Charlotte, NC (December 23, 2025) – Week Six of CIAA Basketball showcased clutch performances, defensive intensity, and breakout efforts as teams continued to find their rhythm through a demanding slate of conference and nonconference matchups. The week was highlighted by late-game heroics, dominant interior play, and freshmen stepping confidently into key roles. The CIAA recognizes six student athletes for their outstanding play during the week of December 14 through December 20.
WOMEN’S WEEKLY RESULTS SUMMARY (Dec. 14–Dec. 20)
CIAA women’s programs were fueled by strong post play, efficient scoring, and aggressive perimeter defense. Winston-Salem State and Livingstone led the way with consistent interior production and disruptive defensive efforts, while veteran leaders continued to anchor their teams during a competitive week of action.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HONOREES
Player of the Week
Breasia Coit, Livingstone
Coit delivered a dominant three-game week for Livingstone, showcasing her ability to control the paint, score efficiently, and anchor the Blue Bears on both ends of the floor. The junior forward produced consistent double-double efforts while carrying the offensive load against a challenging slate.
Across the week, Coit totaled 52 points and 31 rebounds, shooting an efficient 21-of-39 from the field and 10-of-20 from the free-throw line. She averaged 17.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, underscoring her steady presence in the post and on the glass.
Her signature performance came on December 20 against Barton College, when Coit poured in a career-high 33 points on 13-of-18 shooting while grabbing 10 rebounds to record a dominant double-double. Earlier in the week, she posted 14 points and 11 rebounds at King University and added 10 rebounds with five steals against Bowie State, continuing to impact the game in multiple ways.
Game-by-Game Highlights:
- at Bowie State (12/15/25) – L 74–65: 5 points, 10 rebounds, 5 steals
- at King (TN) (12/18/25) – L 83–63: 14 points, 11 rebounds
- vs Barton College (12/20/25) – L 74–70: 33 points, 10 rebounds
Defensive Player of the Week
Makayla Waleed, Winston-Salem State
Waleed delivered a dominant defensive week for Winston-Salem State, setting the tone with relentless perimeter pressure, disruptive hands, and timely playmaking in three victories. The senior guard was a constant presence on both ends of the floor, combining elite steal production with efficient scoring and steady leadership.
Across the week, Waleed totaled 35 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and 11 steals, shooting 14-of-33 from the field, 3-of-8 from three-point range, and 4-of-6 from the free-throw line. Her ability to pressure ball handlers and create turnovers fueled the Rams’ defensive identity during a perfect week.
Her top performance came on December 18 at Ferrum, where she recorded a season-high eight steals to go along with 14 points and four rebounds in a hard-fought 47–44 road victory. Waleed followed with strong efforts at Lincoln and against Mount Olive, continuing to impact the game defensively while contributing offensively.
Game-by-Game Highlights:
- at Lincoln (PA) (12/15/25) – W 58–47: 9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals
- at Ferrum (12/18/25) – W 47–44: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 8 steals
- vs Mount Olive (12/20/25) – W 86–50: 12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal
Rookie of the Week
Breonna Roaf, Winston-Salem State
Roaf continued her strong freshman campaign with a steady and efficient three-game week as Winston-Salem State went undefeated. The rookie point guard provided scoring punch, poise at the lead guard spot, and consistent production while helping guide the Rams through a perfect stretch.
For the week, Roaf totaled 23 points and eight rebounds, shooting 9-of-18 from the field, 3-of-8 from three-point range, and a perfect 2-of-2 from the free-throw line. She also added two assists and one steal, showcasing her ability to impact the game beyond scoring.
Her top performance came on December 15 at Lincoln (PA), where Roaf scored 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting, added four rebounds, and went 2-of-2 from the line in a 58–47 road victory. She followed with solid contributions at Ferrum and against Mount Olive, continuing to deliver reliable minutes and production in the backcourt.
