Another week of women’s college basketball delivered standout performances across the country, highlighted by dominant frontcourt play, clutch freshman moments, electric bench production, and game-changing defense. Here’s a look at this week’s honorees.
Player of the Week
Avery Koenen #22 – Junior | North Dakota State
6’3” | Montevideo, MN
Avery Koenen continues to anchor North Dakota State with consistency and efficiency, putting together a dominant two-game stretch that powered a pair of Bison wins.
Koenen opened the week with an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double in a road win at St. Thomas, shooting an efficient 5-of-7 from the field while committing zero turnovers in 33 minutes. She followed that performance with another double-double on Saturday, scoring 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds against South Dakota in just 28 minutes.
Across the week, Koenen totaled 40 points and 24 rebounds, shooting 70 percent from the field while averaging just one turnover per game. Her ability to score efficiently, control the glass, and protect the rim continues to set the tone for a North Dakota State team pushing through conference play. On the season, she’s averaging 18.9 points and 11.2 rebounds per game while shooting over 64 percent from the floor — elite production by any standard.
Co-Freshmen of the Week
Lauren Whittaker #33 – Freshman | Gonzaga
6’3” | Christchurch, New Zealand
In a tightly contested overtime loss at Oregon State, Lauren Whittaker delivered one of the most impressive individual performances of the week. The Gonzaga freshman poured in 37 points and 14 rebounds, showcasing her versatility and toughness against a physical opponent.
Whittaker lived at the free-throw line, knocking down 12-of-14 attempts, and played 35 minutes without committing a turnover. Even in defeat, her presence was undeniable, continuing a season in which she’s averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. Her ability to shoulder a major offensive load as a freshman speaks volumes about her long-term ceiling.
Aaliyah Chavez #2 – Freshman | Oklahoma
5’10” | Lubbock, TX
Aaliyah Chavez announced herself on the national stage Thursday night with a clutch overtime takeover against South Carolina. The Oklahoma freshman finished with 26 points and eight assists in a statement win, but it was her performance in overtime that defined the night.
Chavez knocked down five three-pointers overall, with the majority coming in overtime as she repeatedly stepped into big shots when Oklahoma needed them most. Calm, confident, and aggressive, she controlled the pace late while logging 39 minutes against one of the nation’s toughest opponents. It was the kind of moment that separates promising freshmen from players ready for the spotlight.
6th (Bench) Player of the Week
MiLaysia Fulwiley #23 – Junior | LSU
5’10” | Columbia, SC
MiLaysia Fulwiley provided an explosive spark off the bench in LSU’s road win at Texas A&M, scoring 23 points in just 19 minutes. The junior guard filled the stat sheet while playing mistake-free basketball, recording five steals and four assists with zero turnovers.
Fulwiley shot 8-of-13 from the floor and added three three-pointers as LSU overwhelmed the Aggies. Her energy, defensive pressure, and scoring punch continue to make her one of the most dangerous bench players in the country.
Defensive Player of the Week
Kennedie Shuler #1 – Junior | Oregon State
5’10” | Gresham, OR
Kennedie Shuler was everywhere defensively in Oregon State’s overtime win over Gonzaga. The junior guard recorded a staggering 10 steals, disrupting passing lanes and creating chaos for the Bulldogs throughout the game.
Shuler also added three blocks and three defensive rebounds, showcasing her ability to impact the game at multiple levels. Her defensive instincts and relentless pressure were instrumental in swinging momentum and securing the win.
Offensive Player of the Week
Jada Williams #8 – Junior | Iowa State
5’8” | Kansas City, MO
Jada Williams delivered one of the most prolific scoring performances of the season, erupting for 44 points in Iowa State’s win over Cincinnati. The junior guard was unstoppable, shooting 15-of-22 from the field and knocking down six three-pointers.
Williams added eight assists to her scoring outburst, demonstrating complete command of the offense while playing 37 minutes. It was a career-type night that showcased her scoring versatility, shot-making confidence, and ability to elevate her team offensively.
