RALEIGH, N.C. — Shaw University women's basketball earned a pair of CIAA weekly honors as senior D'Ayzha Atkinson was named Player of the Week and senior Mahogany Collins claimed Defensive Player of the Week for their performances in a two-game road swing.
Atkinson delivered a polished and efficient week for the Lady Bears, providing scoring punch, steady playmaking and disruptive defense in back-to-back contests. The senior guard-forward set the tone on both ends of the floor, showcasing her versatility and leadership.
She opened the week with a standout effort at Elizabeth City State on Dec. 9, scoring 22 points on 9-of-17 shooting, including a sharp 4-of-5 from three-point range. Atkinson added seven rebounds, three assists and two steals in 31 minutes to help guide Shaw on the road.
Atkinson followed with another all-around showing at Bluefield State on Dec. 13, finishing with 16 points on 7-of-12 shooting. She filled the stat sheet with four rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks, continuing her strong two-way play.
Game-by-game highlights for Atkinson included 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals at Elizabeth City State on Dec. 9, followed by 16 points, four rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks at Bluefield State on Dec. 13.
Collins anchored Shaw's interior defense with one of the most dominant shot-blocking performances in the country this season, earning CIAA Defensive Player of the Week honors. The senior center controlled the paint throughout the week, altering shots and protecting the rim at an elite level.
She recorded a season-high 11 blocks and 12 rebounds in 34 minutes at Elizabeth City State on Dec. 9, repeatedly turning away scoring opportunities and commanding the defensive glass. Collins followed that performance with four blocks and eight rebounds in just 20 minutes at Bluefield State on Dec. 13.
For the week, Collins totaled 15 blocks and 20 rebounds, averaging 7.5 blocks per game. She currently leads the nation in both total blocks and blocks per game, establishing herself as one of the premier defensive forces in Division II.
Game-by-game highlights for Collins included 11 blocks and 12 rebounds at Elizabeth City State on Dec. 9, followed by four blocks and eight rebounds at Bluefield State on Dec. 13.
