Nwagbaraocha Tabbed as Nation’s Top Player Last Week

Vashti Nwagbaraocha (file photo)

by Wade Steinlage

Oskaloosa–Vashti Nwagbaraocha (Jr., Milwaukee, Wis., Exercise Science) accomplished something Tuesday that no one else in William Penn women’s basketball history ever has as she was named NAIA Division I Player of the Week.

Nwagbaraocha becomes the first player in program history to claim the laurel after she led the Statesmen (12-4, 6-1 Heart) to two victories last week.

The junior opened her week with an amazing performance against Grand View, tallying career highs in points (30) and rebounds (17). She also added five assists, three blocks, and three steals–all team highs.

Her week was capped with another near double-double of 21 points and nine rebounds versus Culver-Stockton. She matched a career high with seven steals in the victory, while also recording three assists and two blocks.

Nwagbaraocha shot 65.5% from the field (19-for-29) and 72.2% at the line (13-for-18).

For the year, she is averaging 14.9 points and 8.4 rebounds, both of which are team highs. The forward has also notched 23 assists, 42 steals, and 12 blocks, while shooting 59.9% from the field and 70.4% at the line. Nationally, Nwagbaraocha is third in field-goal percentage.

Nwagbaraocha has recorded five double-doubles this season.