USA South Athletes of the Week - Nov. 28, 2011

(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.)

Men's Basketball Player of the Week
          James Whitehead, Methodist - The sophomore guard from Columbia, South Carolina led the Monarchs 2-0 record last week by averaging 21.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.5 steals per game. In an 81-79 win over Hampden-Sydney, Whitehead totaled 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. In a 75-66 victory over Piedmont, Whitehead contributed 23 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Also Nominated: Brock Moorman, Greensboro; Marcus Mayo, Ferrum; Conley Taylor, Christopher Newport.

Women's Basketball Player of the Week
           Jackie Lyles, Methodist - The Brown Summit, North Carolina junior guard led the Monarchs to a 1-1 record last week at Methodist's Turkey Shootout by averaging 15.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 3.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. In a 62-55 loss to The College of New Jersey, Lyles tallied a double-double of 17 points and ten rebounds. She also added three assists, three steals and one block in the defeat. In a 57-48 victory over St. Mary's (MD), Lyles totaled 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block. For her efforts, Lyles earned All-Tournament Team honors. Also Nominated: Allyson Stephenson, Meredith; Nicole Gilbertson, Shenandoah; Tesla Akers, Ferrum; Tia Perry, Christopher Newport.

Rookies of the Week

Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week
           Nik Biberaj, Christopher Newport - The Fairfax, Virginia freshman forward averaged 12.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game last week as the Captains posted a 2-1 record. In an 86-82 loss to Mary Washington, Biberaj totaled ten points, six rebounds and one assist. In an 89-80 win over Wesley, Biberaj contributed 15 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Finally, in a 76-66 win over Washington & Lee, Biberaj tallied 11 points, eight rebounds, two steals and one block. Also Nominated: Devonta Davis, Greensboro; James Bowens, Shenandoah.

Women's Basketball Rookie of the Week
          Holly Chittenden, Shenandoah - The Boyds, Maryland freshman forward helped the Hornets a 1-1 record last week by averaging 12.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.5 assists per contest. In a 60-48 loss to Mary Washington, Chittenden totaled ten points, three rebounds, two steals and one assist. In a 75-45 victory over Hood, Chittenden tallied her first-career double-double with 15 points and 16 rebounds. She also added two assists, two steals and one block in the win. Also Nominated: Jacole Hairston, Ferrum.

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