Latest news with #SouthCarolinaState
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former SSU Women's coach reflects on 22 years
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Recently, Savannah State women's basketball coach Cedric Baker decided to leave The Marsh and take on a new role. Baker will be the women's head coach at South Carolina State. WSAV Sports Director Joey Lamar caught up with the head coach to find out what made him leave after 22 seasons. Joey Lamar: Alright, coach, 22 years you were here at Savannah State. Walk me through the decision that actually made you say it's time to make a change. Cedric Baker: It's all about timing, perfect fit and familiarity. Then a challenge, of course, to compete at the Division I level, but a challenge that I'm also up for and prepared for based on my experience when I first got into coaching and then the experience that I received, at Benedict, Voorhees and ultimately Savannah State. JL: What role, if any, did administration play in your decision to leave? CB: The current administration has definitely been supportive. Of course, my direct supervisor is [Savannah State Director of Athletics] Opio Mashariki and then you know the leadership currently now under Dr. [Jermaine] Whirl. But they didn't play a role in this. They've been very supportive, it's definitely a personal decision, but I thank them for an opportunity to represent Savannah State University as the head women's basketball coach. JL: When you think back on 22 years, what are some of the biggest accomplishments that you've had during that time? CB: I give all the wins — give that credit to all the student athletes that I've coached and all the young women I have coached. I take full responsibility for the losses. And of course, you can always go back and reflect and review on some of those games. But of course, you know, the great memories really stand out. We had a victory against the University of Florida right here in Tiger Arena. I always remember that win against Georgia Southern and Kemetrius Hill scoring 36 points. Of course, going to the MEAC tournament and in 2015 playing Maryland Eastern Shore in that championship game. Also, in the NCAA tournament playing against South Carolina and then we hosted a lot of Power 5 teams right here in Tiger Arena. JL: And then on the flip side, what are some areas where you maybe have some regret or things that you could have done better or areas or games where you thought that you could have won or wanted to win? CB: Each and every day I came to work here at Savannah State, I encouraged the young ladies to strive for excellence. So passing up this opportunity, in my opinion, would not have been a good example for them because I want them to strive to play at the highest level. If that opportunity presents itself domestically or if it's internationally, just like Ezinne Kalu came from Savannah State to play in the WNBA. So that's what I encourage them to do. JL: What do you think the future of this program is? Do you have any recommendations on who should be the next coach? CB: Currently, Coach [Prescott] Mack, he's my assistant coach. I definitely encourage him to apply for the position. I've had some great coaches over my tenure here at Savannah State. They know what right looks like. They understand the culture. They understand the processes. I think any of those assistant coaches that have been under my supervision or under my tutelage, they're well qualified and also former student athletes that I have coached, I think they'll be interested in the position as well. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Miami Herald
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU softball: Howard University heads to NCAA playoffs
Howard University softball will be representing HBCU softball and the MEAC in the NCAA Tournament. After dominating the MEAC with a 20-1 regular season record, the Bison entered the conference tournament with one thing on their minds-revenge. That one loss came back in March at the hands of South Carolina State. On Saturday, Howard got even and left with a trophy. The Bison took control early and never let up, cruising to a 6-1 win over South Carolina State in the MEAC Championship. The victory marked Howard's third tournament title in program history and first since 2022. Howard wasted no time asserting dominance. Senior Kenna Higa led off with a double, while MEAC Rookie of the Year Lauryn Jones followed with a bunt single and a stolen base. In just a few minutes, the Bison jumped to a 2-0 lead and silenced any nerves in the crowd. Although South Carolina State's Jamaria Charley hit a solo homer in the third to close the gap to 2-1, Howard didn't flinch. In the bottom of the third, Jones slid safely under the tag at home to extend the lead. Moments later, Alyssa Vasquez scored on a defensive miscue, and Merci Hart drove in another run to stretch the lead to 5-1. Then, in the sixth inning, Higa came through again. She drilled her second RBI double of the game, allowing junior Maryn Jordan to score from first and sealing a 6-1 advantage. Defensively, the Bison closed the door by retiring South Carolina State in order during the top of the seventh. Graduate pitcher Ameenah Ballenger earned her 12th win of the season and captured Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors. Head Coach Tori Tyson received the Most Outstanding Coach award. Senior Mia Gonzales also landed a spot on the MEAC All-Tournament Team, joining a group that executed with grit and confidence. With the championship win, Howard (31-18) secured an automatic berth in the 2025 NCAA Softball Tournament. The HBCU squad will head to the Durham Regional and face No. 14 seed Duke University on Friday, May 16 at noon. The four-team regional-hosted by Duke-also includes Coastal Carolina and Georgia. The double-elimination format will determine who advances to the NCAA Super Regionals set for May 22–25. ESPN will carry coverage from all 16 regional sites, giving fans the chance to follow the HBCU squad toward NCAA glory. The post HBCU softball: Howard University heads to NCAA playoffs appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Veteran coach takes on new challenge after 22 years at HBCU
