Unstoppable Forces: Meet the HBCU Basketball Players Who Dominated March 3-9

When it comes to HBCU Division I basketball, the spotlight often shines brightest as the regular season wraps up and tournament time looms. But have you ever wondered which players are truly elevating their game when it matters most — right before the stakes skyrocket? That’s exactly what we’re focusing on this week, joining forces with Urban Edge Network to shine a light on those standout performers who didn’t just play — they dominated. With the MEAC and SWAC tournaments kicking off and NCAA dreams on the line, the final week felt like the perfect teaser for what’s ahead. Two players in particular put down markers you don’t overlook: Robert Smith, whose scoring frenzy kept Delaware State competitive against tough odds, and Ce’nara Skanes, who led Maryland Eastern Shore’s rally out of the slump. It’s a reminder that in basketball, sometimes the story isn’t about the season’s start — but about how you finish. Think of it as the classic “clutch gene” in action, showcased on the hardwood. Curious to see these game-changers up close? LEARN MORE.

Weâve partnered with Urban Edge Network to highlight the best players in HBCU Division I menâs and womenâs basketball each week.

Weâve finally reached the end of the college basketball regular season.

Like a lot of Division I conferences, the MEAC and the SWAC start their tournaments this week, with the winners advancing to the NCAA Tournament.

The last week of regular season games felt like the appetizer before the main course.

Two players stood above the rest during this portion of play. Here are your HBCU Menâs and Womenâs Players of the Week.

Menâs Player of the Week: Robert Smith, Delaware State

Robert Smith has been one of the more lethal scorers in the MEAC this season, and he elevated his game even higher last week.

Delaware State opened the week with a tough 87-81 loss to Morgan State, but Smith had an excellent game, pouring a season-high 34 points on 12-of-24 shooting while adding four steals.

Robert Smith HBCU Player of the Week — *Photo Credit: @DSUMBB*

It didnât start out as a great game for the 6-foot-1 senior guard. He missed his first four shots and didnât score until he sank a layup at the 8:50 mark in the first half. He reached halftime with 10 points.

His 24 second-half explosion was high than his seasonal average. The second half was like a track meet â Delaware State scored 54 points and Morgan State 51 â and the Hornets needed every bucket from Smith to keep it close.

Delaware State trailed by 16 with under five minutes left, and Smith scored 12 points the rest of the way to make the game interesting, although the Hornets failed to cut the deficit under five.

Smith made sure the next game wouldnât end in a loss as well, as he scored 26 points and had five steals in a 75-68 win over Maryland Eastern Shore. He needed just 12 shots from the field and had only two turnovers in one of his more efficient games of the season.

Among Division I players who played multiple games last week, Smithâs 30.0 points per game average ranked fifth.

Heâs scored 18 or more points in nine straight games. While Smith has been good all season, heâs saved his best for the end.

Womenâs Player of the Week: Ceânara Skanes, Maryland Eastern Shore

The season was slipping away from the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks.

The team was 8-16 entering play on Feb. 24 and had lost four straight games. But the Hawks have bounced back with exceptional play since then, winning five straight games, including four by 10 or more points.

Ceânara Skanes has been a big part of this turnaround. The 6-foot junior forward had scored in double figures six times this season before ripping off four double-digit games in a row. And her two games last week marked her two highest scoring outputs of the season.

Ce'nara Skanes HBCU POTW — Photo Credit: @UMESWomensHoops

Maryland Eastern Shore needed a big fourth-quarter rally to get by Coppin State 62-56. The Hawks erased a 49-43 deficit through three quarters with a dominant 19-7 fourth quarter.

Skanes hit a pair of free throws following an offensive rebound to give the Hawks their first lead in the quarter at 53-51. When the Eagles got within one, Skanes got another offensive rebound and putback to give the Hawks a 57-54 lead with 2:21 left. They didn’t surrender it, and Skanes went on to finish with a season-high 16 points to go with seven rebounds.

The Hawks didnât need a late comeback the following game, winning easily against Delaware State, 69-35. Skanes once again reached a season high in points, scoring 18 on 8-of-13 shooting and adding six rebounds in just 23 minutes.

Skanes has had flashes of great play this season, but she used the end of the regular season to solidify her standing in the MEAC. She and the Hawks are proof that itâs never too late to turn a season around.

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The post HBCU Basketball Players of the Week: March 3-March 9 appeared first on Opta Analyst.