CAA and HBCU postseason preview: Charleston’s Jazmyn Stone is holding down the defense

Hands active, feet light, eyes locked in — she’s relentless. The energetic redshirt sophomore guard reads opponent body movements like Serena Williams anticipating a return shot before it’s even hit, and she strikes with the precision of a panther eyeing prey. With sticky fingers and fast feet, Stone is the soul, spark, and spirit of the Cougars’ defense.

She doesn’t need words to make her presence felt — her defense speaks volumes. A single deflection will ignite her fast break, often leading to a momentum-swinging layup and a Cougar scoring surge.

Stone isn’t just a defender; she’s the catalyst of Charleston’s defensive identity, a game-changing force, and a key reason the Cougars have strung together back-to-back 20-win seasons and are making their second straight WNIT appearance. The Cougars enter the postseason with a 24-7 record, their best season in program history. The Cougars received a first-round bye and will host the winner of the Siena-Howard game.

Stone plays with an intensity fueled by a sense of urgency. Beneath her fierce defense and engaging smile is a stronger, sharper player — mentally and physically — returning better than ever after a season lost to an ACL tear. While there was some doubt about her ability to return, Stone remained faithful, patient, and positive while working with her athletic trainer and physical therapist to get her back to court. She returned with a bang by scoring 20 points against Robert Morris in her first game this season. And now, she plays every possession like it’s her last.

“I was excited to be back on the floor in general,” Stone said to The Next following the College of Charleston’s quarterfinal victory over Delaware at CareFirst Arena. “It’s a mental challenge of sitting out, watching what you’re missing out on, and even wondering if you can come back the same. I worked a lot during my recovery process. Coming out here and putting it into action is fun for me.”

Stone finished the season flourishing, and had two excellent Coastal Athletic Association tournament games. She had 13 points, four rebounds, and three steals against Delaware. The next day against Campbell, Stone finished with 12 points. As she heads into the second-round WNIT game against the winner of the Howard-Sienna game, Stone enters with confidence, having scored in double figures in five straight games.

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A psychology major, Stone’s year on the sidelines provided her with a deeper understanding of the game. While she wanted to be on the floor last year, she chose to have a positive outlook on her situation. She watched her teammates, analyzed their tendencies, and learned the nuances of defensive rotations and offensive setups in a way she never had before. Those moments of rehab and observation last season have helped Stone develop into an elite defender.

Stone’s character was tested when she was injured the day before the Cougars’ 2023 season-opener. With all the grueling off-season work and arduous preseason practices, Stone was set to play an increased role, especially after a fantastic freshman campaign in which she averaged 9.1 points per game.

“It might sound silly, but my first fall on the ground and the first charge I took meant so much to me,” Stone said. “Getting that out of the way and knowing I still got it was a huge relief. Getting bumped for the first time and falling on the ground, even those little things, and having that feeling again was the biggest part of being I’m out here.”

Stone’s impact has been felt. Nationally, Stone ranks in the 80th percentile in steal rate (2.7) and defensive rating (84.4) while averaging 2.2 steals per minute, per Her Hoops Stats. While Stone isn’t among the conference leaders in steals, her presence at the top of Charleston’s defense has helped the Cougars place four players among the top 13 in the CAA in steals, including Player of the Year Taryn Barbot, who led the conference with 2.3 steals per game.

A native of Washington state, Stone took a leap of faith when she chose Charleston, her only Division I offer outside the West Coast. Her injury transformed her perspective and deepened her understanding of mental resilience, which is one reason she wants to be a therapist or counselor once her playing days are finished.

“I’m a person that takes chances,” Stone said. “I wanted to take a chance out here, and it’s been worth it. Last year made me a student of the game, so I’m excited to put it into action right now.”

Charleston is one of seven programs across the CAA, Southwestern Athletic Conference, and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference who are preparing for postseason competition in either WBIT or WNIT. The Next checked in with each team.

North Carolina A&T at Virginia Tech, Thursday, 7 p.m.

North Carolina A&T head coach Tarrell Robinson’s consistent excellence is often overlooked. The 2025 CAA Coach of the Year has led the Lady Aggies for 13 seasons and has guided them through a whirlwind of conference realignments. Yet, from the MEAC to the Big South, and now the CAA, one thing remains constant — North Carolina A&T wins.

Even though the CAA regular season champions were upset in the quarterfinals in overtime by eventual conference champion William & Mary, North Carolina A&T’s season will continue with a trip to top-seeded Virginia Tech in the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament.

