Conference Superlatives Announced for Men's and Women's Basketball
Waleska, GA - The Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) announced its end-of-season conference awards on Tuesday for Men's and Women's Basketball. Seven Eagles were represented on the women's side and four were represented on the men's side.
The women's program had an outstanding year for first-time women's head coach, Tony Campbell. The women's team went 24-2 on the season with their two losses coming right at the end of the season after losing a key player to injury. Maria Sanchez Ponce suffered an ankle injury with just two weeks remaining in the season and it took a little out of the sail of the Reinhardt Women. The two losses were very narrow and having Sanchez Ponce on the court would have made a difference in the outcome of each game. By losing the final two games, the Eagles finished in second place in the AAC regular season and will now have to work their way through the tournament.
For their outstanding season, the women's team was well represented in the awards highlighted by Coach Campbell receiving AAC Coach of the Year. He was joined by Ponce Sanchez and Ashley Woodroffe who both made the AAC First Team. Both are brilliant guards who lead the Eagles in scoring and can always find ways to get baskets when needed.
In addition to those awards, graduate student Tarrah Gibson and junior guard Julia Craft were selected for the AAC Second Team. Gibson was also awarded a spot on the AAC All-Defensive Team along with point guard Avanna Preston. Rounding out the awards is standout transfer - Ty Williams - who was awarded a spot on the AAC Champions of Character team.
On the men's side, four Eagles were awarded for their efforts this season. Leading the way was the outstanding shooting guard, Nate Jones, who was the most consistent player and top scorer for Coach Justin Newton's squad. Next, we have the veteran power forward, Tyler Smith, who found his way to the AAC Second Team.
Nate Louis was awarded both a spot on the AAC All-Defensive Team and a spot on the AAC Champions of Character team. The high-flying redshirt freshman, Brasen James, was announced a spot on the AAC All-Freshmen team after having an outstanding first season for the Eagles.
All-Scholar Teams
Women's Basketball: Julia Craft (RU-2024), Tarrah Gibson (RU-2023 & 2024), Sonia Martinez (RU-2026), Avanna Preston (RU-2024), Maria Sanchez Ponce (RU-2026), Kiara Simpson (RU-2025), Marlie Townley (RU-2024), Ty Williams (RU-2023 & 2024), Ashley Woodroffe (RU-2023 & 2024)
Men's Basketball: Brandon Barron (RU-2024), Nekhi Fisher (RU-2027), Mitchell Kennedy (RU-2026), Tucker Lowe (RU-2026), Mekhi Mawdesley (RU-2026), Jacob Radaker (RU-2026), Derrian Reed (RU-2023 & 2024), Tyler Smith (RU-2024)
Both teams will be in action this week to see if they can work their way into the NAIA Nationals. The men will play Truett McConnell on Wednesday and the women will have to wait to see who their opponent will be on Thursday. All the tournament action can be followed on www.aacsports.com