After a second consecutive losing season -- and second straight year failing to make the conference tournament -- head coach Mike LaPlante's contract was not renewed, ending his tenure at JSU.

The Gamecocks -- picked to finish ninth in the conference preseason poll -- fell two spots to 11th in the final standings and JSU finished there in last place.

The Gamecocks did win three of their final five games, but after beginning the year 0-12 against Division-I competition -- not winning a D-I game until Jan. 10 -- there was too much to overcome.

The team was the youngest in the league, boasting nine underclassmen in all -- including three of the Gamecock's top five scorers.

However, an inability to jell in a timely fashion did in LaPlante, despite closing the season strong.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.