TUPELO, Miss. — In high school everybody always couldn’t wait to get their senior rings.

Now, in college, the same is the case for Carone Harris, Micaela Thomas and Traci Graham.

“The kids want a ring and they want a big ring,” head coach Checola Seals said. “The ring’s getting bigger. After tomorrow we hope we have a nice big ring.”

The Sugar Bears (23-6) advanced to the Gulf South Conference Tournament championship game with an 82-59 thumping of SAU Saturday afternoon and look to win their first GSC Tournament title when they square off against the Lady Blazers of Valdosta State.

“It’s awesome,” Seals said of the win. “I’m happy for the kids. I was worried before the game because the look on their faces was too serious. They’re usually laid back. Today they were a little bit more focused and serious, and this bunch can’t stay serious.”

Even with a regional berth guaranteed and a host role likely, the Sugar Bears had no time to play around.

“We knew they were gonna come out ready because (SAU) needed this to stay alive,” Seals said. “For us it was another game to get closer to getting another ring and getting closer to the finals. We’re already in the regional tournament. For us it was a big game, yes, but for them it was do or die. We had to come ready.”

If they weren’t already, the Sugar Bears looked ready when they went on a three-point barrage at the start of the second half to pull away from SAU.

Leading 37-32, Graham knocked down three 3s and Caronica Randle added another over the next 2:41 as the UCA lead swelled to 17. Thomas hit a free throw to push the score to 52-34 and put SAU away for good.

“Traci stopped fouling – or stopped getting called for fouls, and hit some big shots for us,” Seals said.

Graham, who had only three points at the half after making her only shot, was overdue.

“Considering my performance in the first half and yesterday, I

sat down at halftime and decided it’s time … time for me to do something. I told Caronica if I can stay on the court and stop fouling people, I’m gonna hit my shots. I came out pulling, I didn’t really have a choice.”

With a history of success against the Lady Muleriders, Graham was surprised to see herself getting open looks at the outset of the second half.

“I thought Biley was gonna have somebody all up in my grill,” she said.

Graham’s trio of trifectas not only put some separation between the teams, but got things going for her teammates.

“Traci gets on fire and it seems like pretty much everybody gets on fire,” said Randle, who finished with 16 points and 8 rebounds. “

While nobody caught fire, plenty of people were hot enough as five Sugar Bears scored in double figures. Carone Harris had 17, Randle had 16, Micaela Thomas finished with 15, Graham had her 14 and Renita Dobbins finished with an even 10.

“We got 5 people that can score at any given moment,” Seals said. “Carone didn’t have a great night shooting but she hit her free throws. I guess it’s a good thing since it’s requiring everybody else to step up. We can’t always depend on Carone and Carronica to get it done.”

The pair combined for 33 points, but fell about nine short of their average. In an ‘off’ night, Harris finished with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 assists.

“We’re talking about Carone Harris here,” Graham said. “She has set the bar so much higher for herself. I would love to have had the stats she had today. She didn’t have a great night shooting, but it happens. We all have bad nights shooting. She’ll be back, we’re not worried about it.”

It was no cause for concern for Seals.

“As long as Carone’s on the floor, she’s a threat,” she said. “Just her being on the bench she’s a threat.”

The next threat for the Sugar Bears is Valdosta State.

“It’s like playing Arkansas Tech of old,” Seals said. “They are very similar. Kiley (Hill) was under Joe Foley at Arkansas Tech and they’re similar in the way they set screens, read screens and come off screens. It’s gonna be a war. They’re gonna push on you and bang on you. The fundamentals are thing they’re going to do. It’ll be just like playing Tech.”

And playing the Tech teams of old is something that leaves a bitter taste in Graham’s mouth, particularly the GSC title game in their Elite Eight season.

“Two years ago coming in against Arkansas Tech we got robbed of our conference championship,” she said. “Carone, Micaela and I, we’re ripe for a championship. For as long as we’ve been here and as hard as we’ve worked … Carone and I have been around five years and never had a tournament championship. We’re ready, but it’s going to be a tough game.”

Seals, ready to play for the title during the post-game press conference, has full confidence in her team.

“Our seniors know what’s at stake,” she said. “They’re going to do what it takes to win. This game is for all the marbles – we’ve got to come with our ‘A’ game.”





