2011

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BA The Carthaginian, Carthage, Miss., October 27, 2011 M. Riley ·ioi ns ECCC men's hoops staff

bring my winning attitude and experience to the pro– gram." Coach Bowie said Riley is a "welcomed addition" to his staff. "Coach Riley is a proven winner and a fierce competitor," said Bowie. "We are fortunate to have him on our staff." Riley, a Walnut Grove"'. native, had a stellar bas- · ketball career at South Leake High, where he was an All-State selection. During his senior season, Riley averaged nearly 20 points per game and led hls team to the state finals in 1991. Riley was a reserve guard on South Leake's state champi– onship team in 1990. Riley, a highly recruit– ed student-athlete, contin-

University.

ued his athletic career at ECCC, where he played two seasons for Coach Cooper and was a starting guard on the 1993 state championshlp team. After receiving an associate's degree from ECCC in 1993, Riley's ath– letic career continued at Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, where he quickly devel– oped a reputation as an outstanding defensive player and long-range three-point shooter. Riley was also known for his persistent work ethic, leadership qualities and academic success. Riley received a bache– lor's degree in sociology from Mississippi Valley and has completed gradu– ate hours at Delta State

Provine High School, where he won several state titles during his .~2- year coaching career. Luther Riley is also a for– mer ECCC basketball standout. Riley's sister, Maria Riley, was a member of the 1993-94 and 1994-95 Lady Warrior squads, coached by Sammy Pace. Matt Riley is an active member of New Friendship M.B. Church He is also active in the Leake County community, serving as a motivnlional speaker and mentor to young men. He is married to the former Marie Cherry of Columbia. They have two children, Kymberli, 16, and Matthew 11

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0 South Leake grad becomes assistant Matt Riley is a recent addition to the East 1 Central Community College men's basketball program, announced head coach Maurice Bowie. Riley, who joined the :Ecce Workforce ' Development Staff as GB.JT Grant Coordinator in 2010, was a member of the Warriors' 1993 state championship squad, coached by Marty Cooper. "It's an honor for me to serve in this role," said Riley, 38, who resides in Carthage. "This program has a rich basketball tra– ,dition, and I'm excited to

Riley comes from a family rich in .basketball tradition. His father, Barnett "Chief' Riley, helped develop basketball players in the Walnut Grove area and Leake County. "Many of these players experienced successful high school and college careers, and several had the opportunity to play on the professional level ," said the new Warrior assistant. Riley said he also gained "valuable" experi– ence from his brother, Coach Luther Riley, new men's head basketball coach at Alcorn State University. Prior to join– ing the ASU staff, Riley experienced success at

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