women’s tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to next week’s NCAA tournament. The Phoenix won 27 games last year before losing to Tennessee in the NCAA tourney, and will enter the NCAA tourney next week on a 22-game winning streak. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Green Bay SR F Jasmine Kondrakiewicz about balancing academics with athletics and making the NCAA tourney.

You were born/raised in Milwaukee: what made you choose Green Bay? Growing up in Wisconsin I always heard about Green Bay as 1 of the in-state powerhouses. I grew up watching some Wisconsin/Marquette games, but Green Bay has a great winning tradition of its own.

You started in all 22 games as a freshman: how were you able to come in and contribute right from the start? The biggest factor was my communication level, and my effort also set me apart. I tried to control the controllables, which allowed me to start so many games.

The following season you were named to the conference Academic Honor Roll in each of your 2 semesters: how do you balance your work on the court with your work in the classroom? Our professors are very understanding/flexible and know what it takes to be a student-athlete. It allows me to have the best of both worlds, and they are the biggest reason.

You have a new coach this year in Kayla Karius: what makes her such a good coach, and what is the most important thing that you have learned from her so far? 1 thing that separates her is that she played here and has a legacy that will never leave her since she was part of the 2011 Sweet 16 team. She knows what we grow through every day because she walked in our shoes not too long ago. She is a mother so she has that nurturing instinct, but she will also push us as hard as she can to get the most out of us.

Last January you scored a career-high 31 PTS/12-17 FG in a win at Wright State: was it just 1 of those scenarios where every shot you put up seemed to go in because you were “in the zone”? The day before that game 1 of my friends (12-year old Hadley Baker) passed away due to a rare form of cancer, and I feel that my “basketball guardian angel” was looking over me the whole time. My teammates trusted me to make those shots, and I did.

Over the past 3 years your 3PM has gone down each year but your RPG has gone up each year: is that just a coincidence or is it due to a change in your role on the team? I got more comfortable over the years playing inside as an undersized post. I took more outside shots in the past, but this year our coaching staff has given me a lot of confidence to finish inside.

Your team’s 55.8 PPG allowed this year is top-20 in the nation: what is the secret to playing great defense? Defenseis part of Green Bay’s tradition…but it is solely due to our conference DPOY Bailey Butler. She is the best defender I have ever played with and has grown so much since her freshman year: she pushes us each day.

Last Tuesday you scored 10 PTS in a win over PFW to clinch the Horizon tourney title: what did it mean to you to win a title, and what was the feeling like in your locker room afterward? It was obviously an amazing feeling. We had a 5-6 year drought before we finally won it last year to get the title back in Titletown, and this year was the same feeling. I was overjoyed and so proud of all my teammates: after getting a taste of the NCAA tourney last year, it is nice to get back there again.

You have played 150 games for the Phoenix: what are your emotions as you prepare for #151? The only word I can use to describe it is “grateful”. I did not expect to play so much as a freshman, but I have showcased what I can do over the past 5 years. It is also a bittersweet feeling because it is coming to an end soon.

What kind of seed do you think you deserve, and what kind of seed do you think you will get? I do not know how bracketology works, and there might be a few more upsets this week, but we will give it our all and hopefully make some history by getting a win.

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All-Access at the A-10 Tournament in DC: HoopsHD interviews St. Louis cheerleader Courtney Olson

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Jon Teitel

Conference tournaments are about basketball but also so much more: the fans, parents, bands, cheerleaders, etc. The A-10 Tournament is taking place this week in Washington, DC, and we could not be more excited to be there in person! HoopsHD is covering all the angles so you can look forward to an abundance of access in the days ahead. Jon Teitel continues our coverage from DC with an interview of St. Louis cheerleader Courtney Olson about being a captain and how she thinks the Billikens will do tomorrow.

You are from Normal, IL: what made you choose St. Louis? I chose to come to STL for college for a couple reasons: my program, and the fact that my sister lives in St. Louis. St. Louis has so many fun things to do and SLU has a great reputation: the campus is really what won me over. I did not come into college thinking I would be a cheerleader but decided to try out for cheer at the end of my freshman year. I missed being involved in a sport and felt like I was missing a part of me. Joining the cheer team transformed my life and gave me friends that will last a lifetime.

You are majoring in Speech-language and Hearing Sciences: how did you choose those subjects? The reason why I chose my major is because I love how the field has so many opportunities for the future, and there are multiple ways that I can transform someone’s life. Being a speech pathologist would allow me to continue being a leader: providing care, working with people of all ages, and being in a field that I love.

You are co-captain of the team: what is the key to being a good leader? I love being a leader/captain. It has given me so many opportunities and allowed me to grow my skills of leadership/responsibility/organization. I think that the key to being a good leader is leading by example. You are someone that everyone can look up to, rely on, and talk to about anything. A leader is someone who displays the qualities needed for success. I want everyone on the team to feel valued: that is my goal as a captain.

