Phillips, Nwagbaraocha Receive All-Heart Laurels

William Penn University Athletics

Oskaloosa–Alyssa Phillips (Jr., Gurnee, Ill., Communications) and Vashti Nwagbaraocha (Fr., Milwaukee, Wis., Exercise Science) produced hardware-winning regular seasons as the all-Heart of America Athletic Conference women’s basketball teams were announced by the league office Sunday.

Phillips was a member of the 10-person first team, while Nwagbaraocha was one of 16 players to collect an honorable mention; 10 players also earned second-team recognition for a total of 36. The awards are the first for both Statesmen players.

The duo led William Penn to a 13-16 regular season mark (10-12 Heart) and the #7 seed in this week’s league tourney (WPU was picked 11th in the preseason).

Phillips has been the most-efficient player in the conference with a 61.1% field-goal percentage. She is currently averaging a team-high 13.7 points in addition to 7.1 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 33 steals, and 22 assists.

The junior is eighth in the Heart in scoring, seventh in rebounding (second in offensive rebounding), third in blocked shot average, and fourth with five double-doubles.

Nwagbaraocha has been an even bigger double-double threat, averaging 10.1 points and 9.0 rebounds; her eight double-doubles ties for the most in the conference. The freshman also has 50 assists, 52 steals, and 15 blocks to her credit. She is shooting 38.2% from the floor.

Nwagbaraocha is also currently the Heart’s best overall rebounder (offensive as well at 3.7 per outing). She ranks 10th in steal average (1.8) as well.

Regular season champion Central Methodist nearly swept the top awards, including Player (DaJonee Hale), Newcomer (Alissa Campanero), Freshman (Lexie Moe), and Coach (Mike Davis). Baker’s Macy Wallisch was picked as the Heart’s Defensive POY.

For the complete 2015-2016 all-Heart women’s basketball teams, go to http://www.heartofamericaconference.com/d/2015-16/2016%20WBB%20All%20Conference.pdf