Game-by-Game Highlights:
- at Lincoln (PA) (12/15/25) – W 58–47: 13 points, 4 rebounds
- at Ferrum (12/18/25) – W 47–44: 3 points, 4 rebounds
- vs Mount Olive (12/20/25) – W 86–50: 7 points
MEN’S WEEKLY RESULTS SUMMARY (Dec. 14–Dec. 20)
CIAA men’s programs were highlighted by clutch guard play, strong interior defense, and impactful freshman contributions. Lincoln (PA) and Claflin led the way with statement performances, while late-game execution and physical play defined several key matchups throughout the week.
MEN’S BASKETBALL HONOREES
Player of the Week
Bonard Johnson, Lincoln (PA)
Johnson delivered a clutch and high-scoring week for Lincoln (PA), powering the Lions with perimeter shooting, shot creation, and late-game heroics across three contests. The junior guard consistently carried the offensive load while making winning plays when it mattered most.
For the week, Johnson totaled 57 points, shooting 20-of-46 from the field, 8-of-20 from three-point range, and 9-of-13 from the free-throw line. He averaged 19.0 points per game while adding 13 rebounds and seven assists, underscoring his all-around impact in the backcourt.
His signature moment came on December 15 against Winston-Salem State, when Johnson hit the game-winning shot in the final moments to lift Lincoln to a 59–57 victory while finishing with 18 points. He followed with a steady effort at Clark Atlanta before erupting for a team-high 28 points against Morehouse on December 19, knocking down six three-point field goals in an 80–72 win.
Game-by-Game Highlights:
- vs Winston-Salem State (12/15/25) – W 59–57: 18 points, game-winning basket
- at Clark Atlanta (12/18/25) – L 74–66: 11 points, 6 rebounds
- vs Morehouse (12/19/25) – W 80–72: 28 points, six three-point field goals
Defensive Player of the Week
David Onyekonwu, Claflin
Onyekonwu anchored Claflin’s interior defense with a physical and impactful three-game week, providing rim protection, efficient scoring, and a strong presence on the glass for the Panthers. The senior center was a consistent force in the paint, altering shots and controlling the interior against a challenging slate.
For the week, Onyekonwu totaled 26 points, 24 rebounds, and five blocks, while shooting an efficient 11-of-12 from the field. His ability to finish around the rim and protect it on the defensive end set the tone for Claflin’s frontcourt.
His standout performance came on December 19 against Lynn, when he recorded 18 points on 9-of-10 shooting, added eight rebounds, and swatted four shots, narrowly missing a double-double in a breakout showing. He opened the week with 11 points and seven rebounds in a road win at Elizabeth City State, then followed with five rebounds, two assists, and three blocks at Florida Tech.
Game-by-Game Highlights:
- at Elizabeth City State (12/15/25) – W 77–69: 11 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks
- vs Lynn (12/19/25) – L 85–75: 18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks
- at Florida Tech (12/20/25) – L 74–62: 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks
Rookie of the Week
Julius Olanrewaju, Lincoln (PA)
Olanrewaju delivered a productive three-game week for Lincoln (PA), providing steady minutes, physical play in the paint, and timely scoring as the Lions posted two victories. The freshman forward continued to grow into his role, contributing on both ends of the floor against a challenging slate.
For the week, Olanrewaju totaled 32 points and 13 rebounds while shooting 10-of-27 from the field and a perfect 11-of-11 from the free-throw line. His ability to finish through contact and battle on the glass gave Lincoln a reliable interior presence off the bench.
He opened the week with his top performance on December 15 against Winston-Salem State, scoring 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting while grabbing nine rebounds in a 59–57 victory. Olanrewaju followed with 12 points at Clark Atlanta, then added six points and key interior work in an 80–72 win over Morehouse.
Game-by-Game Highlights:
- vs Winston-Salem State (12/15/25) – W 59–57: 14 points, 9 rebounds
- at Clark Atlanta (12/18/25) – L 74–66: 12 points
- vs Morehouse (12/19/25) – W 80–72: 6 points
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.