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Miami Herald
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU National Championship thriving under revamped schedule
The stage is set for the 10th edition of the HBCU national championship game-better known as the Celebration Bowl-and fans no longer have to wait to book their hotels. ESPN has announced that the official date and time of the 2025 Cricket Celebration Bowl will be Saturday, December 13, 2025, at noon ET, live on ABC. The Celebration Bowl, which pits the champions of the MEAC and SWAC against one another, has become the definitive showdown for HBCU football supremacy. And last year's edition delivered in a big way, both on the field and in living rooms across the country. In 2024, the Celebration Bowl marked its first appearance under the newly revamped College Football Playoff schedule. The change shifted the game up by a week, creating ripple effects that sparked debate within the HBCU football world. Critics pointed out that the MEAC champion had a built-in advantage-an additional two weeks to prepare. The SWAC champion had to turn around and play immediately after their conference championship. Still, none of that mattered once the pads started popping. Jackson State, fresh off their SWAC title, steamrolled South Carolina State in a 28-7 statement win to capture their first Celebration Bowl crown. The Tigers also became the second straight SWAC program to hoist the trophy. Flipping a script long dominated by MEAC programs. Off the field, the numbers told a success story of their own. The 2024 Celebration Bowl pulled in 2.1 million viewers on ABC. That number was up 37% from the previous year's 1.5 million audience, according to ESPN. Much of that spike can be credited to the strategic time slot. The noon ET kickoff faced virtually no competition from other college bowl games or NFL matchups. A luxury not afforded in previous years, when scheduling overlap diluted viewership. Attendance for the HBCU national championship has also remained solid, with over 40,000 fans packing Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for the 2024 edition. That kind of turnout, paired with rising TV numbers, shows that the Celebration Bowl isn't just surviving in the ever-changing college football landscape, it's thriving. As anticipation builds for the 2025 reveal, one thing is clear. The Celebration Bowl has firmly cemented itself as the crown jewel of HBCU football. And with year 10 on the horizon, all eyes will be on what's next. The post HBCU National Championship thriving under revamped schedule appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
03-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Miami Herald
Saniyah King left her mark at Howard. Now she eyes success in the SEC.
Saniyah King, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year, did not land at Mississippi State for the next chapter of her basketball career due to a lack of success or a winning pedigree. The ex-HBCU point guard averaged 11.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and a MEAC and Bison-best 4.5 assists per game while starting in 31 of 32 games for Howard University last season. She also dished the second-most assists (145) among freshmen in the nation behind Florida Gators guard Liv McGill. King wants to continue her basketball evolution with dreams of playing in the WNBA after college. With the departure of MSU's guards Jerkaila Jordan and Eniya Russell to graduation, and Denim DeShields taking her talents to Mississippi (Ole Miss), the Bulldogs needed another collection of elite point guards. King is what Purcell needs while also believing the Bulldogs' coach and his staff will help her fulfill her hoops dream. "My main goal [for entering the transfer portal] was development," King told HBCU Gameday. "I know [Mississippi State] is going to help me become the best version of myself." Things will look extremely different for King this fall. She spent her entire life in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region with her mother, Stacey Pettiford. However, Pettiford - an HBCU alum from Howard University - tried to get the 5'7" point guard to leave the DMV to explore her basketball dreams elsewhere. "I wanted her to go away," Pettiford said. "It's a big world out there, and she'd experienced the DMV all of her life." King wasn't ready to take her talents from the big city to a new hoops terrain. But now, as she transitions to Starkville, Mississippi, the sophomore floor general is ready to embrace her next chapter, one that will include some "peace and quiet." "I wanted to slow my life down," King said. "I don't know what life is like without hearing trains, ambulances, and cars constantly passing by. I wanted new scenery. That helps me feel at peace now." King's choice and determination to ditch familiarity for the Magnolia State would not be possible without confidence in her dream, faith in God, and the lessons learned at "The Mecca" of HBCU culture. King, who at 10 years old did not have experience hooping with an elite club team, strolled into a DMV gym for a tryout with the Lady Prime AAU basketball team, coached by then-Washington D.C. street hoops legend Lonnie Harrell. Tons of budding, young female basketball players graced the court. After a couple of drills and some intense 5-on-5 action, Harrell walked over to Pettiford and did not waste any time in his desire for King to join the team. "I remember [her tryout] like it was yesterday," Pettiford said. "Harrell was like, 'we need her' and asked 'how