“What this postseason opportunity means to us is two-fold,” Robinson told The Next. “First, we get to extend the great season we had this year. Though things didn’t work out for us in the conference tournament like we hoped, we still earned an opportunity to play together at least one more game and compete for a national championship. We know we’re a better team than the one that showed up in the CAA tournament. Secondly, for me, selfishly I want the opportunity to coach our seniors more. This has been a special group that will always be remembered for delivering our first CAA regular season championship.”

Considered one of the most impactful figures in the history of North Carolina A&T Athletics, Robinson played four seasons on the men’s basketball team (1997-01), served as a graduate assistant for the men’s basketball team, and played a role for the women’s basketball program as an assistant coach and an associate head coach before becoming the program’s all-time winningest coach.

With this appearance in the WBIT, the Aggies are making their eighth postseason appearance under Robinson, who has led the Aggies to three NCAA appearances and four WNITs. He is one win shy of his seventh 20-win season. Robinson has also guided North Carolina A&T to five regular-season titles and three conference tournament titles.

Robinson’s impact goes deeper than wins and titles, though. His leadership has shaped the program’s culture, instilling accountability and a commitment to excellence. Senior guard Maleia Bracone captured his influence best.

“Coach Rob takes a lot of pride; he’s one of a kind,” senior guard Maleia Bracone told the Next. “He’s been impactful. He’s impacted the game of basketball at North Carolina A&T with the perspective of women’s basketball, and he’s impacted his players on and off the court, within their lives. His dedication mainly is what makes him successful while holding everyone accountable in doing their part.”

Last season, the Lady Aggies beat UNC Greensboro and Old Dominion in the WNIT, with Bracone playing a key role as she made a game-winning corner 3-pointer to beat ODU.

Two-time first-team All-CAA performer Jordyn Dorsey is North Carolina A&T’s all-time leader in assists. With two more assists, Dorsey will become the first Aggie in program history with 400 or more assists, forever cementing her legacy as one of the best to ever wear the gold and navy blue. In addition to leading the Aggies in scoring with a 15.6 point per game average, Dorsey averages 2.17 steals per game.

A&T also features third-team all-conference performers in graduate guard Bracone and junior center Chaniya Clark. Paris Locke, who comes from a basketball family, averages 10.2 points per game, which is third on the team. Her 5.7 rebounds is second on the team.

Locke is one of the most versatile athletes Robinson has brought to A&T, and she has filled multiple key roles this season. Over her last five games, she has averaged 13.6 points, scoring at least 16 in three of her last four. She tallied 16 points and nine rebounds in the Aggies’ quarterfinal loss to William & Mary.

Locke has battled in the post, facilitated the offense, attacked the basket, and dominated the boards. With a basketball pedigree — her parents, Vanessa and Kyle, played at Coppin State, while her brothers, Noah (Florida) and Kayel (UNCG), also excelled at college ball — it’s no surprise she possesses a high basketball IQ and a deep understanding of the game.

Campbell at Coastal Carolina, Thursday, 6 p.m.

Campbell’s seniors Audrey Fuller and Courtney Dahlquist started their careers in the Big South and ended it by helping the Camels compete for the CAA championship in their year in the conference. While the end result wasn’t what they hoped for, Fuller and Dahlquist will get an opportunity to play at least one more game when the Camels visit Coastal Carolina in the WNIT. Campbell beat Coastal Carolina in the first round of the 2019 WBI tournament. This will be Campbell’s second appearance in the WNIT in the last four seasons.

Fuller and Dahlquist shined during the CAA tournament. Dahlquist scored in double figures in each game and earned a spot on the CAA All-Tournament team, averaging 14 points per game. Dahlquist scored 19 points in the championship game against William & Mary. Fuller scored 14 points in a quarterfinal win over Towson and finished with a season-high 11 rebounds against William & Mary. She also made some key baskets in the win over the College of Charleston in the semifinals.

“Courtney and Audrey they have shown perseverance, which is a trait doesn’t exist much anymore in athletics,” Campbell head coach Ronnie Fisher told reporters in the postgame press conference following the William & Mary game. “They persevered for four years through adversity. Both of them had some real adversity and they both played great basketball in this tournament. Audrey wasn’t able to score as much as Courtney tonight, but she gave a great contribution. Courtney had an amazing night and an amazing year … I’m really proud of how they have been loyal to our program. … It means the world to me that our culture is something that kids want to stay when they come, and hopefully that will continue, because I like our team.”

