Nerestant, Banks garner HBCUAC Weekly Honors

After leading the Lady Wildcats to two Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference victories, Jessica Nerestant wins HBCUAC Defensive Player of the Week and Keimora Banks claims Newcomer of the Week for their performances between January 26-February 1, the conference announced on Monday.

Nerestant provided a strong presence on the defensive end, helping the Lady Wildcats to two conference victories. She grabbed 20 rebounds with 17 on defense and stole the ball three times. In Thursday's victory at Southern University at New Orleans, she led the team with nine rebounds, with six on defense and two steals. Nerestant recorded her fourth double-double against Dillard with 14 rebounds, 11 on defense and a steal. She moved into 10th with 8.6 rebounds per game.

Banks had her best week in HBCUAC play, averaging 13.5 points, four rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. In Thursday's game against SUNO, she shared the team lead with 13 points, scoring seventh in the fourth quarter to help the Lady Wildcats pull away. Banks added five rebounds and two assists. Against Dillard on Saturday, she provided 14 points, three rebounds and three assists to lead the Lady Wildcats to an 88-81 overtime victory, which snapped the Lady Bleu Devils' winning streak at five games. Banks ranks sixth in the conference with 3.4 assists per game.

Their awards give the Lady Wildcats eight this season. Moriah Burley won Newcomer of the Week for December 1-7. Kelechi Dike was named Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week for November 24-30. Alexis Foster won Newcomer of the Week for that same week. Brandy Jones earned Offensive Player and Newcomer of the Week for October 20-26.

The Lady Wildcats visit Texas A&M University-Texarkana on Tuesday and Arkansas Baptist College on Saturday.