Brandy Whitfield had a big week for the Newberry girls basketball team.
The 5’5 sophomore point guard helped lead the Class 1A Lady Panthers to a 3-0 week by averaging 18.7 points, five rebounds, five assists, and 5.7 steals per game.
She has been recognized as the Pavlik Orthodontics Athlete of the Week for the week of Dec. 11.
“Brandy is a player who puts in lots of work on her game,” said Newberry coach Dameon Hughes. “She is easy to coach. Whatever we ask her to do she does it.”
Whitfield scored 21 points and shot 56% from the floor in a 67-36 win last Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Santa Fe (Alachua), but she also added eight assists and eight steals against the Class 4A Raiders.
She added seven steals in a 61-31 win against Chiefland the following night and finished the week with 17 steals in three games.
“Most people hear about her shooting, but her defense is unmatched,” Hughes said. “She has very quick hands.”
For the week she finished with a total of 56 points, 15 rebounds, 15 assists and 17 steals. She also shot 50% or better in all three games.
“Brandy has a basketball mind,” Hughes said. “She can see the floor very well. She knows when to take a three or drive to the basket. I’m proud to be her head coach and happy she is on my team.”
Whitfield becomes the 17th athlete this fall to be selected for the weekly award.
Last week’s winner was Hawthorne running back Keenon Johnson.
The junior helped lead the Hornets to a 22-13 win against Madison County in the FHSAA Class 1R state championship game by rushing for 110 yards on 21 carries. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry.
Other winners include Hawthorne linebacker Andrew Zock, Buchholz running back Quinton Cutler, Buchholz boys cross country state champion Riley Smith, Gainesville swimmer Ava Fuller, who won an individual state title, P.K. Yonge swimmer Lillie Nesty, who won two individual state titles, Santa Fe (Alachua) volleyball player Jordan Czaplewski, Williston running back Jace McDonald, Nash Lantinen of the St. Francis Catholic Academy football team, Oak Hall setter/right side hitter Cassidy McDonald, Oak Hall quarterback Dakota Brower, GHS quarterback Kane Smith, Buchholz football player Myles Graham, Hawthorne wide receiver Alvon Isaac, Chiefland running back Osten Jones, and Newberry volleyball player Hailey Tharp.
Coaches can email their nominations each week, along with stats, no later than Sunday night to mike.ridaught@mainstreetdailynews.com.