Dominant post play, elite rim protection, efficient scoring and impressive rookie contributions highlighted Week Nine of CIAA basketball, the conference stated Tuesday. The league recognized six student-athletes for their performances from Jan. 4–10, including one from Mechancisville. 

Women’s basketball 

Winston-Salem State and Livingstone led the way with strong interior play and defensive pressure. Winston-Salem State extended its winning streak behind dominant performances from Maia Charles, while Livingstone showcased elite rebounding and shot-blocking across a three-game stretch. 

Player of the Week: 

Maia Charles, Winston-Salem State 

The sophomore forward posted back-to-back double-doubles while anchoring both ends of the floor. She totaled 53 points, 23 rebounds, 11 blocks and six steals in two games, shooting 25-for-33 from the field and 7-for-9 from the free throw line. Her standout performance came Jan. 7 against Bluefield State with 30 points, 11 rebounds, seven blocks and a 14-for-19 shooting night in an 81–64 win. She added 23 points, 12 rebounds, four blocks and five steals in a Jan. 10 victory over Elizabeth City State, helping Winston-Salem State reach 13 consecutive wins. 

Defensive Player of the Week: 

Breasia Coit, Livingstone 

Coit anchored Livingstone’s defense across three games, posting 32 rebounds, nine blocks and two steals while contributing 36 points. She recorded double-digit rebounds in all three contests, including 13 against Lincoln (PA) on Jan. 5 and 10 against Bluefield State on Jan. 10. 

Rookie of the Week: 

Ah’Kiya Pye, Winston-Salem State 

The freshman guard totaled 22 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two steals in two games, scoring in double figures in both contests. Pye scored 11 points against Bluefield State on Jan. 7 and matched that output against Elizabeth City State on Jan. 10. 

Men’s basketball 

Fayetteville State and Lincoln (PA) led the men’s action with high-efficiency scoring and defensive toughness. Fayetteville State relied on veteran scoring, while Lincoln leaned on strong interior defense and shot-blocking. 

Player of the Week: 

Larry Howell, Fayetteville State 

The senior guard-forward scored 46 points and grabbed 18 rebounds in two games while shooting 20-for-21 from the free throw line. Howell posted 23 points in victories over Virginia Union on Jan. 8 and Bowie State on Jan. 10, adding eight and 10 rebounds, respectively. 

Defensive Player of the Week: Amadou Fall, Lincoln (PA) 

Fall totaled 23 points, 19 rebounds and nine blocks across three games. He recorded four blocks against Johnson C. Smith and Claflin and added three against Shaw, anchoring Lincoln’s interior defense. 

Rookie of the Week: 

William Hopkins, Virginia State

The freshman guard scored 34 points and collected 12 rebounds in three games. Hopkins posted a 17-point performance against Cheyney on Jan. 5 and added 13 points in a Jan. 10 win at Johnson C. Smith. Hopkins attend Atlee High School in Mechanicsville.