NEC RELEASE
Somerset, NJ – Freshman forward
Kerstie Phills (Charlotte, NC / Charlotte Christian) has become the first player in Wagner women's basketball history to earn four consecutive Northeast Conference (NEC) Rookie of the Week awards, the league office announced today.
The 5-9 Phills, who continues to lead all NEC rookies in scoring (14.8 ppg) during conference play, continued her consistent and productive play this past week against two of the league's top teams, averaging 15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.0 steals in games vs. Robert Morris (1/14) and Bryant (1/16).
"Kerstie has just begun to close the gap of where she is and how good she can be," said Seahawk first-year head coach
Heather Jacobs. "She is extremely coachable and works hard. When you couple those things with her athleticism, great things can happen."
"The best thing about Kerstie is she a good teammate and is about the team first," Jacobs added. "She goes out each night with the team first in mind and gives her best effort and has been rewarded with these individual accolades. We are excited for the future; for both 'KP' and our team."
Phills was sensational during Monday's back-and-forth affair at Bryant, pouring in 20 points to go with six rebounds and five steals. She shot 60 percent from the floor (9-of-15) in the 70-61 setback that featured 14 ties and 22 lead changes. In matching her career high (at Central Connecticut, 12/29) of 20 points at Bryant, the versatile and athletic Phills has now scored in double figures in seven straight games and 10 of her last 11 overall.
On Saturday, the North Carolinian totaled 10 points and five rebounds as the Green & White trailed by just six points at halftime against defending NEC champion Robert Morris.
For the season, Phills averages 10.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, ranking among the NEC's top-20 leaders in both categories.
Note: The NEC record for most consecutive Rookie of the Week awards was set last season when Saint Francis U's Jessica Kovatch copped this honor 10 straight times.
