HBCU notebook: Motown roots of Cheyenne McEvans and Sydney Hendrix leading FAMU

Growing up three years younger, Hendrix had long admired McEvans’ exploits on the basketball court. Their connection traces back to the Detroit area, where they shared the same coach and competed against each other for one year while playing for rival high schools—each winning once.

From starring in Detroit’s competitive high school basketball circuit, where she finished with 1,500 career points at Southfield A&T High School, to battling setbacks and redefining her game, McEvans has become more than just a teammate—she’s a pillar of strength.

Tired of being doubted, McEvans’ journey to FAMU has been defined by perseverance, resilience, and overcoming the adversity of two torn anterior cruciate ligaments in the same knee. McEvans transferred twice, starting her career at Buffalo and then going to Syracuse before finding a home at FAMU, the highest of the seven hills in Tallahassee.

“I never doubted myself,” McEvans said. “I needed a coach who wouldn’t doubt me because I just knew what I could be if given the opportunity; I come from a family with a strong mindset. Just everything happens for a reason. When I got injured, it was just a beauty in the end. Although no one wants to get injured, it all made sense. It gave me a lot more opportunity that I just deserved in the humblest way. I’m grateful for my injury because it opened up many doors and opportunities for me that I can take advantage of now.”

Meanwhile, her family’s rich heritage deeply influenced Hendrix’s decision to attend FAMU. Her grandfather was a proud FAMU graduate, and many of her relatives also attended HBCUs, instilling in her a strong appreciation for the legacy and culture of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

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Now, Hendrix and McEvans are reunited at FAMU, a dynamic bond built on shared roots, icy Detroit winters, and a mutual respect forged years ago. They are making sweet hardwood music together like the Supremes. For Hendrix, having McEvans as a teammate is both surreal and motivating. Both players from Michigan add an extra layer of camaraderie to their partnership at Florida A&M, which began when coach Jean Washington first coached McEvans as her middle school science teacher and basketball coach while also playing a pivotal role in Hendrix’s development.

Washington coached Hendrix during her YMCA days and later in AAU, where their paths first crossed. As a wide-eyed youngster, Hendrix often attended McEvans’ middle school practices, watching from the sidelines and learning from her future teammate. Those early encounters laid the foundation for their flourishing on and off the court.

“I had this good feeling because, beyond the basketball, I knew I could excel anywhere I went,” Hendrix said. “I wanted something more than just a basketball experience, I didn’t want to decide purely off of basketball, but everything else that basketball can provide you, I realized I could get a great education. It was an HBCU, so my people and Black excellence surrounded me. On top of that, I knew that I could work well within the system at FAMU when I first got here, and then I adjusted to coach Gordon’s system nicely. It worked out perfectly, thankfully.”

Blending McEvans’ experience and leadership with Hendrix’s youthful energy and ambition, they are the highest-scoring tandem in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), a significant achievement in a highly competitive league. It’s like old times for the pair as they combine to average 26.0 points per game, a lethal inside-outside migraine headache for opponents.

The good news for fans is they will play together for another year since McEvans has a COVID year remaining in addition to this season.

“I just needed somewhere I could be free, somewhere I could feel the love and family connection,” McEvans shared. “I knew Sydney from back home, so that was part of why I came here and the love I felt when I came here on my visit. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and always remind my coaches of that. It’s just a blessing. I appreciate it, so I’m enjoying myself so far.”

The black brace on her right leg hasn’t been a barrier for McEvans, who is making an immediate impact in her first year for the Rattlers. In addition to leading the conference in 3-point field goal percentage (40.0%), she is second in field goal percentage (47.4%), third in scoring (14.3 points per game), fifth in steals (2.1), and seventh in assists (2.6).

The energetic McEvans glides past startled opponents with effortless drives to the basket.

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Meanwhile, Hendrix is ninth in the SWAC in scoring (11.7) and sixth in rebounding (7.3). Hendrix has shined this season, losing 20 pounds from her freshman season thanks to her dedication to eating healthier during the summer. She took pride in working out and returned more focused and more potent. The proof is in her improved statistics. 

According to Her Hoop Stats, Hendrix’s rebounding rate is among the top 90% nationally. Her defensive rebounding rate is 21.4%, up from last season’s 14.6% rate. Her total rebounding rate is 15.2%, an increase from her 11.2% rate as a freshman. Hendrix also averages 17.2 points per 40 minutes, five points better than last year. She is shooting 53.8% at the rim, according to CBB Analytics.

FAMU has also gotten contributions from 5’9 graduate guard Sabou Gueye, who averages 10.4 points per game after scoring 20 points during an 88-60 victory over Mississippi Valley State on January 16. She is also eighth in the SWAC in steals (1.8) and 12th in the SWAC in blocked shots (0.8). Meanwhile, 5’9 junior guard D’Mya Griffin is sixth in the conference in steals (2.0).