long had she [Saniyah] been playing?'" King's genesis in basketball began with playing with boys at the park during recess in elementary school and running a few houses down the street in her Bowie, Maryland, neighborhood to play pickup games during the week. "I didn't think I was good," King said with a laugh. Her talent reached new heights when she joined Lady Prime. That season, King and her teammates didn't lose a game. As her skills grew with Lady Prime, it later opened the door for success at Bishop Ireton - a private Catholic high school in Alexandria, Virginia - as well as on the AAU circuit playing for Team Durant EYBL, named after 15-time NBA All-Star and DMV native Kevin Durant. However, a "turning point" in her personal development came during the height of the coronavirus pandemic when she completed workout sessions three times per day with Joshua Morgan-Green, the founder of the Triple Threat training regimen based in Annapolis Junction, Maryland. "I was probably there from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.," King said. "When I was younger, I was always stronger and a little faster than my peers. That summer, I really got skilled. My ball handling went to a different level, I perfected my shot, and learned how to work. He [Green] changed my life." King entered the Washington, D.C.-based HBCU after excelling in the classroom as an AP scholar and becoming one of the top 15 point guards in Virginia for assists per game. She held a long lineage of Howard pride in her family. Pettiford, one of King's 11 family members to attend HU, played a key part in her daughter's interest in attending Howard after many years of taking King to basketball games and events on the HBCU campus. King, who had spent all of 18 years of her life living with her mom prior to attending HU, saw Pettiford depart the DMV to move to Atlanta during her freshman year. "When I was at home with her [Pettiford] every day, I would spend most of my time in my room," King said with a laugh. "Seeing her leave helped me mature emotionally." With a 10-hour trek separating the two, King began to realize the lessons Pettiford shared with her about life, time management, and avoiding worldly distractions in pursuit of her dreams, both on and off the court. However, when she entered the gates of the renowned Main Quadrangle, walked across The Yard or stepped inside Frederick Douglas Memorial Hall and Burr Gymnasium for the first time, she quickly found out that Howard was the epitome of "Black excellence" but also a place where she had to grow up and balance a myriad of priorities as a student athlete. "I underestimated college," King said. "Howard helped me come to that realization very fast. It wasn't the normal college experience. … Howard really prepares you for the real world." While pursuing a degree in psychology, King navigated her way as the only freshman on a veteran HBCU women's basketball program - coached by Ty Grace - that featured a combined dozen seniors and grad transfer players, including her friend and teammate, Destiny Howell, the Bison's leading scorer in 2024. "Saniyah is just the player you enjoy and want to play with," Howell previously told Howard Athletics consultant Rob Knox in December. "The first thing I noticed about her is that she is not scared of work, she does not duck no smoke. …She is a good person, making it easier to be a good teammate." King shared similar sentiments about Howell and also credited her leadership. "Destiny [Howell] always sat and watched game film with me and offered encouraging words," King said. "She would tell me that I'm "HER" and to walk like it." But with Pettiford away and a surplus of daily college life distractions around her, it forced King to find herself while remaining focused on her goals in the classroom as well as becoming the best point guard on the hardwood. King leaned into her faith in God to navigate her challenges. Each day, she logged into Instagram, swiped to her bio section and visited one of her highlights named Daily Words of Encouragement (DWOE), which listed her favorite Bible verses and quotes. One of her go-to scriptures comes from Matthew 19:26, which reads, "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" As her freshman season progressed, when she wasn't in class, at practice, or lifting weights with her teammates, she watched sermons and read the Bible, drawing closer to God when she was unable to attend Sunday services at Kingdom Fellowship AME Church in Silver Springs, Maryland. "I was in a place where I had to find and put God at the forefront of my life," King said. "His presence in my life strengthened my mindset and my vision to conquer my goals." As King embraced her walk with God, she matured in the face of adversity. King, who became a force for Howard in HBCU women's basketball, captured Rookie of the Week honors 11 times. With three games remaining against North Carolina Central, South Carolina State, and the defending MEAC champions Norfolk State, Howard sat in second place (17-9) in the MEAC standings. The Bison entered their clash with NCCU, winners of seven consecutive contests and 10 of their last 11 games since league play began on Jan. 4. And for King, her focus remained on finishing the season strong and getting another chance to face the Spartans. However, things took a twist for the Bison point guard. King injured her left foot in Howard's 74-51 victory against the Eagles, sidelining her for the final games of the regular season. She wasn't a stranger to foot injuries. King struggled with bone bruises