Special Edition - Early Edition Game Notes ♫ 23-24 -225

[reindeerfan]

Early Edition Game Notes is intended to be fun, informative and sometime irreverent way to look at the numbers, but if you take this stuff too seriously you are cautioned against reading any further. Please proceed at your own risk!
PLEASE DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON’T HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR! .
Special Edition - Early Edition Game Notes ♫ 23-24 -225



With the extra eligibility related to the covid season and new transfer rules, it is hard to know what players will be returning next year. Brycen Goodine, Jalen Leach, and Louie Bleechmore are all seniors but each may have a year of eligibility remaining. For Caleb Fields, Jack Brown, and Alexis Yetna Thursday is likely to be their last home game. The Early Edition Staff has decided to share information regarding the careers of all of these players as they enter what could be their final moments at Mahoney arena. The Early Edition thanks these players for their contribution to the program and congratulates each of them on their fine basketball careers.

#15 JACK BROWN • FORWARD
Jack Brown has become one of the most significant walk-on’s in Fairfield history. Brown was forced to play out of position early in the season as a result of injuries to Yetna and Seck and Jack gave Fairfield quality minutes. He has appeared in 24 games this season and in 37 games for Fairfield, scoring 30 points and securing 30 rebounds. He is 234th on the Stags all time scoring list, and 8th on the all-time scoring list among walk-on’s. Brown is a solid shot blocker, his 1.3 blocks per game career average would place him in the top 10 all-time at Fairfield if he appeared in enough games to qualify. His junior season, his 2.8 Blocks per 40 would be among the conference leaders if he had played in enough games to qualify. During his Junior campaign Jack averaged more than 10 points per 40 minutes. Jack most memorable games include Coast Guard where his secured 5 points, New Hampshire, where he logged 7 points and 6 rebounds in only 18 minutes and Mount Saint Mary’s where he established a new career high with 3 blocks.
Career Highs
Points........................................... 7 vs. New Hampshire 11/24/23 6 vs. New Hampshire Rebounds.......................................6 vs. New Hampshire 11/24/23 1, 8
Assists...........................................1, 9 times 2 at Boston College
Steals........................................... 3 vs. MSMC 11/13/23
Blocks ...........................................3 vs. MSMC 11/13/23 3 vs. New Hampshire
FG Made........................................5 vs. New Hampshire 11/24/23
FG Attempts...................................5 vs. New Hampshire 11/24/23
3FG Made......................................1, 3 times 2 at BC 11/06/23, vs Manhattan 2/4/24 
3FG Attempts.................................2 at BC 11/06/23, vs Manhattan 2/4/24 2 at Rider 12/3/23
FT Made........................................2 at Rider 12/3/23 2 at Rider
FT Attempts ..................................2 at Rider 12/3/23
MOST POINTS BY A WALK-ON (unofficial stat)
With his 3 points versus Quinnipiac, Jack Brown continued to move up the career points list for players who began their career as a walk-on. While this is not an official statistic, as data regarding which players started their careers as walk-on’s isn’t always available, nonetheless here is the EEGN list of the top walk on players all-time in points scored:
1 - 491, 1965-1967 Bill Pritz
2 - 388, 1990-1993 Tim Schwartz
3 - 236, 2012-2015 Steve Johnston
4 - 187, 2001-2006 Alvin Carter
5 - 72, 1987-1992 Mike Plansky
6 - 34, 1994-1997 Brandon Jubrey
7 - 34, 1984-1987 Richard Barry
8 - 30 2020-Present Jack Brown


#10 ALEXIS YETNA • CENTER / FORWARD
Yetna has had a storied basketball career that began USF where he was named as the AAC Freshman of the Year in 2019 after averaging 12.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game with 15 double-doubles. Alexis then played for Seton Hall, where he ranked seventh in the Big East with 7.6 rebounds per game to go along with 8.1 points per outing. Yetna recorded eight double-doubles while helping guide the Pirates to 21 wins and an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. Sidelined with a serious knee injury, Lex has worked hard to put himself in a position to help Fairfield as the team heads for the MAAC tournament. As a Stag, Yetna has appeared in 7 games. Lex's best game as a Stag came against Niagara when he scored 14 points and his line included 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. While at USF some memorable included a 13 rebound, 28 point performance against East Carolina on January 26, 2019 and a 13 rebound 26 point performance against DePaul in the College Basketball Invitational tournament. Over his career Yetna has appeared in more than 90 games, averaging more than 10 points and 8 rebounds per contest.
Fairfield Highs
Points........14 versus Niagara
Rebounds....9 versus Niagara
Assists........1, 3 Times
Steals.........2 versus Niagara
Blocks.........1 versus Quinnipiac
FG Made......5 versus Niagara
FG Attempts..9 versus Niagara
3PT FGM.......2 versus Niagara
3PT FGA.......4 versus MSM
FT Made.......2 versus Niagara
FT Attemped.4 versus Niagara

