Central Arkansas’ Sugar Bears have two players on the United Athletic Conference’s inaugural women’s basketball preseason all-conference team: guard Cheyanne Kemp and forward Tiani Ellison. The coaches also picked Central Arkansas to finish third in the UAC as the program enters its first season in the league.

By the Numbers
  • Kemp averaged 13.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, making 46 3-pointers last season.
  • Ellison averaged 15.0 points and 6.8 rebounds per game; in conference play, those figures rose to 16.3 points and 7.6 rebounds.
  • Central Arkansas was picked third in the UAC preseason poll, behind Abilene Christian and EKU.
Yes, But

The Sugar Bears earned preseason recognition, but they face a new challenge in their first season in the UAC. Coach Tony Kemper said the team is aiming to contend for championships while acknowledging the competition in the new league.

Bottom Line

With two proven scorers and a third-place preseason ranking, Central Arkansas enters its UAC debut with expectations—and a chance to show those credentials translate in a new conference.