Rider's McKenzie Named
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week

LAWRENCEVILLE--Freshman MyNeshia McKenzie (Springfield, Pa./Springfield (Delco)) of the Rider University women's basketball team was named Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week it was announced by the conference office.

McKenzie, a 5-11 guard/forward, was honored for all games played January 3-9, 2011.

McKenzie averaged 9.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game for the week.

"MyNeshia is starting to understand the pace of the game and the level she needs to play at every day," said head coach Lynn Milligan.  "You are starting to see what she is capable of rebounding and running the floor."

Against Loyola on January 4, McKenzie kept the Broncs close to the 'Hounds posting career highs with 18 points and 15 rebounds for her first 'double-double' in Loyola's nine point win.

"She is quick up the floor and did a great job against Loyola," Milligan added.  "She battled on the offensive glass and gave us many second chance opportunities."

At Siena on January 8, McKenzie was again a force on the boards pulling down 12 more rebounds as Rider lost by 11 to the Saints.

"You really see this in truly good players, when one thing isn't working, you still do other things to help the team and that's what she did against the Saints," said Milligan.  "She wasn't scoring but kept after it and battled and got some key rebounds to keep us in the game."

McKenzie has led Rider in rebounds five times in the first 14 games of the season and she is averaging 11.4 rebounds per game in her last five games.

"MyNeshia's development helps take the pressure off of Caitlin (Bopp) and Sarah (Homan) as far as the banging underneath the basket," Milligan said.  "With Mac out there, that takes some of the pressure off those two in the middle."

Rider hosts Canisius in a MAAC game Monday night.

-RU-