The Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced its weekly award winners on Tuesday morning – and for the third time in four Tuesdays – Berkeley College women's basketball standout Ayana Ratliff was tabbed as the Player of the Week. Additionally – veteran Johnnie Green of the men's basketball team was selected as the men's Player of the Week.
Ratliff collected her fourth Player of the Week honor during the 2017-2018 campaign by averaging 28.0 points, 13.5 rebounds, four assists and three and a half steals over a 2-0 week for the Berkeley College's women's basketball team. The junior posted game highs of 21 points and 12 rebounds against Five Towns College back on January 24, and followed it up with game highs of 35 points and 15 rebounds in a 69-59 triumph over Penn State Hazleton. Following the announcement of the awards, Head Coach Alex Kuchar spoke.
"We talk consistently about Ayana's incredible numbers, but just as importantly, her presence on the basketball court makes her teammates around her better," Head Coach Alex Kuchar said. "She exemplifies hustle and toughness, and never takes a play off. We've now won four of our previous six games – and six out of 10 overall, and Ayana has played a pivotal role in our recent success. I'm very proud of her."Johnnie Green's veteran leadership has been evident this season, and for the first time during the 2017-2018 campaign, he was selected as the conference's Player of the Week. The forward was a major factor in Berkeley College's three victories over a five day span. Green posted a double-double with 14-points and 10 rebounds back on January 24 in a victory over NCAA Division II institution Mercy College on Wednesday and followed it up with 23 points in the Knights' win over USCAA No. 1 Villa Maria this past Saturday. In Berkeley's final triumph of the week, he scored 12 points and added five rebounds as the Knights dismantled SUNY-ESF this past Sunday. Following the announcement of the awards, Head Coach Jonathan Pena spoke.
"Johnnie has been such a great all-around player for us thus far this year, and his leadership has been extraordinary for all of the new student-athletes that have joined our program," Pena said. "He gives 100 percent each and every time he takes the court, and he does a phenomenal job of leading by example for his teammates. It's very gratifying to see him finish out his career in terrific fashion."
Berkeley College's men's and women's basketball teams return to the court this evening, as they take on Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference foe King's College (NY). The games take place at Baruch College. The men's game begins at 7:00pm, with the women's contest following at 9:00pm.
