SPARTANBURG, S.C. ? Western Carolina center Brooke Johnson has been named the Southern Conference women’s basketball player of the week for December 4.

Johnson turned in two solid performances last week while leading the Lady Catamounts to a pair of victories and a 5-1 overall record. Against UNC Asheville last Wednesday, the junior poured in 21 points and six blocked shots in an 89-74 win over the Bulldogs. In a key road victory over Middle Tennessee on Sunday afternoon, the Seymour, Tenn. native notched her second double-double of the season with 12 points and a career-best 20 rebounds. Johnson’s 20 boards represent the highest single-game rebounding total in the Southern Conference since January 1996.

For the week, Johnson averaged 16.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and four blocked shots per contest.

Other top performers this week were College of Charleston’s Tonia Gerty, Chattanooga’s Jenaya Wade-Fray, Davidson’s Mercedes Robinson, Elon’s Tierra Bumbrey, Furman’s Melissa Liebschwager, Georgia Southern’s Ashley Melson and UNC Greensboro’s Kemena Brooks.

2007-08 Women’s Basketball Players of the Week

Nov. 20       Alex Anderson, Chattanooga

Nov. 27       Kelsi Koenig, Wofford

Dec. 4         Brooke Johnson, Western Carolina