Freshman of the Week
LaReesha Cawthorn #4 – Freshman (Tennessee Tech) 6’0” Franklin, KY
LaReesha Cawthorn delivered one of the most dominant rebounding performances of the season, averaging an eye-popping 20.5 rebounds per game while also scoring 21.0 points per contest for the Golden Eagles.
In Thursday’s matchup against Western Illinois, Cawthorn posted 15 points and 14 rebounds despite the 53-68 loss, shooting an efficient 6-of-12 from the floor.
She followed that up with a historic performance in Saturday’s 75-70 overtime win over Eastern Illinois. Cawthorn erupted for 27 points and an astounding 27 rebounds, adding 1 assist, 2 steals, and 4 blocks in 38 minutes. Her relentless activity on both ends helped Tennessee Tech secure the extra-period victory.
For the week, Cawthorn totaled 42 points and 41 rebounds while shooting 17-of-37 from the field across 67 minutes of action. Her dominance on the glass and ability to impact the game defensively made her the clear Freshman of the Week selection.
6th (Bench) Player of the Week
Khloe Lemon #24 – Junior (Cal Baptist) 5’9” Omaha, NE
Khloe Lemon provided instant offense off the bench, averaging 22.0 points per game while leading Cal Baptist to a pair of road victories.
In Thursday’s 77-67 win at Tarleton State, Lemon poured in 19 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, knocking down 4-of-9 from three-point range.
She elevated her performance even further in Saturday’s 74-71 win at Abilene Christian, exploding for 25 points on an ultra-efficient 9-of-13 shooting, including 6-of-8 from beyond the arc. Lemon added 7 rebounds and a block in 31 minutes of action.
For the week, she totaled 44 points and 14 rebounds while shooting a remarkable 16-of-27 (59.3%) from the field and 10-of-17 from three-point range. Her perimeter shooting and scoring punch off the bench were pivotal in both victories.
Defensive Player of the Week
Grace Ezebilo #22 – Junior (Charleston) 6’1” Nigeria, Africa
Grace Ezebilo anchored Charleston defensively in two convincing wins, controlling the glass and disrupting passing lanes throughout the week.
In Tuesday’s 61-49 win at Campbell, Ezebilo recorded 15 defensive rebounds along with 3 steals and a block. She followed that with another strong showing in Friday’s 81-61 win over UNC Wilmington, tallying 10 defensive rebounds, 2 steals, and a block.
Across the two games, Ezebilo totaled 25 defensive rebounds, 5 steals, and 2 blocks while committing just one turnover. Her rebounding presence and defensive instincts were instrumental in limiting opponents’ second-chance opportunities and fueling Charleston’s success.
Offensive and Overall Player of the Week
Nazai Barnett-Gay #4 – Junior (Navy) 5’8” Glenn Dale, MD
Nazai Barnett-Gay delivered a complete, all-around performance in leading Navy to two dominant Patriot League victories, averaging a double-double while impacting every facet of the game.
In Wednesday’s 62-46 win over Lafayette, Barnett-Gay recorded 20 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and a block, shooting 8-of-10 from the free throw line.
She followed with another stellar outing in Saturday’s 86-58 road win at American, posting 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists while knocking down 3-of-6 from three-point range and committing zero turnovers.
For the week, Barnett-Gay totaled 42 points, 24 rebounds, 10 assists, and 6 steals across 64 minutes, committing just one turnover. Her efficiency, leadership, and ability to dominate both ends of the floor make her the clear Offensive and Overall Player of the Week for February 2–8, 2026.
