Moore named 2006 MVC Newcomer-of-the-Year
03/09/2006 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
March 9, 2006
By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Southern Illinois University junior forward Carlai Moore was named the 2006 Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer-of-the-Year, the league announced today during its pre-tournament luncheon at the University Plaza Hotel.
Moore, also a second-team all-MVC selection, is SIU's first Newcomer-of-the-Year since Holly Teague garnered the honor in 2000. She is the third Saluki all-time to win the award.
"It feels great to have accomplished one of my goals," said Moore. "However, I couldn't have done it without the help of my coaches and teammates."
Statistically, Moore leads the Salukis and ranks fourth in the Valley with 17.7 points per game. A native of Kansas City, Kan., she has scored 20 or more points on 11 occasions this season, including a career-high of 31 against Illinois State (Dec. 30).
Moore, a three-time MVC Newcomer-of-the-Week, also leads the conference in field goal percentage (.548) and has posted two double-doubles on the year.
"Carlai is a phenomenal athlete with outstanding coachability," said Saluki head coach Dana Eikenberg. "She is a special person and I'm thrilled for her."
2006 MVC Specialty Award-Winners
Freshman-of-the-Year Kristi Cirone, Illinois State
Newcomer-of-the-Year Carlai Moore, Southern Illinois
Defensive Player-of-the-Year Cassie Hager, Northern Iowa
Scholar-Athlete of the Year Melanie Boeglin, Indiana State
Jackie Stiles Most Valuable Player Melanie Boeglin, Indiana State
Rawlings/Valley Coach-of-the-Year Jim Wiedie, Indiana State