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GREENVILLE, S.C. - Taylor Russell, a senior forward/center on the McMurry University women's basketball team, has been named to the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) first team All-Central Region, it has been announced. Russell had a banner campaign in 2015-16, capping off her four-year career as a War Hawk.
Russell averaged a double-double of 16.9 points and 11.4 rebounds per game this season. Her all-around game was magnified in the fact that she also contributed 2.0 steals and 2.4 assists per game to the McM squad.
On the year, the 5'10" Russell amassed a total of 17 double-double games and tallied in double figure scoring in 22 of 24 contests. Russell also had double-digit rebound totals 19 times. She led the team in scoring, rebounds and steals, while ranking second in assists, all while having to play as an undersized post player the majority of the time.
Russell earned one NCCAA national "Student-Athlete of the Week" honor this year and was been named to the D3Hoops.com national Team of the Week twice. She played in 101 of 105 possible games in her career.
In the NCCAA regional statistics, Russell ranked among the leaders in scoring (#4), free throw percentage (#6...with 65 more attempts than anyone in top 10), rebounds (#2) & steals (#7). In the NCCAA's national stats, she ranked among the top in scoring (#12), free throw percentage (#21) and rebounds (#3). Likewise, she was prominent among the American Southwest Conference regular season leaders in scoring (#5), rebounds (#1), field goal percentage (#8); free throw percentage (#2), steals, (#8) and minutes played (#1).
"Taylor embodies so many wonderful qualities that I believe every coach would want in their program," Brittany Densman-Roes said. "She displays outstanding character on the court, as well as off the court, and she sets a high standard for herself which enables all those around her to rise.
"I am so fortunate that I had the opportunity to witness her greatness this year. I know Taylor will do great things in her next journey and I am so proud that she has been honored for her hard work and success on the court."
As a first team NCCAA all-region selection, Russell is now eligible for all-America consideration.
NCCAA ALL-CENTRAL REGION TEAMS
1st Team
Kate Louthan, Colorado Christian University
Maranda Janz, Southwestern Christian University
Taylor Russell, McMurry
Taylor Hill, SAGU
Heather Crittenden, Central Christian College
2nd Team
Sarai Rodriguez, Mid-American Christian University
Hannah Willard, Crowley's Ridge College
MacKenzie Cooper, Oklahoma Baptist University
Andi McGill, Southwestern Christian University
Susan Ageson, Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Honorable Mention
Kayla Morgan, Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Karen Orozco, Grace University
Shelbi Kirby, Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Tasha Edge, Oklahoma Baptist University
Arielle Cooper, Oklahoma Baptist University
Player of the Year: Kelli Tolar, Mid-American Christian University
More...
Russell averaged a double-double of 16.9 points and 11.4 rebounds per game this season. Her all-around game was magnified in the fact that she also contributed 2.0 steals and 2.4 assists per game to the McM squad.
On the year, the 5'10" Russell amassed a total of 17 double-double games and tallied in double figure scoring in 22 of 24 contests. Russell also had double-digit rebound totals 19 times. She led the team in scoring, rebounds and steals, while ranking second in assists, all while having to play as an undersized post player the majority of the time.
Russell earned one NCCAA national "Student-Athlete of the Week" honor this year and was been named to the D3Hoops.com national Team of the Week twice. She played in 101 of 105 possible games in her career.
In the NCCAA regional statistics, Russell ranked among the leaders in scoring (#4), free throw percentage (#6...with 65 more attempts than anyone in top 10), rebounds (#2) & steals (#7). In the NCCAA's national stats, she ranked among the top in scoring (#12), free throw percentage (#21) and rebounds (#3). Likewise, she was prominent among the American Southwest Conference regular season leaders in scoring (#5), rebounds (#1), field goal percentage (#8); free throw percentage (#2), steals, (#8) and minutes played (#1).
"Taylor embodies so many wonderful qualities that I believe every coach would want in their program," Brittany Densman-Roes said. "She displays outstanding character on the court, as well as off the court, and she sets a high standard for herself which enables all those around her to rise.
"I am so fortunate that I had the opportunity to witness her greatness this year. I know Taylor will do great things in her next journey and I am so proud that she has been honored for her hard work and success on the court."
As a first team NCCAA all-region selection, Russell is now eligible for all-America consideration.
NCCAA ALL-CENTRAL REGION TEAMS
1st Team
Kate Louthan, Colorado Christian University
Maranda Janz, Southwestern Christian University
Taylor Russell, McMurry
Taylor Hill, SAGU
Heather Crittenden, Central Christian College
2nd Team
Sarai Rodriguez, Mid-American Christian University
Hannah Willard, Crowley's Ridge College
MacKenzie Cooper, Oklahoma Baptist University
Andi McGill, Southwestern Christian University
Susan Ageson, Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Honorable Mention
Kayla Morgan, Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Karen Orozco, Grace University
Shelbi Kirby, Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Tasha Edge, Oklahoma Baptist University
Arielle Cooper, Oklahoma Baptist University
Player of the Year: Kelli Tolar, Mid-American Christian University
More...