Charlotte, NC (January 6, 2026) – Week Eight of CIAA Basketball featured dominant individual performances, defensive intensity, and impactful contributions from veteran leaders and emerging freshmen as teams opened the 2026 calendar. Interior control, efficient scoring, and disruptive defensive play defined the week’s action. The CIAA recognizes six student athletes for their outstanding performances during Week Eight competition.
WOMEN’S WEEKLY RESULTS SUMMARY
CIAA women’s programs were highlighted by strong post play, balanced scoring, and aggressive defensive efforts. Winston–Salem State and Bowie State led the way with commanding victories, while individual standouts anchored their teams on both ends of the floor.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HONOREES
Player of the Week
Maia Charles, Winston–Salem State
Maia Charles delivered a complete performance for Winston–Salem State in a dominant 100 to 49 victory over Virginia University of Lynchburg. The sophomore forward recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 4 of 11 from the field and a perfect 6 of 6 from the free throw line. Charles added three blocks and three steals, impacting the game on both ends of the floor.
Game by Game Highlights:
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vs Virginia University of Lynchburg (1/2/26) – W 100 to 49: 14 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 steals
Defensive Player of the Week
Jada Bouknight, Bowie State
Jada Bouknight anchored Bowie State’s defensive effort with a dominant interior performance against Johnson C. Smith. The junior forward finished with six rebounds, four blocks, and a steal, consistently altering shots and controlling the paint throughout the contest. Bouknight’s rim protection helped limit Johnson C. Smith to just 31 percent shooting from the field with no made three-point field goals.
Game by Game Highlights:
Rookie of the Week
Amari Baldwin, Winston–Salem State
Amari Baldwin continued her strong freshman campaign with an impactful all-around performance in Winston–Salem State’s 100 to 49 victory over Virginia University of Lynchburg. The freshman guard finished with 12 points, three rebounds, five assists, and four steals, with her defensive pressure leading directly to scoring opportunities.
Game by Game Highlights:
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vs Virginia University of Lynchburg (1/2/26) – W 100 to 49: 12 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals
MEN’S WEEKLY RESULTS SUMMARY
CIAA men’s basketball action was defined by efficient scoring, physical interior play, and consistent defensive presence. Winston–Salem State, Bowie State, and Virginia Union benefited from veteran leadership and strong contributions across the lineup.
MEN’S BASKETBALL HONOREES
Player of the Week
Guy Fauntleroy, Bowie State
Guy Fauntleroy opened the 2026 calendar in standout fashion, continuing to establish himself as one of the CIAA’s most reliable perimeter threats. The senior guard scored 23 points against Shaw, shooting 7 of 11 from the field while knocking down five three-point field goals. Fauntleroy added seven rebounds and three steals, impacting the game on both ends of the floor.
Game by Game Highlights:
Defensive Player of the Week
Abou Camara, Winston–Salem State
Abou Camara anchored Winston–Salem State’s interior defense with a dominant two game stretch highlighted by physicality and control on the glass. The senior forward averaged 12 points and 11 rebounds on the week while shooting 12 of 18 from the field.
His top performance came against Virginia University of Lynchburg, where he recorded a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds on 8 of 10 shooting in a 112 to 76 victory. Camara followed that effort with 10 rebounds in a December 31 win over Belmont Abbey.
Game by Game Highlights:
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vs Virginia University of Lynchburg (1/2/26) – W 112 to 76: 16 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal
vs Belmont Abbey (12/31/25) – W 76 to 68: 10 rebounds
Rookie of the Week
O’Maundre Harris, Virginia Union
O’Maundre Harris turned in a season best performance to help Virginia Union extend its winning streak, delivering a confident and efficient outing in the backcourt. The redshirt freshman guard scored a season high 18 points in the Panthers’ 74 to 64 victory over St. Thomas Aquinas, shooting 7 of 12 from the field and connecting on two three-point field goals. Harris added three rebounds and three assists as Virginia Union secured its 12th consecutive win.
Game by Game Highlights:
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Media Contact:
Anna M. Butzlaff | abutzlaff@theciaa.com
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
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.