You are a senior: what is the post-graduation plan? After graduation, I will be furthering my education at SLU by getting my master’s in speech pathology. I am so excited to stay at SLU, where I will be able to support athletics and get one step closer to my dream job as a speech pathologist.

Any work-out recommendations for our readers who want to get in better shape? My biggest recommendation is consistency and asking for help if you do not know how to do something or need advice on what to eat or what supplements to take. No workout is going to be the same for every person because workouts should be specific to your goals or simply what you enjoy doing. For example, I love going to workout classes because I am motivated by the people around me as well as the structure of someone telling me what to do. I love Pilates, yoga, and boxing classes.

Last year your basketball team lost 20 games with Coach Travis Ford, but this year they are 18-13 with new coach Josh Schertz: is it more fun to support the team this year now that they are doing better? Even though last season was challenging, our job as cheerleaders is to be supportive and bring the energy to every game no matter the score. The atmosphere this season at Chaifetz Arena has been amazing. The opportunity to be at every game (for both the good and the bad) is so rewarding. Cheering in college is a privilege and it is so incredibly fun to be with some of my best friends cheering on the best team.

What has been the highlight of your season so far: beating VCU in January, beating Duquesne in OT on Senior Night, other? I would have to say that beating Duquesne in OT on Senior Night has been the highlight of my season. The crowd was electric and knowing that this was my last game at home made that win so much better. Watching the basketball team grow throughout the season and then win their final home game made it even more special. I love being a cheerleader and helping the crowd get fired up so seeing the basketball team light it up is a great feeling.

How does your school decide who gets to go to DC, and what will it mean to you to see your group doing its thing in front of a national TV audience? Traveling for tournaments is a privilege and is decided by our coaches. The main factor in deciding which 6 people are selected to travel is seniority on the team, in addition to performance/involvement in the program. Being selected to go to DC is a super-amazing opportunity and something that everyone on the team wants to do.

Does your squad have anything extra-special planned for this week? While in DC for the tournament, our cheer team is planning on exploring the city! It is such a great city with so many fun things to do. We are going to try new restaurants, visit key tourist spots, and cheer at lots of basketball games. Plus, we will take lots of pictures to post on our social media of what we are up to and all the places we are going.

Any predictions for your game on Thursday vs. Davidson? For our first game on Thursday, the basketball team needs to work together, play hard, and communicate to have the best outcome. Being in neutral territory and away from home, they will need the support/encouragement from the cheerleaders/dance team. I hope that we will win …and I know that we can.

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All-Access at the A-10 Tournament in DC: HoopsHD interviews Duquesne pep band graduate assistant Kasey Higginbotham

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Jon Teitel

Conference tournaments are about basketball but also so much more: the fans, parents, bands, cheerleaders, etc. The A-10 Tournament is taking place this week in Washington, DC, and we could not be more excited to be there in person! HoopsHD is covering all the angles so you can look forward to an abundance of access in the days ahead. Jon Teitel continues our coverage from DC with an interview of Duquesne pep band graduate assistant Kasey Higginbotham about being in the band and how the Dukes will do today.

You are from Flowery Branch, GA: what made you choose Duquesne? The wonderful opportunities and faculty at Duquesne including Dr. James Gourlay, Tuba Virtuoso.

You do so many things with the band including performing/teaching/composing/arranging: what is your favorite role? My favorite part is teaching/composing, but playing is fun, and I like the creative and problem-solving aspect.

You are pursuing a Master’s Degree in Tuba Performance: what is the post-graduation plan? I will be returning to Duquesne to pursue an Artist Diploma.

You perform with a variety of ensembles including the Duquesne Wind Symphony, the Duquesne Symphony Orchestra, the Duquesne Brass Band, the Duquesne Pep Band, the Ghost Brass (professional Brass Quintet) and 5FeetWide (an instrumental trio comprised of 3 tuba players): which is your favorite ensemble? Either the trio or the quintet, as they provide much more room for creativity/intimacy.

You are a big hiker/camper: do you have a favorite outdoor spot? I definitely do: Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico has a special place in my heart.

Your basketball team won 25 games last year and made the NCAA tourney: what are your memories of that incredible postseason run? Unfortunately I could not attend the men’s A-10 tournament, but I do remember celebrating the huge victory when they returned to campus.

The team has only won 13 games so far this year: is there a big difference in supporting the team when they are having a good year vs. a bad year? In my opinion, the pep band’s job is even more crucial when the team is playing less well or losing. There is a definite difference when the team feels supported.

How does your school decide who gets to go to DC? Our school’s band has basically a volunteer system so it is first-come-first-served.

Does your band have anything extra-special planned for this week? Just celebrating and supporting the Dukes in their wins.

Any predictions for your game today vs. St. Bonaventure? The Dukes are going to go out and play a great game!

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CAA Champs: UNCW postgame celebration!

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Jon Teitel

Here is a quick recap of the best photos I took during the UNCW postgame celebration last night:

It took 5 days but the bracket can finally be filled out in its entirety:

The scoreboard does not lie:

The ladder is in place so all we need is a sharp pair of scissors:

The band/cheer squad were ecstatic:

Right before the trophy presentation Coach Takayo Siddle appeared to tell someone in the upper deck to come join him down on the court:

Wait: that’s Kevin Keatts’ music!

