Academy POTW: Relentless Round, excellent Edwards

There's only a few more game weeks remaining in the Academy Leagues, and some players are pulling out all the stops for their programmes.

With teams clawing for as many points as possible, that's brought the A game out of some of the league's best and brightest, in both the WEABL and EABL.

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
Facebook:  @Academybballengland
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.

EABL 

In what is becoming somewhat of a routine since the turn of the year, the EABL Player of the Week award is once again heading to Reading.

JMA Reading Rockets have won four in a row as they make a march for the playoffs, and a major reason for those successes has been the play of captain Isaac Round.

The JMA sharpshooter has picked up two of the last three awards and now it's three in four following Wednesday's 86-74 W against Copleston.

Round had an EABL-best 30 points, adding 11 boards and 12 assists for the triple-double, tacking on a pair of steals for good measure.

His 32 efficiency afternoon was another strong performance from the young guard, with Reading moving to 6-5 in the process.

Speaking about the game, Round said: “We are very happy with our performances over the past few weeks despite the injuries within our team. Some of the guys have really stepped up and made a difference, and hopefully we can keep playing some great basketball going into the playoffs.”

JMA assistant coach Ben Fisher added: “Isaac has really stepped up his level this season and has been super influential in our turnaround of late.

"He is a fantastic talent and we are thrilled with how he is leading our team, including a great triple-double!”

Honourable mentions

Thomas Johnson (CHA) - 20P/3R/2S/19EFF

Darstin Onye (MAN) - 14P/12R/3A/2S/4B/22EFF

Mohamed Ngebeh (SHE) - 27P/11R/2A/3S/28EFF

Ethan Round (JMA) - 23P/6R/2A/3S/22EFF

Matt Liddamore (COP) - 14P/12R/3A/2S/24EFF

WEABL

As Copleston continue to march on towards the South conference title, Yazmin Edwards has been a driving force for the Suffolk programme all season long.

Week 14 was no different, with Edwards more than doing her bit as Copleston eased past JMA Reading Rockets 96-35.

Edwards was her usual efficient self around the rim, hitting 13/18 shots from inside to finish with 32 points.

The Copleston product also splashed a pair of triples to go with eight rebound and seven steals, showcasing her value at both ends of the floor.

A 34 efficiency rating displayed her grip on the contest, helping coach Drane's side to a more than comfortable win.

Speaking about the performance, Edwards said: “This was a joint effort from the whole team, where all twelve girls contributed to the win. It’s always about working together and trusting in each other’s abilities.

"It was great to get another win under our belts ahead of the playoffs."

Copleston head coach Nick Drane added: “Yazmin continues to improve and develop and a rapid pace. She has added a reliable three-point shot to her skill set and is getting better all the time – it’s great recognition.”

Honourable mentions

Christabel Osarobo (COP) - 14P/10R/3A/9S/30EFF

Caitlin Ryan (OAK) - 11P/13R/3A/3S/5B/24EFF

Adaora Dioramma (CoLA) - 11P/10R/2S/19EFF

Samantha Mullock (NOT) - 14P/22R/3A/2S/24EFF

Valerie Cassidy De Falco (NOT) - 18P/5R/12A/20EFF

.

.

.