Four Hawks recognized as USA South Athletes of the Week

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Four Huntingdon Hawks were recognized by the USA South Athletic Conference on Monday with the release of the conference's Athletes of the Week awards.

Brandon McLean was named Player of the Week for men's basketball, Kendrick Ballard was named Player of the Week for men's lacrosse, Bryce Coates was recognized as Rookie of the Week for men's lacrosse and Matt Murphy was selected as Defensive Player of the Week for men's lacrosse.

This is the second straight week Huntingdon student-athletes have swept the men's lacrosse awards. This is the first recognition for the men's basketball team this season.

McLean, a senior from Ellenwood, Ga., closed his Huntingdon career with three strong performances to help the Hawks ends the season with a three-game winning streak. McLean averaged 21.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.7 blocks in the three wins against LaGrange, Maryville and Berea.

McLean began the week with 18 points and 10 rebounds in an 84-80 win over LaGrange. The 6-foot-7 forward matched his career-high with 23 points and also had 10 rebounds in a 94-93 overtime win against Maryville. McLean's performance helped the Hawks snap a 10-game losing streak to the Scots and snapped Maryville's 21-game home winning streak. In his final game, a 71-54 win at Berea, McLean recorded a career-high 17 rebounds and again matched his career-high with 23 points.

McLean, who averaged 14.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game this season, recorded five double-doubles in the final seven games and nine double-doubles for the season. McLean ends his career with 787 points, 531 rebounds and 84 blocks in 74 games.

For the lacrosse awards, this is the second Rookie of the Week recognition for Coates, who recorded three goals, an assist, three ground balls and two caused turnovers in two wins last week. A freshman from San Diego, Calif., Coates had one goal, an assist, three ground balls and two caused turnovers in an 8-3 win over Centre. In a 6-5 overtime win against Hendrix, Coates scored two goals.

Ballard, a senior from Raleigh, N.C., earned Player of the Week honors with five goals and four ground balls in the two wins. Ballard had two goals and two ground balls against Centre before scoring three goals, including the game-winning goal in overtime, against Hendrix.

Murphy, a junior goalie from McDonough, Ga., was named Defensive Player of the Week for 21 saves in the Hawks' two wins. Murphy faced 56 shots in the two games and allowed eight goals. Murphy recorded 11 saves against Centre and 10 saves against Hendrix.

To view the entire USA South Athletes of the Week, click here.