It was a huge week for Eastern Kentucky basketball last week. The Colonels improved to a 4-1 record after sweeping the EKU Hoops Classic with wins over Ball State, N.C. State, and Longwood. That wasn’t the only sweep for the Colonels though, as EKU attained their first sweep of the OVC weekly awards since the league began issuing weekly recognition in 1985.
OVC Player of the Week was given to EKU senior Jarelle Reischel. The all-around forward had an impressive 20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1 steal per game over the last week. Each and every game, Reischel looked astounding and in control on the court. His best game came Sunday when he totaled 37 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in a win over Longwood. “I’m just trying to get the win by any mean necessary” he said after his huge game against Longwood. It’s very apparent that Reischel truly stands by that statement. Each and every game he plays with a non-stop motor and constantly finds ways to score, creates chaos on defense, and fights hard for rebounds. He is one of Eastern Kentucky’s most exciting players and a leader on the team.
OVC Freshman of the Week honors were given to EKU forward Nick Mayo. The big man averaged 10 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1 block over the span of four games. In Saturday’s game Mayo exploded for his best performance of the season and posted a career-high 20 points to go along with 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block on superb 9/11 shooting including a buzzer-beater 3 point bucket. While Mayo looked a bit nervous and inconsistent in the first few games of the season, he has quickly adapted to college-level competition and found his rhythm on the floor and it shows. I’d bet that this isn’t the last time Nick Mayo is Freshman of the Week.
While it was Reischel and Mayo bringing home OVC awards, the honors don’t stop there for the Colonels. EKU star Javontae Hawkins won National Mid-Major Player of the Week after dominating performances all week long. Hawkins averaged 20.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3 assists over four games last week, leading the Colonels to a perfect weekend in the EKU Hoops Classic.
Needless to say, I think the Colonels look pretty good this season, well exceeding my expectations for them thus fur considering that they are coached by a first-time coach, Dan McHale. Speaking of, McHale has been impressive this season as well, and has been actively trying to implement a more aggressive nature into the Colonels given the athletic prowess of the team. Things are looking good for the Eastern Kentucky Colonels.
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