Wire Services

BIRMINGHAM – Alabama State guard Erica Lumpkin has been named the Southwestern Athletic Conference newcomer of the week.

The freshman from Selma – who has already earned a reputation as a tremendous outside shooter – had strong back-to-back performances for the Lady Hornets.

“Anytime a young player earns such an award it’s always a positive,” said ASU coach Freda Freeman-Jackson. “When we recruited Erica here, we knew she had the potential to be a big-time player.”

Lumpkin averaged 13.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals as ASU lost to North Carolina State and beat Winston-Salem State.

After scoring almost 2,000 points in her high school career, Lumpkin stepped into the Lady Hornets’ lineup and made an immediate impact.

“Erica has so much ability,” Freeman-Jackson said. “Hopefully, this success will encourage her to continue to work hard to achieve even more personal and team goals.”

Lumpkin is currently leading ASU in scoring with 12.7 points per game, and has already made 30 three-point shots – including at least one in every game this season.

Lumpkin has also been the Lady Hornets’ top scorer in seven of their 10 games.

“Even though she is young, Erica has the chance to be a real leader on this team,” Freeman-Jackson said. “With all of the players we are missing, we are counting on her scoring and leadership.”