GSAC Preview Series: Vanguard Lions

In 1920, Harold K. Needham, D.W. Kerr, and W.C. Pierce, founded a school to prepare Christians for various ministries in the church. In 1927 the institute was named Southern California Bible School and moved from Los Angeles to Pasadena, California. In 1939, it became known as Southern California Bible College and became the first four-year institution of the Assemblies of God. On July 1, 1999 it achieved university status and became known as Vanguard University of Southern California.

Rhett Soliday Celebrate:

Photo Courtesy of Vanguard Lions Athletic Website

The athletic teams at Vanguard are called the Lions. The men’s basketball team is coached by Rhett Soliday. The Lions had a great season last year, winning the NAIA National Championship. Soliday brings back a talented team. He lost Preston Wynne, his best offensive player from a year ago to graduation. Wynne averaged 20.9 points per game. This team will rely on four players

Lions Roar:

Deangelo Jones is a 6’3″ senior guard who is averaging 16.9 points per game while shooting 43.4 percent from the field (33-76) and 76.4 percent from the free-throw line (42-55). His speed and athleticism allows him to drive past defenders, get to the rim, and draw contact to get to the free-throw line.

Chris Gorman is a senior guard who is averaging 14.8 points per game while shooting 35.7 percent from the three point line (15-42). Much like Preston Wynne last year, Gorman has the ability to pull-up and shoot over any defender.

Keith Mason is a 6’8″ senior forward who is averaging 9.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game this season. His size helps him down low grabbing rebounds (26) and blocking shots (8).

Zach Allmon is a 6’8″ sophomore forward who transferred to Vanguard last year from Cal Poly Mustangs where he redshirted in his only season. He is averaging 8.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. He and Mason make a nice combination as starting bigs. He is active around the rim and has a nice touch from deep. He is shooting 44.4 percent from the three-point line (4-9).

GSAC Outcome:

I am projecting the Lions to finish in a tie for second place in the GSAC with the Hope International Royals. The Lions have a high quality starting lineup but will need a few players on the bench to contribute consistently if they want to win the GSAC.

GSAC According to Mark:

1st: The Master’s College Mustangs 

2nd: Hope International Royals

2nd: Vanguard Lions

3rd: Arizona Christian Firestorm

3rd: Concordia Eagles

4th: BIOLA University Eagles

5th: Westmont Warriors

6th: San Diego Christian Hawks

7th: William Jessup Warriors