CAA notebook: How Maleia Bracone holds the key to North Carolina A&T’s success

She doesn’t seek the spotlight, yet it always seems to find her when the Aggies need her most.

Bracone is the kind of player who does whatever it takes to win, a leader who makes the extraordinary look effortless. She is the only player in North Carolina A&T head coach Tarrell Robinson’s distinguished tenure to score 30 points in one game, dish out at least 10 assists in another, and dominate the glass with double-digit rebounds in yet another.

And her versatility isn’t just a skill — it’s a weapon.

With her all-around brilliance and leadership, Bracone has been instrumental in North Carolina A&T’s historic run, helping lead the Aggies to their first regular-season Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) championship in only their third year in the league. She may not ask for recognition, but in every box score, every highlight reel, and every crucial moment, her quiet excellence is undeniable. This is especially evidenced on her career stat line — she’s scored more than 1,500 career points.

“I am the glue to our team,” Bracone said during a Zoom interview with The Next last week. “I try my best to try to get everybody together especially in crucial moments, or just like, at all times. Just knowing that we have to play together, and that’s what we’re going to do … My defense is also another role. I like setting the tone on that end of the floor because I’m the first person to guard the ball, so I have to bring the energy.”

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Just as former NBA sharpshooter Robert Horry always seemed to make clutch baskets late in games, Bracone has the same ability, which earned her the nickname, “Big Shot Bracone.” For example, last year, she made a game-winning corner 3-pointer as North Carolina A&T beat Old Dominion at the buzzer in the WNIT. She called this memory the “number one moment” of her career.

This season, one of Bracone’s 3-pointers fueled her team’s late rally in a road win over Towson. Additionally, she scored 20 points in a separate win, over William & Mary. Her points always seem to come at the perfect time. Bracone’s leadership, devotion to details, and impact helped North Carolina A&T embrace the blessing of being named the CAA preseason favorites. They ultimately made this prediction a reality, by finishing 15-3 overall in conference play.

Now, the Aggies are ready for the challenge of winning three games in three days. This quest will begin on Friday, March 14 in the CAA Tournament at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C. As every coach in the conference is aware, the seventh-seeded team has won the conference tournament in each of the last two years: Monmouth in 2023 and Drexel in 2024.

“As a team, we were hungry and wanted to play for each other and make a name for ourselves,” Bracone said. “Whenever they projected us as number one, we were excited and said ‘finally, some recognition.’ It also made us realize that we can’t stoop down and have to keep working hard.”

While Bracone’s 10.6 point per game scoring average is second on the Aggies, she has been playing well over the last five games, as evidenced by her 61.2% effective field goal percentage and 15.8 points per 40 minutes, per CBB Analytics. Bracone is also enjoying a career best 24.1% assist rate, according to Her Hoop Stats.

Bracone’s uncanny journey to Aggieland

Bracone’s collegiate hoops journey began at Presbyterian College in her home state of South Carolina. At the time, she had no idea she had already crossed paths with the coach who would one day change her career.

During North Carolina A&T’s brief stint in the Big South Conference, Robinson had prepped scouting reports to defend Bracone, who played at Presbyterian, but he didn’t know her personally. That changed after a game between the two schools.

As Robinson walked back to the locker room following an Aggie victory, a man he didn’t know approached him with a nod of respect.

“Man, you’ve got a really good team. You do a really good job,” the man said to Robinson.

Robinson appreciated the words but thought little of them at the time — just another moment of mutual respect in the world of basketball. Months later, as Robinson hosted Bracone for a visit after she entered the transfer portal, he saw a familiar face walk through the doors. It took him a moment to place him, but then the realization struck — that was the same man with the compliment from the Presbyterian game. Remarkably enough, that man was Maleia’s father, Michael.

Robinson didn’t recall the athlete’s name. He remembered she was the one coming off flair screens and knocking down jumpers, though, bringing the ball up the floor and being a defensive disruption as well. This was pure proof that Bracone’s game speaks loudly and leaves an impact. Robinson learned about her availability on a Sunday. He hosted Bracone on campus on Tuesday. She signed the following week.

“I thought she was the key to what we’re doing now,” Robinson said. “I think she was a part of what a lot of kids, even Jordyn Dorsey that the COVID impacted their recruiting and some of them special kids fell into the laps of programs they might not have fell into if it wasn’t for COVID. And Maleia is one of those kids, in terms of what she’s done for our program since she’s entered it. Everything that we are and all the success that we’ve had and the success that we’re going to have moving forward, she’s played a huge role in that.”