Hendrix was thrilled when she heard a familiar face would be joining the Rattlers program. Her excitement grew even more when her Instagram pinged with a direct message from McEvans. Curious and eager to learn, McEvans wanted the tea—what it was like to play for FAMU and what made the program’s culture so special under second-year head coach Bridgette Gordon, a nominee for the Basketball Hall of Fame.

“Soon after, I found out she was committed,” Hendrix shared. “I was like, that’s a big deal because I knew how good she was. Plus, I knew she had much experience competing at a higher level. I knew it would be great for us … I knew if we would work well together, I ensured I stayed in the gym, I make sure I see my weaknesses and always work on them; I put a mirror to myself. Taking accountability for my own downfalls was important; I feel like I wasn’t doing that before. I was making many excuses, and now that I’ve realized where I can excel, I’ve just been capitalizing on it and getting better.”

Both players have enjoyed numerous highlights this season. They have each scored in double figures 11 times. Hendrix has two double-doubles and scored a season-best 20 points against Florida.

McEvans had a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double in a road win over Samford. McEvans, who scored a season-high 24 points against Middle Tennessee State, had a stretch of eight straight games in which she scored double figures. She also scored 23 points against rival Bethune-Cookman in its SWAC opener on January 6.

For McEvans, the journey back to the court was challenging.

After appearing in 17 games in her first year at Syracuse, her season abruptly ended with an injury against Boston College in January 2023. What followed were 665 long days filled with grueling rehabilitation sessions, endless sweat, unwavering dedication, and the persistent hope of returning stronger. When the moment finally came, McEvans made it count, scoring 14 points in her triumphant comeback against Florida on November 7.

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McEvans, who takes nothing for granted and plays with a fighting spirit and a chip on her shoulder, played for two years at Buffalo. After starting 20 games, she was named to the Mid-American Conference All-Freshman Team. She appeared in 12 games during her sophomore season before her first ACL injury.

“Everything I’ve been through became my main motivation probably about a year and a half ago when I tore my ACL for the second time,” McEvans said. “It just became personal before that. My second motivation is just my family. They’ve always supported me and made many sacrifices for me … I was doubted and not given the opportunities I worked for and deserved. So now it’s just to make a statement, like every day I go out on the court, whether it’s practice or games … I’m very grateful for all my blessings.”

While they are excited to help FAMU realize its championship dreams, Hendrix and McEvans have bigger aspirations once they finish their hoop careers. McEvans graduated from Syracuse with a psychology degree. She’s working through prerequisites to accomplish her goal of being an occupational therapist or possibly a physician’s assistant.

Wanting to bring the Travel Channel to life, Hendrix has her passport ready because she wants to live overseas and have the possibility of playing professionally and studying abroad. She wants to earn her doctorate, become a licensed therapist, and a business owner in the health department. Hendrix’s maturity belies her years.

“I would say my biggest motivators has changed a lot over the years,” Hendrix said. “At one point, it was just my love for the sport, and it’s grown into something more profound than that. It’s more about me being who I say I am and more about my identity. If I’m going to do something, you do it right, you do it correct, you do it hard, and you do it with passion.

“It’s been something I’ve been striving for this past year. My life. Just having a purpose. If you’re going to do something, do something with a purpose, and do it to the best of your ability because it speaks about your character. And I feel like that’s the biggest lesson in all of it, is just having an upstanding character … I think that going through the college athletic experience is just remaining consistent with myself and showing discipline and learning.”

Texas Southern Makes A Statement

Texas Southern has been thriving at home, racing to a perfect 4-0 start in SWAC play for the first time since 2020. The Tigers notched their most significant victory under third-year head coach Vernette Skeete on Thursday night, defeating Jackson State 69-54. This was Texas Southern’s first triumph over Jackson State since 2019 and ended Jackson State’s remarkable 36-game SWAC regular-season winning streak.

It was Jackson State’s first conference loss since January 14, 2023, when they fell to Prairie View A&M. Extending to last season, Texas Southern now holds the longest active SWAC regular-season winning streak at six games.

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The Tigers have claimed victories over the SWAC’s preseason top three teams—Grambling State, Southern, and Jackson State—all on their home court. Establishing a strong home-court advantage is often the foundation of a growing program, and Texas Southern has done just that. After winning only seven SWAC games combined over the last two seasons, the Tigers are now one win away from matching last season’s total of five.

Aylasia Fantroy, a Texas native, led the way with 20 points against Jackson State. As she finds her groove, she has scored double figures in eight games this year, including four of her last five. What’s scary for opponents is that Texas Southern won by double-digits even though leading scorer Courtlyn Loudermill finished with two points. It didn’t matter because Texas Southern had nine different players hit the scoring column.

