K.B. Sharp Named UC's Most Outstanding Player

K.B. Sharp Named UC's Most Outstanding Player

Cincinnati honors basketball players at annual awards banquet

5/5/2001

University of Cincinnati sophomore point guard K.B. Sharp was honored as the Bearcats' most outstanding player during the team's annual awards banquet on Saturday afternoon.

Sharp, a 5-9 Columbus, Ohio, product averaged 8.3 points and a team-best 5.3 assists per game this year en route to breaking an 11-year-old school record for single season assists (170). Sharp, who set the school mark for single season minutes played, also earned the "Ball of Courage" and "Insane Chain" Awards for her heroics and determination during the season and was recognized for having the most assists and steals on the team.

Freshman Valerie King, a Conference USA all-freshman team selection, was named UC's Best Offensive Player. King, a 5-10 guard from Washington Court House, Ohio, became the just third freshman in UC history to lead the team in points with her 16.3 points per game average. King won two other awards for having the best free throw (.885) and 3-point field goal percentages (.369). Classmate Brittani Young (5-11, Fr., Pickerington, Ohio) took home the honor for Best Defensive Player. The guard played all 32 games, starting the last 10 of the season.

Junior center Tammy Douglass (6-1, Indianapolis, Ind.) and sophomore guard Merelenea Dozier (5-5, Cleveland, Ohio) both garnered the team's Most Improved award for guards and post players, respectively. Douglass, who returned to returned to action after a year's absence, doubled both her sophomore rebounding and point averages, finishing the year as UC's second leading scorer (9.5 ppg) and rebounder (6.8 rpg). Dozier, who played in twice as many games this year as her first year, doubled both her career rebounding and scoring averages.

Junior Portia Flournoy, a 6-1 forward from Indianapolis, Ind., was awarded the team's sixth man chain. Flournoy ranked second in field goal percentages (.467), fourth in rebounding (3.9 rpg) and sixth in scoring (5.5 ppg).

2000-01 Team Award Winners

Most Outstanding Player: K.B. SharpBest Offensive Player: Valerie KingBest Defensive Player: Brittani YoungMost Improved Player- Post: Tammy DouglassMost Improved Player- Guard: Merelenea DozierSixth Man Chain: Portia FlournoyWeightlifting Award: Denise DunlapStudy Table Award: Valerie King & Brittani YoungTeam Academic Award: Denise DunlapNewcomer Academic Award: Brittani YoungMost Assists: K.B. SharpMost Rebounds: Laura WilderMost Steals: K.B. SharpFree Throw Percentage: Valerie King3-Point Field Goal Percentage: Valerie KingBall of Courage: K.B. Sharp(Player who works the hardest in all practices and games)
Insane Chain: K.B. Sharp(Player that contributes the most and plays the hardest)
Bearcat Award: Katrina Merriweather(Most well-rounded player)
Coach's Award: Stefanie Adams(Player with best attitude and work ethic)