USA South Athletes of the Week - Jan. 24, 2011

(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.)

Players of the Week

Men's Basketball Player of the Week
          Derek Mitchell, Ferrum - The senior forward from Newport News, Virginia averaged a double-double of 24.0 points and 14.5 rebounds to go along with 2.0 assists and 1.0 blocks per game as the Panthers compiled a 2-0 record last week versus USA South competition. In an 83-46 victory over Shenandoah, Mitchell totaled 18 points, 20 rebounds, three assists and one block. In a 90-84 win over N.C. Wesleyan, Mitchell contributed 30 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one block. Also Nominated: Alex Moore, Greensboro; Conley Taylor, Christopher Newport; Terrell Stallings, Methodist.

Women's Basketball Player of the Week
           Danielle Duncan, Greensboro - The Greensboro, North Carolina senior center/forward averaged a double-double of 21.7 points and 12.7 rebounds to go along with 1.3 blocks, 1.0 steals and 1.0 assists per game as The Pride, ranked 21st nationally, compiled a 3-0 record last week. Duncan tallied a double-double in each of her contests. In an 82-31 win over Bennett, Duncan scored 22 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, collected two steals, dished out one assist and blocked one shot. In a 77-58 win over USA South foe Peace, Duncan totaled 29 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Finally, in a 65-61 victory over USA South rival, fifth-ranked Christopher Newport, Duncan contributed 14 points, 13 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Also Nominated: Chelsie Schweers, Christopher Newport; Jackie Lyles, Methodist; Tesla Akers, Ferrum; Sierra Edwards, Shenandoah; Megan Rahn, Meredith; Karissa Herring, Peace.

Rookies of the Week

Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week
           Tra Benefield, Christopher Newport - The Richmond, Virginia freshman guard/forward averaged 16.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals per game as the Captains compiled a 3-0 record last week versus USA South competition. In an 80-42 win over Averett, Benefield contributed eight points, five rebounds, two assists and one block. In a 77-71 victory over Greensboro, Benefield scored 24 points, grabbed six rebounds, collected one steal and blocked one shot. Finally, in a 77-74 win over Methodist, Benefield totaled 17 points, seven rebounds, two blocks, two steals and one assist. Also Nominated: Paul Porter, Averett; Avery Green, Shenandoah; Bryan Hockaday, Methodist. 

Women's Basketball Rookie of the Week
          Shea Smith, Ferrum - The Callaway, Virginia freshman guard averaged 11.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game as the Panthers compiled a 2-0 record last week versus USA South competition. In a 75-74 victory over Shenandoah, Smith scored 14 points, grabbed four rebounds, dished out two assists and collected one steal. In a 88-66 win over N.C. Wesleyan, Smith totaled nine points, four assists, three steals and two rebounds.

PLEASE NOTE: At least half of the teams in a sport must have competed within the previous week for honors to be awarded.