By: By Al Barba
All-Conference Team (PDF) |
All-Academic Team (PDF) |
ASUN Video |
Kamiyah Street Video
KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State women's basketball team had a big day on Thursday as four individuals were honored with ASUN Conference postseason accolades. Individual awards, all-conference teams and the all-academic team were announced at a luncheon that served as a prelude to the women's basketball championship that opens Friday.
Following an outstanding rookie campaign,
Kamiyah Street was unanimously selected ASUN Freshman of the Year, while also being named to the all-freshman team, and voted second team all-conference by the league coaches.
Alexis Poole joined Street on the all-freshman team.
Additionally, senior
Clara Young and sophomore
Carlotta Gianolla were named to the all-academic team by the conference's athletics communications directors. Young was honored for the second straight year, becoming KSU's first two-time selection.
"I am very proud of our staff for recruiting such outstanding student-athletes," head coach
Agnus Berenato said. "It is a huge compliment to them and the talent of our players that the ASUN coaches have recognized the play of our young team by honoring us with back-to-back Freshmen of the Year.
"Our staff understands that you build a program one year at a time and I am grateful for their work ethic and vision," Berenato said. "The student-athletes also believe in our plan for building a competitive basketball program, and I know the future is bright for Kennesaw State women's basketball."
A five-time Freshman of Week selection, Player of the Week and Newcomer of the Week, Street is averaging 16.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.4 steals a game.
"I am excited for Kamiyah to unanimously be named Freshman of the Year. She has had an exceptional season and her stats are amazing for a freshman," Berenato said. "Kamiyah competed at both ends of the court and her game has improved tremendously. It is a great honor for Kennesaw State and our program, and Kamiyah is most deserving."
The Atlanta, Ga. native ranks fourth in the country among freshmen in scoring and seventh in steals, while leading ASUN rookies in assists and free throw percentage (69.4). She is the conference's overall steals leader and is third in scoring.
"It is a great accomplishment that Kamiyah, as a freshman, was named second team all-conference," Berenato said. "While we struggled as a team, She never stopped working to improve her game and our team. Kamiyah was double-teamed constantly and always drew the toughest defensive assignment, but kept a calm demeanor. She is respected by her teammates and is a pleasure to coach on and off the court."
Street becomes the second straight Owl, and third overall, to earn ASUN Freshman of the Year honors, joining Gianolla, who was honored last season, and Taylor Mills who earned the distinction in 2012.
Poole has had a productive first season for the Owls, averaging 10.1 points and 8.0 rebounds, while shooting 44.1 percent from the field and totaling 21 blocked shots. She ranks fifth in the nation among freshmen in rebounding and is fourth in the ASUN Conference, while also ranking in the top 10 in field goal percentage, steals and blocked shots.
"Alexis comes to work every day and has taken her game to a new level. She improved her post game both offensively and defensively," Berenato said. "I am happy that Alexis has been recognized for her play and that her hard work has been rewarded. It provides a great example to her and the rest of the team that good things come to those who work hard."
The selection of Poole and Street to the all-freshman team marks the second time during the NCAA Division I era that two Kennesaw State players have been honored in the same season. Taylor Mills and
Kristina Wells were named to the all-freshman team following the 2011-12 campaign.
For the second consecutive year, two Owls were named to the all-academic team with the selection of Gianolla and Young. It marks a first-time honor for Gianolla, while Young is honored for the second straight year.
Gianolla, a native of Marcon, Italy, has posted a 3.84 grade-point average as a psychology major. She is currently averaging 9.9 points and 5.1 rebounds a game, while scoring in double figures in 14 of 21 starts.
Young, who graduated with a sport management degree and is currently working towards a master's degree in applied exercise and health science, completed her undergraduate work with a 3.75 GPA. She currently holds a 3.66 GPA as a graduate student.
"I am extremely happy for Clara and Carlotta that their dedication on the court and in the classroom have been recognized," Berenato said. "Clara has already earned her undergraduate degree and is working on a master's degree. She has epitomized the characteristics of a team captain and leader.
"Carlotta works extremely hard on the court and takes tremendous pride in her academics," Berenato added. "Clara and Carlotta have been great leaders on a young team."
Kennesaw State travels to Florida this week to take on Jacksonville on Friday in the quarterfinals of the ASUN Conference Championship. Tip-Off is 7 p.m. and the game will be available on ESPN3.
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State women's basketball news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook. Follow Coach Berenato on Twitter @KSUCoachB.
To learn more about The Owls Fund visit www.ksuowls.com/theowlsfund.
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