INDIANAPOLIS (UBSWA) – Gavin Barrett of Penn College (Williamsport, Pa.) and Paris Kiser of Hardin-Simmons University (Abilene, Texas) were named the U.S. Basketball Writers Association Division III National Players of the Week for the period ending February 18.
Barrett, a 6-1 junior guard from Roselle, N.J., produced a pair of triple-doubles as Penn won both of its games last week. In an 80-61 win at Gallaudet on Wednesday, Barrett scored 15 points (5-of-9 FG, 3-of-3 FT, 2-of-5 3FG), grabbed 10 rebounds, had 16 assists (the second-highest one-game total in NCAA Division III this season), and added two steals. Then, in a first-round United East Tournament game against Penn State Berks game on Saturday, he finished with 22 points (9-of-15 FG, 3-of-3 FT, 1-of-4 3FG), 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and a steal in the Wildcats’ 100-71 victory. For the week, Barrett averaged 18.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, 13.0 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting 58.3 percent (14-of-24) from the field, 100 percent (6-of-6) from the foul line and 33.3 percent (3-of-9) from behind the arc. For his efforts, Barrett was also named United East Conference Player of the Week.
Kiser, a 5-7 senior guard from Burnet, Texas, helped lead Hardin-Simmons (No. 10 WBCA, No. 16 D3hoops.com) to a pair of road victories last week. On Thursday at Concordia, Kiser played only 16 minutes, yet finished with 22 points (8-of-12 FG, 3-of-4 FT, 3-of-7 3FG), four rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Then, in an 88-85 overtime win at then-No. 24 (D3hoops.com) Mary Hardin-Baylor on Saturday, she scored a career-high 36 points (12-of-22 FG, 8-of-9 FT, 4-of-8 3FG), including seven of the Cowgirls’ nine points in overtime. Kiser added three rebounds, four assists and a steal in the contest. For the week, she averaged 29.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting 58.8 percent (20-of-34) from the field, 84.6 percent (11-of-13) from the foul line, and 46.7 percent (7-of-15) from three-point range. For her efforts, Kiser was also selected the American Southwest Conference Player of the Week.
Each Tuesday, the USBWA is selecting men's and women's Division III National Players of the Week. This is the ninth season that the USBWA will recognize national players of the week from Division III.
The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With some 900 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. It has selected an All-America team since the 1956-57 season. For more information on the USBWA and its award programs, contact executive director Malcolm Moran at 814-574-1485.
2023-24 USBWA Division III National Players of the Week
• Week ending Dec. 3: Jeff Hunter, Keene State; Natalie Anderson, Trinity (Texas)
• Week ending Dec. 10: Jordan Oates, Salisbury; Lauren Klieber, Neumann
• Week ending Dec. 17: Bryant Smith, Manchester; Mary Schleusner, Washington and Lee
• Week ending Dec. 31: Davidson Hubbard, Hampden-Sydney; Brianna Fitzgerald, SUNY-New Paltz
• Week ending Jan. 7: Khai Seargeant, Virginia Wesleyan; Mary Schleusner, Washington and Lee
• Week ending Jan. 14: Calvin Williams IV, St. Thomas; Arieona Rosborough, Mary Hardin-Baylor
• Week ending Jan. 21: Jalen Overway, Calvin; Caitlyn Scott, Albertus Magnus
• Week ending Jan. 28: Josh Van Gorp, Central College; Lauryn Milne, Wisconsin-La Crosse
• Week ending Feb. 4: Jaquan Adams, Principia; Brianna Fitzgerald, SUNY New Paltz
• Week ending Feb. 11: Josiah Johnson, Mary Hardin-Baylor; Tanaesha Ellison, William Peace
• Week ending Feb. 18: Gavin Barrett, Penn College; Paris Kiser, Hardin-Simmons