USA South Decade Athletes of the Week - Week 24 (February 16-22)
From the USA South Athletic Conference
In the absence of Conference competition during the fall semester, the USA South Athletic Conference began selecting athletes of the week based on those who earned an athlete of the week honor in a particular category within the current week over the past decade. With Conference competition resuming during the spring semester, the USA South has extended the decade athletes of the week through the entire academic year. Only athletes from current USA South institutions shall be eligible for selection. Additionally, only sports which have been sponsored by the Conference for at least three full seasons will be included. On to the Week 24 Decade Athletes of the Week...
MEN'S BASKETBALL
Men's Basketball Player of the Week
Justyn Olson, LaGrange (February 22, 2016) - The junior guard from LaGrange, Georgia averaged 32.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.0 steals and 2.0 assists per game as the Panthers posted a 2-0 record versus USA South competition. In a 97-87 win over Huntingdon, Olson totaled 36 points, six rebounds, six steals, three assists and one block. In a 96-90 victory over Piedmont, Olson contributed 28 points, six rebounds, two steals and one assist. Also Nominated: Trey Bryant, William Peace (2/17/20); Dante Burden, Methodist (2/18/19); Brandon McLean, Huntingdon (2/19/18); Charles Bryant, Averett (2/20/17); Spencer Shoffner, Maryville (2/16/15); Patrick Dugger, LaGrange (2/17/14); Patrick Dugger, LaGrange (2/18/13); Matt Dougherty, N.C. Wesleyan (2/21/11).
Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week
Bryan Hockaday, Methodist (February 21, 2011) - The Staten Island, New York freshman forward averaged a double-double of 15.5 points and 10.5 rebounds, to go along with 3.5 blocks and 1.0 assists per game as the Monarchs compiled a 1-1 record versus USA South competition. In an 87-72 loss at Christopher Newport, Hockaday notched a double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds. He also added two assists and one block per contest. In a 61-58 victory over Shenandoah, Hockaday totaled 15 points, eight rebounds, six blocks and one steal. Also Nominated: Kordell Kah, Maryville (2/17/20); John Ingram, William Peace (2/18/19); Will Crumly, Covenant (2/19/18); Darus Maddox, Greensboro (2/20/17); Sam Johnson, William Peace (2/22/16); Alex Bonner, LaGrange (2/16/15); Devan Gregory, Greensboro (2/17/14).
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Women's Basketball Player of the Week
Heather Miller, LaGrange (February 18, 2013) - The Sarasota, Florida senior forward averaged 27.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.0 steals per contest as the Panthers posted a 2-0 record versus USA South competition. With her performance, Miller has become LaGrange's all-time leading scorer with 1,530 points. In a 93-59 win over William Peace, Miller totaled 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists and one steal. In a 69-61 victory at Meredith, Miller scored 28 points, grabbed six rebounds, collected five steals and dished out two assists. Also Nominated: Hannah Monday, Covenant (2/17/20); Samm Chandler, Averett (2/22/16); Tiffany Bell, N.C. Wesleyan (2/17/14); Danielle Duncan, Greensboro (2/20/12).
Women's Basketball Rookie of the Week
Kate Perko, Meredith (February 17, 2020) - The Fayetteville, North Carolina freshman forward averaged 28.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 blocks per game as the Avenging Angels posted a 1-1 record against USA South competition. In a 72-64 loss at Pfeiffer, Perko totaled 28 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one block. In an 89-38 victory over Methodist, Perko posted 28 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one block. Also Nominated: Joanna Smith, Covenant (2/22/16); Samm Chandler, Averett (2/16/15); Kenyata Harris, N.C. Wesleyan (2/17/14); Mackenzie Puckett, Maryville (2/18/13).