Once an opponent, now she’s an integral part of the Aggies. But she hadn’t arrived in Greensboro alone. She had a village behind her, a support system that had shaped her into the player and person she had become. Her development was no accident; rather, it was the result of years of guidance, discipline, and love. Bracone’s sister, Michaela, is her biggest supporter, and her cousins in Ohio are known to consistently wear Aggies gear.

And they have had a lot to cheer for this season. The Aggies, who appreciate balance and put forward a team effort, have allowed Bracone to sometimes enjoy life in the background, even though she was an All-CAA Preseason First Team selection. Dorsey is the headliner and leading scorer at 15.4 points per game. Chaniya Clark is averaging 10.1 points per game and made the game-winning 3-pointer while blocking a shot in the final 15 seconds to help beat Towson.

In addition, Paris Locke is averaging 9.7 points per game and Ajia James contributes 7.4 points per contest. Flowing together like peanut butter-and-jelly, Dorsey and Bracone have combined to hand out 197 of the Aggies’ 377 assists (52.2%). They had seven dimes each in a home win over Delaware.

Bracone prioritized fun and improvement, not attention

Even when she started playing in middle school, Bracone was content to hone her craft, create memories with her friends, and go about her business without the spotlight.

“I was a local kid,” Bracone said. “I didn’t play with a big AAU team, just with my friends. We all got in a group and just started playing. I didn’t really think I was going to go to a power four school. I just tried to take advantage of the opportunities that came my way. In high school, I just kept working and my parents put me into training sessions where I was able to improve my game. They really invested in me, and now I just try to take advantage of the opportunity.”

Now, the Aggies are excited about the chance to add to their legacy of championship excellence. They were disappointed with being eliminated in the CAA semifinals last season and have plans to finish better. They know it won’t be easy, are confident because they know they are equipped with the depth, experience, drive to finish the job, and “Big Shot Bracone.”

The Aggies cut down nets following their 77-52 victory over William & Mary on March 6, a moment that Bracone called “surreal,” especially since she didn’t expect to receive the CAA regular season championship trophy immediately following the game. Surrounded by her jubilant teammates as a celebratory vibe echoed throughout “Club Corbett,” a smiling Bracone climbed the ladder, poised to snip the final strand of the net.

“My main thoughts were probably of me thinking of trying not to fall backwards,” Bracone said of the moment. “My adrenaline was high. I didn’t really get to look at anybody until after I just heard my sister screaming and recording for me.”

All of the hard work, hours in the gym, and belief led to this opportunity. Bracone is getting her degree in journalism. Now, she’ll have quite the story to write, especially if she’s fortunate to climb another ladder late Sunday afternoon.

“Since Maleia was a little girl, this moment is what she played for and worked hard for,” Robinson said. “Whether she continues to play afterwards or not, she wants to feel like job well done when she leaves Aggieland. And this is that opportunity for her and Jordyn. I have totally put my trust in them this year, which is why I hold them so accountable. They understand that everything that they do matters because it impacts the team. When Maleia was out in the beginning of the year, it impacted the team. People thought we were a bust not knowing what we were dealing with. Once she got rolling, we got rolling. We’re excited about the tournament.”

College of Charleston rolling into D.C.

Behind 5’8 sophomore guard Taryn Barbot, the College of Charleston women’s basketball team is rolling into the CAA Tournament like a Category 5 hurricane, destroying every team in its path. There may not be a program in the nation playing like the College of Charleston right now. The Cougars have transitioned to an otherworldly level of basketball after losing to North Carolina A&T on Feb. 7 in Greensboro.

Charleston won its final eight regular season games to finish with a program record for regular season victories (23) in its Division I era. The Cougars haven’t just won; rather, they’ve dominated, leaving opponents in their wake like insects against a speeding windshield. Overall, the Cougars have won 11 of their last 12 games since a three-game losing streak in mid-January. During that streak, the losses were by a combined 10 points.

Charleston, which will begin tournament play as the second seed on Friday night, won its last four games by an average of 31 points. Over its last eight games, Charleston has won six by double figures, including two by 40 or more points. Yet, beneath the blowouts, Charleston head coach Robin Harmony has a simple explanation for why her team is playing at such a high level.