		Sugar Bears aiming for bigger ring

		TUPELO, Miss. — In high school everybody always couldn’t wait to get their senior rings. Now, in college, the same is the case for Carone Harris, Micaela Thomas and Traci Graham. “The kids want a ring and they want a big ring,” head coach Checola Seals said. “The ring’s getting bigger. After tomorrow we hope we have a nice big ring.” The Sugar Bears (23-6) advanced to the Gulf South Conference Tournament championship game with an 82-59 thumping of SAU Saturday afternoon and look to win their first GSC Tournament title when they square off against the Lady Blazers of Valdosta State. “It’s awesome,” Seals said of the win. “I’m happy for the kids. I was worried before the game because the look on their faces was too serious. They’re usually laid back. Today they were a little bit more focused and serious, and this bunch can’t stay serious.” Even with a regional berth guaranteed and a host role likely, the Sugar Bears had no time to play around. “We knew they were gonna come out ready because (SAU) needed this to stay alive,” Seals said. “For us it was another game to get closer to getting another ring and getting closer to the finals. We’re already in the regional tournament. For us it was a big game, yes, but for them it was do or die. We had to come ready.” If they weren’t already, the Sugar Bears looked ready when they went on a three-point barrage at the start of the second half to pull away from SAU. Leading 37-32, Graham knocked down three 3s and Caronica Randle added another over the next 2:41 as the UCA lead swelled to 17. Thomas hit a free throw to push the score to 52-34 and put SAU away for good. “Traci stopped fouling – or stopped getting called for fouls, and hit some big shots for us,” Seals said. Graham, who had only three points at the half after making her only shot, was overdue. “Considering my performance in the first half and yesterday, I sat down at halftime and decided it’s time … time for me to do something. I told Caronica if I can stay on the court and stop fouling people, I’m gonna hit my shots. I came out pulling, I didn’t really have a choice.” With a history of success against the Lady Muleriders, Graham was surprised to see herself getting open looks at the outset of the second half. “I thought Biley was gonna have somebody all up in my grill,” she said. Graham’s trio of trifectas not only put some separation between the teams, but got things going for her teammates. “Traci gets on fire and it seems like pretty much everybody gets on fire,” said Randle, who finished with 16 points and 8 rebounds. “ While nobody caught fire, plenty of people were hot enough as five Sugar Bears scored in double figures. Carone Harris had 17, Randle had 16, Micaela Thomas finished with 15, Graham had her 14 and Renita Dobbins finished with an even 10. “We got 5 people that can score at any given moment,” Seals said. “Carone didn’t have a great night shooting but she hit her free throws. I guess it’s a good thing since it’s requiring everybody else to step up. We can’t always depend on Carone and Carronica to get it done.” The pair combined for 33 points, but fell about nine short of their average. In an ‘off’ night, Harris finished with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 assists. “We’re talking about Carone Harris here,” Graham said. “She has set the bar so much higher for herself. I would love to have had the stats she had today. She didn’t have a great night shooting, but it happens. We all have bad nights shooting. She’ll be back, we’re not worried about it.” It was no cause for concern for Seals. “As long as Carone’s on the floor, she’s a threat,” she said. “Just her being on the bench she’s a threat.” The next threat for the Sugar Bears is Valdosta State. “It’s like playing Arkansas Tech of old,” Seals said. “They are very similar. Kiley (Hill) was under Joe Foley at Arkansas Tech and they’re similar in the way they set screens, read screens and come off screens. It’s gonna be a war. They’re gonna push on you and bang on you. The fundamentals are thing they’re going to do. It’ll be just like playing Tech.” And playing the Tech teams of old is something that leaves a bitter taste in Graham’s mouth, particularly the GSC title game in their Elite Eight season. “Two years ago coming in against Arkansas Tech we got robbed of our conference championship,” she said. “Carone, Micaela and I, we’re ripe for a championship. For as long as we’ve been here and as hard as we’ve worked … Carone and I have been around five years and never had a tournament championship. We’re ready, but it’s going to be a tough game.” Seals, ready to play for the title during the post-game press conference, has full confidence in her team. “Our seniors know what’s at stake,” she said. “They’re going to do what it takes to win. This game is for all the marbles – we’ve got to come with our ‘A’ game.”