ATLANTA, GA – The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) announced weekly honors for men's and women's basketball on Tuesday, December 19. Spring Hill's
Walter Peggs Jr. was named
Men's Basketball Player of the Week, while Lane's
Kyle Houston took home the title of
Men's Basketball Newcomer of the Week. Kentucky State’s
Gracen Kerr was named
Women's Basketball Player of the Week, and Lane's
Dyani Bernstine concluded the lineup, receiving the honor of
Women's Basketball Newcomer of the Week.
MEN'S BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Walter Peggs Jr., Spring Hill College
#35 | Guard | Junior | Jackson, Tennessee
Peggs Jr., the standout junior guard from Jackson, Tennessee, dominates the SIAC courts with his exceptional skills for Spring Hill College. His consistent excellence is evident as he has earned weekly conference honors three times this season. In Saturday's high-octane showdown, Peggs Jr. topped the game's scoring with an impressive 31 points and grabbed a season-high nine rebounds, fueling the Badgers' 103-85 triumph over Edward Waters. His shooting prowess was on full display, as he nailed an impressive 6-of-8 from three-point range and 9-13 from the field. As of December 17, his remarkable tally of 41 three-pointers leads all of Division II, showcasing his sharpshooting capabilities and making him a player to watch this season.
MEN'S BASKETBALL NEWCOMER OF THE WEEK - Kyle Houston, Lane College
#30 | Guard | Freshman | Memphis, Tennessee
In his recent standout performance for Lane College, Memphis-born freshman guard Houston showcased exceptional talent in the Dragons' clash against Clark Atlanta, amassing an impressive 25 points. His remarkable proficiency from long-range was evident as he went 6-for-9 from beyond the arc. Houston continued his stellar play in a non-conference game against Talladega, where he achieved perfection on the floor, going 5-for-5 and racking up 16 points. Beyond scoring, his all-around contributions were notable, with three steals and three rebounds, further cementing his status as a rising star in the guard position.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Gracen Kerr, Kentucky State University
#11 | Point Guard | Senior | Ansonia, Connecticut
Kerr, the senior point guard from Ansonia, Connecticut, delivered a standout performance in a recent game. Playing 37 minutes, Kerr scored 6 of 18 field goals, including five three-pointers, and made 2 out of 3 free throws. Defensively, she grabbed three rebounds and made five steals while committing only four fouls. Kerr also added one assist, demonstrating excellent ball control. Her all-around play was integral to the Thoronreds' success, highlighting her skills as a scorer, defender, and playmaker.
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL NEWCOMER OF THE WEEK - Dyani Bernstine, Lane College
#5 | Guard | Freshman | Richmond, California
In her stellar performance against Arkansas Baptist, Bernstine, the dynamic freshman guard from Richmond, California, showcased her exceptional skills on the court. She was an offensive powerhouse, converting 10 of her 13 attempts to rack up a remarkable 23 points. Her agility and defensive prowess were equally impressive, as she added five rebounds, three steals, and two assists to her stat line, contributing significantly to her team's success.
Continuing her impressive freshman season with Lane College, Bernstine played a pivotal role in the conference victory over Clark Atlanta. Not only did she contribute eight crucial points to the Lane offense, but her defensive acumen was on full display. Her tenacious perimeter guarding was vital in limiting the Panthers' outside shooting to a mere 22%.
About the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
The SIAC is a NCAA athletic conference consisting primarily of historically black colleges and universities with headquarters in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The SIAC includes 15 member institutions (Albany State University, Allen University, Benedict College, Central State University, Clark Atlanta University, Edward Waters University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Savannah State University, Spring Hill College, and Tuskegee University), which are located within a contiguous seven-state footprint (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio). The SIAC sponsors seven men's and six women's sports and is a proud member of the NCAA Division II. For more information, visit
www.thesiac.com.