Monday, March 9, 2026

Jackson Selected Hoopshd.com SWAC Coach of the Year

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Following Her Father’s Path, Nia Young Finds Home at NCCU

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Albany State Baseball breaks into the NCBWA South Region Top 10 poll at number 8.

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The Nation’s Toughest Defense Plays at an HBCU — And Edward Waters Is Taking It to the NCAA Tournament

 JACKSONVILLE, FL— The numbers tell one story. The journey tells another.

In just its second season competing at the NCAA Division II level, Edward Waters University women’s basketball has produced one of the most remarkable seasons in the country. The Lady Tigers enter the 2026 NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Tournament with a 23–6 record, the SIAC East Division Championship, and a No. 22 ranking in the WBCA NCAA Division II Coaches Poll—the highest national ranking in program history since transitioning to Division II.

But the statistic that has captured the attention of college basketball observers across the country is this:

Edward Waters owns the No. 1 scoring defense in all of NCAA Division II.

Through games played March 8, the Lady Tigers allow just 50.4 points per game, the lowest mark among nearly 300 Division II programs nationwide.

Now Edward Waters will carry that identity into the NCAA Tournament when the Lady Tigers face No. 1 seed University of Alabama in Huntsville (28–5) in the opening round of the South Regional on March 13 at Spragins Hall in Huntsville, Alabama.

The matchup features one of the most compelling contrasts in the tournament.

The nation’s top defense against one of Division II’s most productive offenses.

But for Edward Waters, the moment represents more than a postseason appearance.

It represents the rapid rise of a program — and a coach — building something special.

The Architect of the Turnaround

At the center of Edward Waters’ emergence is head coach Eric Jackson Jr.

At just 38 years old, Jackson has completed his 11th season in collegiate coaching, and his arrival in Jacksonville immediately began changing the trajectory of the Lady Tigers program.

In his first season at Edward Waters, Jackson guided the team to a 16–9 record, finishing third in the SIAC East Division. The Lady Tigers’ 12–7 conference record marked the program’s first winning record since joining NCAA Division II.

That inaugural season also saw Jackson recruit and develop Mia Morel, who was named SIAC Newcomer of the Year and an All-SIAC Third Team selection.

The season laid the foundation for what would follow.

In year two, that foundation turned into a breakthrough.

EWU Coaching Staff: Jordan Jackson (Asst. Coach), Eric Jackson, Jr. (Head Coach), Kavaci-A "Shay" Johnson (Asst. Coach) and Ato Green (Asst. Coach). Courtesy EWU Athletics

From Building Year to Breakthrough

The Lady Tigers’ 2025–26 campaign did not begin as a national storyline.

Edward Waters opened the season with three early losses while adjusting to the challenges of Division II competition.

What followed was one of the strongest runs in the country.

The Lady Tigers responded with a program-record 14-game winning streak, finishing the regular season 23–6 overall and 21–3 in SIAC play, securing the first SIAC East Division Championship in program history.

Edward Waters climbed steadily in the national rankings before finishing No. 22 in the WBCA Coaches Poll, placing the Lady Tigers among the nation’s elite Division II programs.

The rise reflected Jackson’s philosophy — discipline, defense, and balanced leadership across the roster.

The Nation’s Best Defensive Team

Under Jackson, Edward Waters has developed one of the most effective defensive systems in Division II basketball.

The Lady Tigers rank among the national leaders in multiple categories:

• No. 1 nationally – scoring defense (50.4 points per game)
• No. 1 nationally – three-point defense (22.5%)
• No. 2 nationally – opponent field-goal percentage (32.0%)

During the final stretch of the season, nine of Edward Waters’ last ten opponents failed to reach 50 points.

The defensive identity became clear in December at the HBCU Hoops Invitational in Orlando, where the Lady Tigers defeated Division I Bethune-Cookman 55–46, a statement victory that helped ignite their historic run.




Leaders on the Floor

Edward Waters’ success has been driven by a balanced roster of standout players.

Tan Brown, a junior guard from Eustis, Florida, leads the Lady Tigers in scoring with 14.0 points per game while leading the SIAC with 65 made three-pointers. Brown’s shooting ability stretches opposing defenses, and her 48 steals highlight her defensive impact.

