Franklin earns GCAC's weekly award after 2 career highs

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana's SiMon Franklin, who recorded career highs in points and rebounds this past weekend, has been chosen Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Week in women's basketball for Dec. 24-30.

Franklin, a 5-foot-7 senior guard from Baton Rouge, La., and a graduate of St. Joseph's Academy, averaged 17.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and three steals in two games at the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic in Montgomery, Ala. She had 25 points — 16 in the first half — nine rebounds and three steals Saturday in the Gold Nuggets' 66-64 loss to NAIA No. 24 Faulkner. Her 3-pointer with 22 seconds remaining tied the score at 64. Franklin produced 10 points and three steals Friday in a 63-47 victory against Belhaven.

Franklin needs 76 points to become the 19th XU woman to reach 1,000 in a career. Franklin began the season 29th on XU's career list and has climbed to 22nd with 924 points. In 21st place is Alisheian Graham (1999-2003) with 944 points.

Xavier, 9-2 and ranked ninth in NAIA Division I, will play 12th-ranked Bethel (Tenn.) at 2 p.m. Wednesday at XU's new Convocation Center. The Nuggets will open defense of their GCAC championship at 3 p.m. EST Saturday against Edward Waters at Jacksonville, Fla.

By Ed Cassiere, SID
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA