Latest news with #FayettevilleState
Miami Herald
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU basketball program hires proven winner
There aren't any coaching trades in college basketball, but two HBCU programs in the same conference got pretty darn close. Bluefield State University, a Division II program in the CIAA, has announced Luke D'Alessio as its new head men's basketball coach. D'Alessio replaces Devin Hoehrn, who resigned his position at BSU to take the head coaching job at Fayetteville State - replacing D' yet? 'We are thrilled to welcome Coach D'Alessio to the Big Blue family,' said Dr. Darrin Martin, Bluefield State University President. 'His extensive experience and proven track record of developing competitive programs make him an ideal leader for our men's basketball team.' During the 2024-25 season, D'Alessio led Fayetteville State to a 23-9 record, a CIAA Southern Division title an appearance in NCAA Atlantic Region Tournament. D'Alessio was also named the CIAA and HBCU All-Stars Clarence 'Big House' Gaines NCAA Division II Coach of the Year. He led Fayetteville State to the 2022 CIAA championship - its first in nearly 50 years. 'I would like to thank President Dr. Darrin Martin, Brodderick Tucker and Ryan Bailey for giving me this great opportunity,' said D'Alessio. 'I am honored, blessed and privileged to represent Bluefield State University and I'm excited to build on the recent success of the men's basketball program. I can't wait to get started and be a part of the Big Blue family!' D'Alessio's coaching career includes head coaching stops at HBCU programs Bowie State University and Jackson State University in addition to Fayetteville State. His most notable success came during a decade-long run at Bowie State, where he amassed a 199-96 record and led the Bulldogs to three CIAA championships and six NCAA Division II Tournament appearances. Under his guidance, Bowie State reached the NCAA Elite Eight and the South Atlantic Region Championship, establishing the program as a perennial contender on the national stage. In addition to his head coaching roles, D'Alessio has served in assistant coaching positions at several NCAA Division I programs, including Chicago State, South Alabama, UMBC, Canisius, and Tennessee State. His teams have consistently ranked among national leaders in scoring, assists, and defensive efficiency. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a consistent ability to recruit, mentor, and develop high-caliber student-athletes while maintaining a strong commitment to academic success and character development. Bluefield State is coming off a 19-win season which saw it make the CIAA title game - knocking off D'Alessio's FSU squad in the semifinals. The post HBCU basketball program hires proven winner appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
02-03-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Fayetteville State claims second straight CIAA Title
BALTIMORE, MD - Fayetteville State claimed its second consecutive CIAA women's basketball championship with a 64-56 victory over Virginia State (23-6, 14-2 CIAA) at CFG Bank Arena on Saturday. The Broncos (21-7, 13-3 CIAA) were powered by standout performances from Keayna McLaughlin and Talia Trotter, who each scored 15 points. McLaughlin, named the Food Lion MVP of the Game, also contributed eight rebounds and three steals, while Trotter filled the stat sheet with six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks. Junior Nyah Wilkins was recognized as the CIAA Tournament MVP after averaging nine points and 6.7 rebounds over three games. She played a crucial role in the tournament, scoring 12 points with six rebounds and two steals in the victory over Bluefield State, followed by a double-double performance of 11 points and 10 rebounds against Virginia Union. Both Wilkins and McLaughlin earned spots on the CIAA All-Tournament Team. Fayetteville State's defensive intensity proved to be a game-changer, limiting Virginia State to just 14.3 percent shooting from beyond the arc and forcing 18 turnovers, which led to 13 points off takeaways. McLaughlin's three steals were instrumental in disrupting the Trojans' offensive rhythm. The Broncos set the tone early, closing the first quarter with an 11-8 lead. Their momentum carried into the second quarter, where they extended their advantage to 32-17, fueled by a 6-0 run punctuated by a three-pointer from Daziyahna Wilson. Fayetteville State's efficiency from deep was a key factor, as they knocked down six three-pointers in the second quarter alone. In the third quarter, the Broncos maintained control, using a 7-0 run to push their lead to 48-32. Virginia State attempted a late rally, but Fayetteville State held firm, entering the final quarter with a 51-39 advantage and never relinquishing control. Fayetteville State finished the game with eight made three-pointers while holding Virginia State to 36.2 percent shooting from the field. Despite a dominant performance from Virginia State's Amesha Miller, who led all scorers with 19 points and 10 rebounds, the Trojans were unable to overcome Fayetteville State's balanced attack and defensive pressure. With this victory, Fayetteville State secured its second straight CIAA championship, further cementing its legacy in the conference. The Broncos now hold a 6-11 record in championship play dating back to 1976, with their first-ever title coming in 1979, when they also defeated Virginia State, 63-61. The post Fayetteville State claims second straight CIAA Title appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
