Charlotte, NC (November 24, 2025) – Week Two of CIAA Basketball featured competitive performances across women’s and men’s programs as teams continued early-season play. Several teams earned key non-conference wins while others used the week to strengthen rotations and build continuity. The CIAA recognizes six student-athletes for their standout contributions.
WOMEN’S WEEKLY RESULTS SUMMARY (Nov. 16–22)
CIAA women’s programs delivered several strong outings in Week Two, including notable scoring performances, efficient offensive nights, and impactful defensive efforts. Teams continued to build rhythm as non-conference play progressed and newcomers settled into early-season roles.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HONOREES
Player of the Week
Ashari Lewis, Claflin
Lewis delivered an outstanding Week Two performance, showcasing leadership, efficiency, and disruptive defense across two strong outings for Claflin. She totaled 39 points for the week while shooting 60 percent from the floor, adding five rebounds, eight assists, eight steals, and a block. Her impact was felt at every level of the game as she guided Claflin on both ends of the court.
Lewis opened the week with 17 points, four assists, a block, and two steals against Lynn, providing steady scoring and playmaking. She followed with a dominant 22-point performance in a win over Morris College, shooting 10-for-14 from the field and recording six steals in just 25 minutes. Her ability to score efficiently, create for teammates, and generate turnovers made her one of the most complete players in the conference this week.
Game-by-Game Highlights:
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vs Lynn (11/18/25) – L 68-64: 17 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
Defensive Player of the Week
De’aisjah Somerville, Virginia Union
Somerville delivered one of the top defensive performances of Week Two, anchoring Virginia Union with physical interior play, relentless rebounding, and strong activity around the rim. The junior guard/forward totaled 28 rebounds across three games, highlighted by an 18-rebound outing in VUU’s 69-50 win at Shepherd. Her effort controlled the glass, limited second-chance opportunities, and set the tone for VUU’s defensive identity.
Somerville also added 16 points at Chowan and 6 rebounds in a win over Ferrum before closing the week with an 11-point, 18-rebound, 4-steal performance at Shepherd. Her ability to rebound out of her area, defend multiple positions, and consistently disrupt plays made her one of the most impactful defenders in the conference this week.
Game-by-Game Highlights:
Rookie of the Week
Makailah Davis, Claflin
Davis made an impressive collegiate debut in Week Two, highlighted by a breakout performance in Claflin’s Homecoming win over Morris College. The freshman guard scored 17 points on 58-percent shooting, adding five rebounds, two steals, and a block as she showcased scoring versatility and defensive energy. Her confidence and efficiency stood out as she took on a meaningful role in her first week of action.
Despite limited minutes in the opening game against Lynn, Davis responded with poise in her second outing, providing immediate playmaking, rebounding, and disruptive perimeter defense. Her ability to impact multiple areas of the floor made her one of the most promising newcomers of the week.
Game-by-Game Highlights:
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vs Morris (11/22/25) – W 98-28: 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 2 made threes
MEN’S WEEKLY RESULTS SUMMARY (Nov. 16–22)
CIAA men’s programs continued early-season action with competitive matchups across the region. Several teams posted notable scoring performances and strong defensive outings, while multiple players delivered impactful individual efforts as lineups and roles continued to solidify.
MEN’S BASKETBALL HONOREES
Player of the Week
Jamauri Bryant, Johnson C. Smith
Bryant delivered a highly efficient scoring week for Johnson C. Smith, averaging 17.3 points per game across three contests while shooting 56 percent from the field. The senior forward opened the season with a 22-point performance at Allen before adding 15 points each in wins over Virginia-Lynchburg and Morris. Bryant consistently provided interior scoring, timely perimeter touches, and strong finishing around the rim, serving as a stabilizing force for the Golden Bulls’ offense.
In addition to his scoring production, Bryant totaled 20 rebounds for the week and contributed on the defensive end with multiple contested stops and active play on the glass. His balanced output was central to JCSU’s two-win week and early-season momentum.
Game-by-Game Highlights:
Defensive Player of the Week
Anthony Latty, Bluefield State
Latty anchored Bluefield State’s interior defense throughout Week Two, delivering a dominant effort on the glass across three competitive matchups. The graduate center totaled 27 rebounds for the week, highlighted by a 16-rebound performance at Glenville State where he controlled the paint on both ends and limited second-chance opportunities. His physical presence around the rim and ability to track down tough rebounds kept Bluefield State in striking distance late in each contest.
In addition to his work on the boards, Latty added six points, three assists, and multiple contested stops that disrupted opponent rhythm in half-court sets. His consistency in anchoring the paint made him one of the most impactful defensive players of the week.
Game-by-Game Highlights:
Rookie of the Week
Olanrewaju Julius, Lincoln (PA)
Julius continued his strong freshman start with another standout performance, posting 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block in Lincoln’s narrow two-point contest against Queens (NY). The first-year guard shot 54 percent from the floor and knocked down three threes while also converting at the free-throw line, showcasing efficiency at all levels. His scoring, physicality, and composure once again separated him from all other rookies in Week Two.
Julius’s ability to generate offense both inside and out, paired with his work on the glass and activity defensively, solidified his position as one of the most impactful newcomers in the conference through the early weeks of the season.
Game-by-Game Highlights:
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vs Queens (NY) (11/22/25) – L 62-60: 23 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block, 3 made threes
Fans can follow CIAA basketball all season long on the CIAA Sports Network and across official conference platforms.
Media Contact:
Anna M. Butzlaff
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
abutzlaff@theciaa.com
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first, and longest-running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.