By Jarrett Hoffman
(Source: HBCU Sports)
The Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award Watchlist has been released, and it features two prominent names from the MEAC.
Featured among the 15 players highlighted were Coppin State forward Laila Lawrence and Norfolk State guard Diamond Johnson.
Lawrence, who transferred from Texas A&M-Commerce, is in her second season at Coppin State. She has the Eagles on pace for their second overall winning season in the past ten seasons.
The reigning MEAC Defensive Player of the Year is averaging 16.8 points (second in MEAC), 9.3 rebounds (leads MEAC), 2.7 steals (second in MEAC), and 1.4 blocks (fourth in MEAC) through 20 games.
This includes averaging 17.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.3 steals in six games against Power Four opponents.
Meanwhile, Johnson has Norfolk State looking like a strong contender to win its third straight MEAC tournament championship.
She has helped lead the Spartans to a 16-4 record, including a pair of wins against Power Four opponents Missouri and Auburn.
The reigning MEAC Newcomer of the Year paces the MEAC in scoring (18.6) and steals (3.4) while also ranking second in assists (4.2).
Johnson has been on a tear since entering conference play, putting up 22.0 points on 58% shooting, 5.0 rebounds, 5.0 steals, and 4.3 assists in four games.
The Mid Major Player of the Year award, named after Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Becky Hammon, is in its fifth year of existence.
The award’s 10 semifinalists will be announced, followed by an announcement of five finalists in March, and then the winner will be named during the Final Four.
Should either Lawrence or Johnson win the award, they would become the first HBCU player to do so.
