If you’ve ever stood in the Holmes Convocation Center when the student section is actually rocking, you know Boone hits different. It's not just the altitude. There is a specific kind of grind that Dustin Kerns has instilled in this program, and looking at the app state basketball schedule, the 2025-26 stretch is basically a gauntlet designed to test exactly how much "mountain tough" this roster really is.
We are officially in the thick of it.
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The non-conference slate is a memory—some wins that felt like statements, a few road trips that probably left a sour taste—and now it's all about the Sun Belt. People always underestimate this league. Honestly, it’s a mistake. The Sun Belt is a track meet every night, and if you aren't ready for the physical toll of a Thursday-Saturday turnaround, you're going to get exposed.
The January Push and Beyond
Right now, the focus is squarely on the home stand and the looming road trips that define a season. If you are trying to plan your weekends, the app state basketball schedule for the next few weeks is packed.
Take a look at what’s coming up for the men's team:
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- January 15: James Madison. This is always a grudge match.
- January 17: Old Dominion comes to Boone.
- January 22: Louisiana (Throwback Thursday/90s Night).
- January 24: ULM at 1:00 PM.
- January 29 & 31: A brutal road swing to Southern Miss and Troy.
The game against James Madison is particularly massive. JMU has been a powerhouse lately, and after App State's 15-point loss to them on January 15th (65-80), the rematch in February is already circled on every calendar in Watauga County. You can't drop home games in this league if you want a high seed in Pensacola.
Who is Carrying the Load?
Kasen Jennings and Alonzo Dodd have been the engine room. Jennings is averaging nearly 15 points a game, often taking the tough shots when the shot clock is winding down and the offense looks stagnant. Dodd is the glue—over five rebounds and three assists a night.
Then there's Luke Wilson. At 6'9", he is the rim protector App needs. He’s shooting nearly 69% from the floor. That isn't a typo. He doesn't take bad shots, and he’s currently leading the team in rebounds with over 7 per game.
The Women's Journey Under Alaura Sharp
Don't sleep on what Coach Alaura Sharp is building. The women’s app state basketball schedule has been equally intense. They recently had a big 82-59 win over Southern Miss on January 10th, proving they can light up the scoreboard when the transition game is clicking.
Upcoming dates for the women:
- January 17: At Georgia State.
- January 21: At Texas State.
- January 24: At Louisiana.
- January 29: Back home against South Alabama (Luau Night).
Emma Smith has been a revelation. As a senior leader, she’s been the one calming things down when opponents go on a 10-0 run. Watching her navigate a high press is basically a masterclass in poise.
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Why the MAC-SBC Challenge Matters
One of the coolest things about the current app state basketball schedule is the MAC-SBC Challenge. It's this cross-conference series that gives us a break from the usual Sun Belt rivals. On February 7th, the men will host a MAC opponent (the specific matchup is determined by standings). It's Alumni Day. The atmosphere is usually electric because it’s a rare chance to see a team from the Great Lakes region battle it out in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Navigating the Final Stretch
February is where seasons go to live or die. For the Mountaineers, the end of the month is particularly heavy.
- February 11: At Georgia Southern.
- February 14: The return trip to James Madison.
- February 19: Marshall at home.
- February 21: Georgia Southern at home.
- February 27: The regular-season finale at Texas State.
The Marshall game on the 19th is "Stripe Out" night. If you're going, check your section. You’re either wearing black or gold. There is no in-between.
A Note on the Standings
As of mid-January, the Mountaineers are sitting in the middle of the pack, around 7th in the Sun Belt. But the gap between 3rd and 9th is razor-thin. A three-game win streak changes everything. A single bad weekend at Troy or Southern Miss, and suddenly you're looking at a play-in game in the conference tournament.
The defense has been the hallmark. They’re holding opponents to about 66 points per game. In a league that loves to run, that's how you win. You slow them down, you win the rebounding battle (where App is currently +4.7), and you make your free throws. Actually, free throws have been a bit of a struggle—shooting around 61%. That's something that has to improve before March.
How to Follow the Mountaineers
If you can't make it to the Holmes Center, almost every game is on ESPN+. The radio broadcast is still the gold standard, though. Matt Present on the call brings a level of energy that makes even a random Tuesday night game feel like the Final Four.
Practical Next Steps for Fans
If you're looking to support the team or stay updated, here is what you should actually do:
- Check the Promotion Schedule: Games like "90s Night" or "Luau Night" often have ticket deals or giveaways.
- Download the App State Athletics App: It’s the fastest way to get live stat updates if you’re away from a screen.
- Buy Tickets Early: Especially for the JMU or Marshall games. They will sell out.
- Watch the Net Rankings: If App wants any shot at a post-season beyond the Sun Belt tournament, their NET needs to climb. Every "Quad 2" win matters now.
The road to Pensacola is always bumpy, but that’s why we watch. It’s about those cold nights in Boone where the shots finally start falling and the mountain magic feels real again.