Sports
2024 HBCUAC Preseason Men’s Basketball All-Conference Teams and Rankings Announced

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) has announced its 2024 Preseason Men’s Basketball All-HBCUAC First and Second Teams, along with the Preseason Team Rankings, as selected by the conference’s head men’s basketball coaches. The player and team points are based on rankings submitted by each coach.
After a standout freshman season, Jamal Gibson from Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) has been named the 2024 Preseason HBCUAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Year, earning 51 votes. Gibson’s impressive stats from last season include an average of 21.0 points, 15.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, setting SUNO records for points (630), rebounds (474), and double-doubles (29). He received numerous accolades, including GCAC Player and Freshman of the Year, as well as selections to the NAIA All-American Third Team and Louisiana Sports Writer Association All-Louisiana Third Team.
The remainder of the First Team roster includes:
- Raymond Reece, Philander Smith University: Averaged a double-double with 16 points and 10.3 rebounds per game; recognized as an All-Defensive Team and First Team All-Conference Selection.
- Tory Cargo, Dillard University: Contributed 15.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game; earned 2023-24 First Team All-Conference honors.
- Antonio Patterson, Tougaloo College: Recorded 12.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and two assists per game.
- Tyon Thompson, Southern University at New Orleans: Previously at Fisk University, achieved Second Team All-Conference honors with averages of 14.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.
Preseason All-HBCUAC Second Team members include Jalil Langston (University of the Virgin Islands), Demarius Pitts (Wiley University), Armond Williams (Dillard), Amorey Womack (Philander Smith), and Michael Ashley (Fisk).
The 2024 Preseason Team Rankings also feature projections from head men’s basketball coaches. Philander Smith University, the reigning GCAC Men’s Basketball Champions, leads the rankings with 140 points and four first-place votes. Tougaloo College, the regular-season champion, is a close second with 129 points and four first-place votes. The full preseason rankings are as follows:
- Philander Smith University – 140 (4)
- Tougaloo College – 129 (4)
- Talladega College – 116
- Dillard University – 113 (2)
- Stillman College – 110 (1)
- Southern University at New Orleans – 97
- Wiley University – 92 (1)
- Rust College – 65
- Fisk University – 62
- Voorhees University – 51
- University of the Virgin Islands – 40
- Wilberforce University – 39
- Oakwood University – 38
HBCU ORIGINAL
Delaware State Falls Short vs. Monmouth, 49–38

The Hornets showed heart from start to finish, going toe-to-toe with Monmouth in a high-scoring contest that ended 49–38. Despite the loss, Delaware State displayed major offensive firepower and resilience on the road.
🏈 Game Highlights:
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Marquis Gillis was unstoppable on the ground, rushing for 132 yards and a touchdown, setting the tone early for the Hornets’ offense.
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Quarterback James Jones powered in a short rushing score, keeping the Hornets within striking distance.
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The Hornet defense battled to contain a hot Monmouth offense led by Derek Robertson, who threw for four touchdowns — but Delaware State never backed down.
🔥 What’s Next:
Delaware State looks to carry this momentum into MEAC play, building on its offensive rhythm and toughness heading into the next matchup.
#MEACFootball #DelState #HBCUFootball #HornetPride #HBCUOriginal
Sports
“Morgan State Comes Back to Defeat North Carolina Central University in Five-Set Thriller”

BALTIMORE, Md. (Oct. 1, 2025) – The Morgan State volleyball team welcomed North Carolina Central (NCCU) to Hill Field House on Friday, Oct. 3 for a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) matchup at 6 p.m. The game was Morgan State’s ‘Pink Out’ match, with fans encouraged to wear pink in support.
Morgan State came into the match at 4-8 overall, 1-1 MEAC, looking to rebound from a heartbreaking 3-2 loss at Howard. The Bears had fallen behind 2-0 before dropping the final three sets, including a narrow 15-12 defeat in the fifth.
Key performances vs. Howard:
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Daniela Ferreira: career-high 23 kills
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Isabelle Brown: 43 assists
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Hanna Nemeth: 13 digs
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Jada Williams: seven blocks
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Aubrey Wilson: five blocks
NCCU (4-10, 1-1 MEAC) entered the contest on a two-match losing streak, including a 3-0 road loss at Charleston Southern. Standouts included Summer Campbell (four kills), Tayah Little and Allyson Rouse (three kills each), Loren Johnson (12 digs), and Neira Joldic (eight assists).
Series History:
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NCCU leads the all-time series 7-4, winning seven of the last eight meetings.
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Last season, the teams split the series: Morgan State swept at home (10/4/24) and NCCU won in five sets on the road (11/1/24).
Match Result: October 3, 2025
Morgan State pulled off a thrilling five-set victory over NCCU, winning 3-2.
Set Scores: 18-25, 19-25, 25-22, 25-19, 15-11
Impact on the Teams:
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Morgan State: Record improves to 2-1 MEAC, 5-8 overall.
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NCCU: Falls to 1-2 MEAC, 4-11 overall.
The Bears showed resilience coming back from a 0-2 deficit to claim the win! 💪
Player Highlights & Milestones
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Jada Williams: Moved into 7th on Morgan State’s all-time blocks list with 247 career blocks.
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Aubrey Wilson: Reached 100 career blocks, currently 17th in program history.
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Isabelle Brown: Freshman setter named MEAC Setter of the Week, directing Morgan’s offense with 107 assists over three matches.
Looking Ahead
Morgan State will host South Carolina State in a MEAC match on Sunday, Oct. 5. First serve is at 1 p.m. at Hill Field House.
HBCU ORIGINAL
“Rivalry on Fire: Morehouse Battles Howard at MetLife!”

