KIAC Women's Basketball All-Conference and Individual Awards
Berea, Ky. (March 2nd, 2015)
The KIAC coaches selected University of Rio Grande senior Brianna Thomas as the KIAC Player of the Year and Rio Grande head coach David Smalley as the KIAC Coach of the Year, conference officials announced Thursday, February 28th. Point Park junior Ja'Nia McPhatter was named the KIAC Comeback Player of the Year and Point Park University sophomore Kelly Johnson was named KIAC Newcomer of the Year.
Brianna Thomas was near the top in the conference and nationally in several statistical categories. She ranked 5th in the KIAC in points per game (17.63), 1st in steals per game (3.83) and 1st in assists per game (5.37). Thomas also ranked 4th in NAIA Division II steals per game (3.83) and 5th in assists per game (5.37). She received KIAC player of the week honors on November 17th.
University of Rio Grande head coach David Smalley was named the KIAC Coach of the Year. Smalley led the RedStorm to a 24-6 overall regular season record and 13-1 conference record. They finished first in the conference regular season standings and are currently ranked No. 24 in the latest NAIA Division II Women's Basketball Coaches' Top 25 Poll.
Ja'Nia McPhatter was named the KIAC Comeback Player of the Year. McPhatter red-shirted last year after suffering a season-ending ankle injury at the beginning of the 2013-14 season. Her injury required a ten month recover period. She returned this season to be named to the all-conference team. She is averaging 10.79 points and 4.96 rebounds per game. McPhatter was named KIAC Player of the Week on December 22nd. Point Park finished the regular season 24-4 overall and 11-3 in conference play.
Kelly Johnson was named the KIAC Newcomer of the Year after transferring to Point Park for the 2014-15 season. The Point Park sophomore ranks 7th in KIAC points per game (17.13), 5th in field goal percentage (45.2), 2nd in steals per game (3.63) and 3rd in assists per game (4.4). She also ranks 5th in NAIA Division II steals per game (3.63). Johnson was named KIAC Player of the Week twice this season and NAIA Player of the week on February 10th. Point Park finished the regular season 24-4 overall and 11-3 in conference play.
Player of the Year
Brianna Thomas, University of Rio Grande
Coach of the Year
David Smalley, University of Rio Grande
Newcomer of the Year
Kelly Johnson, Point Park University
Comeback Player of the Year
Ja'Nia McPhatter, Point Park University
All-Conference Team
Name | Position | Class | School | Hometown |
Amanda Baute | G | SR | Cincinnati Christian | Cincinnati OH |
Carla Booth | G | SR | Alice Lloyd | Warfield, KY |
Kelly Johnson | G | FR | Point Park | Pittsburgh, PA |
Me'Lisa Martinez | G | SR | Midway | Nashville, TN |
Ja'Nia McPhatter | F | FR | Point Park | New Castle, PA |
Alexis Payne | F | SO | Rio Grande | Deep Water, WV |
Brianna Thomas | G | SR | Rio Grande | Newark, NJ |
Brittany Warren | G | SO | Asbury | Science Hill, Ky. |
Heather Wheat | G | SR | IU Southeast | Louisville, Ky. |
Julie Whitfill | G | JR | Brescia | Hardinsburgh, KY |