Thomas Named to Honorable-Mention Team
Orielle Thomas drives to the basket for William Penn versus Clarke
Oskaloosa–Orielle Thomas (Waynesville, Mo., Waynesville HS) capped a successful sophomore campaign with one more accolade as the 2011-2012 NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball All-America teams were announced yesterday.
Thomas was selected to represent William Penn on the honorable-mention team. She was one of five players from the Midwest Collegiate Conference who earned the nation-wide recognition (55 total players).
Thomas is the program’s 16th All-American in its history. William Penn has now had an individual collect All-America status four seasons in a row with all-time leading scorer Christa Subbert doing so the previous three campaigns.
The sophomore helped a young Lady Statesmen to a 12-19 record this winter, including a 9-9 mark in league play.
A first-team all-MCC pick last month, she averaged a double-double of 14.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. She also tallied 30 assists, 30 steals, and ten blocks on the year.
Thomas posted 15 double-doubles and highlighted her year by scoring a career-high 34 points against St. Ambrose on December 10.
Jennifer Jorgensen of Grand View was tabbed as NAIA Division II Player of the Year, while Northwestern’s Chris Yaw earned the Phyllis Holmes Coach of the Year honor. The Red Raiders won their third-straight national crown Tuesday night.