Texas Southern’s triumvirate of Treasure Thompson, Aaliyah Henderson, and Daeja Holmes combined for 25 points. Thompson was a force with three blocked shots, and Jaida Belton grabbed a team-best eight rebounds.

Fantroy transferred to Texas Southern from Ohio, where she played in 28 games last season. She averaged 9.0 points per game, which was fourth on the Bobcats. Fantroy led the Bobcats in steals and was third in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). She also had a double-double (10 points, 11 rebounds) in a win over Indiana State.

Like her teammate, Jaida Belton, Fantroy also played volleyball. Fantroy is ranked 10th in the SWAC in scoring (11.5)

Mcelrath Shining Bright For Delaware State

Kiarra Mcelrath started MEAC play by scoring a career-high 31 points against Howard. She followed that performance by scoring a team-best 17 points and collecting a career-best eight rebounds in a loss to Norfolk State. Her effort against the MEAC co-favorites proved the vivacious 5’7 Delaware State sophomore guard is beginning to find her groove.

She is still a work in progress and has endured growing pains as the Hornets’ point guard. She has embraced the discomfort to emerge as a shining light for head coach Jazmone Turner’s Hornet squad. Mcelrath, proud of her improved decision-making as a guard, is eighth in the MEAC in scoring (13.1 points per game) behind her teammate, 5’9 sophomore guard Mahogany Cottingham, who is seventh (13.4).

Cottingham is from Cleveland, giving the Hornets an all-Buckeye backcourt, which should be fun for fans in the First State for the next few years. Cottingham had a productive weekend, scoring 21 points against South Carolina State and 20 against North Carolina Central in close road losses.

Mcelrath is also eighth in the conference in steals (1.8) and 12th in minutes played (29.4).

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Mcelrath also leads the MEAC in free-throw percentage (90.6%), which is 22nd nationally. She has missed five free throws all season, and her streak of 22 consecutive makes ended in the first quarter against Norfolk State. Mcelrath also had a streak in which she made 13 straight foul shots between Nov. 10-Dec. 9. She was also 9-for-9 from the charity stripe against Hampton on December 30.

“She’s like a Russell Westbrook, a scoring point guard, if you will, in terms of driving, getting paint touches,” Turner said. “I’ve seen her move the ball better, make better reads, make better decisions, but she can still score the ball. She’s more efficient at that. Her pull-up game has gotten a lot better. She’s building some consistency there. On defense, she’s more aggressive this season. I’m proud of her development.”

Mcelrath, who started playing basketball at age 3, has scored double-figures in six of her last seven games. She scored 22 points against Long Island University in a double overtime loss on Dec. 14. In the five games since Christmas, Mcelrath has averaged 18.6 points. Inspired by her cousin to play basketball, Mcelrath spent much of her youth playing at the Far East Recreation Center before playing on her father’s and uncle’s AAU team, Smack, in Columbus, Ohio.

Mcelrath is also making a difference beyond the court as a member of Delaware State’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Delaware State was the first to offer her a scholarship, and after researching the school, she knew it was the perfect fit. Turner eagerly anticipates Mcelrath’s enthusiastic text messages, sharing her excitement for practice.

“I’ve been learning a lot,” Mcelrath said. “I’ve been growing a lot as a person and player. Last year, I learned what coach Turner looks for in a point guard … I’m very passionate about basketball and I’m very team and family-oriented. I’m close to them. It’s also a way to learn how to be a better leader.”

In a team bonding activity, the Hornets took advantage of being in South Carolina during their road trip by attending the South Carolina-Texas women’s basketball game.

Juste-Jean’s Impactful Return

Angie Juste-Jean is happy to have the chance to contribute significantly to the South Carolina State program.

She celebrated her return by scoring a career-best 25 points in a 55-54 setback to Morgan State on January 4. Juste-Jean ignored the lingering pain from an Achilles injury with a 8-for-20 performance and made 3-of-5 from 3-point distance.

A week later, Juste-Jean scored 15 points to complement Shaunice Reed‘s 20 points as South Carolina State snapped a 16-game losing streak with a 68-62 victory over Delaware State. Juste-Jean, a transfer from Coastal Carolina, has scored double figures in four of the seven games she’s played this season. She scored 22 points against Furman on November 4.

Even though there was some doubt about her return to the court this season, Juste-Jean was determined.

“Every time I had a doctor’s appointment, he kept telling me, hey, you might be done,” Juste-Jean shared. “You might have to redshirt because I don’t think you’ll return. I was like, no. I believe in myself and my body. I kept going to rehab with Elisa, my trainer; she helped me a lot.”

Juste-Jean approached rehab with relentless determination, committing to consistent treatments that included massages, stretching exercises, and medication. She gave her all, driven by an unyielding desire to return for conference play and support her teammates. Despite the grueling monotony of the rehabilitation process, she pushed forward.