BASEBALL
Baseball Player of the Week
Andrew Burden, Piedmont (February 18, 2019) - The senior infielder from Sharpsburg, Georgia went a combined 8-for-13 (.615) with a .750 on-base percentage and a 1.385 slugging percentage to go along with seven runs scored, seven RBI, two doubles, one triple, two home runs, six walks and four stolen bases as the Lions posted a 4-0 week. In a 10-4 win over Oglethorpe, Burden was 3-for-5 with one run scored, five RBI, one triple, one home run and one stolen base. In an 8-1 victory over Whitworth, Burden was 1-for-2 with one run scored and two walks. In an 8-7 win over George Fox, Burden was 2-for-3 with three runs scored, one double, two walks and two stolen bases. Finally, in an 8-5 victory over Pacific Lutheran, Burden was 2-for-3 with two runs scored, two RBI, one double, one home run, two walks and one stolen base. Also Nominated: Tri Overby, Huntingdon (2/17/20); Andrew Burden, Piedmont (2/19/18); Sean Finneran, William Peace (2/20/17); James Lovett, N.C. Wesleyan (2/22/16); Jordan Powell, Greensboro (2/16/15); Will Pharis, Huntingdon (2/17/14).
Baseball Pitcher of the Week
Brooks Freeman, Huntingdon (February 18, 2019) - The junior from Helena, Alabama earned a victory over second-ranked Wisconsin-Whitewater in his only appearance on the mound for the Hawks. He tossed eight scoreless innings, allowing six hits and two walks with eight strikeouts. Also Nominated: Parker Strader, Greensboro (2/17/20); J.D. Makauskas, N.C. Wesleyan (2/19/18); Evan Heffner, Maryville (2/20/17); T.J. Wilkie, N.C. Wesleyan (2/22/16); Adam Murray, Greensboro (2/16/15); Jackson Cruce, Huntingdon (2/17/14); Hatteras Brooks, N.C. Wesleyan (2/18/13); Chris Moyer, Averett (2/20/12).
Baseball Rookie of the Week
Will Pharis, Huntingdon (March 17, 2014) - The freshman infielder from Trussville, Alabama went a combined 6-for-12 (.500) with five runs scored, five RBI, two doubles, one walk and one stolen base as the Hawks faced Oglethorpe in a three-game series. Pharis helped Huntingdon win two of the three contests by posting a .538 on-base percentage and a .667 slugging percentage. Also Nominated: Tyler Hardee, Methodist; Zack Johnson, Piedmont. Also Nominated: Brandin Johnson, Brevard (2/17/20); Blake Carroll, Greensboro (2/19/18); Derek Jaar, Greensboro (2/20/17); Daniel Efird, Greensboro (2/22/16); Kyle Vidano, Averett (2/16/15); Nic Futrell, Averett (2/20/12).
Baseball Rookie Pitcher of the Week
Adam Murray, Greensboro (February 16, 2015) - The Pembroke Pines, Florida freshman earned his first-career win by tossing a complete-game shutout in a 4-0 victory over USA South foe Averett in his only appearance on the mound for the Pride. Murray went the distance and allowed five hits with four walks and three strikeouts. Also Nominated: Samuel Goude, Brevard (2/17/20); Michael Menheart, LaGrange (2/18/19); Tristen Luck, Methodist (2/19/18); Sam Carpenter, Piedmont (2/20/17); Chris Campbell, Averett (2/22/16); Hatteras Brooks, N.C. Wesleyan (2/20/12); Andrew Womble, Methodist (2/21/11).
SOFTBALL (considering weeks from 2/9-2/22)
Softball Player of the Week
Lindsey Wiggins, William Peace (February 22, 2016) - The junior infielder from Durham, North Carolina was a combined 13-for-21 (.619) with a 1.286 slugging percentage, 11 runs scored, ten RBI, five doubles, three home runs and three walks as the Pacers posted a 5-1 record. In a doubleheader sweep of Salem, Wiggins was a combined 4-for-7 with two runs scored, two RBI, two doubles and one walk. In a doubleheader sweep of Case Western, Wiggins was a combined 6-for-8 with five runs scored, five RBI, two doubles and two home runs. Finally, in a doubleheader split with Guilford, Wiggins was a combined 3-for-6 with four runs scored, three RBI, one double, one home run and two walks. Also Nominated: Vada Blue Sherrill, Pfeiffer (2/18/19); Sydney Hodorff, LaGrange (2/19/18); Briana Crumley, Salem (2/20/17); Jessica Long, Averett (2/13/17); Chelsea Brewer, Greensboro (2/17/14); Katie Byrd, Methodist (2/21/11).
