The Gulf South Conference announced its women's basketball weekly award winners for Week 6 of the 2023 season with games played between December 11-19.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Kalifa Ford, Jr., G, Valdosta State
Ford led Valdosta State to a 2-0 record over the weekend, averaging 22 points on 55 percent shooting and contributing three steals per game. Against Christian Brothers, she scored 20 points on 47% shooting and recorded three rebounds, assists, steals, and one block in just 27 minutes in the 73-65 win. In the 83-65 victory against previously undefeated Union, Ford finished with a career-high 24 points, converting 10-of-16 field goals, and notching three steals for the second consecutive game. Ford has now scored in double digits in eight of the nine games she has played.
Other nominees: Jeremia Montgomery (CBU); Tyashia Bostick (UWF); Haylee Johnson (LEE); Kendall Lacoste (UWA); Courtney Zensen(UU); Allasha Dudley (AUM); Zuriyah Davis (UWG); Savannah Cook (UM); Haley Nichols (UAH)
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Kendall Lacoste, Fr., G, West Alabama
Lacoste emerged as West Alabama's leading scorer over the weekend, totaling 35 points in two games against Mississippi College and Delta State. Shooting 12-of-21 from the floor and 8-of-14 from three-point land, the freshman led UWA to a 1-1 record. Against Mississippi College, she played 29 minutes off the bench, scoring 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting with three three-pointers.Making her first career start against Delta State, Lacoste played 32 minutes, hitting a career-best five triples, going 6-of-10 from the floor for 18 points, and contributing three assists in the 69-55 win.
Other nominees: Erin Whalen (VSU); Keira Leffew (LEE); Courtney Zensen (UU); Cali Smallwood
(UM); Bella White (UAH); Anna Gernatt (UWG)
2023-24 GSC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL WEEKLY AWARD WINNERS
Nov. 14: Jada Powell, West Georgia (Player); Cali Smallwood, Montevallo (Freshman)
Nov. 21: Taylor Searcey, Valdosta State (Player); Ramie Reid, Montevallo (Freshman)
Nov. 28: Macey Lee, Union (Player); Cali Smallwood, Montevallo (Freshman)
Dec. 5: Aleisha Curry, Valdosta State (Player); Ramie Reid, Montevallo (Freshman)
Dec. 12: Mallory Hampton, Lee (Player); Grace O'Gara, Auburn Montgomery (Freshman)
Dec. 20: Kalifa Ford, Valdosta State (Player); Kendall Lacoste, West Alabama (Freshman)