Graduate glance

By Gabe Whisnant
Published in Sports on November 17, 2004 1:55 PM

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Like any other college freshman, Goldsboro graduate Clintoria Bryant is learing quickly that the next level isn't quite as easy.

Her basketball coach at Louisburg College, Michael Holloman, is pleased overall and believes she will continue to progress.

"She's doing fine. She's playing typical to a lot of freshman," said the 17-year coach. "She's going through a learning process. She's going to be a good player for us."

Bryant, who mostly played the shooting guard for the Lady Cougars, is playing point guard for the Lady Hurricanes. Through two games, Bryant is averaging five points, 5.5 assists and two steals per game. Holloman believes her defensive play is the most important factor in her progress at this point.

"The defensive part of the game is where she is putting the most effort right now," Holloman said. "That's the area where we are trying to get her better at. Man-to-man defense, she's struggling with that right now.

"She's also finding out the college game is more physical. You have to be stronger than you were in high school."

Bryant is the only freshman in the starting lineup for the junior college Hurricanes, who went 20-5 overall last season. Holloman, who is 417-79 overall in his 17 years, is always pleased to recruit winning players to his team.

"That's certainly a positive when you bring a kid in who's used to winning," he said. "They have a certain attitude when they step on the floor. She leads by actions, and I think a lot of that is because she is a freshman."

Louisburg (2-0) travels to N.C. Wesleyan in an exhibition game today.

Thornton, Colt defense

steps up

On Sunday, Goldsboro High graduate and Indianpolis Colts linebacker David Thornton helped Indianpolis defeat the Houston Texans 49-14.

The much-maligned Colt defense did not allow a touchdown and gave up just 64 total yards before halftime. Indianapolis forced four turnovers and registered a season-high five sacks.

Currently, Thornton is second in total tackles with 60 -- 36 solo tackles and 24 assists.

Indianapolis is sitting at 6-3 and tied atop the AFC South with Jacksonville, travels to face Chicago (4-5) on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Collins fairs well

at SE Regional

East Carolina University senior and Eastern Wayne graduate Jessica Collins was the Pirates' top finisher at the 2004 Southeast Regional at Lake Kristi on Saturday.

Collins ran a 21:38.1 -- good for 46th place overall among the 180 competitors on the women's side.