Williams Named SEC Co-Fresh of the Week

Mississippi State freshman Sherise Williams’ 21-point effort in Sunday’s win against Florida A&M has earned her SEC Co-Freshman of the Week honors, the league office announced Monday.

Williams tallied the first 20-point effort of her career and set a new personal high, bettering the previous best of 15 set in the Bulldogs’ 59-58 win against Florida Atlantic on Dec. 7.

“Sherise has come a long way from 3-for-15 against Winthrop,” head coach Vic Schaefer said. “She’s shooting over 60 percent her last four games and getting eight to nine rebounds a game. Someone getting that many points and rebounds and shooting that percentage, she’s doing a lot of things right. I’m very proud of her.”

The St. Louis native matched her previous high with 15 in the first half en route to 10-of-16 shooting against FAMU. She also pulled in seven rebounds and blocked a team-high three shots.

“It’s exciting to earn this honor. My teammates played a big part in me being named SEC Freshman of the Week because they help me a lot,” Williams said. “Martha (Alwal) really encourages me, and she actually said this morning that she wouldn’t be surprised if I got it. If it wasn’t for my team, I wouldn’t have been in this position.”

Sunday’s game continued a stellar stretch for Williams. In her last four contests, she is averaging a team-high 13.8 points and shooting 65.7 percent from the floor.

Williams, who shared the weekly honor with Missouri’s Maddie Stock, owns an 8.1 clip and is pulling down 6.5 rebounds per contest. Her rebounding average is second best by an SEC freshman and in the Top 15 overall.

Her three swats against the Lady Rattlers moved her into fourth in the conference with 1.8 per game.

Williams and the Bulldogs host their December luncheon for fans Tuesday at 11:30. State returns to the court Thursday, hosting Jacksonville State at 7 p.m.