October 26, 2005
KEITH SPENCER AND
BRIO RODE FIND ROAD
TO SCCC BASKETBALL
SAINTS BASKETBALL PREVIEW: DAY 3
When plans suddenly changed for Keith Spencer and Brio Rode this past year, the Seward County Community College men’s and women’s basketball teams each received a proven talented player who would be an impact player for this years team. Spencer transferred to Seward County from Humboldt State University (NCAA D-II) while Rode made the move to SCCC from the University of California (NCAA D-I) after both players played their freshman seasons during the 2004-2005 season.
Rode, a 5’10” shooting guard from
Albuquerque
,
New Mexico
, spent last season playing for
California
, who finished 11-18 overall and in eight place in the Pac-10 Conference. Rode played in 16 games averaging seven minutes played per game. Rode will be an outside shooting threat for the Lady Saints this season, which in 2004-2005 made only 125 three-point field goals as a team (3.2 per game), which ranked them 16th out of 19 teams in the Region VI.
While leading
Rio
Rancho
High School
to five consecutive New Mexico State Tournaments, Rode averaged 18 points, six assists and five rebounds per game. Rode was a five year starter in high school, starting on the varsity team since her 8th grade year for the largest high school in
New Mexico
. Rode was a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year (2002 & 2004), three-time All-State selection and was tabbed a Street & Smith Magazine Honorable Mention All-American in 2003 and 2004.
Spencer, a 6’7” power forward from
San Diego
,
California
, spent his freshman season at
Humboldt
State
University
. Spencer came to SCCC in style signing his NJCAA national letter of intent in front of nearly 300 Seward County C.C. athletes, faculty, fans and parents at the spring athletics banquet on April 22, at the Green House. Spencer follows a long list of players from
San Diego
who have had remarkable careers at
Seward
County
, including most recently Keoni Watson (2003-2005), who finished his playing career at SCCC last season after scoring 1,145 points in his two-year career (No. 5 all-time).
Spencer will add needed help inside for the Saints at the post position. The Saints graduated four players that stood at 6’5” or better from last years team. Spencer is an exciting player to watch as he can run the floor and slash to the basket. While in high school, Spencer broke
Eastlake
High School
records in, career points, most rebounds in a single game (20) and most career rebounds. For his high school career, Spencer averaged 19.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 3.8 blocked shots per game.
Rode and Spencer along with all of the Lady Saints and Saints will be making their Green House debut for the 2005-2006 season this Saturday, as they host the Saints Basketball Benefit Night at 6:00 p.m. Admission is FREE and there will be contests where all contestants will receive a FREE T-Shirt provided by the Saints Bookstore.
