USA South Athletes of the Week - Feb. 14, 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 15.0 rebounds, to go along with 1.7 assists per game as the Panthers, ranked 19th nationally, compiled a 2-1 record last week. In an 87-83 loss to Hampden-Sydney, Mitchell tallied a double-double of 26 points and 14 rebounds. He also added one blocked shot in the loss. In a 95-70 win over USA South foe Shenandoah, Mitchell totaled 23 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal. Finally, in a 95-83 victory over USA South rival Christopher Newport, Mitchell tallied his second double-double of the week with 23 points and 22 rebounds. He also added three assists and one block in the win. Also Nominated: Mark Jernigan, Methodist; Alex Murray, N.C. Wesleyan.

Women's Basketball Player of the Week
           Nikki Wilborn, Greensboro - The Graham, North Carolina senior guard averaged a triple-double of 20.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 10.5 steals, to go along with 7.5 assists per game as The Pride, ranked 13th nationally, compiled a 2-0 record last week versus USA South competition. Wilborn tallied two triple-doubles last week and is the only player in Division-III to total two triple-doubles this season. In a 75-47 win over N.C. Wesleyan, Wilborn totaled 16 points, 12 rebounds, ten steals and six assists. In a 69-32 victory over Peace, Wilborn nearly recorded a quadruple double as she scored 24 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, collected 11 steals and dished out nine assists. Also Nominated: Sierra Edwards, Shenandoah; Kristen Keith, Ferrum; Jackie Lyles, Methodist; Chelsie Schweers, Christopher Newport.

Baseball Player of the Week
          Trip Lancaster, Methodist - The senior outfielder from Elizabethtown, North Carolina hit .667 (10-for-15) with five runs scored, one run batted in, one double, one triple, three walks and five stolen bases last week as the Monarchs posted a 3-1 record. In a 5-2 win over Guilford, Lancaster was a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs scored. In a 5-4 win over Lynchburg, Lancaster was 4-for-5 with one run scored, one run batted in, one double and two stolen bases. Finally, in a two-game split with Berry, Lancaster went a combined 3-for-7 with two runs scored, one triple, three stolen bases and two walks. Also Nominated: Greg Van Sickler, Shenandoah; Matt Shoemaker, Christopher Newport; Sammy Holloway, Ferrum.

Baseball Pitcher of the Week
           Kaleb Wessell, N.C. Wesleyan - The Deep Run, North Carolina junior earned in the win in a 9-1 victory over Bridgewater his only appearance last week. Wessell tossed five shutout innings allowing just one run with four walks and two strikeouts. Also Nominated: Caleb Dorton, Ferrum; Rusty White, Methodist; Sean Chitsaz, Christopher Newport.

Rookies of the Week

Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week
           Bryan Hockaday, Methodist - The Staten Island, New York freshman forward did all he could in a 93-84 loss to USA South rival N.C. Wesleyan in the team's only action last week. Hockaday tallied a double-double as he notched game-highs of 25 points (61% shooting from the floor) and 15 rebounds. He also added one steal and one block in the defeat. Also Nominated: Tra Benefield, Christopher Newport; Damien Dixon, Greensboro; Joshua Morrison, N.C. Wesleyan.

Women's Basketball Rookie of the Week
          Shea Smith, Ferrum - The Rocky Mount, Virginia freshman guard averaged 9.7 points, 4.3 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game as the Panthers compiled a 2-1 record last week versus USA South competition. In a 47-44 win over Meredith, Smith totaled seven points, five rebounds, two steals and one assist. In a 77-48 victory over Shenandoah, Smith contributed six points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Finally, in a 95-72 loss to nationally-ranked Christopher Newport, Smith tallied a double-double with 16 points and ten assists. She also added two rebounds and one steal in the defeat. Also Nominated: Tia Perry, Christopher Newport.

Baseball Rookie of the Week
          Sergio Davis, Methodist - The freshman outfielder from Fayetteville, North Carolina hit .353 (6-for-17) with four runs scored, one run batted in and one sacrifice hit last week as the Monarchs posted a 3-1 record. In a 5-2 win over Guilford, Davis was 2-for-4 with two runs scored. In a 5-4 win over Lynchburg, Davis was 2-for-4 with one run scored and one run batted in. Finally, in a two-game split with Berry, Davis went a combined 2-for-9 with one run scored. 

Baseball Rookie Pitcher of the Week
          Michael Judge, Methodist - The Triangle, Virginia freshman earned the win in a 10-0 victory over Berry in his only action last week. Judge tossed seven shutout innings, allowing four hits with one walk and nine strikeouts. Also Nominated: Bryan Bierlein, Christopher Newport; Chris Walker, Ferrum.

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