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The reason is who the next opponent is for 22nd-ranked Clayton State – the Lady Bears from Shaw.
In what should be labeled as a key early-season showdown for possible supremacy in the NCAA Division II South Atlantic Region, Clayton State plays host to Shaw on Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the Athletics and Fitness Center. Unlike the game against Delta State, there is a lot riding on this game for the Lakers and head coach Dennis Cox.
“Not only is this a region game, but Shaw is the class of this region,” said Cox. “For the last couple of season, Shaw has been the team to go through if you wanted to win the region and advance in the NCAA Tournament. Like Delta State, the chance to play Shaw at our place is a challenge, but is also a game to help our program grow and learn.”
Like 11th-ranked Delta State, Shaw will be bringing some hefty credentials to the Athletics and Fitness Center. Under head coach Jacques Curtis, the Lady Bears have won three straight Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championships and have advanced to the “Elite Eight” of the NCAA Division II National Tournament each of the last two seasons.
Over the last four-plus seasons, Shaw has posted an astronomical 122-15 record. In fact, the Lady Bears had won 78 straight games in CIAA play before Fayetteville State halted that streak on Nov. 21.
The Lady Bears enter Friday’s game 3-2 overall after winning a 57-53 decision at rival North Carolina Central on Saturday.
“We have a tone of respect for them (Shaw) and the job coach Curtis does there,” Cox said. “It’s a program that plays with a lot of pride and confidence. They may be struggling a little now, but they will be there in the end like before.”
Five Division I transfers highlight the Lady Bear roster, led by N.C. State transfer Celanese Bozeman. The sophomore guard leads Shaw in scoring, averaging 14 points a game. Senior guard Mandakova Clark averages nine points, and junior forward Tavia Clemendor averages eight points a game. In addition, junior center Nicky Souter is strong on the glass, averaging eight rebounds a game.
Like Delta State, this Shaw team is deep, athletic and quick. That presents another challenge for Clayton State and its full-court pressure defense. In fact, Cox won’t be surprised if the Lakers get a glimpse of their own style of play from Shaw.
“I expect full-court pressure and quick athletes at each position,” Cox said.
A key for the Lakers will getting off to a strong start. Throughout
this season, Clayton State has been a good team in the second half
of play, but in the first half. In fact, the Lakers got in an early
21-point hole against Delta State and that was too much to come back
from despite a strong second half. |
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opening
defeat last Saturday against Delta State was short and to the point
for the Clayton State Laker women’s basketball team.