“Our kids play hard,” Harmony said to The Next over the phone. “We defend the length of the floor. We get people to turn the ball over a lot of times, and we convert. When we’re getting 20 to 25 turnovers a game, it makes it a little bit easier to get more shots and we are now finally taking care of the basketball. We’re starting to shoot the ball well from outside. We rebound the ball really well as a team.”

Barbot has led the Cougars charge as she has found her scoring touch, finishing with at least 20 or more points in four straight games. Barbot scored a career-high 40 points, tying a single-game program record in a 36-point win over UNCW on March 2. The current two-time CAA Player of the Week ended the week by scoring 31 points against Hampton in the Cougars’ season finale, a 27-point victory. Barbot is the CAA’s second leading scorer at 16.6 points per game.

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It’s been everybody for the Cougars, as last week Marissa Brown had a career-best 12 rebounds against Elon and Taryn’s twin sister, Taylor Barbot, had a career-best 12 assists along with 16 points against UNCW. Lara Rohkohl powered the Cougars past Campbell with 22 points and 13 rebounds. She has posted five of her nine double-doubles during the Cougars’ current eight-game winning streak.

Another reason why the Cougars have inflicted so much damage is because of the play of McKinley Brooks-Sumpter, who ended the season with four consecutive double-digit games. She’s averaging 9.4 points per game, which is fourth on the team. She’s been solid all season, as evidenced by the fact she’s scored in double figures 13 times this season. In her last two games against Campbell and Hampton, she averaged 16.5 points per game. And Jazmyn Stone is beginning to round into form after missing all of last season because of an injury.

Charleston leads the nation in turnover margin, boasting an impressive +10.28 differential per game. Charleston forces 23.83 turnovers per game, ranking fourth in the nation. They rank fourth in the country in offensive rebounds per game (16.5). The sticky-fingered Cougars are also seventh in the nation in steals per game.

A crucial road trip during the early stages of their winning streak, took the Cougars to William & Mary and Hampton. Against the Tribe, they fell behind by double digits early but clawed their way back for a hard-fought 79-76 victory. Just two days later, they faced Hampton in an unusual noon tipoff on a Tuesday — a rescheduled matchup after snow forced the original Friday game to be postponed.

“We chartered a plane there and back,” Harmony said. “And we were there in 56 minutes. We landed, got picked up right there at the airport, and went right to the hotel. I didn’t even know I was out of town. That’s how quickly it happened. You just don’t have that wear and tear of catching two flights and going through the airport … I think if we were taking a commercial flight that one, we might not have had as much energy … That’s what started our roll. It started with us playing really good basketball consistently for a longer period of time, and then we came (home) with confidence.”

Staton shining For Towson

Anasia Staton showcased her scoring prowess with a pair of career-high 19-point performances that perfectly bookended her season. She played her first game of the year against Columbia on Dec. 29 and scored 19 points. Then, she finished the regular season with 19 points and eight rebounds in a victory over Delaware. It was her 12th double-digit game of the season and the 11th time she grabbed at least six rebounds in a game this season. 

Staton’s strong finish was even more impressive, considering she missed the first 10 games of the season while recovering from plantar fasciitis. There was nothing she could do other than rest and allow the pain to subside. It was frustrating for the 6’0 senior forward, as she wanted to be out on the floor, helping her team. She was one of several key Tigers who missed significant time during the season.

Now, as she left the Towson locker room after helping her team sweep Delaware this season, she was smiling and holding a fruit cup. Towson has won five of the last six meetings against Delaware.

“I just trust in my rehab,” said Staton postgame after beating Delaware. “I did it at Towson and at home, making sure I’m staying on top of my rehab. And I definitely took it slow. I was able to play against our practice guys, which helped me. I’m feeling good now. Ever since I’ve been back, it’s been no pain. So, that’s a good start. Hopefully, let’s keep it that way.”

The Tigers may have ended the regular season with 10 victories, but they could be a tough out in Washington, D.C. next week. Towson lost some home heartbreakers to North Carolina A&T and Campbell. Throw in a pair of four-point losses to Elon and Drexel, and the Tigers could have otherwise easily earned a higher seed. In outscoring Delaware, 27-14, in the fourth quarter, Towson showcased grit and resilience in rallying from a 15-point second-half deficit.

