ALVA JEFFREYS NAMED AD3I WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
By Ted Breidenthal
Association of Division III Independents
KANSAS CITY, MO.--- Alva Jeffreys, a senior guard from Mitchell College, heads the All-Independent Women's Basketball team announced today by the Association of Division III Independents.
The Bridgeport, CT, native, who averaged 23.3 points and led the Pequots to a single-season record for wins (16), was the runaway choice for player of the year. In addition to leading the team in scoring, she also collected 117 steals, an average of 4.3 per game. She was named the AD3I Student-Athlete of the Month in January and February and was named to the all-tournament team at the AD3I Women's Northeast Regional Championship Tournament held February 23-24 at Lincoln University (Pennsylvania).
The other members of the first team include Mary Rotimi (Lincoln University [PA]); Nicole Hall, Meredith College; Erica Davis, University of Maine-Presque Isle; and Nicole Hayman, Chapman University.
Jim Jackson, head women's coach at Salem College, was named the coach of the year. Jackson turned around a team that went 3-15 last year and led Salem to the AD3I Women's Atlantic Regional Championship Tournament title. The Spirits finished the season at 16-8.
Lincoln University (Pennsylvania) freshman guard Shanice Nesmith was named the rookie of the year as well as second team All-Independent. The Philadelphia native averaged 18.6 points per game and scored in double figures in 24 of 27 games. Nesmith also set a Lincoln freshman record for points in a season (502).
The All-Independent Women's Basketball teams were selected by the women's basketball coaches from member schools of the Association of Division III Independents. Complete list of award winners can be found at www.d3indpendents.org/AllIndependentTeams/wbb2007.htm
The Association of Division III Independents consists of 25 Division III independent institutions that have joined together to recognize student-athletes at independent institutions, and to provide exempted postseason championship competition in nine sports in 2006-07. The Association recognizes outstanding athletic achievements of its student-athletes on a weekly, monthly and annual basis. The Association provides statistical services for its members in seven sports. In addition, it also will announce All-Independent teams at the conclusion of 10 other sports this year.
More information about the Association of Division III Independents is available at http://www.d3independents.org/.