Softball Pitcher of the Week
Melissa Eckman, Piedmont (February 20, 2017) - The sophomore from Perry, Georgia earned two complete-game victories in three appearances for the Lions. Eckman tossed a total of 14.1 scoreless innings, allowing 14 hits, two walks and 11 strikeouts. In a 3-0 victory over Millsaps, Eckman allowed eight hits with five strikeouts. In a 1-0 win over Emory & Henry, Eckman allowed six hits and two walks with six strikeouts. Also Nominated: Madison Hunt, Huntingdon (2/18/19); Maddy Wetherholt, Greensboro (2/19/18); Kaitlyn Aherron, Averett (2/13/17); Mary Beth Smith, Averett (2/22/16); Jordin Ellingson, Piedmont (2/17/14); Hannah Pennell, Greensboro (2/18/13); Kelsey Sanfilippo, Greensboro (2/20/12); Nicole DeFilippo, Averett (2/21/11).
Softball Rookie of the Week
Aly Snider, Maryville (February 13, 2017) - The freshman utility player from Hampshire, Illinois went a combined 7-for-9 (.778) with an .800 on-base percentage and a 1.111 slugging percentage to go along with four runs scored, seven RBI, three doubles and one walk as the Scots posted a 3-1 record. In a two-game sweep of Westminster, Snider was a combined 3-for-4 with three runs scored, six RBI and two doubles. In a two-game split with Rhodes, Snider was a combined 4-for-5 with one run scored, one run batted in, one double and one walk. Also Nominated: Valarie Ellis, Wesleyan (2/18/19); Caitlin Weaver, Agnes Scott (2/19/18); Amanda Dacunto, Salem (2/20/17); Alexus Murray, Maryville (2/13/17); Jessica Long, Averett (2/17/14); Alex Wickham, Greensboro (2/18/13); Leah Gibson, Averett (2/21/11).
Softball Rookie Pitcher of the Week
Kaitlyn Aherron, Averett (February 13, 2017) - The freshman from Alton, Virginia earned two complete-game victories in two appearances for the Cougars. Aherron tossed a total of 15.0 innings, posted a 5.13 ERA and struck out eight batters. In her collegiate debut, a 7-4 victory over fourth-ranked Emory, Aherron allowed four runs on ten hits with one walk. In a 10-9, eight-inning, victory over Rhodes, Aherron allowed seven earned runs on ten hits with four walks and eight strikeouts. Also Nominated: Hannah Thompson, Averett (2/18/19); Beth Braswell, N.C. Wesleyan (2/19/18); Sydney Vaughn, Salem (2/20/17); Maddy Wetherholt, Greensboro (2/13/17); Lauren Miller, Greensboro (2/17/14); Leah Powell, Averett (2/20/12); Brandi Weaver, Methodist (2/21/11).
WOMEN'S LACROSSE (considering weeks from 2/9-2/22)
Women's Lacrosse Player of the Week
Maggie McDaniel, Piedmont (February 22, 2016) - The Newnan, Georgia senior midfielder totaled ten points on five goals and five assists with six caused turnovers, five draw controls and one ground ball in a 2-0 week for the Lions. In a 16-1 victory over Oglethorpe, McDaniel scored twice with two assists, four caused turnovers, two draw controls and one ground ball. In a 13-12 win over Sewanee, McDaniel scored the game-winning goal with 19 seconds remaining which snapped Sewanee's 23-game regular season unbeaten streak. She totaled three goals, three assists, three draw controls and two caused turnovers in the victory. Also Nominated: Ali Cucinotta, N.C. Wesleyan (2/17/20); Carlee Joseph, Meredith (2/19/18); Kayla Jones, Piedmont (2/20/17); Natalie Ritchey, Greensboro (2/13/17); Madison Ronelli, Methodist (2/15/16); Jen Price, Huntingdon (2/17/14).
