Three Central Arkansas Sugar Bears players have received recognition in the ASUN’s postseason awards, with Shae Littleford and Cheyanne Kemp named to the Second Team All-Conference, and Bree Stephens earning both Third Team All-ASUN honors and the Defensive Player of the Year award. This marks Stephens’ second time receiving the defensive accolade during her three years at Central Arkansas.
“All three of these players have not only been great players this year, but they have been excellent leaders as well. They embody the characteristics of consistency, which we really value in our basketball program,” said head coach Tony Kemper. “I am so proud of the type of young women they are, they truly value winning over individual accolades. When your best players are wired like this, it is much easier to have a successful program. Congratulations to them for being honored by the coaches of the ASUN.”
Littleford, who joined Central Arkansas as a graduate transfer from UT Martin, was recognized for her immediate impact on both offense and defense. She finished fifth in scoring within the conference at 14.2 points per game and was notable for being the only player in the ASUN to achieve at least 130 field goals, 45 three-pointers, and 100 free throws this season. Littleford also ranked ninth in total steals with 47.
Coach Kemper commented on her performance: “Shae is just special. She has tremendous toughness and an unmatched work ethic. I’m so happy for her to be recognized as one of the best players in this league. She needed to have a great year for Central Arkansas to be good and she delivered time and time again.”
Kemp, from Morrilton, emerged as a key scoring guard during her first year as a starter. She averaged 13.3 points per game overall—12th in the conference—and increased that average to 14.3 points per game during conference play, placing eighth among all players in those games. Kemp also contributed with rebounds and assists throughout the season.
“Cheyanne has had a tremendous first year as a starter. I have been so impressed with her growth and consistency this season. The longer the year went, the better she got at all phases of her game, scoring, defending and rebounding. Once that happened for her, our team took off,” said Coach Kemper.
Stephens secured back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards—a feat achieved by only two other athletes in ASUN history—and was distinguished by ranking among conference leaders in blocks (third), steals (seventh), and rebounds per game (sixth). Over her career at Central Arkansas, Stephens became first in program history for career blocks during its Division I era.
Coach Kemper noted: “We have been so blessed to have Bree at Central Arkansas for the past 3 years, everyone here who interacts with her understands how special she is to be around. To win back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year Awards and being an All-ASUN selection makes her one of the most decorated players of our Division I era. She has been the rock of our program and will be missed greatly next season.”
With contributions from these three athletes, Central Arkansas earned a No. 3 seed heading into this year’s ASUN Championship tournament as they aim for their third consecutive final appearance.
