It’s a new year for the Concordia College Alabama women’s basketball team, but Thursday night was all about last season.

The Hornets received their United States Collegiate Athletic Association national championship rings Thursday night, right after a dominant 63-44 win over Wallace Community College Selma.

“I’m going to wear it death,” said a smiling Erica Ousley, who won two national titles during her time at Concordia. She plans to wear a championship ring on each hand.

Councilwoman Angela Benjamin and councilman Sam Randolph helped present the rings. Benjamin read a proclamation from Selma Mayor George Evans.

“We stuck to our game plan,” said Concordia coach Howard White, who received the fourth championship ring of his career. “We stuck to how we needed to play, going inside and then out.”

Howard’s plan this year is to win one for the thumb. If Thursday’s game was any indication, Concordia (2-0) looked up to the task at hand.

“I want to be ranked No. 1 in the country. I want to be ranked No. 1 going into the national tournament,” Howard said.

The Hornets overwhelmed Wallace early, taking a 10-0 lead early and leading the rest of the way. Lashanique Youngblood led the Hornets with 20 points and TeAndra Crawford added 11 points.

The Hornets were up 17-8 after the first quarter and 33-14 at the half. Wallace was led by Jamria Doss, who had nine points.

All nine of Doss’ points came in the third quarter.

“It’s hard to come in here, especially on a night like tonight when they’re getting their rings,” said Wallace coach Herman Turner. “It looked like we didn’t play with any energy or enthusiasm.  We weren’t up for this. Plus, we had 22 turnovers in the first half.”

Concordia used a full court press early and Wallace struggled against it. Turner said he knew the press was coming, and knows that’s an area where the Patriots have to get better. Turner said Wallace struggled with the press in its first game against Itawamba, Mississippi last week.

“We worked on the press all day yesterday and came back like déjà vu,” Turner said.

Concordia plays Monday against Morris College in South Carolina. Wallace will play Saturday against Lawson State.
Concordia 71, Wallace 64 (Men)

Concordia held on to a lead late in the second half to defeat county rival Wallace 71-64 Thursday night.

The Hornets were led by DeAngelo Anthony with 31 points and Tavin Cummings with 24 points.

Wallace was led by LaByron Harris with 25 points. Gene Davis also added 13 points for the Patriots.