Shareka Mcneill Named National Player of the Week

March 06, 2019

Shareka McNeill of Virginia Union University has been named the U.S. Basketball Writers Association Women’s Division II National Player of the Week for the week ending March 3.

The sophomore guard was named the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Tournament MVP after breaking the league’s tournament scoring record in leading the Panthers to their second straight championship.

"I’m very proud and excited about the recognition that Shareka has received for her outstanding play and for how she has helped lead our team to success," said VUU Head Coach AnnMarie Gilbert. "She is one of the most efficient guards in the country. The world got a chance to see how truly talented she is when she exploded for a record 59 points during the CIAA tournament. That effort ranks as one of best I have ever witnessed in 24 years as a college coach.

McNeill finished the tournament with 134 points in three games, breaking the record of 123 points set by North Carolina Central University’s Jacqueline Pinnix set back in 1984.

The Charlotte, N.C., native poured in 59 points in a 91-57 quarterfinal round victory over Livingstone, netting 19-of-29 field goals, including 14-of-20 three-pointers.

McNeill added 38 points on 12-of-23 shooting, including 4-of-7 from three-point range, and made 10-of-11 free throws, in an 82-75 semifinals win over Lincoln (Pa.) before finishing with 37 points in the 74-41 championship game. She was 11-of-24 from the floor, including 6-of-12 from beyond the arc, and 9-of-10 from the free-throw line in the title contest.

McNeill finished the week shooting 55.3 percent, including 61.5 percent (24-of-39) from the three-point line, and was 25-of-29 (86.2 percent) at the free-throw line.

McNeill is fifth in NCAA DII in scoring with 25.3 points per game.

2018-19 USBWA Women’s Division II National Player of the Week

Week of Nov. 11: Seairra Barrett, California University of Pennsylvania

Week of Nov. 18: Emily Stoller, Glenville State College

Week of Nov. 25: Meg Essex, Newberry College

Week of Dec. 2: Felicity Havens, University of Mount Olive

Week of Dec. 9: Dana Watts, American International College

Week of Dec. 16: Jaylyn Duran, Colorado Mesa University

Week of Dec. 21: Kiana Steinauer, Southern Connecticut State University

Week of Dec. 30: Irisa Ye, University of the Sciences

Week of Jan. 6: Autumn Avina, Oklahoma Baptist University

Week of Jan. 13: Hailey Diestelkamp, Drury University

Week of Jan. 20: Addy Clift, Oklahoma Christian University

Week of Jan. 27: Ace Easter, Anderson University

Week of Feb. 3: Cassidy Boensch, Grand Valley State University

Week of Feb. 10: Kianna Wynn, Barton College (N.C.)

Week of Feb. 17: Jessica Kelliher, Lewis University

Week of Feb. 24: Raziyah Farrington, University of Charleston

Week of March 3: Shareka McNeill, Virginia Union