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Campbell was picked eighth in the CAA preseason poll and finished third in the final regular season standings with a team that Fisher said was one of his youngest he coached during his career. The Camels lost four starters from last year, but saw juniors Gemma Nunez and Gianni Boone emerge as leaders and consistent forces for the Camels. The vitality of youth fueled Campbell with its solid freshmen triumvirate of Olivia Tucker, Jasmine Felton, and Ciara Alexander contributing something unique. Plenty of good things could be on the horizon for the Campbell program, which is why a postseason trip matters for this program.

Siena at Howard, Friday, 7 p.m.

Hosting a home postseason game at Burr Gymnasium is significant for Howard, which is one of 21 teams in the 48-team WNIT field that won 20 or more games this season. Howard won 11 of its last 13 games and participated in the MEAC title game for the fifth consecutive year. This gives senior guard Destiny Howell another opportunity to play at home. She’s fourth in the MEAC in scoring, at 15.1 points per game. She also led the MEAC with 79 3-pointers.

Zennia Thomas found her groove for the Bison late in the season. She scored in double figures in eight of Howard’s last nine games, including all three contests in last week’s MEAC Tournament. Thomas averaged 19 points and 8.3 rebounds per game to earn All-MEAC Tournament honors with Howell. A Kentucky transfer, Thomas has brought positive vibes to the Bison program. She enjoyed a breakout performance with a career best 27 points and 11 rebounds in the Bison’s semifinal win over Maryland Eastern Shore.

“I’m truly excited about the opportunity to extend our season,” Howard head coach Ty Grace told The Next. “Although we weren’t able to bring home the MEAC championship, our hard work this year, did not go unnoticed. Playing in the post season is always the goal for our program and I’m grateful we are able to do that by competing in the WNIT. This is the first time in program history that will host a first round game and I’m expecting to finish our season on a high note. The team is ready and I look forward to seeing our fans in Burr.”

Howard was among the 11 teams who earned the automatic qualifier for being the highest regular-season finishers in their conference that did not receive a bid into the NCAA Tournament or WBIT. This is Howard’s second postseason appearance in four years, as it won a NCAA Tournament First Four game against Incarnate Word in 2022.

Coppin State at Cornell, Saturday, 5 p.m.

Third-year head coach Jermaine Woods continues to have the Coppin State women’s basketball program trending upward. This season was a breakthrough for the Eagles program. Now, the Eagles are being rewarded with their first postseason trip since 2009, when they appeared in the WNIT. Coppin State enjoyed an 18-win campaign this year, its most wins since the 2011-12 season.

Coppin State has advanced to the MEAC semifinals and defeated a Power Four program in each of the last two years. Woods has also made Baltimore the place to visit for major programs. Last season, he hosted Baltimore native Angel Reese and LSU in a non-conference contest that sold out. Coppin State is scheduled to host Dawn Staley and three-time national champion South Carolina in January of 2026. Coppin State also enjoyed a program record nine non-conference victories that included memorable triumphs over Arizona State, George Washington, and Kent State.

“I’m excited to be a part of the postseason,” Woods told The Next. “Coppin State women’s basketball fans should be excited as well. I’m more excited for this team and staff because this season was magical, [but] slowed a little due to the injury of our point guard.”

Coppin State has players worthy of playing another game and competing in the postseason. The Eagles have been led all season by First Team All-MEAC selections Laila Lawrence and Angel Jones. Lawrence was named MEAC Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight season. She also has 21 double-doubles. Lawrence averages 16.5 points, which is second in the MEAC and a conference-leading 10.5 rebounds. Meanwhile, Jones scores at a 14.8 point per game clip, which is fifth in the conference. Tiffany Hammond has made 67 3-pointers, which was second in the conference.

Alabama A&M at Chattanooga, Saturday, 2 p.m.

The first year of the Dawn Thornton era on The Hill was a smashing success. The Bulldogs won 20 games for the first time in their Division I history. They also beat Southern, and limited it to 35 points to win its regular season finale. Thornton has brought terrific energy and passion to the Alabama A&M, program, which is why this postseason trip means plenty for what she is building.

“I am beyond grateful and proud of our basketball program,” Thornton told The Next. “Just when it seems like it’s over, God steps in and shows us that there’s still more work to be done. Earning the opportunity to compete in the WNIT postseason tournament is a huge accomplishment, and our young women are excited and ready to represent A&M with pride.”

