Oates wins National Player of the Week, McDorman continues to earn honors

SALISBURY, Md. – Johnny Oates, a senior for the Gulls men’s basketball team and native of Hanover, has been dominant so far this season. He’s been so dominant that voters have named him the top player in Division-III for the first week of December.

Oates collected 20 boards last week in one game, the most since the turn of the century for any Salisbury player. Oates had already earned Coast to Coast Conference Player of the Week, as well as a spot on d3hoops.com team of the week.

The United States Basketball Writers Association announcing the honor Tuesday. This is the first time a Gulls basketball player has earned the award since it came into existence in 2014.

Oates is dropping 23 points while grabbing 16 rebounds per game in the month of December. He is second in Division-III nationally in total rebounds and ranks sixth in double-doubles.

The Gulls have also been on a hot streak in December. They are 3-0 this month and are 7-4 on the season, their next game is Wednesday afternoon at home against Washington College.

Meanwhile, two players were named to the NFHCA All-American teams from Salisbury field hockey, including freshman Marli McDorman from Pocomoke.

McDorman was named to the second-team after a stellar showing in her first taste of college field hockey, earning other honors such as conference rookie of the year.

Mack Dinopoulos, the fifth-year senior, was also named to the team.

Also announced Tuesday afternoon, McDorman earning Eastern College Athletic Conference Division-III rookie of the year, while Washington High product McKenna Horner was named to the all-ECAC team.