over the years due to the absence of an arch in her feet. But with the MEAC tournament around the corner, her shot at helping Howard dethrone the Spartans and securing an automatic bid in the women's NCAA tournament remained in motion. However, with an injury comes a wave of emotions and physical challenges. When she returned to the court for the league tourney - specifically in Howard's matchup against Maryland Eastern Shore in the MEAC semifinals - King didn't feel like herself on the court. "I played a little scared," King said. "I wasn't trying to land a certain way [on my foot] and I kept thinking about that. That's not my usual mindset." HU's win set up the MEAC title against the Spartans and future 2025 WNBA signee Diamond Johnson, a player whom King respected, studied, and watched from afar throughout her college career in the Big Ten and HBCU hoops. But like the first two contests, NSU defeated Howard 68-56, ending the Bison's NCAA tourney hopes. "This was supposed to be the time that I shined [on the court]," King said. "It was almost like they [Spartans] had every single play we tried to run rehearsed." Still, the Bison received an automatic qualifying bid to the Women's National Invitational Tournament (WNIT), defeating Siena at home in the first round before losing to Charleston in the second round. Despite the loss, King felt like she took a step forward in her progression after the injury. "My shot was falling, it was like I had woken back up," she said. As King transitions to Starkville, she's embracing the progression of her game. Her daily 7 a.m. workouts include weight lifting, watching film, listening to basketball podcasts as well as improving her technique and feel for reading ball screens and elevating her shooting percentage from beyond the arc. "I hate waking up early," King said. "But since the season ended, I continued that habit. … Losing in the [MEAC] tournament and heading to a new school has inspired me to work even harder this summer. I want to improve my vision to open up the floor more for my teammates." King will have the opportunity to upgrade those skills and more as one of the Bulldogs' floor generals, in addition to pursuing a business degree at MSU. As she navigates her process, King is catching up on family time with her grandfather - who never missed her home games - and spending time with her four little brothers all under the age of 12. She's also going on nail appointments, along with brunch and dinner dates with Pettiford. And when the two aren't tasting new foods at a restaurant, King is whipping up delightful meals in the kitchen, featuring entrées like whole fish, alfredo, roasted Branzino, along with an occasional sweet potato casserole. "She's really a whole chef," Pettiford said with a laugh. "Cooking in the kitchen and on the court." For King, Howard University and her time in HBCU basketball symbolized family on multiple fronts. While she won't walk across The Yard every day this fall, she will take the memories of her teammates and a stronger relationship with Pettiford to Mississippi for a new beginning. "God gave me the older sisters I always wanted but I never had when he brought me to Howard," King said. I love and will miss them all. The post Saniyah King left her mark at Howard. Now she eyes success in the SEC. appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU football season opener returns to ABC Primetime
The 2025 MEAC/SWAC Challenge is bringing HBCU football back under the bright lights of primetime cable, as ABC gets set to nationally broadcast the season opener. This year's clash between the MEAC and SWAC won't just kick off the HBCU football season. It'll do so on one of the biggest stages in sports television. What began in 2005 as a celebration of tradition and competition between the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and the Southwestern Athletic Conference has evolved into an important cultural showcase. The MEAC/SWAC Challenge has historically aired on ESPN networks. But recent years have seen it elevated to ABC's main stage, bringing HBCU football into millions of households nationwide. Last year's 2024 matchup between Florida A&M and Norfolk State drew a record-setting 1.3 million viewers. Making it the most-watched MEAC/SWAC Challenge ever. Add to that a sold-out crowd of 22,000-plus at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta. And it's clear this game has momentum-and the muscle to hold its own in primetime. Over the years, the Challenge has delivered more than just spectacle-it's produced unforgettable matchups. In 2010, Southern University stunned Delaware State in a 37-27 shootout. In 2015, South Carolina State ground out a gritty 35-7 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. MEAC schools dominated early on, winning 10 of the first 14 games. But the SWAC has surged in recent years, making the 2025 edition feel like a rubber match with serious bragging rights on the line. But this isn't just about numbers-it's about narrative. For decades, HBCU programs were underrepresented in major sports media coverage. Now, the MEAC/SWAC Challenge is not only televised-it's showcased. ABC's commitment to airing the game in primetime gives HBCU athletes the kind of exposure that helps with recruitment, boosts funding, and reshapes national perception. And it's not just the game that shines. The band battles, halftime shows, and unmistakable HBCU energy all translate on a big screen with the kind of flair that makes you stop scrolling and start watching. So when the 2025 MEAC/SWAC Challenge kicks off on Saturday, August 23, on ABC at 7:30 pm EST, it won't just mark the start of the season-it'll announce that HBCU football is here. It's loud, it's proud, and now, it's primetime. The post HBCU football season opener returns to ABC Primetime appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU football could gain from NCAA schedule expansion
