Bannerman named MEAC Rookie of the Week

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – University of Maryland Eastern Shore freshman Ja’la Bannerman was named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week based on her play in the Hawks’ last three contests.

Bannerman, who stepped into the starting lineup this week, averaged 14.0 points and 1.7 assists per game as the Hawks went 2-1 this past week. She dropped 17 points in wins over both Virginia Union and Navy, going 5-for-11 from the floor in both contests – and in the Navy game, she hit four 3-pointers and dished out three assists. She added eight points and four rebounds against James Madison.

“I was excited about the way she stepped up in a starting position as a freshman,” Hawks coach Fred Batchelor said. “It showed a lot about what she is capable of doing and also the fact that it makes for a promising future.

“The thing I enjoy most about her is that she is very coachable. She wants to learn. She wants to be good. She is allowing us to help her get there. She’s also a great kid and it’s always great to get a regional kid and we hope this helps us get more and more kids like her in our program.”

Bannerman is one of five Hawks who hail from the D.C., Maryland, Virginia area (DMV). Her former high school teammate at St. Frances (Maryland) Dakieren Turner (Annapolis, Maryland) is another along with Cache Wilson (Baltimore, Maryland), Makayla Adams (Bowie, Maryland) and JaPria Grady (Washington, D.C.).

“A third of our team is from that area and I think that’s good for our recruiting to be able to take advantage of the good girls basketball in the area,” Batchelor said.