Sports
Rio’s Thomas Named Mid-South POW
By: Patrick Gifford
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After a much needed upset over No. 21 Cumberlands Patriots on Feb. 1, Rio Grande junior guard Brianna Thomas was named the Mid-South Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week on Monday.
The past week was a roller coaster for the RedStorm. Rio blew a 21-point halftime lead against No. 6 Georgetown on Jan. 30 and lost the game by five.
On Feb. 1 Rio Grande had another chance to upset a ranked opponent at home. This time the RedStorm did not waste the opportunity. They defeated the No. 21 Cumberlands Patriots 88-81.
In a week that proved to be up and down for Rio Grande, Brianna Thomas' play stayed consistent. The Maplewood, N.J., native averaged 25.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists in the two games against nationally ranked teams.
Against Georgetown, Thomas scored 19 points, recorded six steals and dished out four assists. She shot 8-of-15 from the field and connected on two 3-pointers.
In Rio’s matchup with Cumberlands, Thomas elevated her play even higher. The junior guard finished the game with 32 points, five rebounds and nine assists. She was the catalyst the entire night for the RedStorm in their winning effort. She hit 11 of her 17 shots, including four 3-pointers, and shot a perfect 6-6 from the free throw line.
Thomas’ performances this week only added to the numbers she has been putting up all season. She now leads the NAIA Division I in total scoring this season (468 points) and total steals (91). Thomas also ranks fourth in total assists (127).