HBCU notebook: Kyla Bryant fueling North Carolina Central’s belief

All she had to do was look across at who was driving her home from practices, games and various errands. It was a sacred bond built on early morning workouts, late-night film study and conversations that extended far beyond the game itself. It wasn’t always easy; sometimes the lines between coach and mother blurred, leading to moments of frustration when she would mutter a word or two under her breath as she stormed away.

Yet, North Carolina Central’s leading scorer appreciates how her mother threaded the delicate balance of also being her high school basketball coach, pushing her to be more than just another player. The 5’8 sophomore guard was taught not just how to play the game but also how to respect it, learn from it and inspire others.

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There was always love — steady and strong — always the unspoken understanding that every critique, every drill, every demand came from a place of belief. An academically accomplished athlete who was a STEM Academy Scholar, an academic honors graduate, a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society, Bryant was also a two-time high school state champion.

“I loved playing for my mom,” Bryant recalled to The Next during a Zoom call. “In the first two years, you’re learning how to play under your mom, and she’s learning how to coach you. Not many players get to play for their parents, so it was nice. I was always around basketball, so I was going to pick up it eventually.”

Basketball is in Bryant’s blood, especially since both of her parents, Lakai Brice and Quentin Bryant, played point guard. It’s in the way she moves, sees the court, competes, leads and consistently gets to the foul line. Each time she steps onto the floor, Bryant honors her parents while building her future and lifting up her teammates.

“One takeaway from my parents is they always told me to stay poised,” Bryant said. “I’m not the same type of point guard they were. They told me to stay levelheaded and taught me to stay poised during tough moments.”

Bryant’s poise and maturity shined through during NCCU’s tough start to the season. She remained a calming presence. The Eagles didn’t hide from the elephant in the room of their season. They discussed the topic head-on. It’s an excellent starting point for showcasing NCCU’s persistence.

North Carolina Central had a front-row seat to NCAA history when it watched Tennessee make an astonishing 30 3-pointers on Dec. 14. This game, which ended in a loss for the Eagles, could have been a breaking point for many teams especially since it dropped their record to 0-12. However, the Eagles didn’t give up. They used this game as a turning point, a catalyst for their growth and resilience. Despite the loss, they didn’t let it define their season. Instead, they used it as motivation to improve and show their true potential.

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The Eagles, who were on the receiving end of social media ridicule following that game, have won seven of their last 12 games. They have their sights on finishing no lower than fourth in the MEAC. North Carolina Central has thrived, conquered adversity and rallied from double-digit deficits to win games. So, that Tennessee game made the Eagles stronger as they drove back to Durham.

“We learned how to fight and stay together,” Bryant said. “We learned not to get down on ourselves and play through everything. We learned to be there for each other. We heard the talk about the record. We’ve seen all of that on TV, but it didn’t matter to us because we learned to play for each other. So even when stuff doesn’t look like it’s going our way, we crawl out of those holes together, keeping our spirit high and carrying us through midway through this season.”

NCC head coach Terrance Baxter didn’t hide from that moment or his squad’s demanding non-conference schedule. He had a feeling the Eagles would struggle against their non-conference schedule, especially after the Eagles lost four key players before the season started, forcing them to rely on seven freshmen and two walk-ons. He scheduled ambitiously, believing he would have a full squad.

Even before the Tennessee game, the Eagles learned they would be without 6’0 graduate forward Morgan Callahan, one of the Eagles’ most consistent players, who has six double-doubles this season.

“I’m going to take some blame for them hitting all those threes because we played zone, and we usually don’t play a zone,” Baxter shared. “We went zone trying to preserve our bodies a little bit, especially without Morgan. That zone gave them opportunities that they wouldn’t have had normally with us, playing our man-to-man defense … I walked off the court, looked at the scoreboard, and smiled. I got to the locker room and said, ‘Hey, now we can win them all.’ When I said that, the look on our kids’ faces made me proud because I knew they believed it.”

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The Eagles haven’t won them all, but they’ve been competitive and resilient. Four of its five losses were to the MEAC’s towering triumvirate of Norfolk State, Howard and Coppin State, programs with a combined 53 victories.

