Carson-Newman’s Shari Buford Named Women’s Division II Bulletin Player of the Month for November

BEAVERTON, Ore. – Carson-Newman senior forward Shari Buford (Hampton, Ga.) has been named National Player of the Month by the Women’s Division II Bulletin for the month of November. The announcement was made in the first regular season printing of the publication, which is in its 17th year covering NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball. It is the first time in C-N history that a player has been named national player of the month.

“It is an honor to have a player named national player of the month,” said Head Coach Dean Walsh. “This is a testament to the team and her hard work early in the season. It is terrific for Carson-Newman and Shari; the key will be to continue the success into our conference schedule.”

Buford was named South Atlantic Conference Player of the Week on Nov. 23 after posting 14.3 points and 10.5 rebounds in the Lady Eagles’ four wins to open the season. She added 4.8 blocks and 4.0 steals over the course of the four contests.

She pulled down a school-record 13 offensive rebounds on Nov. 15 against Anderson and with her four blocks Friday against Georgia College, Buford tied the school record for rejections in a career. Her two blocks Saturday against Columbus State gave her the new top school mark with 144.

Buford is averaging 13.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game while also tallying 3.5 blocks, 2.5 steals and a 88.2% (15-for-17) average from the charity stripe. The 2008-09 Division II field goal percentage champion has connected on 34-of-63 shots (54.0%) from the floor as well thus far.

The Lady Eagles, who are receiving votes in the USA Today/ESPN Division II Coaches' Poll, will return to the hardwood on Wednesday when they visit Maryville College at 6:00 p.m.