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SUNO Knights Volleyball Secures Spot in HBCUAC Championship Tournament

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NEW ORLEANS [October 21, 2024] – The SUNO Knights volleyball team has officially secured their spot in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) Volleyball Championship tournament, set to take place in Shreveport, La., from November 11-13. The Knights (4-15, 4-8) earned their berth with two critical victories over Wilberforce University and Rust College this weekend during the HBCUAC Crossover tournament hosted by Tougaloo College.
With two more conference games remaining before the championship tournament, the Knights are poised to climb higher in the rankings. SUNO will face crosstown rival Dillard University on October 25 at 6 p.m. to kick off Homecoming Weekend, followed by their final regular-season conference matchup against Tougaloo College on October 29 at 6 p.m.
This year, the conference’s coaches implemented a new rule allowing only the top eight teams to participate in the championship tournament. For SUNO Volleyball Head Coach Zipporah Washington, securing a spot in the tournament is a significant milestone.

“Making the tournament is a huge accomplishment for us, especially in a year where the competition is so fierce, and only the top teams can qualify,” said Coach Washington. “When I returned to SUNO, the program was in a difficult place, but we built a team based on resilience and the ‘never give up’ mentality that I had as a player here. Our players have embraced that mindset, and it’s showing on the court.”
The Knights have been paced this season by outside hitters Taszia Adkinson and Reagan McDowell, who have 124 and 102 kills, respectively.  Adkinson is 19th in the HBCUAC for kills. Captain Malaysia Hudson has also contributed to the Knights’ offensive effort. Her consistency at the net and ability to cover the ball on defense helps move the ball around more and keep the opponent guessing on who will be the next attacker.

In the Knights’ wins over Wilberforce and Rust, the duo combined for 30 of the team’s 78 kills. In the first match this weekend against Wilberforce, Adkinson nailed four service aces. The Knights received more offense from powerhouse Alaina Obianozie, who added six kills on .556 hitting and a block against the Bulldogs.
Despite falling in the second match of the weekend, SUNO was able to fiercely challenge the No. 1 team in the conference – Fisk University Bulldogs. Adkinson and McDowell amassed 14 kills total while captain Ja’Myra Tyler added five. Fisk Head Coach Jessica Enderle described SUNO as “strong” with “great height.”
That height was key in the Knights’ win over Rust College Saturday evening. After a slow start and a first-set loss, SUNO gained their composure and took down the Bearcats 3-1. The “bigs” were at it again in this contest as Adkinson, McDowell, and Obianozie clocked 23 kills in the win. Right side Uriah Larry and middle blocker Tyler combined for 13 kills in the four-set victory.
Watching the Knights play, you immediately notice their rotation is quick and every point is a team effort. SUNO runs a 6-2 rotation, and its two setters, captain A’Lon Clark, and freshman Trinity Bloodworth have shared the wealth of offense this season. During the HBCUAC Crossover on October 18-19, the tandem accounted for 64 total assists, spreading the ball to SUNO’s attackers for great shots to keep the opponents constantly retreating.
Defensively, no one stands out more than Chalmette, La. native Armoni Harris. She leads the HBCUAC in digs per set with 4.44, sits at No. 1 for total digs in conference play with 186, and is fifth in the conference for overall digs with 271. Along with Clark, Harris is described as a general on the court. She is able to anticipate where the opponent will strike, allowing her to quickly move to grab a dig and make a great pass to Clark or Bloodworth.
“Rebuilding is never easy, but it’s always worth it,” said Washington. “These young ladies are responsible for creating a culture that forces each individual to give their best. We’re not where we want to be, but we take a step toward the mark in every practice and game.”
Washington took over the program at a critical time, stepping into the role when SUNO was searching for a leader who could develop the relaunched program. As a former SUNO conference player of the year, she brought a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the university. Her leadership and commitment to character earned her a nomination for SUNO’s NAIA Coach of Character award, further solidifying her impact on the program.
SUNO Director of Athletics James A. Matthews, III, praised Washington for her leadership and the team’s determination.
“Having strong leaders like Coach Washington is essential to creating a culture of accountability and excellence in everything we do,” said Matthews. “Her ability to mold well-rounded student-athletes who excel both on and off the court is a testament to the vision we have for SUNO Athletics. We’re proud of what this team has achieved and excited for what’s ahead.”
With a spot in the championship tournament secured and the possibility of climbing even higher in the standings, the SUNO Knights volleyball team is riding a wave of momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season. Fans are eager to see the team continue their push for success as they face Dillard and Tougaloo in the coming weeks.

