Charlotte, NC (December 1, 2025) – Week Three of CIAA Basketball continued to showcase strong individual performances across women’s and men’s programs as teams advanced through non-conference play. Several student-athletes delivered standout scoring efforts, dominant defensive outings, and meaningful contributions that shaped team results. The CIAA recognizes six student-athletes for their impact throughout the week.
WOMEN’S WEEKLY RESULTS SUMMARY (Nov. 23–29)
CIAA women’s programs posted several notable performances in Week Three, highlighted by efficient scoring displays, high-impact defensive efforts, and key contributions from emerging underclassmen. Teams continued refining rotations and building momentum as non-conference play progressed.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HONOREES
Player of the Week
Azahreya Drayton-Gill, Bluefield State
Drayton-Gill powered Bluefield State to back-to-back wins with an outstanding two-game stretch, totaling 43 points, 16 rebounds, nine steals, and four assists. The sophomore forward delivered a career-high 27 points in a win over Bluefield University, showcasing her ability to score at all levels while maintaining defensive intensity.
She opened the week against Glenville State with a 16-point, 8-rebound performance on 67-percent shooting and followed with 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals in a dominant 104-48 victory the next night. Her efficiency, versatility, and two-way production made her one of the top performers in the conference this week.
Game-by-Game Highlights:
Defensive Player of the Week
Tacoya Heyward, Claflin
Heyward delivered a dominant defensive showing in Claflin’s 76-42 win at Converse, controlling the glass and disrupting the perimeter. The sophomore guard recorded 11 rebounds, including an impressive 10 defensive boards, while adding 4 steals and 5 assists. Her defensive rebounding limited second-chance opportunities and fueled Claflin’s transition offense.
Heyward’s activity on the perimeter and discipline in passing lanes set the tone for a defensive performance that held Converse to just 42 points.
Game-by-Game Highlights:
Rookie of the Week
Ah’Kiyah Pye, Winston-Salem State
Pye continued her strong start to her redshirt freshman season with 27 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 7 steals across two wins. Her breakout performance came in an 89-63 victory at Concord, where she scored 22 points on 8-for-12 shooting while going a perfect 6-for-6 from the line and adding 6 steals.
She followed with 5 points and 6 rebounds in a narrow win at Barton, contributing key defensive stops and backcourt rebounding late in the game. Pye’s efficiency, energy, and two-way production made her one of the week’s most impactful newcomers.
Game-by-Game Highlights:
MEN’S WEEKLY RESULTS SUMMARY (Nov. 23–29)
CIAA men’s programs showcased strong guard play, high-level shot-blocking performances, and multiple 20-point efforts in Week Three. Teams continued gaining traction as non-conference action provided key early-season tests and development opportunities.
MEN’S BASKETBALL HONOREES
Player of the Week
Ezekiel Cannedy, Fayetteville State
Cannedy produced back-to-back 20-point outings while impacting the game across multiple categories. The senior guard totaled 40 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, and 8 made three-pointers over two wins, demonstrating his scoring versatility and leadership.
He opened with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 threes in a win over Coker before following with 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals at USC Aiken. His 86-percent free-throw shooting and late-game composure helped secure both victories.
Game-by-Game Highlights:
Defensive Player of the Week
Omari Byrd, Fayetteville State
Byrd delivered one of the most dominant defensive weeks of the season, averaging 4.5 blocks per game across two wins. His eight-block performance at USC Aiken was a defining moment, altering the game’s momentum and shutting down interior scoring.
Byrd also added 10 rebounds and 2 assists against Coker, followed by 8 rebounds and 8 blocks on the road. His ability to control the paint, protect the rim, and limit second-chance opportunities made him the conference’s top defensive presence this week.
Game-by-Game Highlights:
Rookie of the Week
O’Maundre Harris, Virginia Union
Harris continued to emerge as a key contributor for Virginia Union, averaging 7.0 points per game during the Panthers’ three-win week. His best performance came at Concord, where he scored 13 points on 6-for-10 shooting, helping VUU secure a 65-58 victory.
He added 2 points and 3 rebounds against District of Columbia and 6 points with 3 rebounds against Livingstone to close the week. Harris’s poise and efficiency provided steady production off the bench for a VUU team now riding a five-game winning streak.
Game-by-Game Highlights:
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.