TSWA recognizes college players of the week - Jan. 30 — Tennessee Sports Writers Association

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – John Zhao had an incredible week for Carson-Newman as he averaged 32 points across two games last week, leading the Eagles to a pair of victories and this week’s selection as the Tennessee Sports Writers Association’s Men’s Basketball Player of the Week.

In a 106-99 overtime win over Emory and Henry, the junior guard from Sevierville led all scorers with 38 points as he went 15-for-17 from the field and 8-for-9 from 3-point range. The point tally was the seventh-most in program history, while also matching the Eagles’ single-game record for 3-point percentage at an 88.9 completion rate.

He followed that performance up leading all scorers again as C-N defeated Coker 120-81 in a matchup between two 7-3 teams in the South Atlantic Conference. Zhao was efficient once again, knocking down 11 of his 14 shots, while also pulling down seven boards.

On the women’s side, UT Martin sophomore forward Anaya Brown was selected as the women’s player of the week as she averaged a double-double with a 13.5-point and 12.5-rebound pace for the week, while also collecting seven blocks and two assists.

The Lexington, Ky., native recorded 14 points and 20 rebounds in a 52-44 victory over Ohio Valley Conference foe Southeast Missouri, becoming only the third Skyhawk player in program history to collect 20 or more caroms in a single game. It was the highest total by an OVC student-athlete this season, earning an ‘Elite Performance’ nod by the NCAA.

Brown continued her double-double effort with 13 points and 12 rebounds as she played all 40 minutes in a 73-68 loss to Lindenwood.