Courtesy of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
NORFOLK, Va., Jan. 10, 2024 – North Carolina Central guard Fred Cleveland, Jr. was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Offensive Player of the Week, presented by Coca-Cola. South Carolina State guard Mitchell Taylor was named Rookie of the Week, while Howard guard Bryce Harris earned Defensive Player of the Week honors, respectively.
Cleveland Jr. (G, 5-9, 165, Sr., Chicago, Ill.)led the Eagles to a 3-0 week, including a pair of wins to open MEAC action. He averaged 19.3 points with 6.67 assists, 2.33 rebounds, and 1.33 steals. He recorded 23 points with six assists against Truett McConnell and followed with 24 points, seven assists, and six rebounds against Howard.
Taylor (G, 170, 6-3, Fr., Atlanta, Ga.) scored 18 points with four boards, two assists and two steals in the Bulldogs 82-78 tough loss to the Bison. He averaged 15.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals on the weekend.
Harris (G, 6-45 200, Jr., Brentwood, N.Y.) averaged 19.3 points and 7.0 rebounds with 3.0 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 0.67 steals for the Bison. Harris scored 18 points against Yale and followed with 21 points and 10 rebounds in a loss to N.C. Central. He closed the weekend with 19 points and seven rebounds in the win over South Carolina State. Harris shot 59 percent from the field and 78 percent (14-of-17) from the free-throw line.
Other Top Performers
- Ryan Archey (Coppin State) recorded 18 points and eight rebounds, with five assists and two steals in two games.
- Greg Spurlock (Coppin State) led the Eagles with 17 points in the 58-55 overtime victory against Maryland Eastern Shore while contributing 12 boards, one steal, and one assist.
- Martaz Robinson (Delaware State) totaled 32 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and eight steals as the Hornets went 2-0 on the week.
- Deywilk Tavarez (Delaware State)averaged 10.0 points with 3.0 assists, 3.0 steals, and 2.5 rebounds in two games for the Hornets.
- Wesley Oba (Delaware State) tallied 14 rebounds in the Hornets 78-66 victory over Morgan State.
- Jamarii Thomas (Norfolk State) totaled 49 points and 12 rebounds in three games for NSU. Thomas was impressive (84%) from the charity stripe, connecting on 27-of-32 shots.
- Po’Boigh King (N.C. Central) recorded 17 points with eight rebounds, two assists, and three steals in the 60-58 win over Norfolk State.
