In a remarkable week of collegiate basketball, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) has recognized two outstanding players from Fayetteville State University. Senior Morgan Graham and sophomore KaNyah O’Neal have been awarded the Defensive Player of the Week and Rookie of the Week accolades, respectively. This recognition highlights their exceptional performances on the court, showcasing their skills and dedication to the sport.

Outstanding Performances Earn Praise

During an impressive stretch of three games, Morgan Graham, a senior majoring in mass communications and media studies, demonstrated her prowess as a defensive force. Originating from Raleigh, North Carolina, Graham’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. Against Elizabeth City State, she secured 8 rebounds, blocked 6 shots, and made 3 steals. Her dominance continued against Virginia State, where she gathered 9 rebounds, blocked 5 shots, and contributed 2 assists. In the final game against Bluefield State, Graham dominated with 12 rebounds, including 8 defensive boards, 4 blocks, and another steal. Over the week, she amassed a total of 29 rebounds, 15 blocks, 4 assists, and 4 steals.

KaNyah O’Neal, a business major hailing from Washington, North Carolina, also left an indelible mark as a rookie. Her contributions were significant in all three games. Against Bluefield State, she scored 5 points, grabbed 1 rebound, and dished out 3 assists. Her performance against Virginia State saw her adding 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. In the match against Elizabeth City State, O’Neal scored 6 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, and provided 2 assists. For the week, she accumulated 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, solidifying her presence on the team.

The basketball team is set to travel to Bowie, Maryland, for a match against Bowie State on January 4, 2025, with the tipoff scheduled for 2:00 PM.

From a journalistic perspective, these awards underscore the importance of recognizing young talent and defensive excellence in college sports. The achievements of Graham and O’Neal not only highlight individual brilliance but also reflect the collective strength of the Fayetteville State basketball program. Their success serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, emphasizing the value of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how these standout performers continue to evolve and contribute to their team's success.