52 @MEACSPORTS MEACSPORTS NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY North Carolina A&T 2015-16 Season Preview One thing that North Carolina A&T State hasn’t been doing in preparation for the 2015-16 season is talking. North Carolina A&T State is all about action this season and want its work to speak for itself. Despite the Aggies’ success and two postseason appearances in the WNIT under head coach Tarrell Robinson, N.C. A&T State is trying to advance beyond the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) tournament semifinals where their dreams of earning an NCAA tournament bid have been halted the past three seasons. “They haven’t been talking,” Robinson said. “They’ve been about action. They’ve been very humble. They’re showing that they want to make up for what we didn’t accomplish last year. They made a commitment to be here all summer and work their tails off. I’m happy in that aspect because that’s the culture that builds up to champions. We have to be the best versions of ourselves every day.” The Aggies will have a slight makeover for the 2015-16 season with key losses in Debbie Smith and Eboni Smith. However they return an experienced lineup, including two-time all-MEAC selection Aprill McRae, along with fellow seniors Christina Carter, Natiece Ford, and Adriana Nazario. Also bringing experience will be Memphis transfer Courtney Powell. “We have five seniors; four of them have been with me for three years,” Robinson said. “They know what the expectations are in terms of playing in the game but there are a lot of people that don’t really have that experience of who we are going to rely on this year.” With McRae being North Carolina A&T State’s returning leading scorer she’ll be a key focus for the team this year. McRae has been the Aggies’ inside threat and will look to create more opportunities for the perimeter especially for Carter and Nazario. North Carolina A&T State also returns juniors Dana Brown, Kenya Hailey, and Whitney Martin, and sophomores Michelle Fitzgerald, Maiya Gibson, Kala Green, and Quenswayla Story. The Aggies’ freshmen class includes Channing James, Rejoice Spivey, and Charnise Tyler. “I think this season will really come down to some of our newer faces and people who really haven’t had the role of having an influence on the game to accept that and want to do it,” said Robinson. “We have some pretty talented freshmen. I think Charnise will have an immediate impact for us in the post. She has a physical nature and mentality. She’s put together for this game. I’m excited to see Rejoice in that point guard position. She gives us a different dynamic. She has the ability in terms of leadership and presence on the court to influence teams defensively. She can really guard the ball. She’s pretty good at breaking people down. She has a natural feel for the game. Channing has to get a bit stronger but I think she’ll have a breakthrough during the second half of the season.” North Carolina A&T State’s roster yields versatility and length where it can put pressure on teams and continue to improve on its defense that held opponents to an average of 54.0 points a game that ranked 11th in the nation. Offensively, Robinson would like to be in a position to be able to give his seniors and players more freedom on the court. “I want them to stop being robotic and afraid to make mistakes,” explained Robinson. “I want them to take advantage of their talent. Adding Rejoice, having Adriana, and if Kala can defensively put herself on the court, she’s definitely versatile. We have people that can create their own opportunities and opportunities for others.” The Aggies will get that chance on Friday, Nov. 13 in their season opener against Florida Gulf Coast. North Carolina A&T State’s challenging schedule features five non-conference opponents who appeared in the postseason, 12 home games, and a pair of exciting holiday tournaments. “I’m hoping that our mental toughness improves with playing teams that have been there and done that,” said Robinson. “I’m hoping that before we get to conference with have that identity as well. Whether the game is close or whatever the circumstances are like the last two years we’ve blown leads or lost leads in the semifinals. I hope we get to a point where we’re able to get over the hump.” As the competition in the MEAC continues to strengthen each year, the Aggies know that every game counts. “I think the gap has closed for anyone,” Robinson said about the MEAC. “Everyone has gotten better. There’s always a surprise team. That’s the thing about conference play. Everybody is playing for something. It’s one game that can separate you from winning a championship or sitting in third place” #11 Adrian Nazario NC A&T Team Information 2014-15 Overall 20-11 2014-15 MEAC Record 12-4 2014-15 MEAC Finish 3rd Letterwinners Returning/Lost 11/5 Starter Returning/Lost 3/2 Newcomers 4 G – 5-8, r-Sr. Charleston, W.Va.
2015-16 MEAC Women's Basketball Yearbook
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