We are dedicated to celebrating the rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring legacy of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Our mission is to provide a platform that honors the invaluable contributions of HBCUs to higher education, social justice, and community empowerment. Through insightful articles, engaging narratives, and meaningful dialogue, we strive to amplify the voices, experiences, and achievements within the HBCU community. By fostering awareness, appreciation, and support for HBCUs, we aspire to inspire current and future generations to pursue excellence, equity, and inclusivity in education and beyond.

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🦁🐺 HBCU Original — Lincoln & Cheyney Deliver Big Performances at Widener Schuylkill Showdown

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Philadelphia, PA — The Widener Schuylkill Showdown (Jan. 31–Feb. 1, 2026) at the Jane & David Ott Center served as a proving ground for regional indoor track & field talent, and HBCU programs Lincoln University (PA) and Cheyney University (PA) rose to the challenge with standout performances across sprints, hurdles, relays, jumps, middle distance, and throws.


🔥 Lincoln University (PA) Puts HBCU Track on Notice

Lincoln University delivered one of the most complete HBCU performances of the meet, highlighted by elite sprinting, record-setting marks, and relay dominance.

🥇 Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay — MEET HIGHLIGHT

Lincoln’s “A” relay squad (Nasir Scott, Devin James, Sahfi Reed, Carlo Johnson) captured 1st place in 3:14.87, earning:

  • Meet win

  • New HBCU #11

  • New NCAA DII #19

The Lions also showed depth with a “B” relay clocking 3:27.23, while a third squad was entered.


Sprint Power: Men’s 200m

Lincoln sprinters dominated the 200 meters with nationally ranked HBCU marks:

  • Devin James (FR)21.78 (New HBCU #52, New DII #75, Season Best)

  • Sahfi Reed (SO)21.85 (New HBCU #60, New DII #94)

  • Carlo Johnson (FR)21.87 (PR, New HBCU #64, New DII #98)

This trio solidified Lincoln as one of the fastest HBCU sprint groups indoors.


🏃‍♂️ 400m Strength

  • Nasir Scott (SR)50.49 (Season Best)

  • Lamine Kane (SO)51.04

  • Malachi Williams (SO)52.42


🚧 Hurdles & Jumps

Men’s 60m Hurdles

  • Terry McNeil (SR)8.44

  • Adam Green (JR)8.67

  • Sayeed Buie (FR)8.95

  • Jayden Jones (FR)9.81

Men’s High Jump

  • Adam Green (JR)1.83m (6-00.00)

Men’s Long Jump

  • Tehuti Cononver (SO)6.67m (21-10.75) (New HBCU #69)

  • Adam Green (JR)6.50m (21-04.00)


🏃‍♀️ Women’s Track Highlights

Women’s 60m

  • Darriel Whiting (FR)7.90

  • Shanna Todman (SO)8.52

Women’s 400m

  • Dayshana Kellogg (FR)59.25

  • Kenya Williams (SO)1:02.74 (PR)

  • Daleeah Alexander (FR)1:03.96

  • Paris Talley (JR)1:04.35

Women’s 800m

  • Aniya Whitfield (JR)2:31.78

  • Eternity Bellamy (SO)2:49.25


🏃‍♀️ Distance & Triple Jump Excellence

Men’s Mile

  • Thomas Jones (SO)4:34.92 (PR, New HBCU #41)

Women’s Mile

  • Madison Morgan (SO)6:01.69 (New HBCU #70)

  • Miranda McLean (JR)6:11.36 (New HBCU #80)

  • Isabella Wright (SO) — *6:29.02 (PR, New HBCU #88)

Women’s Triple Jump

  • Gabrielle Lanier (SO)11.27m (36-11.75)
    2nd place | New HBCU #43 | New DII #80 | Season Best


🔁 Women’s 4×400 Relays

  • Lincoln “A”4:04.26 (New HBCU #28, New DII #86)
    (Whiting, Whitfield, K. Williams, Kellogg)

  • Lincoln “B”4:13.86


🐺 Cheyney University (PA) Shows Growth & Freshman Impact

Cheyney University competed across sprints, middle distance, jumps, and throws, with freshmen playing key roles.

