CLEVELAND – Delta State University basketball fans have become accustomed to seeing the game played at the highest levels of NCAA Division II. Names like Scott Nagy, Carl Brown, Ramona Von Boeckman, Debbie Brock and Theresa Perry have turned the court at Walter Sillers Coliseum into their playground over the decades and this year two of the games current stars – Sarita “Bug” Cooper and Chad Akins are trying to put this small school, centered in the heart of the Mississippi Delta on the point guard map. Their play over the last two years has been nothing less than extraordinary, making DSU Division II’s – Point Guard U.
Their combined numbers and accomplishments are astounding – 1,045 assists, 1,380 points, five All-Gulf South Conference, two All-Region and one All-American honors. Both guards are trying to finish their careers as Delta State’s leader in assists and both have the respect and admiration of their coaches, teammates and opponents.
“When you look around college basketball, rarely do you see two of the nation’s best point guards at the same institution. Our men’s team has been fortunate to have Chad (Akins) lead the way for us and I know coach (Sandra) Rushing feels the same way about (Bug) Cooper,” said Jason Conner, Statesmen head coach.
“Coach Conner’s right,” stated Sandra Rushing, Lady Statesmen head coach. “Our fans get the chance to see two of the game’s best every night and I hope they realize how special Bug and Chad are to our programs and the history of the GSC.”
Akins and Cooper have traveled similar paths to their current positions at Delta State. Both led their teams to the tops of Mississippi High School basketball, garnered All-State honors and were named to The Clarion Ledger Dandy Dozen Team during their senior seasons in high school. Both struggled with their decision as to where to play college basketball, but neither one regrets the results that have come from wearing the green-and-white.
Cooper, a 5-foot-6 junior from Indianola, was Mississippi’s “Miss Basketball” in 2006 after leading Gentry High School to the MHSAA 4A State Championship following her senior season. Recruited by nearly every major program in the south, the lightning-quick point guard decided to stay close to home and sign with the Lady Statesmen.
“Coming to DSU was a dream come true for me. Growing up, you know the tradition and history this program has and I wanted to be a part of that,” Cooper said. “Coach Rushing gave me the opportunity to come here and make my mark. I’m just glad I’ve had the chance.”
While Ramona Von Boeckman’s all-time assists record of 1,005 is safe for now, Cooper is chasing the assists record for NCAA Division II play at DSU and the career record for assists in Gulf South Conference history. Prior to the 1985-86 season, the Lady Statesmen competed on the AIAW and NCAA Division I levels.
In two-and-a-half seasons, Cooper has carved her name among the all-time greats in GSC history. In just 87 games, she has dished out 548 assists, averaging 6.3 per game. Former Lady Statesmen Theresa Perry (1992-95) holds the current DII record with 563, leaving Cooper just 16 assists away from the career mark.
Cooper already ranks fifth in career assists in the GSC, trailing the all-time record of 603 held by Jana Bright (Jacksonville State, 1987-91) by 56 assists. Bright reached 603 in 118 games, while Cooper is approaching the record in less than 100.
The Indianola native made a major move towards the record last season after leading all NCAA divisions in assists with 289. She is No. 1 in assists per game again this year at 8.06 after dolling out 129 in just 16 games.
“Bug’s production has been amazing. She has an ability to find the open player no matter the situation or location on the court,” added Rushing. “There’s only one thing left off her resume and that’s a national championship. I can promise you this – she is more focused on accomplishing that than anything.”
Akins, a 6-foot senior from Madison, was a standout for the Madison Central Jaguars and coach Jeff Heath – leading MCHS to the 2005 MHSAA 5A State Championship. The cerebral guard received offers from several Division I programs before choosing to become a Statesman.
“The decision to come to DSU wasn’t an easy one for me, but it was definitely the right one,” Akins deadpanned. “Coach Conner has given me the chance to excel in his system and I’ve tried to make the most of it.”
In his four-year career, Akins has totaled 497 assists in 93 games. Scott Nagy (1985-88), who ranks seventh all-time in career assists, holds the DSU record of 559 – leaving Akins just 63 away from the mark. Through 15 games this season, Akins has tallied 107 assists, averaging 7.13 to lead the GSC and ranking fifth in NCAA Division II.
At their current paces, both guards will pass their targeted marks soon, but neither has paid much attention to the chase.
“I want my team to win, period. If I get assists, that’s great, but my main focus is winning,” added Akins.
Cooper agreed,” We’ve been one game away from the national championship the past two seasons and records are nice, but championships are eternal. I want that for this program and that’s why I came to DSU in the first place.”