Junior Gracie Brunel and senior Jalaya Lewis earned USA South All-Conference awards as announced by the conference Thursday. Senior Jada Brown represented the Panthers on the All-Sportsmanship team.
"I am so proud of Gracie, Jalaya, and Jada for getting an opportunity to represent our team on the All-Conference and All Sportsmanship teams, said Coach Jasen Jonus. "All three are very hardworking individuals that put their heart and soul into getting better every day.
"Gracie had a great season after coming off an injury last season and will continue to improve heading into the next season to help us reach a championship level. She proved every game that she is one of the best players in our conference. Jalaya played her last season with us with a ton of heart and grit every game, she is deserving of this accolade especially not playing a lot as a freshmen and sophomore. She came into this season with a chip on her shoulder to show she wanted to finish her career off in a positive note."
Brunel was named to the West Division first team. The Broxton, Georgia native led the team and was sixth in scoring, averaging 16.8 points per game. She averaged 3.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. Brunel led the team in steals and was seventh in the conference with 63 steals: the fifth most in a season for the program. Her 2.5 steals per game was seventh in the conference. She led the team with 66 3-pointers and was third on the team with 67 assists. Brunel had a career-high 32 points, making 12-of-16 shots, in a 90-40 win at Agnes Scott on Nov. 20.
Lewis is on the West Division second team. The St. Simons Island, Georgia native was second to Brunel in scoring, averaging 12.3 points per game and second on the team with 5.2 rebounds per game. She led the team with 68 assists and was second with 36 steals. Lewis had a career-high 21 points twice during the season, against Pensacola Christian on Nov. 16 and again on Jan. 8 against Brevard. She had a career-high 12 rebounds in a 73-59 win at Covenant on Feb. 12.
Brown was limited to playing in 18 games due to an injury. She averaged 6.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Brown had a season-high 14 points in a 110-101 loss at Birmingham-Southern on Nov. 13. She pulled down a season-high 10 rebounds on Nov. 16 in a 78-72 loss to Birmingham-Southern.
"Jada had a great start to the year and unfortunately had to battle through some injuries this season," Jonus said. "Her attitude on and off the court even through tough times shows she is deserving of being on the All-Sportsmanship team. When healthy she proved to be one of the best defenders in our conference and against any team we played. I am grateful and blessed to have had an opportunity to coach such a great group of young women this season. Their futures are bright!"
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