Nunnie Robinson, WG Sports Editor
South Carolina State proved to be worthy road warriors after defeating a determined, stubborn Bethune-Cookman Wildcat squad in Daytona Beach. Head coach Sam Shade led Alabama A&M to a hard-fought victory over FAMU in Tallahassee, a formidable task. The winning coaches, Coach Berry of SCSU and Coach Shade, have both had a few years to establish their respective programs. Coach Quinn Gray is in his first year at Florida A&M, but I have no doubt that he will quickly right the Rattlers’ ship.
The Top 5 SMQB Power Rankings through Week 4 list South Carolina State, Prairie View A&M, Jackson State, Alabama State, and Alcorn State 1–5. Of the Top 5, two remain undefeated: South Carolina State and Jackson State.
In DII, Kentucky State is at the top, followed by Virginia Union, Johnson C. Smith, Edward Waters, and Tuskegee.
Despite the talent gap, HBCU football seems to be thriving because of administrative leadership, alumni support, student spirit and enthusiasm, and the vital role that bands play in the overall HBCU experience.
The WNBA playoffs are in effect, with the New York Liberty defeating the favorite Minnesota Lynx in Minneapolis. Since the opening rounds are only three games, winning the first game on the road gives the Liberty a decided upper hand. No. 3 seed and reigning champion Las Vegas Aces, led by MVP A’ja Wilson, blew out No. 6 seed Indiana and fan favorite Caitlin Clark and underrated Chelsea Gray, 102–85. No. 4 seed Atlanta rolled over No. 5 seed Washington, 93–77. Finally, the Golden State Valkyries dominated the Dallas Wings, 104–80.
Since there are only eight teams that qualified for the playoffs, expect more competitiveness in ensuing games.
In MLB, the Wild Card games are contested first. In the AL, the No. 6 seed White Sox play No. 3 seed Houston, while Boston plays their heated rival Yankees, who will be without Aaron Judge. In the Junior Circuit, the Chicago Cubs face the San Diego Padres, while the Atlanta Braves battle the Philadelphia Phillies. The Wild Card games are also three-game series, and winners move on to the divisional round.