They’ve also flashed bursts of brilliance. On Dec. 30, Bryant made a game-winning jumper against Furman in a 77-76 victory that capped an amazing rally from an 18-point second-half deficit. Shakiria Foster scored a career-high 24 points in the victory over Furman. These individual performances, along with the team’s collective effort, have been instrumental in the Eagles’ success this season.

A few weeks later, the Eagles erased an 11-point second-half deficit to beat Maryland Eastern Shore in double overtime, 92-86. It was a game where North Carolina Central finished with four players on the floor as four others fouled out. Bryant scored a career-high 32 points, helped by a 20-for-21 performance from the foul line.

This victory was accomplished after dropping a pair of heartbreakers in Baltimore to Coppin State and Morgan State. In a 76-71 win over Delaware State, Jada Tiggett and Callahan each had double-doubles that backed Bryant’s 22 points. During Monday’s 71-53 home victory over Morgan State, the Eagles allowed seven points in the fourth quarter and forced 13 consecutive missed shots. Overall, Morgan State made just one of their last 17 shot attempts thanks to the Eagle defense. 

The Eagles are flying behind Bryant and Callahan. Bryant averages 13.9 points per game (sixth in the MEAC) and 3.5 assists per game (third in the MEAC). She won consecutive MEAC Player of the Week awards on Jan. 6 and Jan. 13, and has scored in double figures 14 times, including 20 or more points six times. Callahan is third in the MEAC in rebounding (7.4) and seventh in scoring (13.3). Foster averages 11.0 points per game, giving Baxter three quality scorers who can consistently apply pressure to defenses.

“Morgan’s a walking double-double,” Baxter said of Callahan. “She’s the old lady of the crew. I have to maintenance days for her to keep her body together. Hopefully, she will come back for one more year next year; if she does, we’ll have a chance to do something special, especially with [plenty of MEAC talent at other schools] graduating. … Morgan is a great kid, bringing it daily.”

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While basketball has been Bryant’s constant, she knows the game is temporary. What truly matters is the mind — the way athletes think, process and push through adversity. That’s why she’s set her sights on becoming a sports psychologist, helping the next generation navigate the mental battles of being an athlete.

“I took some [psychology] classes and enjoyed it in high school,” Bryant reflected on her reason for wanting to become a sports psychologist. “I enjoy it now, and I believe it’s a big calling for me and something that I do have the ability to do. I feel like most teams and sports need that. … There’s a real culture here, not just women’s basketball, but it brings everybody together.”

Lawrence on a tear for Coppin State

The first two times Laila Lawrence touched the ball in a game last month against Morgan State, her shots were blocked. Lawrence could’ve gone into a shell, become tentative or gotten frustrated. Maybe last year, she would’ve reacted negatively.

Instead, after a few minutes of rest on the bench, the Coppin State senior forward returned focused, demonstrating why she was one of 15 players named to the 2025 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year mid-season watch list.

A determined Lawrence unleashed her fury by scoring 18 points and grabbing 13 rebounds along with dishing four assists as Coppin State beat Morgan State, 61-56, on Jan. 26. Two of her assists led to five Coppin State points in the final 90 seconds, proving that she can deliver whenever is necessary.

That performance kicked off an ongoing tear for Lawrence, who has posted five straight double-doubles helping Coppin State raise its overall record to 16-9 overall and 7-2 in the MEAC following a road sweep against North Carolina Central and South Carolina State. The 16 victories are Coppin State’s most since the 2016-17 season. Lawrence has 16 double-doubles this season to lead the MEAC, which is tied for fourth nationally, and has put up 31 total in her two years at Coppin State.

A week later, in the Eagles’ 90-56 win over Delaware State, Lawrence scored a career-high 31 points on 11-of-20 shooting from the floor and 9-of-13 from the line. She also grabbed 11 rebounds, handed out three assists and collected three steals. In her senior season, Lawrence is concluding a sterling career for Coppin State, after transferring from East Texas A&M in 2023-24. Overall, has scored 1,557 points (842 in a Coppin State uniform) and grabbed 963 rebounds (551).

Lawrence leads the MEAC in rebounding (10.0), is second in scoring (17.2), third in blocked shots (1.2) and seventh in field-goal percentage (42.7). Despite being the only player in the nation averaging 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block, Lawrence is not satisfied and looking for ways to get better.