College Sports Veteran coach takes on new challenge after 22 years at HBCU ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Veteran and championship coach Cedric Baker has been named the new South Carolina State head HBCU women's basketball coach during a press conference by Interim Athletics Director Oliver 'Buddy' Pough, announced Monday (May 6). 'At this pivotal moment in the future of our women's basketball program, we believe Coach Baker is the right person to lead us forward,' Pough said. 'His experience, vision, and values align with our mission of developing student-athletes who excel on and off the court.' Baker joins SC State after an extraordinary 22-year tenure at Savannah State, where he built the HBCU program, which was defined by excellence, discipline, and historic achievement. 'I'm excited to join the South Carolina State family and eager to begin building something special with the student-athletes, staff, and supporters here in Orangeburg, 'said Baker. During his career, his legacy includes guiding three collegiate programs to six national tournament appearances, nine regular season and conference tournament championships, several outstanding Coach of the Year awards, and the development of several elite student-athletes. Coach Baker's most recent record-breaking milestones: Producing Savannah State's only WNBA player and women's basketball Olympian, Ezinne Kalu Recording the most single-season wins (27-3), and a historic 14-0 season start Achieving two perfect Academic Performance Rating scores of 1000 Achieved the program's highest Division II national rankings in both the WBCA and the NCAA South Region polls Securing key wins over major programs. Including the University of Florida, Georgia Southern University, University of Central Florida, East Carolina, Troy University, and University of Louisiana-Lafayette Most Division I wins in Savannah State's program history MEAC Tournament Ring Recipients of 2015 MEAC Tournament Outstanding Coach of 2015. Beyond the numbers, Baker brings a proven commitment to academic integrity, player development, and championship-level performance. A leader who builds culture and winning teams. His confidence will have an immediate and lasting impact at South Carolina State. A 1990 graduate of Voorhees College, he earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and applied sciences. At Voorhees, he was a four-year basketball letterman and a member of the 1987 Voorhees Men's Basketball EAIC Championship team. The post Veteran coach takes on new challenge after 22 years at HBCU appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025 This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 9:53 AM.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
SSU women's head coach accepts same position at SC State
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — The Savannah State women's basketball coach resigned and accepted the same position at South Carolina State. Cedric Baker led the program for the past 22 seasons. In 2015, they won the MEAC tournament title, which was the first in the school's history. Their best finish in the SIAC under Baker was runners-up during the 2021-2022 season. Coach Baker amassed 262 while leading the Orange and Blue. 'It's a great place where some of your best coaches have worked and been produced from this university,' Baker said in an interview after the press conference. 'So it was just a perfect fit for me, a great brand, huge brand, a fan base that really loves women's basketball. And that's what I'm about. It's about growing the sport at another university. Coach Baker returns back to the MEAC where he is very familiar with the lay of the land. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
In a class of their own
MT. PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – In 1981, John's Island native Charlie Brown was asleep during the NFL Draft. He started to wake up when teams started to call. He really woke up when Joe Gibbs and assistant Charley Taylor and the Redskins took him in the eighth round. 'Just so happens he's the one that discovered me at South Carolina State.' said Brown. 'A lot of people don't know that. And also he had an opportunity to coach me as well. So, I was pretty fortunate to live out my boyhood dream idolizing the great Charley Taylor.' A two time Pro Bowl wide receiver with the Redskins, Charlie helped Washington win Super Bowl 17 with the fun bunch. Brown wasn't the only member of South Carolina State's draft class in 1981 to make it to the league. Five bulldogs were drafted, Georgetown's Robert Geathers Sr. went in the third round. Three more alums were given free agent deals including Wadmalaw Island's Leroy Robinson. 'I think it's the best draft class probably in HBCU history if not in the top two or three. But definitely we are the best in the MEAC and South Carolina State school history.' Charlie said. And SCSU has produced a lot of pro talent. Along with cornerback William Judson, guard Edwin Bailey, and linebacker Angelo King, the class appeared in four Super Bowls, three NFC Championships, three AFC Championships and two Pro Bowls. But one number sticks out to brown, 44. 'Dan it's been 44 years, that's a long time where nobody has given us publicity. And it's not about great teams at South Carolina State. It's about the 1981 draft class. And I want people to recognize us and honor us.' Like he did on the gridiron, Charlie is going to fight to be recognized across the state and along the east coast. 'And we all have had the same experience and I think people need to know what our experience was like. It wasn't easy. It was a tough road, it was a tough battle but it was a lot of fun and we got it done.' It took a lot for Johns Island native Charlie Brown and his Bulldogs teammates to make it to the league. Like he did on draft night, Brown feels its time for others to wake up. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
