CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL
ATLANTA, Ga. (February 20, 2024) – Berea’s sophomore forward LynKaylah James leads the pack as the standout player on this year’s women’s all-conference team, clinching the prestigious 2023-24 CCS Player of the Year award. Joining her in this lineup of excellence are Covenant’s senior forward Megan Rouse, recognized as the Defensive Player of the Year, and Maryville’s freshman guard Emily Allen, honored as the Sixth Player of the Year, voted by the conference’s head coaches. Additionally, Piedmont’s freshman forward Alexandria Willis secures this season’s Rookie of the Year title, while Berea’s Trent Milby earns the esteemed Coach of the Year distinction, as announced by the league office.
Player of the Year | LynKaylah James, Berea
LynKaylah James of Berea claims the coveted Player of the Year title, showcasing her remarkable skills as the second leading scorer in the league with an average of 17.2 points per game. Additionally, the sophomore forward leads both the league and her team in rebounding with an impressive 11.2 rebounds per game. Her leadership on the court is evident as she leads the Mountaineers in scoring, securing four-time CCS Player of the Week honors and achieving 13 double-doubles this season, including a career-high 34-point performance against Maryville. James also leads the league in field goal percentage and has been instrumental in guiding her team to a stellar 15-1 record, currently boasting the best defense in the conference.
Defensive Player of the Year | Megan Rouse, Covenant
Covenant’s senior forward Megan Rouse earns recognition as the Defensive Player of the Year, dominating the court with her exceptional shot-blocking abilities. Rouse leads the CCS in blocks with an impressive 59 and holds the Covenant record for the most blocks in program history, totaling 161. Her defensive prowess is further highlighted by a career-high seven blocks in a crucial win over Belhaven, along with 18 steals for the season.
Sixth Player of the Year | Emily Allen, Maryville
Maryville’s freshman guard Emily Allen shines as the Sixth Player of the Year, making significant contributions off the bench and ranking in the top three in scoring and rebounding for the Scots. Allen also leads her team in assists with 52 and delivered a standout performance with a game-high 29 points against Piedmont.
Rookie of the Year | Alexandria Willis, Piedmont
Piedmont’s freshman forward Alexandria Willis makes an impressive debut, securing the Rookie of the Year title with her standout performances on the court. Willis earned recognition as a four-time CCS Rookie of the Week and ranks second on her team in total rebounds. She also boasts two double-doubles, both achieved in conference games, showcasing her impact in her inaugural season with the Lions.
Coach of the Year | Trent Milby, Berea
Berea’s Trent Milby garners the Coach of the Year honor, achieving a significant milestone with his 200th career win at Berea College this past season. Milby’s leadership is evident as he guides the women's team to an outstanding 15-1 record in conference play, securing the No. 1 seed in the tournament and earning regional ranking recognition.
Superlative Awards
Player of the Year – LynKaylah James, Berea
Defensive Player of the Year – Megan Rouse, Covenant
Sixth Player of the Year – Emily Allen, Maryville
Rookie of the Year – Alexandria Willis, Piedmont
Coach of the Year – Trent Milby, Berea
CCS Women’s Basketball All-Conference Teams
First Team
| Name |
Institution |
Class |
Position |
Hometown |
| LynKaylah James |
Berea |
Sophomore |
Forward |
Bowling Green, Ky. |
| Courtney Carruthers |
Maryville |
Senior |
Guard |
Maryville, Tenn. |
| Zyhia Johnson |
LaGrange |
Junior |
Guard |
Homerville, Ga. |
| Drea Satori |
Berea |
Junior |
Guard |
Louisville, Ky. |
| Briana Mcgruder |
Huntingdon |
Junior |
Forward |
Decatur, Ga. |
| Kinstin Davis |
Huntingdon |
Junior |
Guard |
Mobile, Ala. |
| Laila Battle |
LaGrange |
Sophomore |
Guard |
Smyrna, Ga. |
| Ebony Gayden |
Belhaven |
Senior |
Forward |
McComb, Miss. |
| Xhiir Burgess |
Belhaven |
Graduate Student |
Forward |
Lafayette, Miss. |
| Ashley Scott |
Piedmont |
Graduate Student |
Guard |
Flowery Branch, Ga. |
| Jayden Merriweather |
Berea |
Junior |
Guard |
Greeneville, Tenn. |
Second Team
| Name |
Institution |
Class |
Position |
Hometown |
| Laken Stiles |
Piedmont |
Senior |
Guard |
Tiger, Ga. |
| Ella Haney |
Maryville |
Sophomore |
Guard |
Murfreesboro, Tenn. |
| Megan Rouse |
Covenant |
Senior |
Forward |
Brandon, Miss. |
| Amanda Mclendon |
LaGrange |
Sophomore |
Forward |
Orlando, Fla. |
| Alexandria Willis |
Piedmont |
Freshman |
Forward |
Dallas, Ga. |
| Andelin Hill |
Piedmont |
Junior |
Guard/Forward |
Dallas, Ga. |
| Emma Huskey |
Maryville |
Junior |
Forward |
Sevierville, Tenn. |
| Laila Williams |
Agnes Scott |
Freshman |
Forward |
Lithonia, Ga. |
| Abby Witt |
Covenant |
Junior |
Forward |
Jackson, Miss. |
| Taylor Smith |
LaGrange |
Freshman |
Forward |
Orlando, Fla. |
CCS Women’s Basketball All-Sportsmanship
| Name |
Institution |
Class |
Position |
Hometown |
| Kayla Jones |
Agnes Scott |
Junior |
Guard |
Oakland, Calif. |
| Ashanti Lipscomb |
Belhaven |
Junior |
Guard |
Mobile, Ala. |
| Nevaeh Bates |
Berea |
Sophomore |
Guard |
Jeffersonville, In. |
| Madison Blevins |
Covenant |
Senior |
Guard/Forward |
South Pittsburg, Tenn. |
| Cassidy Campbell |
Huntingdon |
Junior |
Guard |
Hanceville, Ala. |
| Ashley Free |
LaGrange |
Senior |
Guard |
Montgomery, Ala. |
| Dora Moore |
Maryville |
Sophomore |
Center |
Adairsville, Ga. |
| Colby Reed |
Piedmont |
Graduate Student |
Guard |
Chiefland, Fla. |
| Destiny Grider |
Wesleyan |
Freshman |
Guard |
Hinesville, GA |
ABOUT THE COLLEGIATE CONFERENCE OF THE SOUTH
The CCS is an NCAA Division III athletic conference that began play during the 2022-23 academic year. The conference features nine member institutions (Agnes Scott College, Berea College, Belhaven University, Covenant College, Huntingdon College, LaGrange College, Maryville College, Piedmont University, and Wesleyan College) and sponsors championships across 14 sports. In addition to sharing the member institutions' geographic identity, the name 'Collegiate Conference of the South' is indicative of a shared commitment to academic excellence, which is commensurate with the NCAA Division III philosophy.
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