Staton provided energy and was an equal opportunity scorer against Delaware, scoring nine points in each half. She helped Towson’s bench outscore Delaware’s 36-20. Meanwhile, junior India Johnston, who had to adjust to different role this year, scored all 15 of her points in the second half, including making a short running shot as the third quarter buzzer sounded. Johnston, who finished with 15 or more points for the 10th time this season, was happy to have Staton back in the lineup.

“The biggest thing for us was just to play as a team and have each other’s back, no matter if we’re losing or winning,” Johnston said. “Not only does [Staton] bring grit, but she’s one of the hardest workers on the team, and we know that we could trust her. She puts the work in, day in and night out … Today she played great and knocked down some really tough shots today to help us get the win.”

Towson opens the CAA Tournament Wednesday against Northeastern at 4:30 p.m. The Tigers have a daunting task to win it all, but after enduring numerous sprains, strains, breaks, bumps, and bruises, the Tigers still believe that they can do something that’s never been done before. The winner of Towson-Northeastern plays Elon on Thursdaym with that winner facing off against Campbell on Friday.

Staton is Towson’s second leading scorer, at 10.6 points per game. She arrived to Towson from Community College of Baltimore County-Essex, where she was a NJCAA Division II All-American. She has scored 1,000 points between both of her stops.

“She’s been the glue since she’s gotten here,” third year Towson head coach Laura Harper said of Staton to The Next after the Delaware game. “She’s just one of those mismatch nightmares. Whether she plays a three or whether she plays a four. She’s our hardest worker. I mean, the first one that’s in the gym two hours before every single day, religiously. She was mad at us today because I think we got here an hour, 55 minutes to go before the game started. She’s just such a big part of what we’re doing.”

Blue Hen turnaround

At the end of January, Delaware found itself buried at 1-7 in CAA play, staring down what felt like an endless grind to the finish line. The season had already been riddled with setbacks, including forfeited non-conference matchups against Old Dominion and Harvard due to a list of significant injuries. At one point, Delaware took the court against Villanova with just six available players. It wasn’t pretty. And then, Delaware scored seven points in a fourth quarter road loss to Towson on Jan. 31.

Delaware exited the locker room with long faces, jutted jaws, and a frustrated look of resignation. Each setback became an undeniable catalyst for growth. Then, the Blue Hens showcased the character of a champion.

Head coach Sarah Jenkins made a few small adjustments. Delaware got healthy, and they were tired of losing. The Blue Hens turned it around to win six straight, and used that victory streak as a springboard to close the season with eight wins in their final 10 games, ultimately finishing 9-9 in the CAA. Now, Delaware is the lucky seventh seed and hoping recent history can repeat itself.

During its six-game winning streak from Feb. 2-21, Delaware won a double overtime road thriller at Hofstra, erased a 14-point first-quarter deficit to beat UNCW, and cooled off a red-hot William & Mary squad. Overall, Delaware enjoyed a 7-1 February record. And the Blue Hens’ victory over Drexel, 82-59, on March 6 was historic. It was their largest margin of victory over Drexel since 2007, and the first win over the Dragons for Jenkins.

“It’s been good to see,” Jenkins said postgame after the Towson contest. “We changed the offense. We did some things differently defensively. They started to get it and saw themselves win and then they went from there.”

Delaware made a single-season school record 196 3-pointers this season. It made 10 against Stony Brook and 12 against Drexel in its two most recent victories. Meanwhile, with 1,635 points and 930 career rebounds, Delaware’s Chloe Wilson is one of 19 active Division I women’s basketball players to achieve this plateau of 1,600 points and 900 rebounds. She also has 22 career double-doubles. Lastly, Rebecca Demeke has scored in double figures in seven straight games and in 12 of the Blue Hens final 13 contests.

Homecoming for Boone

Around third or fourth grade, basketball first entered Gianni Boone’s life — almost by chance. The 5’11 Campbell junior guard had spent the early years of her life sampling different sports, from soccer to lacrosse, searching for the right fit. Then, one day, she wandered into a recreation center, unknowingly stepping into the path that would shape her future. She never looked back, falling in love with the game that would become her passion.

Boone is looking forward to playing in the CAA Tournament because it’s in her hometown of Washington, D.C. and she had success playing at St. John’s College High School under head coach Jonathan Scribner. She helped lead St. John’s College to a DSCAA Championship in 2020.

Building on her championship pedigree at St. John’s, Boone has carried that same winning mentality into her collegiate career, where she leads the Camels in scoring with an 11.2 point per game average.