College Sports HBCU football could gain from NCAA schedule expansion A major shift could be on the horizon for HBCU football programs at the NCAA FCS Division I level. The NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Oversight Committee is recommending a change that would allow all FCS teams-including those in the MEAC and SWAC-to schedule 12 regular-season games every year beginning in 2026. Under current rules, teams are limited to 12 games only when the calendar includes 14 Saturdays between the end of August and late November, which hasn't been an issue recently-each season from 2015 through 2030 meets that condition. For HBCU football programs, this rule change could have immediate and long-term implications. The ability to schedule a 12th game each year opens more chances to secure guarantee games against FBS opponents, add showcase matchups, and maintain traditions that define the cultural fabric of HBCU football. However, the way this rule would impact each conference varies. The MEAC, which has a smaller number of football-playing members, typically operates with a lighter conference schedule, often leaving room for four or five non-conference games even under the current 11-game model. This flexibility has allowed programs like North Carolina Central and Howard to pursue national exposure through matchups against FBS schools or Ivy League opponents as well as games against historic rivals outside of the conference. A 12th game would offer even more space to explore additional rivalries, classics, or revenue opportunities-without disrupting conference standings or postseason plans. In contrast, the SWAC's structure presents a tighter scheduling situation. With two divisions and eight required conference games, plus a potential ninth game for the conference championship, many SWAC schools are already working within a packed calendar. Teams like Jackson State, Southern, and Grambling State often face difficult choices in trying to preserve traditional games like the Orange Blossom Classic or the Bayou Classic. The addition of a 12th regular-season slot could relieve that pressure, allowing schools to retain those marquee events while still fulfilling conference commitments and exploring high-value non-conference matchups. Alabama State quarterback Dematrius Davis eludes a Howard University defender in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. (082722) Steven J. Gaither The proposal would also bring an end to the use of Week Zero games by standardizing the start date of the FCS season. Under current rules, some programs have used legislated exceptions to play early-season games on the Saturday before Labor Day weekend. Starting in 2026, all FCS teams would instead begin competition on the Thursday 13 weeks before the FCS playoff bracket is released. This effectively eliminates Week 0 games, removing an exposure window. While this levels the calendar across the board, it also limits early visibility for programs that previously used that stage to launch their seasons. Coaches and players would also feel the effect. A longer schedule requires careful roster management, especially for programs working with limited depth. But it also provides more opportunities for players to showcase their talent, particularly in high-profile games that draw the attention of NFL scouts and media outlets. For athletic departments, this change means earlier planning around housing, travel, and academic support as the calendar expands. The next steps are critical. The recommendation will be presented to the NCAA Division I Council on May 15, with a final decision scheduled for June 24–25. If approved, the new 12-game schedule will go into effect beginning with the 2026 season. For HBCU football programs in the MEAC and SWAC, the proposed rule opens the door to expanded strategy, tradition preservation, and national visibility-all while reinforcing the cultural and financial importance of the HBCU football calendar. The post HBCU football could gain from NCAA schedule expansion appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025 This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 1:50 PM.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
SSU women's head coach accepts same position at SC State
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — The Savannah State women's basketball coach resigned and accepted the same position at South Carolina State. Cedric Baker led the program for the past 22 seasons. In 2015, they won the MEAC tournament title, which was the first in the school's history. Their best finish in the SIAC under Baker was runners-up during the 2021-2022 season. Coach Baker amassed 262 while leading the Orange and Blue. 'It's a great place where some of your best coaches have worked and been produced from this university,' Baker said in an interview after the press conference. 'So it was just a perfect fit for me, a great brand, huge brand, a fan base that really loves women's basketball. And that's what I'm about. It's about growing the sport at another university. Coach Baker returns back to the MEAC where he is very familiar with the lay of the land. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
