Down the stretch
Norfolk State Women’s Basketball Coach Larry Vickers is among three Black head coaches and the only HBCU head coach among 12 Division I undefeated WBB teams in conference play.
“I didn’t know that,” admitted the Spartans coach when the MSR told him of this during Wednesday’s MEAC bi-weekly media conference call. Vickers is the only Black male along with Notre Dame’s Niele Ivey, whose Irish was named No. 1 in the weekly AP women’s basketball poll and Chelsea Lyles, who is in her first season at FGCU with current unblemished records thus far.
Norfolk State goes into this weekend’s games 6-0 in conference and 22-4 overall.
The Spartans currently in first place but there’s still some games left to play before the league’s post-season tournament next month. These regular season contests are important for everyone, the coaches pointed out during Wednesday’s call.
“Everyone in the second phase of the MEAC (regular season) always get better and play better,” stressed Ed Davis, Jr., the Morgan State women’s coach.
Added South Carolina State WBB HC Tim Eatman, “February is all about positioning for the MEAC Tournament.”
His counterpart, Erik Martin stressed, “We got to play our best basketball in February and coming into March.”
“We got to focus on Saturday, which is our biggest game. Can’t look too far ahead,” reaffirmed Coppin State MBB Coach Larry Stewart – his Eagles are 2-7 in league play, 4-20 overall.
“What a great weekend for college basketball,” surmised Howard Men’s Coach Kenneth Blakeney.
Weekly individual honors
Coppin State forward Laila Lawrence was named MEAC Player of the Week and Defensive Player of the Week, and Howard guard Saniyah King was named Rookie of the Week in women’s basketball.
Delaware State’s Martaz Robinson in men’s basketball was named the league’s Player of the Week. Howard freshman guard was named Rookie of the Week, and Coppin State’s Peter Oduro earned Defensive Player of the Week.
Finally …
Norfolk State sophomore Qween Edmonds was named MEAC Softball Player of the Week, and her teammate Amaya McPherson was named Rookie of the Week. South Carolina State’s Destiny Calloway was named Pitcher of the Week.
