Academy POTW: Ryan and Lacey shine in Elite Eights

The first round of the Elite Academy League Playoffs is in the bag - and a number of players made their mark as eight teams became four in both the EABL and WEABL.

Charnwood, Barking Abbey, CoLA and Myerscough progressed in the men's quarters and Charnwood, CoLA, Copleston and Oaklands move from the Elite Eight to the Final Four in the women's.

Have your say on this week's picks and give a shout-out to the players you think deserve recognition using the links below.

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How it works 

Player of the Week will be selected by paying attention to the following criteria:

• Efficiency  
• Stats  
• Team and opposition strength  
• Periods of influence in the game 
• Being on a winning team (exceptional performances from players on losing teams will be considered)

Other players will also receive a shout out as honourable mentions as well.

WEABL

Caitlin Ryan put in a do-it-all performance in Oaklands' tight battle with Manchester Mystics.

Her 14 points, six rebounds and five assists were a big part of the #3 Wolves' 57-53 win over the North Conference runners-up in what was the closest-fought contest of the four Elite Eight ties. 

Ryan said: "Wednesday was a massive win for our team and programme. As a team we were confident going into the game and it reflected In how we started. Manchester fought back throughout the game but we were able to do enough to stay ahead and get the victory!"

Oaklands head coach Claire Abbott said: "Caitlin has been an integral piece to the Oaklands Wolves programme, championing our philosophy, my expectations and pushing herself outside her comfort zone all season. 'Go be a superstar' we’re my words to her before the game and she went out there and did exactly that. We couldn’t be more proud."

Honourable mentions

Esther Kursite, CoLA 11PTS/10REB/23EFF

Yazmin Edwards, Copleston 20PTS/9REB/21EFF

Louise Fisher, Charnwood 15PTs/13REB/19EFF

EABL

Tyrese Lacey has been one of the most eye-catching players of the EABL season - and it was no different during Myerscough's 72-68 Elite Eight win over Canterbury.

The talented guard racked up impressive individual totals - 19 points, 10 assists, six steals and five rebounds - as he and teammate Daniel Nwauzu (25pts, 11reb) led the team home in a highly-competitive game.

Lacey said: "The game was scrappy throughout, with numerous ups and downs, yet the intensity from both teams remained really high throughout this do-or-die match. As the game neared its end, clutch shots from McFrancis Munganga, Daniel Nwauzu and myself significantly boosted our momentum and we were able to step it up on the defensive end, allowing us to create the crucial stops needed to break the game open and go on to close the game out."

Myerscough head coach Troy Culley: "Ty did a great job in leading us from the front and once again demonstrated why he is one of the standout players in this year's competition. I feel that his ability to read the game and facilitate for our group as well change gears and score the ball as consistently as he has been, really does set him apart."

Honourable mentions

Isaac Fiagbe, CoLA 26PTS/9REB/28EFF

Daniel Nwauzu, Myerscough 25PTS/11REWB/18EFF

Edward Onyia, Charnwood 28PTS/13REB/19EFF

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