CLARKSDALE, Miss. — Following an 18-win campaign and another postseason appearance, Coahoma Community College men's basketball head coach Richard "Dell" Cannon has established ambitious goals for the 2026-27 season, including reaching 20 victories, competing for a regional championship and earning a berth in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) national tournament.

The Tigers finished the 2025-26 season with an 18-8 overall record and an 8-6 mark in conference play. Coahoma was particularly successful at home, compiling a 14-2 record inside The Pinnacle while establishing one of the program's most productive offensive campaigns in recent years.

For Cannon, a Lyon, Miss., native and former Coahoma student-athlete, last season's accomplishments represent another step in the program's development. However, the veteran coach believes his team must continue raising its expectations.

"Winning teams make winning plays, and we had a winning team, but I want to be a great team," Cannon said.

Coahoma averaged 81.1 points per game last season while shooting 46.3% from the field and recording 19.8 assists per contest. The Tigers also averaged 37.5 rebounds and connected on 8.8 3-pointers per game.

Cannon credited much of that production to the experience and maturity of last season's roster. With a younger group preparing to take the court this year, he expects player development, teaching and preparation to play even greater roles.

The Tigers return several contributors from last season, including Rodarious Donley, a guard from Southaven, Miss., who averaged 10.8 points per game during the 2025-26 campaign. Donley appeared in all 26 games and provided an offensive spark, often coming off the bench.

Cannon expects Donley to assume an increased role after showing improvement during the offseason.

Other returning players include Samuel Jefferson, a guard from Drew, Miss.; Bryan Jean, a forward from Sunrise, Fla.; and Jaylan Campbell, a forward from Oxford, Miss.

Jefferson appeared in 23 games last season, averaging 3.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per contest. Cannon praised his basketball knowledge and ability to understand the game.

Jean contributed 4.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game while leading the Tigers with 37 blocked shots. Cannon described him as an athletic player capable of contributing as a scorer, rebounder and defender.

Campbell, who appeared in 10 games last season, is expected to contribute through his physical approach and willingness to handle difficult assignments.

"Campbell is a junkyard dog," Cannon said. "He'll get a lot of dirty work done."

The returning players will help establish expectations for a roster featuring several new additions. Cannon said the team's youth will require patience, but he has been encouraged by the chemistry developing among his players.

Despite not having the same summer preparation opportunities as previous teams, Cannon said this year's group established connections early through team meetings, practices, weight-room sessions and activities away from the court.

The coach believes those relationships will contribute to the team's development as the season progresses.

While Coahoma's offensive production was a strength last season, Cannon has identified defensive consistency, rebounding and late-game execution as priorities for the upcoming campaign.

The Tigers will place particular attention on defensive communication, boxing out and limiting turnovers after several conference contests slipped away during critical possessions last season.

Cannon noted that competing in the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) requires a sustained effort, with teams capable of winning on any given night.

He said the program must improve its ability to secure contested possessions, protect the basketball and finish close games, particularly on the road.

Those improvements will be important as Coahoma pursues its goal of surpassing last season's win total and advancing further in postseason play.

The Tigers open their 2026-27 regular-season schedule Saturday, Oct. 31, hosting the Louisiana Knights at 1 p.m. inside The Pinnacle.

Coahoma will continue its early home schedule Tuesday, Nov. 3, against Northwest Mississippi Community College at 6 p.m., followed by a matchup with National Park College on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 2 p.m.

Cannon said he will be watching his team's defensive execution closely during the opening games, particularly how well players communicate, rebound and respond to game situations.

Conference competition begins Monday, Jan. 11, 2027, when the Tigers travel to Fulton, Miss., to face Itawamba Community College at 7:30 p.m. Their conference home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 19, against Northeast Mississippi Community College.

The conference schedule features additional matchups against Copiah-Lincoln, Pearl River, Meridian, Southwest Mississippi, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Mississippi Delta and Holmes community colleges.

Coahoma will conclude the regular season March 1, 2027, hosting Holmes Community College at 7:30 p.m. before turning its attention to the Region 23 Tournament.

Cannon has outlined clear goals for the program, including reaching at least 20 victories, winning the regional tournament and advancing to the NJCAA national championship.

"We want to win the tournament. We want to make the national tournament," Cannon said.

Beyond the team's performance on the court, Cannon hopes the Tigers' recent success will generate greater attendance and community involvement.

The coach expressed appreciation for the support of college leadership, faculty, staff, students, alumni and residents throughout Coahoma County. He believes a stronger game-day atmosphere can make the Pinnacle an even greater home-court advantage.

"I want to pack the Pinnacle like a high school graduation," Cannon said. "I want that for a basketball game."

As the Tigers prepare for another season, Cannon remains confident that the program's combination of returning experience, developing talent and commitment to improvement can position Coahoma for continued success.

For schedules, game results and additional information about Coahoma men's basketball, visit www.coahomasports.com.
 

About Coahoma Community College

Founded in 1949, Coahoma Community College is a public, comprehensive, historically Black community college serving the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Coahoma offers Associate of Arts degrees, Associate of Applied Science degrees, and specialized certificates across dozens of diverse academic and career pathways. Located on a 99-acre campus in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the College is celebrating 77 years of academic excellence. In addition to its affordable tuition and generous scholarship opportunities, Coahoma has earned widespread recognition in nursing and health sciences, career-technical education, and university transfer programs. Outside of the classroom, students are involved in competitive NJCAA athletics as well as a variety of organizations and clubs, including student government, the celebrated college choir, and the renowned Marching Maroon Typhoon.