INDIANAPOLIS - Jaycie Christopher of the University of Southern Maine women’s basketball team has been named the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) Division III National Player of the Week for the period ending December 7, it was announced by the organization Tuesday. The 6-0 senior guard from Skowhegan, Maine, used deadeye shooting to help lead Southern Maine (receiving votes, D3hoops.com/WBCA) to a pair of victories last week.
 
Against UMass Boston on Wednesday, she scored a then-career-high 21 points (8-of-12 FG, 5-of-8 3FG) while adding eight rebounds and two assists in the Huskies’ 64-47 win. Christopher then upped her career best by scoring 30 points (10-of-13 FG, 5-of-6 FT, 5-of-5 3FG) in a 79-55 win vs. Western Connecticut State on Saturday. She completed the double-double with 10 rebounds, while also securing five assists and two steals. For the week, Christopher averaged 25.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals, while shooting 72.0 percent (18-of-25) from the field, 83.3 percent (5-of-6) from the foul line and 76.9 percent (10-of-13) from behind the arc.
 
For her efforts, Christopher was also selected the Little East Conference (LEC) Player of the Week, and earned a spot on the D3hoops.com Team of the Week. She is the first LEC women’s basketball player to garner national recognition this season.
 
ABOUT THE USBWA
Each Tuesday, the USBWA is selecting men's and women's Division III National Players of the Week. This is the 11th season that the USBWA will recognize national players of the week from Division III.
 
The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With some 900 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. It has selected an All-America team since the 1956-57 season. For more information on the USBWA and its award programs, contact executive director Malcolm Moran at 814-574-1485.