“I know I’m a great player, but I feel like there’s always improvement whether you’re the best player in the world, whether you’re the worst player,” Lawrence said to The Next following the Morgan State game on Jan. 25. “I think that everybody can use improvement. I just want to get better of what I struggle with and enhance my weaknesses.”

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Being one of two MEAC players, along with Diamond Johnson, on the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year watch list is nice for Lawrence. She’s appreciative of the recognition, but she was already motivated because she didn’t feel like she played to her capabilities in the first four conference games. Lawrence averaged 11.2 points and 6.0 rebounds as the Eagles split their first four MEAC contests.

After a 12-day break, Lawrence returned refreshed and dominant, averaging 18.8 points and 12.8 rebounds during Coppin State’s five-game winning streak. She also has a double-double in every game during the Eagles’ winning streak, highlighted by a 20-point and 18-rebound effort last week in a win over North Carolina Central.  

“I knew I wasn’t playing like myself to start conference,” Lawrence reflected. “Being named to the Becky Hammon watch list is motivation to keep playing hard. Seeing my name on that list just lets me know that even though I wasn’t having the great start to conference, others know the player that I can be. That’s my goal now is just trying to get back to the player I was beforehand, playing hard and smarter.”

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Her patience is also making a difference for the Eagles. She knows she’s going to be double-teamed, which leads to more opportunities for her teammates. It also helps that guard Angel Jones is the MEAC’s third leading scorer at 15.3 points per game, giving Coppin State the highest scoring tandem in the conference.

The Eagles made a single-game program record 15 3-pointers in the victory over Delaware State on Feb. 2. Tiffany Hammond and Niyah Gaston made five 3-pointers each against the Hornets. In their last five games, Coppin State has made 47 3-pointers. The Eagles are averaging 7.1 3-pointers made per game for the season and a MEAC-best 9.1 in conference contests.

Lawrence was named both the MEAC Player of the Week and Defensive Player of the Week award Monday, sweeping the league’s top honors for a second time this season. Lawrence received both weekly awards on Dec. 23, becoming the first MEAC player to do so since March 1, 2022 (Camille Downs). Lawrence is the first player to win both honors multiple times in the same season since Savannah State’s Tiyonda Davis did so in the 2016-17 season.

Coppin State just finished a grueling stretch of playing six of its last seven on the road. The Eagles return home for a huge two-game stand against Norfolk State on Feb. 22 and Howard on Feb. 24. The Eagles are one of 30 Division I women’s basketball teams that hasn’t lost at home this season. Norfolk State rolls into town with a 20-game MEAC regular season winning streak. The Spartans have also won 11 consecutive contests.  

Creek and Steel supporting Howard’s foundation

Howard has plenty of headliners: 6’0 senior guard Destiny Howell, who is fourth in the MEAC in scoring; 5’7 freshman guard Saniyah King, who leads the conference in assists and is second among freshmen nationally in that category; 6’2 junior forward Zennia Thomas, who is fourth in the conference in rebounding; and 6’1 junior forward Nile Miller, who is fifth in blocked shots in the MEAC.

While each of them has enjoyed sterling moments this season, the Bison know it will take much more to accomplish its goal of winning the MEAC tournament championship. Despite a 16-point setback to Norfolk State in a highly anticipated game on Jan. 25, Howard’s resolve was unshakable, and confidence remained strong. The Bison had a three-point lead at intermission, but were outscored, 43-24, in the second half.

Since that loss, Howard has quietly won five consecutive games. Veteran head coach Ty Grace liked the balance and consistency the Bison displayed. Over the five games, three different players have led the team in scoring. Thomas, Howell, 5’10 graduate guard Kaiya Creek and King scored over 20 points in wins over North Carolina Central, Maryland-Eastern Shore, Delaware State and a home win over UMES, respectively.

“We’ve just figured out to find ways to put games together,” Grace told The Next outside the locker room following a win over Delaware State. “We talk about not starting slow, but we’ve been able to finally complete games. We’ve been talking about scoring double digits every quarter … We’re trending in the right direction in playing complete games.”

Creek shined by scoring a season-high 21 points, which was highlighted by six 3-pointers in the win over Delaware State. Overall, Howard made 11 3-pointers against the Hornets, the second time the Bison made double-digit 3-pointers this season. It was a welcome sight for the Bison, because Creek had scored just two points over a frustrating five-game stretch before the Delaware State game.

