Norfolk State's New Guard Trio Leads the Way as Spartans Reload and Defend MEAC Title

The Norfolk State Spartans women's basketball team is proving that they are a force to be reckoned with, even after losing their 2022 MEAC Player of the Year Diamond Johnson, star forward Kierra Wheeler to the transfer portal, and long-time head coach Larry Vickers who left for Auburn. Currently trailing the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks by just half a game in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) standings, the defending conference champions have managed to maintain their winning ways thanks to a new dynamic trio of guards leading the way.

After losing key players and their coach in the offseason, the Spartans have rallied around returning guards Da'Brya Clark and Anjanae Richardson, along with transfer Jasha Clinton from Hampton. This new "Big 3" make up 61% of Norfolk State's scoring output, with each averaging double-figure points per game.

Da'Brya Clark is putting together a MEAC Player of the Year campaign, tying Howard's Zennia Thomas for the conference lead in scoring (15.3 points per game) while also ranking in the top 10 in rebounds, assists, and steals. Jasha Clinton, a graduate student and mother, has added scoring punch and defensive intensity, leading the MEAC in steals at 3.4 per game.

As impressive as the new guard trio has been, it's the Spartans' overall defensive effort that has truly set them apart. Norfolk State currently leads the MEAC in fewest points allowed (61 per game), blocked shots (105), and steals (267). They also rank second in the conference in turnovers forced (443). This stifling defense has kept the Spartans in the hunt, even when their offense has struggled at times.

Head coach Jermaine Woods, who came over from Coppin State with a couple of his former players, has seamlessly integrated the new talent with the returning pieces. Contributions from forwards Ciara Bailey, LeAire Nicks, and Carmen Kweti have further bolstered the Spartans' well-rounded attack.

"After losing some key players and their head coach, many may have counted Norfolk State out, but this team has shown the resilience and talent to once again be a contender in the MEAC. The Spartans' new guard trio and their stifling defense are a testament to the depth and coaching acumen within the HBCU basketball community."

HBCUConnect Perspective: The story of Norfolk State's women's basketball team is a prime example of the remarkable depth and coaching talent found within the HBCU basketball community. Despite significant offseason losses, the Spartans have reloaded and remain a force to be reckoned with in the MEAC. This speaks volumes about the player development and recruiting efforts of the coaching staff, as well as the commitment of the student-athletes to the program. As the Spartans continue their quest to defend their conference title, their success will undoubtedly inspire and rally the entire HBCU community behind them.

Originally reported by HBCU Sports.