Carter Dominates SSAC Postseason Awards; Three Warhawks Earn All-Conference Honors
MONTGOMERY, Ala (aumathletics.com) —– Auburn Montgomery senior guard Jatoria Carter was selected the Southern States Athletic Conference’s Player and Defensive Player of the Year to headline three Warhawks earning postseason awards, the league announced at its tournament banquet Wednesday evening.
Carter, also a first-team all-conference selection, was joined on the first team by senior teammate Reggotta Craig, while junior Kaylan Withrow was named a second-team performer for the second straight season. Additionally, senior Marren Schwartz was selected the Warhawks’ Musco Lighting Champions of Character recipient. Four Warhawks were also named to the All-Academic team, as Schwartz, Aleksandra Trisic, Lydnsey Macon and Jaycie Bobo were recognized for having a 3.25 or better cumulative grade point average.
An Honorable Mention All-American, SSAC Newcomer of the Year and first-team all-conference member last year, Carter led the SSAC in six statistical categories – points (603), points per game (20.1), assists (149), assists per game (4.97), steals (112) and steals per game (3.7). She also ranked fifth in field goal percentage (.405) and ninth in free throw percentage (.702) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.25). She enters the SSAC Tournament leading the nation in steals, ranking in points and steals per game, and third in points per game.
The Montgomery native recorded four 30-point games this season, including a career-high 38 points against nationally-ranked Shawnee State. She recorded a pair of double-doubles during the season, finishing with 26 points and 10 assists against Brescia, while also tallying 17 points and 10 steals at Martin Methodist.
“We are very proud of her for receiving these awards,” head coach Dan Davis said. “She is a very coachable player and has really improved both on the court and from a leadership standpoint since her arrival on campus. She has a tremendous work ethic and I feel that has been a key factor in her earning these accolades. She is very deserving.”
Craig, a native of Hoover, Ala., led the conference in rebounds (273) and double-doubles with 13. She ranked second in points (510), points per game (17.0), field goal percentage (.476) and free throw percentage (.865). She also ranked third in rebounds per game at 9.1 per contest. Craig currently ranks in the top-10 nationally in points (fourth), rebounds (fifth), free throw percentage (sixth) and defensive rebounds per game (6.6). Her double-double total ranks third in the NAIA.
“Gotti has had a season worthy of player of the year consideration,” Davis said. “We knew she would be a very good player when we recruited her, but she has exceeded even our expectations. She does not take days off and is a great teammate. I am very happy to see her recognized for the hard work she has put in.”
Withrow, who set the AUM single-season record for made 3-pointers in the regular-season finale, averaged 12.6 points per game for the Warhawks this season. She led the conference with 103 made 3-pointers and treys made per game (3.4). She ranked fifth in 3-point field goal percentage (.368), seventh in points (379) and ninth in points per game. Her 3-point total currently leads the nation.
“When Kaylan is on, she is one of the most lethal shooters in the nation,” Davis added. “She has worked hard to become more consistent and that showed by her setting the single-season record for threes. She works hard every day and is always looking to improve. This is a well-deserved honor.”
The Warhawks will return open play at the SSAC Tournament Thursday, March 3, when they take on local foe Faulkner at Multiplex at Cramton Bowl. Tip-off is slated for 8 p.m.