Creek remained positive and persistent despite not scoring, knowing that her shooting would return. Over Howard’s last two games, Creek has started to shake out of her slump, and is 8-of-9 from 3-point distance. If Creek continues her hot shooting, Howard may become dangerous and significantly capable of being the last MEAC team standing next month.

“I had to keep in my head to keep working because I knew my work would pay off eventually,” Creek shared. “I stayed getting up shots. Today, I was blessed to come out here and score points while doing better than I had the past games.”

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6’2 senior forward Marissa Steel also impressed with her defensive effort. Steel was a walk-on for Howard as a freshman, and quickly embraced her role for the Bison. She brings passion, energy, excitement and dedication whenever she’s called upon.

A criminology major with a psychology minor, Steel played a season-high 21 minutes against Delaware State, where she tied her career-high 10 rebounds. Minutes were available for Steel because the Bison played without Thomas against Delaware State.

Steel also had nine rebounds in games against Georgetown and Hofstra earlier this season. But primarily, she does all the little things that many don’t see, like boxing out, tipping the ball to her teammates and battling on the floor for loose balls.

“As long as I stick to my role, I can help my teammates and be a difference-maker,” Steel said. “Whenever I am called on, I don’t have to do anything differently. Coach Ty took me under her wing, and the coaching staff did. I also looked up to my vets, who taught me everything I know now. So, with a lot of hard work and dedication, I was able to earn a scholarship.”

Steel is one of those players the Bison will need heading the down stretch. She’s fearless, tough and a solid defensive presence. During its winning streak, Howard has allowed 53.0 points per game in winning each by double digits. The Bison held UMES to 21 points in the second half on Feb. 17.

“She takes a lot of pride in how she crashes the boards,” Grace said of Steel. “She went out there and did what she does. She can do that every night, but I was glad to see her have a game like this. I wish she would have finished a little bit more, but she stayed with it, rebounded and just played hard. She doesn’t hang her head.”

Grace also knows players like 5’7 senior guard Nyla Cooper, 6’0 sophomore forward Sa’lah Hemmingway, 6’2 senior forward Vanessa Blake, 5’10 redshirt sophomore guard Tyana Walker and 6’0 sophomore guard Janyah Bohanon will need to continue providing timely contributions.

Howard isn’t looking past any opponent because it knows if it handles business during its arduous four-game road trip, then the March 6 rematch against Norfolk State on ESPNU will mean something significant, and Burr Gymnasium will be jumping. 

Nicholson leading Bethune-Cookman

Asianae Nicholson‘s game has a steady rhythm — one that has been shaped by hours of practice, unwavering determination and the people who believe in her the most.

Now, the 5’10 Bethune-Cookman junior forward is making a memorable first impression by leading the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in rebounding at 10.9 per game. She also leads the SWAC in offensive rebounds per game (4.7) and is sixth in the conference in scoring (12.6), proving what can be accomplished when an opportunity arises. She’s also tied for fourth nationally with 16 double-doubles alongside Coppin State’s Lawrence.

Nicholson’s confidence isn’t something she developed alone. It’s been nurtured by those around her — her teammates, who push her to be better every day, and her coaches, who have instilled in her the discipline and mindset needed to be great. However, there is one person who provides consistent fuel.

“My mom,” Nicholson said. “Her name is Cassandra Hardaway, and she’s my best friend. She always calls me before the game. We talk after the game, and she always tells me you have to go out there and play the hardest. She always tells me to play like this is your last game. I go to her about everything … She is my backbone. I appreciate that because my mom doesn’t know much about basketball, but ever since I’ve played, she has learned new things every day and does her own research. My mom is my number one fan. She cheers for me if I have a bad game or an off night when I’m doing good; she’s always in my ear to keep me lifted.”

Nicholson has given everybody plenty to cheer about lately. She has been a double-double tear, posting six straight heading into Thursday’s game against Alabama State. A Cleveland native, Nicholson transferred to B-CU after playing her first two years at Alabama A&M, where she played 329 minutes.

With 734 minutes played through Feb. 18, Nicholson has more than doubled her career playing time and is producing in heaping doses. Nicholson, who has earned two SWAC Newcomer of the Week awards, has scored in double figures 18 times this season, including nine straight games.

