Academy POTW: Wol-Cummings steps up, Powell keeps on pounding

There were some interesting results across the Academy landscape this week.

With upsets and close games across both leagues, that highlighted some impressive performances from the nine games that made up week 13.

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

X:  @Academybballeng
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Instagram:  @Academybballengland

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 

With Charnwood progressing to 8-0 in the North and already claiming the conference's top spot, it's no surprise to see the elite play of Erin Powell continue.

The talented guard was at it once again this week, helping the Riders to a 75-65 victory against Nottingham Academy Wildcats.

Powell finished with a game-high 31 points, tacking on nine boards, five assists and five steals for a 33 efficiency outing.

Her +/- of +20 in the ten point win also showcased her influence on the outcome as Charnwood went one step closer to a perfect regular season.

Speaking about the performance, Powell said: “Wednesday's game showed how well we can moved the ball as a team. We had multiple possessions with all five players touching the ball on offence and efficient shooting from my teammates allowed us to capitalise on the space we created.

"It is great to be recognised as Player of the Week again and I want to use this momentum to keep us rolling through our last game of the season and into post season play.”

Charnwood head coach Nick Moodey added: “It’s great to see Erin get recognition again for a well-rounded performance against a competitive Nottingham team.

Erin filled the stats sheet on both ends of the floor and made some big plays at important moments throughout the game. Erin’s ability to be a leader within this group has been a big part of the team’s success and will really help us heading towards the post season”

Honourable mentions

Alina Riley (NOT) - 17P/3R/8A/23EFF

Danielle McNamara (SHE) - 21P/17R/2A/22EFF

Carina Costa (MAN) - 29P/5R/4A/6S/30EFF

Alejandra Escriva Gay (MAN) - 17P/9R/7A/6S/28EFF

Elizandra Costa (MAN) - 18P/6R/5A/8S/25EFF

EABL

It was always going to take something special to slow down Canterbury's pace at the top of the South conference, but this week City of London Academy - Southwark did just that with a stunning 72-66 OT victory.

A big reason for the win was CoLA captain Mou Wol-Cummings, who produced throughout the contest to drag his team to a vital three points.

The CoLA guard shot an efficient 6/10 from the floor and went a perfect 11/11 from the line to close with a game-high 24 points, adding eight boards and five assists to his team's cause.

A +/- of +14 was also impressive, and his 31 efficiency was one of the highest of the week across the EABL.

Speaking about the performance, Wol-Cummings said: "I am grateful to be awarded Player of the week. Although it’s an individual award, for me it feels like more of a team award because of the many contributions.

"Both in regulation and in an overtime game like that, everyone needs to do their job to come away with the win. So I’m grateful for all my teammates and how they fought.

"We are looking forwards now and continuing to work hard and we will see what happens. "

CoLA head coach Jay Williams added: "Mou, as the captain, has always led from the front and doing what ever it takes for his team.

"On Wednesday he was really locked in and he and his team have come away with a crucial win against a very good Canterbury team in overtime."

Honourable mentions

Will Taylor (ITC) - 18P/14R/2A/23EFF

Isaac Round (JMA) - 34P/12R/6A/33EFF

George Clarke (JMA) - 14P/9R/2A/3S/22EFF

Callum Smart (SGS) - 20P/7R/2B/21EFF

Genti Cokaj (DTB) - 21P/9R/20EFF

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