Albion

Albion College’s Melissa Shaw has been named the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s Player of the Week in women’s basketball for the second time in three weeks, league publicist Greg Chandler announced Monday. The junior guard from Jackson and a graduate of Northwest High School led the Britons to victories over Saint Mary’s College and Kalamazoo College last week.

Shaw rolled up 36 points in the victories, scoring 19 at Saint Mary’s and 17 against Kalamazoo. She connected on 87 percent of her opportunities from the free throw line (13-of-15), dished out nine assists, collected six steals, and blocked two shots in the two games.

Shaw provided points at an important time for Albion in the victory over Saint Mary’s. Her 3-point goal boosted the Britons to a 36-19 lead early in the second half. Saint Mary’s came back to tie the score at 51, but Albion never surrendered the lead as Shaw made a pair of baskets.

"It's great to see Melissa being honored as the player of the week for her performances last week," Albion coach Doreen Carden said. "She really has stepped it up for us this year and does what she needs can to give us chances to win."

Shaw ranks second in the league in scoring with a 15.4-point average through nine games against MIAA rivals. She is also ranked second in the league in assists (3.89 per game) and fourth in free throw percentage (.846) and steals (3.00 per game).

Albion (8-9 overall, 4-5 MIAA) has moved into a four-way tie for fourth place in the MIAA by winning its last two games. The Britons will be in action at home Wednesday night when they square off against Adrian College for a 7:30 game inside Kresge Gymnasium. Zach Dirlam, ’13, will call the action for our internet audio and video broadcasts.