No really, it is. Coach Siddle played for Keatts at Hargrave Military Academy and later worked for him as an assistant at NC State/UNCW…and thanks to a recent decision by the Wolfpack administration his former boss had PLENTY of free time to drop by the title game:

I was planning to wear a teal suit to the game: how awkward would that have been?!

There were not a ton of fans who made the 350+ mile drive from Wilmington to DC, but those who did were glad they did:

CAA Commissioner Joe D’Antonio was ready to hand out the hardware:

Coach Siddle could not wait to get his hands on the trophy:

Championship gear is often ugly but the hat/shirt look quite handsome:

Coach Siddle hoisted the trophy as his team went wild:

Then he was interviewed live on CBS Sports Network:

This baby was unimpressed:

Conference tourney MVP Donovan Newby also got some prime-time pub:

And with that, the Seahawks’ ticket has finally been punched:

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Tourney Talk: HoopsHD interviews Lipscomb coach Lennie Acuff

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Jon Teitel

Last Sunday Lipscomb beat North Alabama 76-65 in the Atlantic Sun tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to next week’s NCAA tournament. The Bisons had won 20 games each of the past 2 years but won 25 this year to claim the school’s 1st NCAA tourney bid in 7 years. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Lipscomb coach Lennie Acuff about being named conference COY and making the NCAA tourney.

You played basketball at Shorter College, where you still hold the school record for career AST: what is the secret to being a good PG? I tell our PGs that they must impact the people around them. They are the straw that stirs the drink, so they must be the most selfless/aware guy on the team.

Your 1st head coaching job was at Belhaven College at age 25, which made you the youngest head coach at a 4-year college in the country: was it weird to coach players who were not that much younger than you were? Yes: it was a great time in my life, and I learned so much. I went in guns-a-blazing and those kids were so great: that is what it is all about.

As head coach of your hometown team at Alabama–Huntsville, you became the winningest coach in Gulf South Conference history and made 11 D-2 tourney appearances (including back-to-back Elite 8s in 2011/2012): what is the key to winning games in March? Your team must be healthy and playing at a high level. You also need to be lucky, and the ball must bounce your way. We trailed Queens by 10 PTS with 7 minutes left in the semifinal on Thursday but were fortunate to get the win in OT, and will try to continue to improve this week.

In 2019 you were hired as coach at Lipscomb: why did they take a chance on a D-2 coach, and why did you take the job? You will have to ask my AD that! We both felt like it was a good fit: I wanted to keep the philosophy I built at Huntsville going. Philip Hutcheson is a good man who is comfortable in his own skin. It was a chance for me to hit reset and the timing was good for our family: once our kids were in middle school we wanted to stay put until they graduated.

You faced several NCAA-tourney-caliber teams this year including Arkansas/Wofford/Kentucky: which of them impressed you the most? Arkansas coach John Calipari is a friend of mine, and I am very happy for him. The Razorbacks were talented when we played them but inexperienced and trying to figure things out. Kentucky was so impressive in every aspect of the game and were incredible on offense: they had the most selfless team-1st attitude of any power-conference team I have faced. We won at Florida State last year and at Louisville the year before that, so hopefully we can take some equity from those games.

Your team’s 38.1 3P% this year is top-20 in the country: how crucial is 3-PT shooting to your offensive philosophy? We believe that you want to get your shots at the rim/FT line/3-PT line. We “chase space” by spreading out the floor and giving our guys the freedom to make good plays.

Earlier this month you were named conference COY: what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? It means that you have the “staff of the year”: everyone who is part of our organization performed at a high level. It also means that we have players who are willing to make sacrifices. I was humbled…but it is a team/staff award.

Last Sunday you beat North Alabama in your home gym to clinch the Atlantic Sun tourney title: what did it mean to you to win a title, and any thoughts on the tourney moving to a neutral site next March? It was very special to win it in a sold-out building. It was a high-level game with both teams playing very hard and competing with a lot on the line. I will defer to the powers that be on what is best for our league so we will show up in Jacksonville next March and hopefully have a good experience.

You have coached more than 1000 games during your career: what kind of emotions do you expect from the 1 you are adding to that list next week? When the game ended on Sunday I was overwhelmed. I was so grateful for the sacrifices by my family/staff/players to help us get to that point. I had a lot of former players/assistants there and I shared it with them. I am thankful that we will get to have the NCAA tourney experience next week.

What kind of seed do you think you deserve, and what kind of seed do you think you will get? We probably deserve a 12-13 seed, and certainly not worse than a 14 seed, which our numbers bear out. We won 25 games at this level, which is hard to do. We lost by 2 PTS at MTSU and by 1 PT to Belmont so we have had some tough losses. The top of our league is very good, and we did well against most of them (although we got swept by Eastern Kentucky). We are just happy that our name will be called on Sunday and everyone is excited!

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