Jan. 16, 2012
ST. LOUIS -
For the third time this season, junior transfer Jamie Russell was named the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week for the week of Jan. 16, as announced by the league office Monday. Russell also received the honor on Nov. 28 and Jan. 2.
Russell has played a crucial part for the Redbirds on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball during the 2011-12 season. Through five Valley games, Russell is the team's second-leading scorer with 15.6 points per game, the-leading rebounder with 7.8 rebounds per game, and she leads the team in steals with 2.8 per game. On the season, Russell leads the Redbirds in assists (58) and steals (39). She is the second leading scorer, averaging 12.1 points per game, while shooting 40 percent from the field (72-of-182).
Russell has had six-straight games with double-digit scoring efforts, starting Dec. 22 at Michigan. In Illinois State's win over Bradley (Jan. 12), 67-65, Russell made 12 points in the game and handed out four assists. She was also strong on the defensive side, taking away four Bradley balls, tying a career-high in steals. Against Northern Iowa (Jan. 14), the junior guard just missed a double-double with 24 points and nine rebounds. Russell was 9-of-17 from the field and was perfect (4-of-4) from the charity stripe. In the game against UNI, Russell had 15 points in the second half with nine of them coming late in the game. She also recorded two blocks in 33 minutes of play.
Russell is the second Redbird to receive the award, and she marks the fourth honor for ISU. Freshman Maddie Oliver received the honor on Nov. 14. Drake's Rachael Hackbarth was named Player of the Week.
After three-straight road games, ISU will return to Redbird Arena to host Drake Friday at 7:05 p.m.
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