Alcorn State’s Cheatham and Henderson Invited to HBCU All-Star Dream Classic

Two players from Alcorn State women’s basketball have received invitations to the 2026 HBCU All-Star Dream Classic, set for Aug. 8 at Rucker Park in Harlem, New York.

Nakia Cheatham, a 6-foot graduate student from Clarksdale, Mississippi, earned her first invite. She was named Southwestern Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year and a first-team BOXTOROW All-American. Cheatham led Alcorn with 411 points and 242 rebounds during the 2025-26 season, including nine double-doubles. Her season high was 24 points in a game against Mississippi University for Women in November.

Kiarra Henderson, a 5-foot-9 guard/forward from Fort Worth, Texas, also received her first invitation. She scored 321 points and grabbed 192 rebounds, ranking second on the team. Henderson also contributed 20 blocked shots and 63 steals. She finished the season with 18 double-digit scoring games, including five straight, and recorded a career-high 10 assists against Arkansas Baptist in November.

The women’s game at the Dream Classic is scheduled to tip off at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, followed by the men’s game at 6:30 p.m. The event features 40 top HBCU basketball players from conferences such as CIAA, MEAC, SIAC, SWAC, and NAIA. The selection process considered players’ performances during the previous season.

The Dream Classic coincides with the fifth anniversary of the HBCU All-Star Game held earlier in April 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Fans can follow Alcorn State Sports on Twitter @BravesSports for updates, and on Instagram @AlcornSports and YouTube Braves Sports Network for behind-the-scenes content.

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