#0 CALEB FIELDS • GUARD
Caleb Fields is one of the most impactful players to transfer in to Fairfield. Fields is 3rd all time in points as a player transferring in to Fairfield. He become only the second Stag ever to connect on 10 three point baskets in a game. He is 11th all time in three point baskets made in a career at Fairfield. Fields is also among the leaders in 3 point percentage at Fairfield and is among the national leaders in this category this season. Caleb became the 45th Stag to score more than 30 points in a game when he set a new career high 33 points versus Marist. He also scored more than 25 points in a game three times this season, first with 25 points in the Stags win over Manhattan. Fields scored 26 point with 7 three point baskets in a win over Mount Saint Mary’s, 27 in the win over LeMoyne and 27 versus Iona, a game where he went 9-13 from the floor. There are so many memorable games for Caleb that there are just too many to name, but perhaps the most significant shot he hit was a game-winning layup with 0.9 seconds to play to cap a 7-0 run that lifted Fairfield to a 61-59 win over Sacred Heart. Fields was named MAAC player of the week for the last week of December after leading Fairfield to the win over LeMoyne. Additionally, Caleb is currently 5th in the conference in scoring, first in effective field goal percent, first in 3 point field goals, 6th in field goal percentage, and 6th in field goals. Fields has been among the top 20 players in the conference in assists for each of the last 3 years.
Career Highs
Points..............33 vs. Marist 1/7/2024
Rebounds.........10 at Ball St. 02/16/21, at Eastern Mich. 02/23/21, and at Marist, 3/1/24
Assists.............7 at Eastern Mich. 02/23/21
Steals..............6 at Siena 1/5/2024
Blocks .............1, 18 times
FG Made..........10 vs. Marist 1/7/2024
FG Attempts.....19 at Iona 2/2/2024
3FG Made.........10 vs. Marist 1/7/2024
3FG Attempts....18 vs. Marist 1/7/2024
FT Made...........10 vs Evansville 11/27/22
FT Attempts......12 at Eastern Mich. 02/23/21, vs Evansville 11/27/22
TRIVIA QUESTION
This current Stag has not missed a free throw in his last 17 appearances. Can you name him?
COMIC OF THE DAY
Cigar Inspector
Jerry King is an independent cartoonist who has beem making people laugh with his cartoons for over thirty years. King has been featured newspapers, magazines and websites including the Cigar Inspector. You can also find his work on Facebook: facebook.com/jerrykingcartoons.

TRIVIA QUESTION
Jack Brown has not missed a free throw since 12-1-23 versus Iona. He missed the chance to join an exclusive club of 9 Stags who has not missed a free throw in their careers when he went 0-1 in the Iona game. It is the only missed free throw of Jack’s career.

#12 LOUIE BLEECHMORE • GUARD/FORWARD
In his first year as a Stag, Louie Bleechmore has delivered big time for Fairfield demonstrating versatility that includes the ability to play guard and forward, and in some cases even the center position. Louie got out of the gate quickly for Fairfield securing a double-double versus URI with 24 points and 12 rebounds in only his second game as a Stag. His amazing line in that game also included 3 steals and 9 free throws. Despite playing primarily at forward this season, Louie still managed to dish off as many as 5 assists in a game. Over the course of the season, Bleechmore has already secured more than 100 boards and despite being sidelined recently with an ankle injury he is still on pace to finish the year with well over 200 points(197 currently). He is currently in the top 20 in the conference in rebounds per game, offensive rebounds per game and defensive rebounds per game.

