Pictured (l-r): Darrell Miller and Raona Stowers receive all-conference honors from the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference
The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference announced that two Fisk University basketball players have earned all-conference honors during its recent post-season basketball awards banquet in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Lady Bulldog senior guard Raona Stowers led her team in scoring with an average of 13.9 points per game in the season. The Mississippi native has come a long way after suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2011-12. Stowers worked hard to make a strong presence in the conference.
“Raona worked hard in the offseason to get back to a level we knew she could play. I am so proud of her. This honor is well deserved,” said Fisk Athletic Director Anthony Owens.
The 5’6 Stowers played in all 30 games this year. She scored career high 31 points at Lane (Tenn.) College on February 13. She also was second in the conference in free throws attempted (219) and free throws made (142). Associate Head Coach Tony Thompson said her ability to get to the basket was a key for the team all year.
“That is her game. She drives to the basket with passion and tenacity. Teams tried to key on her and that helped others to succeed. Man, I wish we had her one more year,” said Thompson.
“I am humbled to be named one of the top players in this league. There are some talented ladies in the conference. I thank God for blessing me with talent, my family for always pushing me, this coaching staff for believing in me and my teammates, because without them I wouldn’t have this honor. I will miss playing here. I expect big things out of this program,” said Stowers.
The other Bulldog that made all-conference was 6’7 junior Darrell Miller. Miller was third in the conference in scoring with 16.8 points per game average. The Nashville native also was third in the conference in rebounding, averaging 9.0 per game. Miller was a double-double machine netting 10 on the year. His work ethic really started to show up at the end of the year.
“He is one of the hardest workers that I have coached. Teams tried to bump him and get physical with him. For the most part he played through it. He carried us down the stretch of the season. His focus and basketball IQ has allowed him to not just be good, but great,” said Fisk Head Coach Derek Watkins.
Miller, who only started 16 of the 27 games he played in, was excited to achieve this honor but wants more.
“It feels amazing to be recognized like this. We were underdogs all year but we played hard. I will miss the seniors but I can’t wait to get back on the court next season. My goal is to bring a title to the Fisk community,” said Miller.
