https://ucasports.com/news/2023/5/10/womens-basketball-sugar-bears-announce-2023-24-signing-class.aspxGlad to see new staff got right on recruiting with results.....seems like the emphasis was on scoring (not unexpected) and that implies SBs are not going for low scoring games with mothering defense....wish the write-ups would have shown heights....it's one thing if the new players are all 5"7 and another if all 6"1...the first 6-8 games next fall should tell us a lot...
CONWAY, Ark. – Retooling last season's roster in anticipation of his first season as Sugar Bear head coach, Tony Kemper has announced the addition of seven players for this upcoming season. The group adds a plethora of talents and skills, bringing a unique blend of experiences to a new-look squad.
"This is a really good starting point for reloading our program. We started with many holes to fill, but our staff has worked tirelessly to bring student-athletes to Central Arkansas that will set the tone on and off the floor for how we want things done," Kemper said of the roster construction. "This group has all shown the ability to score, which was a point of emphasis for us as we built this team. We are excited to get the group on campus this summer and get to work!"
Jade Upshaw joins the Sugar Bears after a two-year stint at Arkansas State, playing in 57 games for the Lady Red Wolves. As a freshman, she averaged 8.3 points per game, and over her two seasons, she hit 64 three pointers. She had a career-high 20 points against Georgia Southern, shooting 4-for-7 from distance. Upshaw scored double-figures in 17 games during her Lady Red Wolves tenure, and hit multiple three-pointers in 18.
"Jade provides instant high-level Division I experience. She can score the ball at all three levels and is a creator off the dribble. We targeted her as soon as she was in the portal, knowing well what she can bring as a player and leader. Her personality and work ethic will be infectious and help set a new course for our program." – Coach Kemper
The Sugar Bears also signed three players from Dodge City Community College, the first of which is Bree Stephens. Over her two seasons, the Australian averaged 12.0 points per game, hitting 67 three pointers in 61 games. Stephens's versatility made her an exceptional player, with an ability to score from multiple spots on the floor and defend multiple positions. She leaves Dodge City CC with 129 steals and 85 blocks, impacting the defensive end in a number of ways.
"Bree has a combination of length, athleticism and skill that is rare. She impacted every statistical category at Dodge City and will be looked upon to continue to grow as a player here. She can stretch the floor from three and also has the burst to get to the rim. She enjoys working on her game, that energy will help expand her game even more while at UCA." – Coach Kemper
Leah Mafua, a teammate of Stephens at Dodge City, averaged 12.1 points per game in her first full season with the Conquistadors, with a season-best 25 points against Coffeyville in November. Offensively, she also has a diverse skillset, scoring from the post, the three and living at the free throw line. Mafua shot 103 free throws in 29 games, hitting them at a 78 percent clip.
"Leah is a winner, a tremendous competitor who has elevated every program she has been in since coming over from New Zealand. She can play all over the floor and is statistically effective in every major category. She has range on the perimeter, with the ability to make plays for herself and others. She will work to set a winning tone every day." – Coach Kemper
Leah's sister Rosie is also joining the Sugar Bears, the sisters hailing from Wellington, New Zealand. A blistering shooter from the perimeter, Rosie hit 61 three-pointers on 38 percent shooting as a sophomore. Over 41 career games at Dodge City, she averaged 10.1 points per contest, with 85 total threes.
"Rosie can really shoot. She was very effective as a floor spacer for Dodge City. Anyone who shoots over 35% on that many attempts from 3 can really impact that part of the game. We're going to look for her to provide shot making and continue to grow the other aspects of her game as well." – Coach Kemper.
A fourth community college addition, Cheyenne Banks signed with Central Arkansas out of Coffeyville CC. As a sophomore, Banks averaged 10.5 points per game on 57 percent shooting, adding 7.1 rebounds. The post player was second on her squad in scoring and first in rebounding, earning a Second Team All-Jayhawk Conference nod.
"Cheyenne provides much needed length and scoring ability inside. She was a player that saw dramatic improvement from her freshman to sophomore season and is very hungry to continue to improve. She will exploit mismatches and help open the perimeter by her one-on-one post ability. She is an excellent student who will provide a great example of what we want to be off the floor as well." – Coach Kemper
Bringing a former Arkansas high school player back to the Natural State, the signing of Destine Duckworth brings another player with Division I experience. Duckworth played one season at Southern Illinois-Edwardsville before making the move back home, appearing in 15 games for the Cougars. While in Edwardsville, she scored eight-plus points three times, with a season-high nine against Xavier.
"Destine comes from one of the best programs in the state of Arkansas. She played meaningful minutes as a freshman at SIUE and was very efficient in a number of games. She has great positional versatility both on offense and defense. We will utilize that to expand her game at UCA." – Coach Kemper
The Sugar Bears are also keeping a pair of signees from last fall, including Elizabeth Abiara from Mansfield, Texas. The two-sport athlete at Lake Ridge High School was an all-district post player, averaging 9.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, while also holding the school's high jump record.
"Elizabeth is an athletic interior player that has a good skill set to build on. She has really impacted her HS team with rebounding and defense, look for her to bring those traits right away." – Coach Kemper
Fatime Seck also brings a splash of youth to the Sugar Bears next season, coming from Franklin High School in El Paso, Texas. A First Team All-District player, she averaged 7.9 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, making 48 three-pointers.
"Fatime is a long guard with versatility. Her shooting ability will be an immediate asset, and she has a hunger to continue to improve her skill set." – Coach Kemper
Central Arkansas also signed one of the best outgoing high school players from the state of Arkansas, Cheyanne Kemp. From Morrilton, Kemp is a four-time All-State and -Conference player, with two All-State Tournament Team nods. With 1900 career points in high school, Kemp was named an ArBCA Top-5 player twice in her career. She also led her team to two state semifinals, a regional championship, three district championships, and two conference championships. The two conference championships came off the backs of undefeated seasons.
"Cheyanne is a great in-state talent to land in our first recruiting class. She is an accomplished offensive and defensive player who led her Morrilton team to some of its best seasons. She will be looked upon to impact us from the moment she arrives on campus." - Coach Kemper
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