My bandwidth is regrettably narrow. My biological data plan only affords so much input. It may surprise you to learn that writing poorly written and shoddily researched articles about Arkansas State athletics is not my real job. I own a small business that solves other people’s problems. Instead of solving those problems now, I’m writing this. I have two sons, both of whom are enrolled in out-of-state universities. My average golf score hovers somewhere in the 90s and my wife wants me to adopt pickle ball. I never hit a home run in Little League, and that remains my life’s biggest regret.
I don’t have sufficient time for Arkansas State Women’s basketball, a program currently worthy of its own exclusively dedicated media outlet. It gets worse. In November, I snapped on ESPN+ to catch the last half of the A-State/UCA game, and I found myself dismayed by what I saw. The Bears, much taller than the Red Wolves, were simply unable to miss their three-point shots. The Red Wolves, conversely, could not secure a rebound or make a bucket of any stripe. It was hardwood carnage in Conway. The final score was 81-58, and this was my analysis:
With that, I unceremoniously put the A-State Women’s basketball team to the back of the top shelf and returned to what I do best: complaining about Red Wolves football.
Since that sobering loss to Central Arkansas, the Red Wolves have yet to lose a game. They’d clobber Houston 83-66, punish Kent State 74-54, and demolish UT Martin 78-66. For the bow atop the gift, the Red Wolves would finally best in-state rival Arkansas by a convincing 81-72 score, led by Utah State transfer 5’7″ senior guard Mia Tarver and her six three-point buckets. Last night, in a stunning display of merciless hoops, the Red Wolves dispatched South Alabama 107-67, receiving double digit points from Crislyn Rose (12), Zyion Shannon (10), Mimi McCollister (13) and game leader D’Arrah Allen (20), a 5’8″ senior transfer from UAPB.
There is no bench for A-State – Coach Destinee Rogers plays a five-in, five-out rotation that ensures everybody eats. And the Red Wolves like to eat – nobody in the Sun Belt has fired more shot attempts than Arkansas State. It doesn’t matter that the Red Wolves’ 39% FG ranks just 9th in conference, or that their 30% from the three ranks 10th. Rogers will overwhelm you with volume. Arkansas State has taken 131 more three point attempts than the next ranking SBC program, Marshall (591 to 470).
However, thee real magic behind A-State’s 12-game win streak is generating turnovers. The Red Wolves turnover margin is 10.41, leading the Sun Belt by far. Shannon averages nearly three steals per game, while Bella Weary and Marlie Dickerson are dependable for two each. They are certified pirates of the hardwood, offering no quarter.
Rogers and the Red Wolves have aced every test since Conway, but the haymaker challenges are just now making an appearance. On Friday, Arkansas State visits rebound hungry Troy, where they will need an answer for twin SBC board leaders, 6’2″ senior Zay Dyer and 6’0″ senior Fortuna Ngnawo. Later in the month, the Red Wolves host Southern Miss and James Madison and take on Georgia Southern in Statesboro. How the Red Wolves fair against this murderous quartet should give us all the clues we need to know if A-State is truly prepared to become a repeat Sun Belt Champion.
But sure, I gave up on Arkansas State Women’s basketball. I admit it. It was a mistake. And I’m sorry. This is one of the most exciting teams we’ve seen in Jonesboro in many, many years, and perhaps ever. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a pickle ball game to play.
PHOTO CREDIT: A-State Athletics
Howlraiser 