Graduate glance

By Gabe Whisnant
Published in Sports on November 10, 2004 1:55 PM

• Print
• Email

Goldsboro graduate Chantae Bryant's versatility is paying off for her current team at Montreat College.

Bryant, known more for her outside play for the Cougars, is proving she can hold her own in the post as well for the NAIA, Appalachian Athletic Conference school.

Listed at five-foot-six, Bryant is currently coming off the bench for the Cavaliers at forward. Coach Joe Hagan said Bryant is filling a void in the post until several volleyball players join the team. When they return, he said she will move back to the front court.

"Our four is kind of a trailer. She's such a good athlete that she's able to do a few things that our taller kids can't do," Hagan said. "She can pull down rebounds and guard a perimeter person.

"When she gets with it, it's kind of a joke watching people try to go around her. She's just very quick laterally."

As a freshman, Bryant averaged 1.5 points per game and played just six minutes per game. She shot 37 percent from the field. Hagan mentioned Bryant, who was hindered by a respiratory ailment last season, is making steady strides.

"She's committed herself more to conditioning. There have been a number of practices she's been able to go through practice without having to sit out," Hagan said. "She's in position to do a lot more. Our plans for her have expanded.

"She's a little better prepared this year to be able to play collegiately."

Montreat played its opener this past weekend at a tournament in Savannah, Ga. Tonight, the Cavaliers travel to Southern Wesleyan College (S.C.).

Artis steady for Tigers

As a defensive back, Princeton University sophomore and Goldsboro High graduate J.J. Artis is currently sixth on the team in total tackles with 27 solo and 15 assists through eight games.

The 27 solo tackles is third on the team. Artis also has three pass break-ups and one fumble recovery.

Princeton (4-4) is currently 2-3 against Ivy League foes heading into Saturday's match-up at Yale.

Artis started in the Tigers' last four games leading up to last Saturday's loss to Penn and had a career-high 12 tackles in Prineton's 27-26 overtime win at Columbia.

The cornerback suffered a shoulder injury during an Oct. 30 meeting with Cornell and didn't play last week. He's listed as day-to-day.