The Edward Waters College (EWC) men’s and women’s basketball teams made history and emerged as the runner-up at the 37th Annual Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Basketball Championship (GCAC) on Sunday, March 3, 2019. As impressive as that is, it gets more impressive when you realize that’s never happened for the athletic program at Edward Waters. Since the athletic program joined the GCAC in 2010, this was the first time in EWC history the men’s and women’s basketball teams have competed for the Championship title in the same year.

“This marks a new day for Edward Waters College men’s and women’s basketball program,” said Stanley Cromartie, Director Intercollegiate Athletics at EWC.

The 2019 GCAC Women’s Basketball Trophy in the Ted E. Baker Suite

The No. 4 ranked EWC Lady Tigers, in their second run at the GCAC conference championship title really stepped up in the competition. In the women’s final game, #3 La’Quanza Glover who made the GCAC All-Tournament Team, went 24 from the floor with 20 total rebounds, leading both teams in total points scored and rebounds. Followed by Shakwanza Brown with 11 points and 6 assist. #45 Le’Terra Ransom scored 8 points and had 3 assist. The Lady Tigers shot 41.8 percent in FG compared to the Dillard Blue Devil’s 39.7 percent.

“I couldn’t be happier with the team’s effort during this season,” said Charmaine Wilson, Head Women’s Basketball Coach and Senior Woman’s Administrator.” We have a tremendous group of athletes who are ready to make their mark and will continue to bring big wins to the program, including a Championship.”

The 2019 GCAC Men’s Basketball Trophy in the Baker Suite

Making their first GCAC tournament Championship appearance in program history, under the leadership of new Head Coach Frederick Summers, EWC became a household name for the first time. Even after falling to eventual champion Tougaloo College in a hard-fought 85-91 final, EWC men’s team established itself as a competitor. In the men’s final competition, #25 Devonte Dixon scored 22 total points, with 6 for 11 in FG, and 100 percent from the free throw line. Followed by #2 Cedric McGinnis with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assist. #33 Dennis Miles made the All Tournament team, scoring 16 points with 5 rebounds, shooting 50 percent in Field Goals.

2019 GCAC Men’s All-Tournament Team Selection Ceremony

“We entered the competition ranked No.6 in the GCAC,” said Fred Summers, EWC men’s basketball head coach. “In my first season as Head Coach at EWC, I’m pleased with the outcome of our first conference championship competition and confident we have the work ethic to compete for the title again next season.”

Edward Waters had a number of student-athletes recognized at the GCAC Banquet on Thursday, February 28, 2019. Several EWC players earned awards and they were Senior, Jermisha Collins, Second-Team All-Conference; Senior, Arcuas McGhee, All-Defensive Team; and Junior, Dennis Miles First-Team All-Conference.

2019 GCAC Women’s All-Tournament Team Selection Ceremony

“I am proud of both of the team’s performance with the women making their second straight appearance and our men making history by appearing for the very first time in the GCAC Championship,” said Edward Waters College President and CEO, Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr. “We look forward to hosting the GCAC tournament again and bringing home the Championship in 2020.”

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About Edward Waters College
Edward Waters College (EWC), accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges, and Schools (SACS) and member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), is a private, historically black, urban college which offers a liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on the Christian principles of high moral and spiritual values. EWC was established in 1866 and is an African Methodist Episcopal Church-related institution of learning. It is the first private institution of higher education in the State of Florida.