USA South Athletes of the Week - Dec. 5, 2011

(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.)

Men's Basketball Player of the Week
          James Whitehead, Methodist - The sophomore guard from Columbia, South Carolina led the Monarchs to a 79-78 win over Maryville in the team's only action last week. Whitehead totaled 24 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one steal in the victory. Also Nominated: Conley Taylor, Christopher Newport; Lamont King, Ferrum; Matt Dougherty, N.C. Wesleyan; Marquis Scott, Averett.

Women's Basketball Player of the Week
          Kyana Smith, Averett - The Cascade, Virginia senior center led the Cougars to a 2-0 record last week, with both wins coming over USA South foes, by averaging a double-double of 16.5 points and 14.5 rebounds. She also averaged 2.0 steals, 1.5 assists and 1.5 blocks per contest. In a 75-66 victory over Meredith, Smith tallied a double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds. She also added two steals and one assist in the win. In a 59-48 victory over Shenandoah, Smith notched her second consecutive double-double with 13 points and 17 rebounds. She also added three blocks, two assists and two steals in the win. Also Nominated: Katy Kipps, Ferrum; Tia Perry, Christopher Newport; Tiffany Bell, N.C. Wesleyan; Jackie Lyles, Methodist; Megan Rahn, Meredith; Danielle Duncan, Greensboro.

Rookies of the Week

Men's Basketball Rookie of the Week
          Dervin Johnson, Methodist - The Lauderdale Lakes, Florida freshman guard scored the game-winning basket with 12 seconds left in a 79-78 win over Maryville in the team's only action last week. Johnson totaled 12 points, four steals, three rebounds and three assists in the victory. Also Nominated: Nik Biberaj, Christopher Newport; Sunil Ram, Averett.

Women's Basketball Rookie of the Week
          Jacole Hairston, Ferrum - The Martinsville, Virginia freshman guard helped the Panthers a 2-0 record last week, with both wins coming over USA South foes, by averaging 10.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per contest. In a 67-66 win over Shenandoah, Hairston totaled 15 points, six rebounds and one steal. In an 80-55 victory over Peace, Hairston contributed six points and four rebounds. Also Nominated: Derreon Cole, N.C. Wesleyan; Camry Green, Christopher Newport; Keyanka Bailey, Meredith.

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