Women's Basketball Holds Annual Awards Banquet :: The 2007-08 team was honored at the banquet

April 11, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford women's basketball program held its annual awards banquet Friday night at the Pete Hanna Center.

The 2007-08 women's basketball team set a school record for wins, posting a 23-9 overall record. The team also reached the semifinals of the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament for the third season in a row.

Head Coach Mike Morris began the ceremonies with a recap of the 2007-08 season. Following the season recap, the Letterwinners Awards were presented to each member of the team.

Senior point guard Taryn Towns was named the team's Most Valuable Player. Towns was one of only two players on the team to start all 32 games this season. She led the team in assists and minutes played, and she ranked third on the team in steals.

Towns also received the Assist Award at the banquet. During the season, Towns dished out a career-high 123 assists (3.8 apg.). For her Samford career, Towns ranks fourth in school history in assists.

The Rebound Award went to freshman Savannah Hill. Hill led the team with 146 rebounds (4.6 rpg.).

Sophomore Monica Maxwell was presented with the Step-Up Award. For the season, Maxwell ranked second on the team in scoring (10.7 ppg.), fourth in rebounding (3.9 rpg.) and third in assists (2.1 apg.).

The Offensive Player Award went to freshman Emily London. London, who was named the OVC's Freshman of the Year, led the team in scoring, averaging 12.2 points per game this season. She led the OVC in three-point field goal percentage at 48.8 percent.

The Most Improved Award went to junior Chika Okoli. Okoli had her best season in a Samford uniform this year, scoring 8.2 points per game and ranking second on the team in rebounding, pulling down 4.1 rebounds per game.

Head Manager Mallory Morgan received the It Is Important Award for all of her contributions to the team throughout the season.

The team's three seniors, Towns, Alex Munday and MaKenzie Spruiell were also honored as the winningest senior class school history. After the awards were presented, each of the three seniors delivered speeches, and the banquet was concluded with a season highlight film.