No. 3 Firestorm To Open Season With Fultz Classic

Blackwell, Berry (4), Hudgens, and Hayden are key returners in 2023-24

Glendale, Ariz.- As they have done every year but one since 2018-19, Arizona Christian will officially begin their season by hosting the Fultz Memorial Classic this weekend. The Firestorm will start the season ranked number three in the NAIA.

Classic Details
Carroll v OUAZ - Friday, November 3 at 12:00 pm
Arizona Christian v Rocky Mountain - Friday, November 3 at 2:00 pm
Rocky Mountain v OUAZ - Saturday, November 4 at 12:00 pm
Arizona Christian v Carroll - Saturday, November 4 at 2:00 pm
Arizona Christian University
ACU Events Center - Glendale, AZ
Tickets are only available for purchase online- Click Here
Pricing- General Admission ($10), Senior 65+ ($5), Active Military/Veteran ($5), ACU Alumni ($5), Kids ages 10 and under (free)

Live Coverage
Live Video - https://www.gsacsportsnetwork.com/azchristian/
Live Stats - https://acufirestorm.com/sidearmstats/mbball/summary

Arizona Christian
After making a run to the NAIA National Quarterfinals and winning their third straight GSAC Regular Season Championship, the Firestorm concluded their 2022-23 season with a record of 27-6. The 2023-24 squad features an even mix of returners and new Firestorm. Depth and a balanced attack will be the strengths of the current team.

2022-23 ACU Top Returning Players
Paul Hayden- 12.4 points, Third Team NAIA All-American
Dennis Flowers III- 12.3 points
Trent Hudgens- 11.4 points
Mikah Blackwell- 10.5 points, 5.8 rebounds
James Berry III- 7.1 points
Dominic Gonzalez- 6.4 points

Series Notes
Last meeting in December 2021, Arizona Christian is 3-0 all-time against Rocky Mountain in men's basketball. The teams have previously only met on the neutral court of the Cactus Classic.

Facing off with Carroll has resulted in an all-time 3-3 tie between the teams. ACU held on for a 69-67 win in their last meeting in December 2021.

Rocky Mountain
The Battlin' Bears opened their season last week by beating Jamestown 90-79. RMC is led by 24 year Head Coach Bill Dreikosen.

Carroll
The Fighting Saints will begin their 2023-24 facing OUAZ on Friday. In 2022-23, Carroll concluded their season 13-14 but are now under first year Head Coach Ryan Lundgren.

Roll Storm!

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Players Mentioned

#14 Paul Hayden: G; 6' 5"; Junior

#2 Dominic Gonzalez: G; 6' 3"; Junior

#0 Dennis Flowers III: G; 6' 2"; Junior

#4 James Berry III: G; 6' 5"; Sophomore

#11 Mikah Blackwell: F; 6' 6"; Junior

#3 Trent Hudgens: G; 6' 1"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#14 Paul Hayden
: 6' 5"; Junior
: G

#2 Dominic Gonzalez
: 6' 3"; Junior
: G

#0 Dennis Flowers III
: 6' 2"; Junior
: G

#4 James Berry III
: 6' 5"; Sophomore
: G

#11 Mikah Blackwell
: 6' 6"; Junior
: F

#3 Trent Hudgens
: 6' 1"; Sophomore
: G