Dawgs Start Three Game Road Trip with a Tilt Against Wiley
MARSHALL, TX. – 2024 has been good to the Fisk University Bulldogs (8-9, 5-3 GCAC). After struggling in the month of December, they are 4-0 in the new year. On Thursday, they look to even their record for the first time this season, it won't be easy, as they will travel to Marshall, Texas to take on the Wiley University Wildcats (8-10, 4-6 GCAC). The game will be the sixth of a seven game homestand for the Wildcats.
"We didn't play last week and with the long bus trip, I hope we don't have any rust," said Fisk Head Coach Kenny Anderson. "We held them to 47 points in Nashville, but they have been scoring a lot lately. They are at home so we know they will play better. We better be ready."
The Bulldogs are getting production up and down the roster. Tyon Thompson, Jayden Lockett and Michael Ashley has been consistent all year. Allen Powell has stepped up as of late, scoring in double-figures in two of the last four games. Freshmen Solomon Mustafa-Reid and Mitchel Seay has been contributing heavy minutes off the bench. Rodney Wiley has also been a key contributor from the point guard position.
The WMG "Pick 2 Click" for the game is Blake Goodman. This will be his third game since coming off a lower body injury. Goodman was leading the team in scoring, but his average has dipped to 17.8 ppg.
Game 18: Fisk University (8-9, 5-3 GCAC) at Wiley University (8-10, 4-6 GCAC)
Date/Time: Thursday, January 24 | 7:00 p.m. (CST)
Watch: HBCU Plus
Location: Alumni Gym, Marshall, Texas
Quick Hits
Athletic Director with Old Roots Bringing New Direction
On October 6. 2023, Valencia Jordan was announced as the new Director of Athletics. Jordan returned to Fisk after playing basketball in 1981-82. She gained experience as the Assistant Athletic Director at Tennessee State University. She also coached volleyball and women's basketball there.
Anderson's Tough Schedule Will Be Key When Conference Play Starts
With two NCAA D1 teams (TSU and Austin Peay) on the schedule, one might think that head coach Kenny Anderson is setting his team up for failure. Anderson scheduled them, and NAIA powers Faulkner (AL) University, Clark Atlanta, Freed-Hardeman University, Bethel University, Life University, and Wilberforce University to set his team up for success once the conference season rolls around.
Spicy Wings
Anderson has some athletic wings at his disposal, in Jayden Lockett, Tyon Thompson, and Blake Goodman. Already this season, the three have shown up huge. Lockett, a former Mr. Basketball candidate in Tennessee, is filling up the scoresheet with "Scottie Pippen" type numbers. Against Wilberforce, he had a triple-double of 18 points, 12 boards, and 10 helpers. Thompson scored 22 points against Wilberforce, including the game-winning shot, and Goodman had 36 points against Faulkner.
The Trees Are Growing Around Good Trouble U
Anderson jumped into the transfer portal to get a much bigger lineup. Two transfer players will have to sit out until they are qualified. They are Brazilian import Hamilton Wallace is the tallest recruit for Anderson at 7'1, Tyree Martin is 6'9, and freshman Solomon Mustafa-Reid is 6'8.
"We now look like a college team," said Anderson. "These guys will help us in the paint on both ends."
NEXT UP:
The Bulldogs will continue their road trip when they travel to Arkansas to take on Philander Smith.