LSU’s Johnson, Morrow, Williams finalists for multiple national awards

As LSU continues to stack up the wins, now 23-1 overall, it’s three star players continued to gain recognition across the country and pick up more awards and are now finalists for the top awards in the country. Flau’Jae Johnson, Aneesah Morrow, and Mikaylah Williams are all candidates to win the player of the year at their positions and Morrow is even seen as one of the top defenders in the country as well.

Here’s a rundown of the awards the trio is up for and everything to know.

Flau’Jae Johnson a Finalist for Ann Meyers Drysdale Shooting Guard of the Year

LSU’s Flau’Jae Johnson is one of 10 finalists for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Shooting Guard of the Year award which is presented by the WBCA and Naismith Hall of Fame.

Johnson has upped her scoring in her junior season. She combined to averaged 12.9 points per game throughout her first two collegiate seasons, but this year Johnson’s scoring has jumped to 20.0 points per game. Going back to the final three games of last season’s NCAA Tournament, Johnson has scored 20+ points in 17 of LSU’s previous 27 games. She has scored in double-figures in 33 straight games.

Johnson’s impact has been felt beyond her scoring too. She has four games this season with at least 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. She is just the third LSU player of the past 25 seasons with multiple 25/5/5 games in a season. Johnson has also recorded four double-doubles this season. In LSU’s win over Mississippi State, Johnson tied her career-high with four blocks as she held the Bulldogs’ leading scorer to her lowest points total in SEC play.

The Hall of Fame is releasing finalists for all its position awards each day throughout this week. Fans can support their favorite players in the remaining rounds by participating in Fan Voting, starting Friday, February 7, on hoophallawards.com. The Fan Vote will count as one committee vote during the finalist selection process.

Ann Meyers Drysdale Shooting Guard of the Year Finalists:
Sarah Ashlee Barker – Alabama
Lauren Jensen – Creighton
Ta’Niyah Latson – Florida State
Flau’Jae Johnson – LSU
Shyanne Sellers – Maryland
Hannah Hidalgo – Notre Dame
Madison Conner – TCU
JuJu Watkins – USC
Mikayla Blakes – Vanderbilt
JJ Quinerly – West Virginia

Mikaylah Williams a Finalist for Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year

LSU’s Mikaylah Williams is one of 10 finalists for this year’s Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year award, presented by the WBCA and Naismith Hall of Fame.

Williams has been critical to LSU’s success this season. She has been called upon to play numerous positions ranging from point guard all the way through power forward when LSU uses its small lineup.

The sophomore has been a three-level scoring threat for the Tigers. She is averaging 17.0 points per game with 48-39-90 shooting splits. Over LSU’s previous two games, Williams scored 37 points against No. 13 Oklahoma and 22 points against Mississippi State, combining to sink 11 threes in both games. She nailed the three to prove decisive in the wild, 107-100, win over the Sooners.

Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Finalists:
Yarden Garzon, Indiana
Mikaylah Williams, LSU
Grace VanSlooten, Michigan State
Saniya Rivers, NC State
Alyssa Ustby, North Carolina
Sonia Citron, Notre Dame
Cotie McMahon, Ohio State
Madison Booker, Texas
Sarah Strong, UConn
Gianna Kneepkens, Utah

Aneesah Morrow a Finalist for Katrina McClain Power Forward of the Year

LSU’s Aneesah Morrow is one of 10 finalists for this year’s Katrina McClain Power Forward of the Year award, presented by the WBCA and Naismith Hall of Fame.

The senior Morrow has had a monster season and is putting the finishing touches on an elite career. Earlier this year she became just the eighth player in NCAA DI history to secure both 2,500 career points and 1,500 career rebounds. She had the second most double-doubles (95) in NCAA DI history and is looking to become the second player ever with 100 career double-doubles. Morrow is also currently tied for the sixth most rebounds in NCAA DI history at 1,570 with LSU’s Sylvia Fowles; at her current pace, Morrow could finish her career with the third most rebounds in NCAA DI history. LSU is in action Thursday night at Missouri.

Morrow is averaging 18.6 points per game and leads the country with 14.2 rebounds per game and 21 double-doubles. Morrow is the only player in the country with two 20/20 games and she nearly recorded a third last time out against Mississippi State with 18 points and 20 rebounds. She has recorded 15+ rebounds in 12 games this season. Morrow has played a key role for LSU to average 19 second chance points per game as she ranks No. 2 in the country with 5.3 offensive rebounds per game.

Fans can support their favorite players in the remaining rounds by participating in Fan Voting, starting Friday, February 7, on hoophallawards.com. The Fan Vote will count as one committee vote during the finalist selection process.

Katrine McClain Power Forward of the Year Finalists:
DeYona Gaston, Auburn
Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, Baylor
Makayla Timpson, Florida State
Yvonee Ejim, Gonzaga
Kandall Bostic, Illinois
Addy Brown, Iowa State
Aneesah Morrow, LSU
Liatu King, Notre Dame
Sania Feagin, South Carolina
Kiki Iriafen, USC

Aneesah Morrow on Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watchlist

Morrow is averaging 18.6 points per game and leads the country with 14.2 rebounds per game. She is grabbing 8.9 defensive rebounds per game, playing a big role in limiting opponent’s second-chance opportunities. She has also been active in the passing lanes and with her on ball defense as she ranks No. 4 in the SEC with 2.5 steals per game.

*LSU press releases

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