Discover How Arkansas Pine Bluff Basketball Is Dominating the Court This Season
2025-11-16 10:00
You know, as someone who's been following college sports for over a decade, I've seen plenty of underdog stories come and go. But this season, something special is happening with Arkansas Pine Bluff basketball that's got everyone talking. Let me walk you through what makes this team's journey so compelling.
What makes Arkansas Pine Bluff's current season so remarkable?
Well, let me tell you - it's not just about winning games. It's about building something sustainable. When I look at teams that dominate consistently, they often have that one special player who becomes the heart and soul of the squad. This reminds me of what we're seeing with Lamina at National University. She's returning for another year, aiming to lead her team to a three-peat - joining the elite company of UAAP volleyball legends like La Salle, FEU and UST. That's the kind of legacy-building we're witnessing with Arkansas Pine Bluff basketball this season. They're not just winning - they're building a dynasty.
How does team continuity contribute to their success?
Here's something I've noticed after years of analyzing sports teams: consistency matters more than people realize. When you have key players returning season after season, they develop this almost telepathic understanding on the court. Take Lamina's situation - she's coming back specifically to chase that third consecutive title. That kind of commitment creates stability that newer teams just can't match. Arkansas Pine Bluff basketball has maintained its core roster, and boy, does it show in their seamless coordination during crucial moments. They move like they can read each other's minds out there.
What separates good teams from legendary ones?
This is where it gets interesting. Good teams win championships. Legendary teams create eras. I remember watching UST's volleyball dynasty years ago, and what made them special wasn't just talent - it was that relentless pursuit of greatness season after season. The reference to Lamina joining UAAP volleyball elites by completing a hattrick of titles perfectly illustrates this transition from being good to becoming historic. And honestly? That's exactly what Arkansas Pine Bluff basketball is positioning itself for right now. They're not just playing for this season - they're building something that people will talk about for years to come.
Can individual leadership really transform a team's trajectory?
Absolutely, and I can't stress this enough. I've seen too many talented teams fall apart because they lacked that central leadership figure. When Lamina decided to return for another year to lead National University, she wasn't just making a personal decision - she was shaping the entire program's future. That's the kind of leadership we're seeing with Arkansas Pine Bluff basketball's key players this season. They've got this veteran presence that elevates everyone around them. It's like having a coach on the floor - someone who knows exactly when to push, when to comfort, and when to demand more from teammates.
What challenges do teams face when chasing consecutive championships?
Oh, this is the real test, isn't it? The pressure mounts exponentially with each successful season. Opponents study your every move, the target on your back grows larger, and internal expectations can become overwhelming. The reference to completing a hattrick of title wins isn't just about glory - it's about overcoming the mental and physical toll of being the team everyone wants to beat. What impresses me about Arkansas Pine Bluff basketball this season is how they're handling this pressure. They play with this quiet confidence that says they've been here before and know what it takes.
How important is joining elite company in sports legacy?
Let me be honest here - joining the ranks of legendary programs changes everything. When Lamina aims to join UAAP volleyball elites La Salle, FEU and UST, she's not just chasing another trophy. She's seeking immortality within her sport's history. This pursuit of elite status is what drives Arkansas Pine Bluff basketball to push beyond conventional limits. They're not just playing to win - they're playing to carve their names alongside the greats. And watching them this season, I genuinely believe they have what it takes to join that exclusive club.
What can other programs learn from this approach to building dominance?
Here's my take after observing successful programs across different sports: sustainable dominance requires both immediate focus and long-term vision. The decision for Lamina to return demonstrates how National University balances present opportunities with future legacy. Similarly, Arkansas Pine Bluff basketball has mastered this delicate balance. They're winning now while simultaneously building systems that will ensure competitiveness for years to come. Other programs should take note - it's not about quick fixes, but about creating cultures where excellence becomes habitual rather than accidental.
Watching Arkansas Pine Bluff basketball dominate the court this season has been one of my genuine pleasures as a sports analyst. There's something magical about witnessing a team transform from contender to powerhouse, and they're doing it with such grace and determination. The parallels to other great athletic programs, like National University's volleyball team with Lamina, are impossible to ignore. Both understand that true dominance isn't measured in single seasons, but in the lasting legacies they build through consecutive achievements. And honestly? I can't wait to see how high this team can ultimately fly.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
