Simmons College, Fisk University preparing for historic basketball game in Louisville
|
Posted By: S. Moore on January 25, 2023 LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- There is a historic showdown set in Louisville this week. On Wednesday, Simmons College of Kentucky women's basketball will host Fisk University at the St. Stephen Baptist Church's Family Life Center. It will be the first game in Louisville between the two HBCUs in more than 100 years. Fisk University is one of the most historic schools in the country and was founded in 1866. It's the oldest institution for higher education in Nashville and became the first African-American institution to gain accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1930. Zephaniah Gray is the Lady Falcons senior point guard and leading scorer at 14.5 points per game. Gray is used to playing under pressure, but this week, she and her teammates will make history. "I really don't think we really have soaked it up yet," Gray said. "I think when we get on this floor, it's going to be like 'wow.'" Simmons College is ranked seventh in the National Christian College Athletic Association under first-year coach Daniel Price, who played college and professional basketball. In his first year, Price wants his team to play as many HBCUs as possible. "Having a school like Fisk to come here to be able to play us, it's going to be an amazing game and it's going to bring a lot of energy and fans out to see this game," Price said. "We are expecting to have this place packed, standing room only." Jerry Eaves, athletics director at Simmons College of Kentucky, believes its an important game between the two schools. Founded in 1879, Simmons is the only HBCU in Louisville. "People don't understand in the city of Louisville the importance of HBCUs," Eaves said. "Over 90% of all lawyers and doctors who are African Americans come from HBCUs. And that's why there's such a great need for an HBCU in the city of Louisville." Eaves, a former UofL and NBA player, says the game gives an opportunity for the teams to showcase their talents. "This is the first time that there will be an HBCU battle past the Ninth Street Divide, on the only college court past the Ninth Street Divide in the city of Louisville," Eaves said. "It's a big deal." Simmons College traveled to Fisk earlier this season, losing 62-54. The Lady Falcons outscored Fisk by 10 points in the fourth quarter and went on a late 11-0 run, but couldn't complete a comeback. "They're ready for this game because they feel like they let one get away, the first game," Price said. "They're very excited." Price hopes to bring together other HBCU schools next year and create a classic tournament. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. on Wednesday in Louisville's California neighborhood. The Lady Falcons are ready for a rematch. "We've been working and this team is at a higher level than us," Gray said. "So it's a challenge for us and also something that we look forward to try to win." SOURCE WDRB.COM If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest HBCU Sports
 |
North Carolina A&T University Alumnus Shines in NFL Debut Games for the 2026 Season!🏈 **FROM THE HBCU TO MAKING NOISE IN THE NFL!** Keep an eye on Bhayshul Tuten of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Before finishing his college career at Virginia Tech, Tuten spent two seasons at Nort ...more
Cata Rizzle • 341 Views • September 22nd, 2026 |
 |
Coppin State Takes Down UConn as Defense and Serving Power Four-Set VictorySTORRS, Conn., Sept. 19, 2026 — Coppin State dropped the opening set, then took control on UConn’s home court Friday night, defeating the Huskies 3–1 behind a defensive performance that repeatedly dis ...more
Randi Payton • 261 Views • September 19th, 2026 |
Popular HBCU Sports
 |
Sources: Deion Sanders Finalizing Deal to Become Head Coach of HBCU - Jackson State University!Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders is finalizing a deal with Jackson State University to become the school's next head coach, according to Sports Illustrated's Ross Dellenger. ...more
Roger The Great • 87,558 Views • September 18th, 2020 |
 |
HBCU North Carolina Central Now The Favorite to Land Lebron James Jr. Son of Superstar Lebron JamesDuke has long been considered a favorite to land LeBron James Jr., son of the Los Angeles Lakers superstar and living NBA legend. In the wake of today’s monumental Makur Maker news, oddsmakers think t ...more
Roger The Great • 86,228 Views • July 20th, 2020 |
 |
Coach Deion Sanders & Jackson State Make Offer to Top High School Football Prospect and LSU Commit, Khamauri Rogers!Holmes County football coach Marcus Rogers had one main statement to make when his son Khamauri Rogers, the top junior in Mississippi, received an offer from Jackson State on Sept. 23.
"I don't kno ...more
Roger The Great • 70,661 Views • October 5th, 2020 |
 |
Deion Sanders Announces His Coaching Staff @ HBCU, Jackson State University!JACKSON, Miss. – Jackson State head football Deion Sanders is excited to announce his inaugural coaching staff. The staff includes a unique blend of coaches at the NFL, intercollegiate, and prep level ...more
Roger The Great • 61,147 Views • December 7th, 2020 |