Top Highlight

Women’s Long Jump

  • Opeyemi Ojo (FR)5th place, 5.10m (16-08.75)
    Personal Record

Ojo also doubled on the track:

  • Women’s 60m8.57

🏃‍♂️ Men’s 800m

  • Yasir Logan (FR)2:12.16

🏋️ Throws

Men’s Shot Put

  • Benjamin Bell (JR)8.50m (27-10.75)

Women’s Shot Put

  • Kimberly Arias (FR)9.46m

  • MyAngel Salisbury (FR)9.32m

  • Demetria Williams (FR)6.24m

Cheyney’s participation across multiple disciplines reflects a program building depth and competitive confidence.

FULL RESULTS CLICK LINK 

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Tuskegee Coach Benjy Taylor Escorted Off Court in Handcuffs After Postgame Incident

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Tuskegee Coach Benjy Taylor Escorted Off Court in Handcuffs After Postgame Incident

Credit: HBCU Gameday

Tuskegee University men’s basketball coach Benjy Taylor was escorted off the court in handcuffs following a postgame incident Saturday at Morehouse College’s Forbes Arena.

Video shared by HBCU Gameday shows Taylor speaking with a security officer as Tuskegee and Morehouse players exchanged handshakes after the game. Moments later, the officer placed Taylor in handcuffs and led him off the court and into a nearby hallway.

According to statements from Taylor and Tuskegee athletic director Reginald Ruffin, the incident stemmed from Taylor asking security to remove several Morehouse football players from the handshake line. Taylor said the players were “yelling obscenities,” while Ruffin described the situation as a “security breach.”

“I am at a loss for words, and I am upset about how I was violated and treated today,” Taylor said in a statement released Saturday. “For my players, my family and people of Tuskegee to witness that is heartbreaking for me.

“I was simply trying to get the football team out of the handshake line as they were following right behind me and the team yelling obscenities. It was a very dangerous situation.”

Ruffin told HBCU Gameday that the security officer involved provided a different account, claiming Taylor was “very aggressive.” Ruffin said he disagreed with that assessment, citing conference-mandated security protocols and stating that Taylor’s actions were reasonable.

“He asked the security officer, ‘Can you please remove them from the line?’ That’s what he asked,” Ruffin said.

Civil rights attorney Harry Daniels announced Sunday that Taylor has retained him to explore a potential lawsuit. In a statement, Daniels said the Morehouse football players were “acting aggressively” toward Tuskegee players and their families and that their presence on the court violated conference security policies.

“When Coach Taylor asked officers to enforce those protocols and defuse an increasingly dangerous situation, one of the officers instead chose to place him in handcuffs and escort him from the court,” Daniels said.

As of Monday, it was unclear which law enforcement agency the security officer represents. Taylor has not been charged with a crime, according to Daniels’ office. Tuskegee University confirmed that Taylor traveled back with the team following the game.

Taylor, who is in his sixth season as head coach, declined further comment Sunday, telling USA Today, “I am devastated and will have no more comments at this time.”

Tuskegee fell to 15–5 on the season following its 77–69 loss to Morehouse.

“It would be bad for a police officer to treat anyone this way,” Daniels said. “But to do it to a highly respected coach and role model—handcuffing and humiliating him in front of his players, family and fans—is absolutely unacceptable.”

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Coppin State Hosts No. 2 South Carolina in Baltimore

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By HBCU Original Staff | Jan. 18, 2026

BALTIMORE — Coppin State welcomed No. 2 South Carolina on Sunday, giving HBCU fans a rare opportunity to see top-tier college basketball in their own backyard. More than 3,300 fans packed the Physical Education Complex, marking the second-largest home crowd in school history. HBCU Original was on site to capture the energy, excitement, and pride of the HBCU community.

Despite a 90-48 loss, the Eagles showed heart. Senior Khila Morris led the team with 20 points, and senior Paris McBride added 12. Coppin State even held a brief 8-7 lead in the first minutes and outrebounded the taller Gamecocks 38-37, proving that grit and determination were on full display.

The game was more than just basketball. Former Eagles star Denikwa James returned to support her alma mater, while Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott took a courtside seat to celebrate HBCU athletics and community impact. Fans of all ages filled the stands early, some lining up hours before tipoff to make sure they didn’t miss the historic matchup. The atmosphere was electric, with chants, cheers, and proud displays of Coppin State gear throughout the arena.

Dawn Staley and her South Carolina squad brought national attention to Coppin State, but the focus remained on the Eagles’ program and the HBCU community. Staley spent more than 30 minutes signing autographs and taking photos, highlighting the respect and visibility these games bring to HBCUs.

Coppin State coach Darrell Mosley said the experience offered his players valuable lessons. “It’s about exposure, experience, and giving our players a chance to measure themselves against top-level competition,” he said. “Games like this help build our program and show that HBCU athletes belong on the national stage.”