Women's Lacrosse Defensive of the Week
Victoria Doyle, Meredith (February 22, 2016) - The Danbury, Connecticut senior midfielder had game highs of eight caused turnovers and seven draw controls in a 15-10 win over Marymount in the team's only contest. She also added two goals and five ground balls in the victory. Also Nominated: Morgan Coppini, Huntingdon (2/17/20); Cameron Ruffin, Meredith (2/19/18); Blake Forrest, Piedmont (2/20/17); Devan Macheras, Greensboro (2/13/17).
Women's Lacrosse Rookie of the Week
Kailey Laudicina, Huntingdon (February 17, 2020) - The Newnan, Georgia freshman attacker has accumulated 12 points on 11 goals and one assist to go along with four ground balls and three caused turnovers as the Hawks grabbed two wins. In a 13-1 victory over Dallas, Laudicina scored five goals with one assist, one ground ball and one caused turnover. In a 14-5 win over Sweet Briar, Laudicina posted six goals, three ground balls and two caused turnovers. Also Nominated: Elizabeth Peasley, Averett (2/19/18); Rowan Bumpass, Piedmont (2/20/17); Eva Tallent, LaGrange (2/13/17); Julie Capretti, Meredith (2/22/16); Regis Hay, LaGrange (2/15/16).
MEN'S TENNIS (considering weeks from 2/9-2/22)
Men's Tennis Player of the Week
Matthew Harvie, Covenant (February 19, 2018) - The senior from Grayson, Georgia earned a 3-0 record at number-one singles and a 2-1 mark at the top doubles position for the Scots. The singles victories came over opponents from Birmingham Southern, Belhaven and Hanover. In doubles, Harvie teamed with Chris Cox for wins over Belhaven and Hanover. Also Nominated: Logan Hull, Covenant (2/17/20); Tom Mittring, Brevard (2/18/19); R.J. Clement, Methodist (2/20/17); R.J. Clement, Methodist (2/22/16); Bobby Foroughian, Huntingdon (2/17/14); Rinat Khussainov, N.C. Wesleyan (2/13/12); Brad Tulenko, Methodist (2/21/11).
Men's Tennis Rookie of the Week
Daniel Vincent, LaGrange (February 17, 2020) - The freshman from Conyers, Georgia earned a 3-0 singles record, all at the number-two position, for the Panthers. The victories came against opponents from Transylvania, Ohio Northern and Wittenberg. Also Nominated: Jhonny Acosta, N.C. Wesleyan (2/18/19); Dylan Betancourt, William Peace (2/19/18); Logan Hull, Covenant (2/20/17); J.D. Telles, N.C. Wesleyan (2/22/16); Justin McQueen, Huntingdon (2/17/14); Hans Baumstark, Methodist (2/13/12); Duncan Miller, Methodist (2/21/11).
WOMEN'S TENNIS (considering weeks from 2/9-2/22)
Women's Tennis Player of the Week
Rachel Purser, Methodist (February 20, 2012) - The junior from Matthews, North Carolina earned wins at both the number-one and two singles flights, along with a win at the number-two doubles flight. In singles play, Purser collected a straight-set win at the number-two position over the 23rd-ranked player in the region from Oglethorpe. She also added a singles win at the top-spot against an opponent from Piedmont. In doubles, her lone victory came over opponents from Oglethorpe. Also Nominated: Fariza Abdulloeva, N.C. Wesleyan (2/17/20); Josie Waddell, Huntingdon (2/18/19); Aly Hall, Covenant (2/19/18); Maddie Hoffman, Agnes Scott (2/20/17); Camille Wilson, Agnes Scott (2/13/17); Aly Hall, Covenant (2/22/16).
Women's Tennis Rookie of the Week
Madeline Creel, Huntingdon (February 17, 2020) - The freshman from Florence, Alabama earned a 2-0 singles and doubles record for the Hawks. The singles wins came at both the number-one and two spots over opponents from Fort Valley State and Albany State. In doubles, Creel teamed with Allison Stegall and Lucy Burch to gain two wins at the number-two position. Also Nominated: Fariza Abdulloeva, N.C. Wesleyan (2/18/19); Jenna Eppes, LaGrange (2/20/17); Lizzy Engsberg, Agnes Scott (2/13/17); Heather Tabor, Huntingdon (2/22/16).