BRUNS, POE ARE DIVISION IIINATIONAL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

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

ST. LOUIS (USBWA) Ryan Bruns of Ohio Northern University (Ada, Ohio) and Casey Poe of Whitman College (Walla Walla, Wash.) were named the U.S. Basketball Writers Association Division III National Players of the Week for the week ending January 14.

Bruns, a 6-8 junior center from Chicasaw, Ohio, averaged a double-double of 32.0 points and 11.5 rebounds per game last week as the Polar Bears (11-4, 6-2) won both of their Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) matchups. On Wednesday, against then-No. 25 (D3hoops.com) Baldwin-Wallace, Bruns scored 23 points (10-of-22 FG, 3-of-4 FT) and added six rebounds, an assist and a block in Ohio Northern's 80-73 victory. Then, in a 108-87 win over Muskingum on Saturday, he posted career highs of 41 points (18-of-22 FG, 5-of-7 FT) and 17 rebounds, while also blocking four shots and recording an assist. For the week, Bruns shot 63.6 percent (28-of-44) from the field and 72.7 percent (8-of-11) from the foul line. Currently ranked No. 4 in NCAA Division III with 146 made field goals this season, Bruns was also named the OAC Player of the Week.

Poe, a 5-8 senior guard from Hilo, Hawaii, posted terrific all-round numbers in leading No. 6 Whitman (D3hoops.com) to a pair of Northwest Conference (NWC) victories last week. In the Blues' (14-1, 6-0) two wins, she averaged 25.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 4.5 steals, and 3.5 blocks. In a 101-68 victory over Whitworth on Tuesday, Poe scored 21 points (9-of-13 FG, 2-of-3 FT, 1-of-1 3FG) and added five rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and three blocks. Then, in a 77-71 win over George Fox (receiving votes D3hoops.com) on Friday, she scored 29 points (8-of-13 FG, 13-of-14 FT), including four free throws in the final 10 seconds to secure the victory. Poe also contributed four rebounds, five assists, five steals, and four blocks in that contest. For the week, she shot 65.4 percent (17-of-26) from the field, 88.2 percent (15-of-17) from the foul line and a perfect 1-of-1 from three-point range. For her efforts, Poe was also named the NWC 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.