Bulldogs Enjoying Experience In Greenville
March 06, 2024 | Women's Basketball
State getting set for its SEC Tournament opener against Texas A&M.
GREENVILLE, S.C. – It's Southeastern Conference Tournament time, and Mississippi State is gearing up to do big things in Greenville, South Carolina.
Although plenty of Bulldogs have had a few years of experience playing in the league's end-of-season event, some newcomers and transfer student-athletes are getting to experience the fun that comes with it for the first time. From getting to practice in a unique place to spending quality time with teammates and coaches, there is so much that the event has to offer behind the scenes.
Mjracle Sheppard is no stranger to big games, but this week marks the freshman's first time playing in a collegiate conference tournament. On Wednesday, she explained some of the opportunities that she has enjoyed and the emotions she has felt throughout her first day in the Palmetto State.
"I think it's really just the excitement, really the experience, just being here with my team and getting dialed in and getting shots up and getting ready for what's about to come," Sheppard said.
State went to work early on Wednesday morning, practicing at an area high school ahead of an evening opportunity to have a shoot-around at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The players, including Sheppard, are highly anticipating what will come when they step foot on the tournament court for the first time.
"I'm just excited to see what everything's about," Sheppard said. "I'm excited to get in the real gym where we're going to be playing."
Sheppard and her fellow freshman teammates aren't the only ones who are new to one of the league's biggest events. Senior Darrione Rogers, who joined the Dawgs ahead of the 2023-2024 season, is overjoyed to be playing against tough SEC competitors.
"I'm feeling really excited for this opportunity that we have in front of us, so it's a blessing to be here," Rogers said.
Sure, the tournament gives programs unique opportunities to practice, win big games and continue to add to their resumes ahead of the postseason, but it also serves as an incredible bonding experience for everybody involved. It's one of the things that the guard has enjoyed the most so far.
"We're all in the same hotel on the same floor and stuff, so we've been able to go in each other's room, play Uno and Connect Four and things like that," Rogers said. "We've really just been enjoying this whole process."
That's not to say that the Dawgs haven't been putting all of their focus into being the best that they can be on the court. Each of the student-athletes has one goal in mind: winning. Sheppard, who is averaging 4.9 points per game and has totaled 45 steals on the year, is focusing on how she and her team can pick up some key wins.
"Personally, for me, it's just coming out with energy on and off the bench, and for my team, just punch from the first quarter to the last quarter," the Kent, Washington, native said.
Rogers believes that the experience will help her succeed away from the hardwood as well.
"I think overall our expectation — well, for me as a person — is just to continue to grow and be the best version of myself I can be on and off the court," Rogers said. "Whatever my team needs from me, I just want to be that person, be that voice for them."
The sharpshooting guard continued:
"The expectation is just that we stay together as one, we come out with urgency and control the things that we can control."
By mimicking Rogers' mindset, the team can certainly do that, but it won't be easy. The stakes are high as State is looking to solidify a spot in the NCAA Tournament by picking up as many more victories as it can. Each game will be a battle, but the Dawgs are eager to face whatever lies ahead.
"This is the SEC, so every game is going to be difficult," Rogers said. "It's March, so we're going to get everyone's best punch, but we have to take it one game at a time."
The final push for the big dance all starts on Thursday when eighth-seeded Mississippi State tips off against No. 9 seed Texas A&M at 11 a.m. CT. The game will be televised on SEC Network.