Thornton’s positivity has made a difference. She lauded the Bulldogs character during the postgame press conference following a tough loss to Alcorn State in the SWAC quarterfinals. The Bulldog players put mustard seeds in their shoes before each game all season as a symbolic message of their faith in each other and Thornton.

“I recruited great character and that’s what I will continue to do,” Thornton told reporters in the SWAC post-game press conference. “I love getting up in my car driving to the event center to coach these young women. And I love going to work and being able to see their faces … This year, we went and got great kids that came from great stock. I had a chance to meet with all of their parents and talked to all of their parents and brought them here with some great young women that were already here.”

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Alisha Wilson, who earned All-SWAC First team honors, averaged 11.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and led the Bulldogs in both blocks and steals, with 28 and 70, respectively. Wilson was second in the SWAC in rebounding and recorded 12 double-doubles this season. Kaila Walker also earned All-SWAC First Team honors after averaging 15 points per game.

One of the key cogs in Alabama A&M’s machine was guard Lauryn Pendleton, who transferred from Arkansas State at the start of the season. Pendleton averaged 12.0 points per game, which was second on the Bulldogs.

She scored in double figures in seven of her last eight games, including five straight games. Pendleton scored 18 points in a road game against Grambling State and finished with 17 points against Alcorn State in the SWAC quarterfinals. Pendleton led the Bulldogs and the conference in free throw percentage. She averaged 12 points this season, and amassed nearly 350 points, at one point earning her 1300th career point.

“We made history this year, I mean, with the most wins in the Division One-era,” Pendleton told reporters during the SWAC postgame press conference. “I mean, she basically brought in a whole new team here. We kind of changed the culture for women’s basketball. Not just for A&M, but in SWAC.”  

Saint Mary’s at Texas Southern, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

Third-year Texas Southern head coach Vernette Skeete did a fantastic job this season lifting the Tigers to a second place finish in the SWAC. The Tigers were the SWAC’s automatic qualifier to the WNIT. Texas Southern is returning to the postseason for the first time since its 2017 NCAA appearance, when it lost to Baylor. This is also the Tigers fourth trip to the WNIT. They made three straight trip to the WNIT in 2013, 2014, and 2015.

Texas Southern has been led this season by Aylasia Fantroy’s 13.0 point per game average and Courtlyn Loudermill’s 12.6 point per game average.

In addition to being named to the 2024-25 women’s basketball All-SWAC First Team, Fantroy was Texas Southern’s second-leading rebounder (6.3). She also led the Tigers with 70 steals while finishing third with 21 blocks. The Palestine, Texas native and Ohio University transfer was a two-time SWAC Newcomer of the Week honoree and two-time SWAC Impact Player of the Week while earning SWAC player of the Week honors once. She posted three double-doubles with four games of 20-plus points.

Jaida Belton (6.8 rebounds per game) and Deivejon Harris (6.1 rebounds per game) anchor the post for the Tigers. Belton has finished with nine rebounds in three of her last four games. Earlier this year, in a win over Prairie View A&M, she had 21 points and 10 rebounds.

“We are blessed to host and be a part of this historic tournament,” Skeete said. “We are searching for our school’s first postseason victory. Despite all the adversity and injuries we’ve faced, it’s a blessing to have a second chance.”

HBCU All-Star Game participants announced

This is the first year of the HBCU women’s All-Star Game and it will be played on Sunday, April 7 in San Antonio at Freeman Coliseum. The participants were revealed early this week.

Team Yolanda Laney: Corrina Evans (Clark, Atlanta), Diamond Johnson (Norfolk State), Iemyiah Harris (Miles), Jordyn Dorsey (North Carolina A&T), Kaiya Creek (Howard), Laila Lawrence (Coppin State), Makoye Diawara (Norfolk State), Maleia Bracone (North Carolina A&T), Morgan Callahan (North Carolina Central), Saniah Parker (Tennessee State), Taliah Wesley (Allen) and Zamara Haynes (Maryland Eastern Shore)

Team Patricia Hoskins: Alisha Wilson (Alabama A&M), Amesha Miller (Virginia State), Destiny Ryles (Bowie State), Kahia Warmsley (Grambling State), Kayla Clark (Bethune-Cookman), Keayna McLaughlin (Fayetteville State), Lauryn Pendleton (Alabama A&M), Lydia Freeman (Grambling State), Lyric Cole (Tennessee State), Soniyah Reed (Southern), Treasure Thompson (Texas Southern), and Zoe Cooper (Jackson State)

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