The Southern Polytechnic State University Hornet basketball team had not been been nationally ranked in more than a decade until the NAIA national poll ranked SPSU number 16 in the nation the first week of January. The Hornets achieved the feat with a record of 10-2 and four straight victories. During that stretch, they defeated NCAA Div. I Tenn-Chattanooga and NCAA Div. II Tiffin University.

Unfortunately, an upset loss at home the next day to Brewton Parker knocked the Hornets out of the poll, at least temporarily. However, SPSU has won its last two games and now stands atop the GACC conference standings. Coach Mike Helfer is exceptionally pleased with the team's play thus far.

"The rankings are nice and it shows that we have started to build the kind of program that our school can be proud of. Plus, it shows we have a chance to be good if we continue to defend and play with smarts," said Helfer.

One of the keys to the season is the Hornets ability to defend. SPSU is holding their opponents to 70.3 points per game while averaging 95.3 points per game. "With our success, we have placed a bullseye on our back and that is what we want. It has its demands and weare ready to take on those demands," said Helfer.