However, her biggest contributions to the Wildcats have come in the form of her positive attitude, work ethic and leadership. Bethune-Cookman has struggled with injuries recently, forcing Nicholson to play an average of 36 minutes per contest.

“She has been an absolute joy and is so genuine and honest,” B-CU head coach Janell Crayton Del Rosario said. “She makes people happy and is fearless in the post. Defensively, we do a lot of switching, and she’s not scared to guard anybody. Sometimes, she’ll be matched up against a point guard. She knows how much I believe in her, but she allows me to push her and demand things from her. I appreciate her believing in what we’re doing here and buying into it.”

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Fortunately for Nicholson, she has benefited from the talents of her rebounding twin, 6’3 senior forward Kayla Clark, who is sixth in the conference in rebounding (6.9). Overall, Bethune-Cookman is second in the SWAC in rebounding margin (+2.7). Clark has three double-doubles this season. In last week’s homestand against Jackson State and Alcorn State, Clark averaged 12.5 points and 10.0 rebounds.

The Wildcats have also gotten meaningful contributions this season from 6’2 senior forward Chanelle McDonald and 5’7 junior guard Daimoni Dorsey, who has had to step into the point guard role and learn on the fly against menacing pressure defenses. McDonald has scored at least seven points in five of her last six games. Meanwhile, Dorsey has averaged 10.0 points per game over the Wildcats’ last seven games after scoring 18 points in a win over Alcorn State on Feb. 15.

Five games remain before the SWAC tournament, so the Wildcats believe they can enjoy a strong finish.

Nicholson’s background in track has helped her get used to the increased playing time. Her rebounding secret is straightforward: Nicholson is quick to the ball, great at anticipating angles and loves competing. Stiffening like a wall on defense, she has loomed large over the competition this season, much like the 13-foot tall statue of Mary McLeod Bethune, the founder of B-CU in 1904, inside of Daytona Beach’s Riverfront Esplanade.

“Before every game, I always recite a Bible verse, and it gets me through,” Nicholson said. “I never stop believing in myself. When you have people around you, especially people who feel like family to you, it makes you want to go harder. I feel like my coaches and teammates, as well as the fans, alumni, and from them, believe in me. It just made me fight and realize that I have to go hard every game for my team, my coaches and my mother.”

The Wildcats are a close-knit team, strengthened by a team-bonding activity that resonated deeply with Nicholson. Sitting in the library during the summer, every Wildcat women’s basketball student-athlete shared deep and personal stories, allowing them to connect in ways beyond basketball. They also watched the movie “Air Bud,” which she enjoyed. Nicholson is the unofficial team hairstylist, too.

Majoring in criminal justice, Nicholson also has a greater purpose beyond basketball, which is why she wants to be a defense attorney. Her spark turned into a flame when personal experience collided with purpose. Unfortunately, she has seen the injustices, the untold stories and the struggles of ignored voices. Nicholson wants to be the one to make a difference and develop the influence needed to step into a courtroom one day and fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.

“I want to help people for the right reasons,” Nicholson said. “There are so many people who don’t have the right representation, who are caught in a system that doesn’t always give them a fair chance. I want to change that. I have brothers who are in the system. When they went in, it changed everything for me. There’s a lot of people who are innocent, and they just been through a lot. It motivated me a lot.”

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SWAC set for furious finish

The SWAC is headed for furious regular season finish as Texas Southern, Southern and Jackson State are tied for first with 11-2 conference records. Alabama A&M is still lurking, a game behind the leaders at 10-3. Jackson State, Alabama A&M and Texas Southern all finish the season with road trips. Here’s a quick look at the remaining five schedules based on remaining opponents’ winning percentage.

Jackson State (.282): Alcorn State, Priarie View A&M, Texas Southern, at UAPB & at Mississippi Valley State. Jackson State is 6-0 at home and begins a three-game homestand highlighted by a huge home game against Texas Southern on Saturday, March 1.

Texas Southern (.306): UAPB, MVSU, at Alcorn State, at Jackson State, & at PVAMU.

Alabama A&M (.370): Florida A&M, Bethune-Cookman, at Alabama State, at Grambling State & at Southern.

Southern (.406): at Grambling State, at FAMU, at Bethune-Cookman, vs. Alabama State & vs. Alabama A&M. Southern has enjoyed a winning conference record in 18 straight seasons.