Saturday, September 13, 2025 – 01:00 PM
Get ready for an electrifying showdown as the HBCU NY Football Classic returns to MetLife Stadium on Saturday, September 13, 2025!
This premier HBCU football event in the Northeast promises heart-pounding action as Morehouse College takes on Howard University. Two of the nation’s most storied programs will clash on the gridiron, each vying for victory and bragging rights in front of thousands of passionate fans.
Fans can expect a full day of excitement, from pre-game festivities and marching band performances to halftime entertainment that celebrates HBCU culture and tradition. The rivalry is fierce, the stakes are high, and the energy in the stadium is bound to be unforgettable.
Don’t miss your chance to witness history in the making at the HBCU NY Football Classic – where tradition, pride, and football excellence collide!
HBCU ORIGINAL
Dillard’s Davison, Wilberforce’s Howard, and Wiley’s Russell Claim Week 1 HBCUAC Cross Country Honors

NEW ORLEANS – September 2, 2025 – The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) announced its Week 1 cross country weekly awards, recognizing standout performances from August 25-31.
Women’s Honors:
Dillard University freshman Karlise Davison made a sensational debut, earning both Runner of the Week and Freshman of the Week honors. Davison broke the Dillard four-kilometer school record, cementing herself as a rising star in the HBCUAC women’s cross country scene. Her record-setting performance has set high expectations for the season ahead.
Men’s Honors:
On the men’s side, Wilberforce University freshman Skyaqui Howard was named Runner and Freshman of the Week after leading the Bulldogs at the Wilberforce Invitational. In his first collegiate meet, Howard clocked 17:56.7, finishing seventh among 23 competitors from NCAA Division II and NCCAA programs.
Wiley University’s John Russell, a transfer from Ranger College, claimed Newcomer of the Week following his performance at Texas Christian University’s John MacKenzie Invitational. Competing against NCAA Division I athletes from TCU, Texas A&M, and Tarleton State, Russell completed the five-kilometer course in 19:38, showcasing his readiness to contribute at the HBCUAC level.
Additional men’s weekly nominees included Quante Ferguson (Talladega), Javoun Goldsby (Wiley), Earl Hurd Jr. (Wiley), Phillip Isaac (Dillard), and K’Mon Washington (Dillard), highlighting the depth of talent across the conference.
The HBCUAC continues to spotlight emerging athletes and exceptional performances in cross country, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
HBCU ORIGINAL
Benedict Ranked Ninth in Division II HBCU Coaches Poll

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Benedict College football team has secured the No. 9 spot in this week’s HBCU Division II Football Coaches Poll, powered by BOXTOROW.
The Tigers climbed into the rankings after opening their season with a 10-0 shutout victory over Fayetteville State on Saturday. They earned 36 points in voting from the panel of 18 Division II HBCU head coaches.
Virginia Union holds steady at No. 1 in the poll, with Benedict standing as one of six SIAC programs featured in the top 10.
Benedict will have a bye this week before returning to action on Sept. 13, when they travel to face Central State.
Now in its fourth year, the HBCU Division II Coaches Poll is administered by BOXTOROW and determined solely by votes from Division II HBCU head coaches.
2025 HBCU D2 Football Coaches Poll – Week 1
(Records through August 31, 2025)
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Virginia Union (15) – 1-0 – 175 pts – Preseason: 1
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Johnson C. Smith (1) – 1-0 – 153 pts – Preseason: 2
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Albany State (2) – 1-0 – 146 pts – Preseason: 3
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Virginia State – 1-0 – 129 pts – Preseason: 5
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Tuskegee – 1-0 – 99 pts – Preseason: 6
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Clark Atlanta – 0-1 – 86 pts – Preseason: 4
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Edward Waters – 1-0 – 42 pts – NR
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Winston-Salem State – 0-1 – 38 pts – Preseason: 7
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Benedict – 1-0 – 36 pts – NR
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Fort Valley State – 0-1 – 35 pts – Preseason: 9
Others receiving votes: Kentucky State (1-0) 21, Miles (0-1) 9, West Virginia State (0-1) 6, Allen (0-1) 5, Livingstone (0-1) 5, Savannah State (0-1) 4.
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