“I had to sacrifice certain things because I want to go pro,” Juste-Jean said. “I have goals. I’m on a mission. So, I got to move like a pro. I got to act like a pro, I got to talk like a pro, I got to play like a pro. I’m on a mission.”

When she was younger, being a professional was the furthest thing from Juste-Jean’s thought process. Then, her mom forced her to play with her older sister. That’s where her passion was born, and the rest is history. She had a stellar career at Winston Christian School, where she was a member of the 2019-20 state championship team and MVP in 2020-21. She also played in the Triad High School All-Star Classic.

Majoring in communications, Juste-Jean played for two years at Coastal Carolina before finding a home in Orangeburg. She played in 48 games, making 29 starts, and averaged 7.7 points during her career. Juste-Jean is still getting back in basketball shape.

She has a solid outside stroke and is fearless in driving to the basket. Juste-Jean wants to become a real estate agent and plans to take some business classes next semester.

“I think God just blessed me,” Juste-Jean said. “I prayed. Then, (SC State assistant coach Regina Garrett) called me. She said, coach Eatman really wants you. I called my dad, and I said that this is nothing but God. I love coach Eatman. He’s a really good coach, and he’s definitely going to help me go pro.”

Morgan State’s Ojuwku’s Starting Strong

Regardless of where each team stands, the Coppin State-Morgan State women’s basketball games are two of the most intense of the season. Competing for Baltimore’s bragging rights adds a layer of hostility to this one. The matchup on Saturday, January 25, shouldn’t be any different, especially since the two evenly-matched squads will be looking to shake off two-game losing streaks.

Morgan State recently received a boost by adding 6’1 redshirt sophomore Naya Ojukwu, who has shown flashes of excellence in the four games she has played for the balanced Bears. The Gonzaga transfer is averaging 16.5 points and 8.3 rebounds in contests she’s played against South Carolina State, North Carolina Central, Howard, and Norfolk State.

Shaking off the rust and admitting to The Next postgame that she was a little nervous, Ojukwu made the game-winning foul shots with 20 seconds remaining to help the Bears rally from a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit to post a 55-54 win over South Carolina State. Three days later, she delivered 24 points and 13 rebounds in an 84-79 victory over North Carolina Center. Ojukwu, who shot 9-of-16 from the field, scored 10 of the Lady Bears’ first 14 points to start the game and scored 19 of her 24 points in the first half against the Eagles.

Ojukwu is excited to compete in the MEAC. Despite adversity, including injuries and illnesses, Morgan State has persevered, overcoming challenges and finding ways to succeed.

“I think I am going like it,” Ojukwu said. “The best part here is you have to depend on your teammates. It’s also a lot of mental stuff because the pace of the game goes up and down, up and down … They’ve been telling me this entire season that in this conference, we can win, and it’s just whoever wants it more.”

Even though the Bears dropped games to the preseason co-favorites Howard and Norfolk State, respectively, Ojukwu continued to produce. She scored 16 points against Howard and had her second double-double of the season with 13 points and 11 rebounds against Norfolk State. Despite losing by six points and even though Morgan State isn’t into moral victories, that defeat could be a springboard to an exciting finish.

After falling behind by 19 points after the first quarter, the Bears displayed tenacity, toughness, and character in outscoring the Spartans by 13 points over the remaining three quarters. Gabrielle Johnson scored a team-high 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting against the Spartans, and Laila Fair added 10 points, six rebounds, three steals, and a game-high three blocks. 

Things could get better for Morgan State if Ja’la Bannerman returns from a lower-body injury that has sidelined her for five games. The Bears are hopeful that the 12-day break between games will be enough for Bannerman, who averages 10.3 points per game, to be ready for Coppin State. Her return could make a difference for Morgan State, which has plenty of solid pieces in place to disrupt the predicted order of finish in the conference.

Fair averages 9.8 points per game and 7.5 rebounds. Meanwhile, Jael Butler adds 9.2 points per game and 4.9 rebounds. She also leads the MEAC in field goal percentage (46.2). Johnson scores at an 8.6-point per game clip.

While playing for more minutes until Bannerman returns, Tamaria Rumph has enjoyed some nice performances. She scored 17 points in a win over Mount St. Mary’s and fueled the Bears’ comeback over South Carolina State with 13 points. She also made numerous clutch plays down the stretch to help Morgan State be in a position to win the game by keeping the Bears composed and everybody involved.

HBCU Happenings

The first of two showdowns between the MEAC co-favorites, Howard and Norfolk State, will take place on Saturday, January 25, in Norfolk. Both teams are unbeaten in MEAC play.

Coppin State’s Laila Lawrence and Norfolk State’s Diamond Johnson were the only two HBCU players named to the 15-player Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year midseason watch list.

Grambling State meets Southern in a matchup between the SWAC’s preseason favorites between the SWAC’s preseason favorites on Saturday, Jan. 18.