Career Highs
Points.......... 24 at Rhode Island 11/09/23
Rebounds........ 12 at Rhode Island 11/09/23
Assists..........5 at Canisius 1/15/24
Steals...........3 at Rhode Island 11/09/23
Blocks .........1, 8 times
FG Made........6 at Rhode Island 11/09/23, vs. MSMC 11/13/23
FG Attempts.... 12 at Rhode Island 11/09/23
3FG Made.......3 at Rhode Island 11/09/23
3FG Attempts...7 at Rhode Island 11/09/23
FT Made........9 at Rhode Island 11/09/23
FT Attempts ...10 at Rhode Island 11/09/23


#3 JALEN LEACH • GUARD
Jalen Leach is a 4 year player who is having his finest season as a Stag. Jalen is second in the conference in 20 point games with 11. He is among the top 20 players in the nation in free throw percentage and has been hovering around the 90% mark all season. He set a new career high with 29 points earlier this season versus Saint Peter’s. Leach is currently 4th in the conference in scoring average, putting up more than 16 points per game on the season. He has demonstrated an ability to score from deep, from close to the basket and from the line. Jalen’s 439 points are 4th in the conference, while his 45 steals places him 6th among MAAC players. He is also 8th in 2 point field goal percentage, 7th in field goal attempts, 8th in minutes played, 4th in effective field goal percentage, 4th in free throw made, 12th in assists, 5th in field goal percentage, 14th in assist per game, 5th in Field goals and 1st in Free throw percentage.
Career Highs
Points.................29 vs. Saint Peter’s 1/19/24
Rebounds.............. 8, 3 times
Assists................6, 3 times
Steals.................5 at Manhattan 1/21/24
Blocks ............... 3 vs Medgar Evers 11/16/21
FG Made...............10 vs. New Hampshire 11/24/23, at FDU 12/21/23
FG Attempts...........18 at Manhattan 1/21/24
3FG Made...............5 at Iona 2/2/2024
3FG Attempts.......... 9 at Iona 2/2/2024
FT Made...............11 vs. Saint Peter’s 1/19/24
FT Attempts ..........12 vs. Saint Peter’s 1/19/24


#2 BRYCEN GOODINE • GUARD
In his limited time as a Stag, Brycen Goodine has exceled scoring 376 points on his way to what looks like it will be more than a 400 point season. Goodine is 4 made 3 points baskets short of qualifying as the nations number 2 player in 3 point shooting percentage, and his numbers this season will likely set a new single season record at Fairfield. Goodine became only the 3rd Stag in the history of the program to score 40 or more points in a game; it was only the 17th time in the 44 years of the conference that a player had scored as many as 40 points in a league game. BG is 5th in the conference in 3 point field goals, first in 3 point field goal percentage, 10th in scoring, 1st in true shooting percentage, and 8th in offensive efficiency.
Fairfield Highs
Points.....................40 at Siena 1/5/2024
Rebounds...................7 vs. MSMC 11/13/23
Assists....................7 vs. MSMC 11/13/23
Steals.....................3, 5 times
Blocks ....................2 vs. Quinnipiac 1/28/24
FG Made...................8 at Boston College 11/06/23
FG Attempts................18 at BC 11/06/23, at Siena 1/5/2024
3FG Made................... 8 at Siena 1/5/2024
3FG Attempts...............12 at Siena 1/5/2024
FT Made.....................6 at Siena 1/5/2024
FT Attempts ............... 8 at Siena 1/5/2024

The Early Edition wishes each of these Stags the best of luck in what might be the final home game of their careers.




STAG SENIORS HOPING TO GO OUT ON TOP

HEARD BUT PROBABLY NOT TRUE  
JACK BROWN EXCELING IN ICHTHYOLOGY COURSE
Taj Benning, who has been tasked with making sure all the players are keeping up with their studies, recently checked in with Jack Brown to see how he was doing in the “Biology of Fish” class he is taking. Brown told Benning, “Really great. In fact, right now I’m working on my final paper to explain why Koi fish always swim in groups of four.” “Wow” Benning wondered, “why do they do that?” “Well,” said Brown,” in the wild, if a group of four koi are attacked by a predator, the odds are good that, let’s say, the A Koi, the B Koi, and the C Koi will all escape to reproduce and live another day. That’s because the predator will usually go for the D Koi.”
With apologies to anyone who reads this

Edition 225 @stagsmensbball , #stagsmensbball, #MAACHoops , @mahoneyarena, #MAACHoops, #heardbutprobablynottrue , #EEGN , #HBPNT ♫2023-2024♫ 
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[stags1983]

A Great EEGN! I hope each of these players know what a true pleasure it has been to watch them play. Each of them will always be a part of the Fairfield family!

