Annual WBB Award Winners
Apr 13 | Women's Basketball
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NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - The Rutgers women's basketball team celebrated its 2014-15 season accomplishments and handed out its team awards this weekend at the annual banquet held at the Hyatt Regency.
Senior Christa Evans (Jackson, N.J.) and Ariel Butts (Columbus, Ga.) were honored for their efforts in the classroom. Evans, a public health major and member of the Academic All-Big Ten Team, was named the Scarlet Knight's Scholar Athlete for holding the highest grade point average over the last two semesters. Butts, a labor studies major, was the Kevin and Helen Collins Most Improved Scholar Athlete.
Senior Betnijah Laney (Clayton, Del.) was awarded with the Cagers Club Award, given annually to the player whose performance, dedication and leadership exemplify the best in sportsmanship and character, and was named Rutgers' Most Valuable Player in a vote by teammates. Laney, an Honorable Mention All-American by the Associated Press averaged 15.8 points per game and 10.7 rebounds per game. A First Team All-Big Ten selection by both the media and coaches, she performed 20 double-doubles, including eight straight to open up the season. She set the RAC rebounding record (men or women) with her 24 boards against UNC and finished her career 14th on the all-time scoring leaders list and ninth on the all-time rebounding list.
Senior Syessence Davis (Neptune, N.J.) was named the Chelsea Newton Scarlet Heart Award winner, given to a player who has displayed perserverance, dedication and loyalty to her teammates, fans and the program, and was voted Defensive Player of the Year by her teammates. The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Davis was also recognized on the national level as one of six finalists for WBCA Defensive Player of the Year. She ranked fourth nationally in steals and set a new single game record in steals with 10 thefts against Penn State.
Senior Alexis Burke (Bainbridge, Ga.) was voted by her fellow Scarlet Knights as the team's Most Inspirational Player for her positive presence both on and off the court, as well as her drive to return to program through her dedication in the classroom, weight room and training room.
Junior Kahleah Copper (Philadelphia, Pa.) and sophomore Tyler Scaife (Little Rock, Ark.) were named Co-Offensive Players of the Year. Copper averaged a team-leading 16.3 points per game, scoring in double figures in all but four games. She was also a Second Team All-Big Ten honoree. Scaife poured in 15.6 points per game against nationally-ranked competition, including a season-high 28 against No. 21 Minnesota. She was also an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection.
Additionally, Ali Hoesly was named the Manager of the Year by the members of the Scarlet Knights and men's practice player Remus DeJesus was honored with the Unsung Hero award for embodying all the qualities of a Scarlet Knight.
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