RAPOZA, TEMPLE ARE DIVISION IIINATIONAL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Contact Jeff Bernstein
jeffrey.bernstein@nyu.edu
(212) 998-2031

ST. LOUIS (USBWA) Mike Rapoza of Anna Maria College (Paxton, Mass.) and Madison Temple of Thomas More College (Crestview Hills, Ky.) were named the U.S. Basketball Writers Association Division III National Players of the Week for the week ending February 18.

Rapoza, a 6-6 sophomore forward from Charlton, Mass., recorded a pair of double-doubles and set a new NCAA Division III record as Anna Maria (10-15, 7-9) won both of its Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) matchups. Rapoza connected on all of his 23 field goal attempts last week, and his current streak of 26 straight is the longest ever in Division III annals. He scored a career-high 42 points (18-of-18 FG, 6-of-9 FT) and added 19 rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and a steal in the AMCATS 102-84 win over Mount Ida on Tuesday. Then, in a 91-73 victory over Emmanuel on Saturday, Rapoza totaled 14 points (5-of-5 FG, 4-of-11 FT), 16 rebounds, one block and one steal. For the week, he averaged 28 points, 17.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 blocks, and one steal per game and has now produced 22 double-doubles this season, the second-highest total in Division III. For his efforts, Rapoza was also named the GNAC Player of the Week.

Temple, a 6-0 junior guard from Cincinnati, Ohio, produced a pair of double-doubles as No. 4-ranked Thomas More (D3hoops.com) won both of its Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) games last week and extended its conference winning streak to 133. She opened the week with 16 points (6-of-12 FG, 1-of-2 FT, 3-of-4 3FG), 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals in the Saints· (24-1, 18-0) 75-47 win over Saint Vincent on Wednesday. Then, in a 92-42 victory over Washington & Jefferson on Saturday, Temple scored 24 points (9-of-15 FG, 3-of-5 FG, 3-of-6 3FG) while adding 16 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and two blocks. For the week, Temple averaged 20 points, 13.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 2.0 steals, and one block per game. She shot 55.6 percent (15-of-27) from the field, 57.1 percent (4-of-7) from the foul line and 60 percent (6-of-10) from three-point range. For her efforts, Temple was also named the PAC Player of the Week.

Each Tuesday, the USBWA is selecting men's and women's Division III National Players of the Week. This is the fourth 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 Joe Mitch at 314-795-6821.