Boone has been a force and a leader for the Camels, who earned the third seed in the CAA tournament and a double bye. Campbell will play its first game on Friday night in the quarterfinals.

Her early love for basketball has translated into a memorable college career, where her versatility and clutch performances continue to shine. During a huge road win at Drexel on March 2, Campbell’s scoring began and ended with a Boone basket.

She scored Campbell’s first 12 points before delivering a clutch basket in the final 90 seconds with the shot clock running down that extended the Camels’ lead to five points. On that final play against Drexel, the Dragons stopped it, forcing Boone to make a quick decision, find an alternative option, and trust her training.

“I am very excited for the tournament because I think we are playing our best basketball,” Boone said. “We’re connecting really well on all levels. I am excited to play in my hometown. My friends and family will be there so that will be fun.”

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Hot Hofstra

Hofstra is rolling. The Pride achieved several milestones after defeating Northeastern, 69-53, in its regular season finale. Hofstra ended the season by winning its final five games — its first five-game winning streak since Jan. 10-24, 2016 — to finish the regular season tied for sixth in the CAA standings under head coach Danielle Santos-Atkinson. The Pride finished the regular season at .500 in conference play for the first time since the 2013-14 season.

Hofstra displayed tremendous resilience this season. It appeared their season was slipping away as they endured a seven-game losing streak earlier in the year, but to the Pride’s credit, they turned their season around after losing to Northeastern on Feb. 16. Hofstra finished with wins over Monmouth, Hampton, William & Mary, Stony Brook, and Northeastern, holding four of those teams to under 60 points. Hofstra will open the CAA Tournament against a William & Mary squad that it beat by 20 points on Feb. 23.

Stony Brook’s triple threat

During its 66-59 victory over Drexel last Saturday on Long Island, Stony Brook’s Shamarla King, Zaida Gonzalez, and Breauna Ware combined to account for 85 percent of the Seawolves’ points. It seemed only fitting because they been consistent rocks of excellence this season for Stony Brook, a team that didn’t expect to earn the 12th-seed in the tournament a year after winning the regular season crown.

Gonzalez and Ware have been two of the best scorers in the conference all season. Gonzalez is fourth in the conference in scoring (16.3) and Ware is eighth (14.3). Each player enjoyed a memorable performance of at least 30 points this season. Ware scored a career-high 30 points in a heartbreaking road overtime loss to Long Island neighbor Hofstra on March 6.

Meanwhile, Gonzalez’s mic-drop moment occurred during an overtime victory over the College of Charleston on Jan. 14. She broke Stony Brook’s single game scoring record in the Seawolves’ Division I era and surpassed her career-high with 37 points. She also recorded her first career double-double, garnishing her performance with10 rebounds. And she scored 20 of her 37 points through the final minute of the fourth quarter and overtime to lead the team to victory.

Meanwhile, King has finished with two double-doubles in the Seawolves’ last four games.

2025 CAA Tournament Schedule

First Round – Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Game 1: No. 12 Stony Brook vs.  No. 13 Hampton – 2 p.m. (FloCollege)
Game 2: No. 11 Towson vs. No. 14 Northeastern – 4:30 p.m. (FloCollege)
 
Second Round – Thursday, March 13, 2025
Game 3: No. 8 Hofstra vs. No.9 William & Mary– 12 p.m. (FloCollege)
Game 4: No. 5 Monmouth vs. Game 1 winner – 2:30 p.m. (FloCollege)
Game 5: No. 7 Delaware vs. No. 10 UNCW – 6 p.m. (FloCollege)
Game 6: No. 6 Elon vs. Game 2 winner – 8:30 p.m. (FloCollege)
 
Quarterfinals – Friday, March 14, 2025
Game 7: No. 1 North Carolina A&T vs. Game 3 winner – 12 p.m. (FloCollege)
Game 8: No. 4 Drexel vs. Game 4 winner – 2:30 p.m. (FloCollege)
Game 9: No. 2 Charleston vs. Game 5 winner – 6 p.m. (FloCollege)
Game 10: No. 3 Campbell vs. Game 6 winner – 8:30 p.m. (FloCollege)
 
Semifinals – Saturday, March 15, 2025
Game 11: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner – 2 p.m. (FloCollege)
Game 12: Game 9 winner vs. Game 10 winner – 4:30 p.m. (FloCollege)
 
Championship – Sunday, March 16, 2025
Game 13: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner – 2 p.m. (CBS Sports Network)