TSWA honors college players of the week - Jan. 28 — Tennessee Sports Writers Association

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Carson-Newman senior forward John Zhao helped lead the Eagles to a 2-0 week with big scoring efforts as he built momentum toward this week’s selection as the Tennessee Sports Writers Association’s Men’s Basketball Player of the Week.

The Sevierville native averaged 25.5 points and 6.5 rebounds as he helped the Eagles to an 89-74 win over Mars Hill and an 81-79 victory over Anderson. He was also named the WePlayed Sports South Atlantic Conference Player of the Week.

Against Mars Hill, Zhao scored 17 points, then followed it up with a career-high night with 34 points as he keyed a 15-point comeback victory over Anderson for his seventh career 30-point night. He scored 23 points in the second half alone.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: On the women’s side, Vanderbilt freshman guard Mikayla Blakes continued her strong play this season, averaging 28.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.0 steals as she led the Commodores to a pair of victories to earn the Women’s Basketball Player of the Week award.

The Somerset, N.J. native opened the week with a 24-point effort in a 101-60 victory over Arkansas – Vanderbilt’s sixth game this season over the century mark – as she knocked down four 3-pointers with two rebounds, three assists and a steal. Three nights later, Blakes made program history as she scored 33 points on the road at No. 19 Alabama – the most by a freshman on the road in Commodore history – to lead Vandy to its first road win over a ranked team since beating No. 24 Missouri in 2016.

Blakes was 10-for-21 from the field and 10-for-12 at the free-throw line. She also recorded five rebounds, an assist and three steals.