[stag76]

An excellent tribute to those listed as seniors on the roster. I knew Brown, Fields, and Yetna were on their last year of eligibility and Leach has been at Fairfield for four years so he’d need to claim his extra year of Covid eligibility if his desire is to play for Fairfield for another year.
For some reason I didn’t realize that Goodine and Bleechmore also have the option of walking away from college basketball if they don’t wish to use their Covid year. Also, like everyone else on the roster, those three know the transfer portal opens on the 18th.

Should Leach, Goodine, and Bleechmore all decide not to return to Fairfield for another season, I think the coaching staff will have a difficult time finding three players in the portal who combine basketball skills and dedication to team achievement that these three possess.

[ctghostman]

Mar 5, 2024 10:04:25 GMT -5 stag76 said:

Should Leach, Goodine, and Bleechmore all decide not to return to Fairfield for another season, I think the coaching staff will have a difficult time finding three players in the portal who combine basketball skills and dedication to team achievement that these three possess.

I hope JL, BG and LB all stay. I hope they graduate this spring. BG and LB have prior transfers so I’m not sure if they would have to sit if they don’t yet have degrees. I think if grads, they’d be immediately eligible anywhere

I think Brown has a Covid year if he wants.

[reindeerfan]

Mar 5, 2024 12:13:43 GMT -5 ctghostman said:

Mar 5, 2024 10:04:25 GMT -5 stag76 said:

Should Leach, Goodine, and Bleechmore all decide not to return to Fairfield for another season, I think the coaching staff will have a difficult time finding three players in the portal who combine basketball skills and dedication to team achievement that these three possess.

I hope JL, BG and LB all stay. I hope they graduate this spring. BG and LB have prior transfers so I’m not sure if they would have to sit if they don’t yet have degrees. I think if grads, they’d be immediately eligible anywhere

I think Brown has a Covid year if he wants.

I really hope all our players that can stay, do stay. I especially hope that BG does not get lured away because of NIL and end up in place where he is wasted on the bench. I feel Ed did Brycen a real disservice bringing him to providence and not playing him. Brycen has the talent level to be All-MAAC next year. I hope he sticks around and gives himself the chance to play and xxcel. I also hope Jalen, and Louie makes that choice. We have a team next year that could do something special like the women are currently doing, if we can keep this nucleus and just add one or two key players.

[stag76]

Mar 5, 2024 12:13:43 GMT -5 ctghostman said:

Mar 5, 2024 10:04:25 GMT -5 stag76 said:

Should Leach, Goodine, and Bleechmore all decide not to return to Fairfield for another season, I think the coaching staff will have a difficult time finding three players in the portal who combine basketball skills and dedication to team achievement that these three possess.

I hope JL, BG and LB all stay. I hope they graduate this spring. BG and LB have prior transfers so I’m not sure if they would have to sit if they don’t yet have degrees. I think if grads, they’d be immediately eligible anywhere

I think Brown has a Covid year if he wants.

I think you’re correct about Brown. At first, I doubted his parents would want to pay for a 5th year but I guess the possibility does exist of putting him on scholarship for a year. Seems there’s little benefit to long range building a roster these days and JB has picked up a decent amount of court time the past two seasons, so if Casey is the head coach next year — giving JB a scholarship might be a possibility as Casey has spoken highly of JB’s hustle and play in the podcasts.

[reindeerfan]

Its a difficult call. In my heart I would love to see JB given a scholarship. But having a scholarship free late sometimes helps you get a game changer, or a player like a Yetna, who at least on paper has the ability to be a game changer. I don't think we really got the capability Lex has to offer this season, but if a similar situation arises next year I would want the ability to take that shot. It would be great if there was a way things worked out where Jack could return. Time will tell.

[alsostagparty]

What a great tribute! However, I’m not willing to say goodbye to anyone until they get us to the dance!

[stags74]

Enjoy the accomplishments of this team while you can. Hopefully more accomplishments ahead!

[baron72]

An exciting year - hard to believe its our last home game - these guys have all contributed in an outstanding and unselfish manner. They have played well and look like they enjoy the accomplishments of the team and their team mates.