SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Western Carolina's Mike Williams has been named the Southern Conference Player of the Week for all games December 8-14 the league office announced Tuesday (Dec. 15). The Catamounts went 2-0 in non-conference play last week as they posted wins over Campbell (66-59) and Louisville (91-83). Williams averaged 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and was 12-of-23 from the field. The player of the week is selected by the league office.
The junior opened the week with 16 points against Campbell. He added four assists and three rebounds in 22 minutes against the Camels. Williams then poured in 22 of his season-high 24 points in the second half at Louisville. He came off the bench and connected on 6-of-11 field goals and 11-of-15 free throw attempts against the Cardinals. Williams added five rebounds at Louisville.
The Baton Rouge, La., native is averaging 10.7 points per game this season for WCU, the 24th best average in the conference. He also ranks fifth in the league in steals (1.9 spg).
The Catamounts (10-1, 2-0 SoCon) are off to their best start since moving to Division I in 1976. Western Carolina has won nine consecutive games, their longest streak since stringing together 11 straight victories during the 1970-71 season. The Catamounts return to the court December 22 when Western Carolina visits Clemson.
Other top performers in the Southern Conference included Davidson's Jake Cohen, Georgia Southern's Willie Powers, and Wofford's Noah Dahlman.
SoCon Men's Basketball Player of the Week
Nov. 17 - Josh Bonney, Elon
Nov. 24 - Amu Saaka, Furman
Dec. 1 - Noah Dahlman, Wofford
Dec. 8 - Jeremy Simmons, Coll. of Charleston
Dec. 15 - Mike Williams, Western Carolina