ATLANTA— Paine College teammates Mario Jordan and Darius Smith have been named SIAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week and Newcomer of the Week, respectively, while Lane College guard/forward Crystal Rayford has been named SIAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week and Newcomer of the Week for the first weekly honors of the 2011-2012 season.
Jordan, a native of Sandersville, GA, averaged 13 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in two contests this past week. The 5-11 junior also averaged 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals while helping lead the Lions to a 1-1 record for the week with a win over conference-foe Claflin University.
Rayford, a native of Byhalia, MS, registered a double-double with 26 points and 12 rebounds in her debut with the Lady Dragons. The 5-10 freshman also totaled one assist, one steal, and a block against Christian Brothers University.
Smith, a native of Newark, NJ, averaged 16 points and 8.5 rebounds in two contests which included 16 points and 10 rebounds against Claflin University. The 6-4 sophomore also averaged 1.5 blocks per game while helping lead the Lions to a win over Claflin University after a season-opening loss to Augusta State University.
SIAC Basketball Player of the Week honors will be released each week throughout the season. For more information about the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), visit www.thesiac.com.