Senior forward Shcira Fowles anchors the team’s rebounding presence. The Harlem native ranks:

• No. 18 nationally in rebounds per game (10.0)
• No. 20 nationally in total rebounds (290)
• No. 8 nationally in defensive rebounds per game (7.7)

She has recorded eight double-doubles this season.

Point guard Imani Harris directs the offense with composure, averaging 11.1 points and 3.3 assists per game while posting a 1.8 assist-to-turnover ratio.

Senior guard Amelya Hatch provides reliability in key moments, ranking No. 27 nationally in free-throw percentage (86.5%).

Strength in Depth

What makes Edward Waters particularly dangerous is the depth across the roster.

Players such as Diana Letaru and others have delivered key contributions throughout the season, allowing the Lady Tigers to maintain defensive intensity and rebounding pressure for all four quarters.

That depth has allowed Edward Waters to remain fresh late in games while sustaining the defensive energy that defines the program.

It’s a team built not around a single star, but around collective execution.

The NCAA Tournament Challenge

Standing between Edward Waters and the next chapter of its historic season is University of Alabama in Huntsville, the No. 1 seed in the South Region.

The Chargers feature one of the most explosive offenses in Division II basketball.

Lili Wilken ranks No. 4 nationally in scoring, averaging 22.2 points per game, while guard Bella White ranks No. 36 nationally in assists with 126 and maintains a 1.80 assist-to-turnover ratio.

UAH thrives on offensive tempo and ball movement.

Edward Waters counters with the nation’s No. 1 scoring defense, elite rebounding, and a roster capable of sustaining pressure throughout the game.

A Moment Bigger Than the Game

For Edward Waters, the 2025–26 season has already reshaped the program’s future.

A national ranking.

A division championship.

The best defense in Division II basketball.

And now the NCAA Tournament stage.

But when the Lady Tigers step onto the floor in Huntsville, they will represent more than their own program.

They will represent the continued rise of HBCU basketball on the national stage.

Because this season has already proven something important.

The toughest defense in Division II basketball doesn’t belong to a traditional powerhouse.

It belongs to an HBCU in Jacksonville, Florida. 

And now the rest of the country is about to see it. 🏀

By MEAC/SWAC SPORTS MAIN STREET

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NCAA D2 Women's Basketball Tournament Bracket 2026

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Miles College Lady Bears earn No. 4 seed for NCAA Tournament

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Nashville area talents head to first NCAA Tournament with Tennessee State | Blaine Kellar

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Three HBCUs Earn Bids to 2026 NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Tournament | Kyle T. Mosley

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No. 8 Morehouse Draws No. 1 Nova Southeastern in NCAA South Regional

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Virginia Union To Face West Liberty in NCAA Tournament

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Fayetteville State Men’s Basketball Earns No. 5 Seed in NCAA DII Atlantic Region Tournament

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Game ChangeHers Women's Breakfast: Honoring Our Legacy of Powerful Women Leaders | Friday, March 20, 2026 | 8:00-9:30 AM

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#3 WSSU Lady Rams Set for NCAA Tournament Matchup with #6 Glenville State

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FAMU basketball's SWAC Tournament path: Can Rattlers capture first title? | Gerald Thomas III

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@HBCUGameday | Coach Quinn Gray is bringing back some storied traditions to FAMU | Vaughn Wilson

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How much do FAMU President Johnson’s key hires get paid? Here’s a look | Tarah Jean

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Sunday, March 8, 2026

Eagles Travel To South Carolina For Surf Club Invitational

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First Look At SC State Football New QB Room🔥 The BlitzCity Podcast

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Rallying the Troops | Fangs Up Podcast

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Miles College Lady Bears complete historic 3-peat 🏆

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A&T Bowling Moves Into Top 5 at Music City Classic

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FAMU Marching 100 performs NBA on Prime theme song in national pregame show | Mishalynn Brown

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FAMU softball claims series win vs Jackson State in SWAC title rematch | Gerald Thomas III

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Michael Vick Takes Us Inside 'The Coach Vick Experience' | Kyle T. Mosley

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Men's Tennis Captures 6-1 Road Win Over Elon Sunday (March.8th)

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