For fans, the event was a celebration of HBCU pride, history, and culture. “This is why we support our programs,” said longtime Coppin fan Shelley Favre. “It’s about showing up, celebrating our teams, and supporting the next generation of HBCU athletes.”

Sunday’s game was a reminder that when HBCUs host marquee events, the impact extends far beyond the scoreboard — inspiring players, energizing communities, and showcasing the talent and resilience that make HBCU sports special.

Full Game Stats

Coppin State Eagles (4-16)

  • Khila Morris: 20 points, 4 rebounds

  • Paris McBride: 12 points, 4 rebounds

  • Shanaii Gamble: 6 points, 3 rebounds

  • Team Shooting: 32.2% FG, 26.7% 3PT, 68.2% FT

  • Rebounds: 38 (15 offensive, 23 defensive)

  • Turnovers: 30

  • Steals: 0

South Carolina Gamecocks (19-1)

  • Joyce Edwards: 26 points, 5 steals, 6 rebounds

  • Tessa Johnson: 17 points, 4 assists, 2 steals (5 3-pointers)

  • Maddy McDaniel: 6 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds

  • Alicia Tournebize: 8 points, 1 rebound, 1 block, 1 steal

  • Team Shooting: 51.5% FG, 47.4% 3PT, 79.5% FT

  • Rebounds: 37 (10 offensive, 27 defensive)

  • Turnovers Forced: 30

  • Steals: 21


Sunday’s game was a reminder that when HBCUs host marquee events, the impact extends far beyond the scoreboard — inspiring players, energizing communities, and showcasing the talent and resilience that make HBCU sports special.

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Delaware State Shows Fight in Road Matchup vs Saint Joseph’s

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PHILADELPHIA — The Delaware State Hornets continued their non-conference slate Thursday night, facing a determined Saint Joseph’s squad in a 67–51 contest that showcased resilience, youth development, and flashes of defensive intensity from the Hornets.

After a slow shooting start, Delaware State settled in and found its rhythm midway through the first half, cutting the deficit to just three points at 15–12 following a strong response on both ends of the floor. The Hornets battled through early pressure, showing poise and defensive commitment against a hot-shooting Hawks lineup.

Saint Joseph’s took advantage of perimeter shooting early, building momentum heading into halftime, but Delaware State refused to fold. The Hornets continued to compete after the break, answering runs and playing with energy as the game progressed.

Delaware State showed improved ball movement and defensive presence in the second half, working to close the gap after Saint Joseph’s extended its lead. Despite the final margin, the Hornets’ late push reflected their persistence and growth, particularly against a short-handed but aggressive opponent.

As the season continues, Delaware State remains focused on building chemistry, tightening execution, and turning these competitive moments into wins as conference play approaches.

Final Score: Saint Joseph’s 67, Delaware State 51

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Okojie’s Double-Double Lifts Howard Past Drexel in Philadelphia

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PHILADELPHIA — Ose Okojie delivered a composed, physical performance on both ends, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds as Howard held off Drexel, 74-66, on Tuesday night.

The victory marked Howard’s fourth straight win and its first true road victory of the season after three previous attempts. The Bison (8-5) controlled the game early and leaned on efficiency and free-throw shooting down the stretch to seal the win inside Drexel’s home arena.

Howard shot nearly 48 percent from the field and an impressive 92 percent at the free-throw line, knocking down 23 of 25 attempts. Cam Gillus filled the stat sheet with 16 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while Bryce Harris scored 13 points, including seven free throws. Cedric Taylor III added 12 points, punctuating the Bison’s late-game composure with a key layup in the final two minutes.

The Bison seized control early, building a 36-25 halftime lead behind Okojie’s 11 first-half points and Gillus’ perimeter shooting. A Gillus three midway through the opening half gave Howard a lead it would not relinquish after the first two minutes of play, with the margin ballooning to as many as 16 points.

Drexel (4-7) made multiple pushes in the second half behind a career night from Kevon Vanderhorst. The guard poured in 30 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including four three-pointers, and went 10-for-11 from the free-throw line. Villiam Garcia Adsten chipped in 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists for the Dragons.

Despite Drexel cutting the deficit to single digits late, Howard’s rebounding advantage (36-22) and poise at the line proved decisive. Okojie secured the defensive rebound on Drexel’s final missed free throw with eight seconds remaining, effectively closing the door.

Howard never trailed after taking a 7-5 lead early in the first half, continuing to show growth away from home as it builds momentum heading deeper into the season.

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