San Antonio – St. Mary’s University women’s basketball player Rachel Jones was named Heartland Conference women’s basketball player of the week for her play at the Lady Rattler Christmas Classic, it was announced by the league office on Thursday.

Jones (Jr., Little Rock, Ark.) was named tournament MVP for her play in leading the Rattlers to the tournament title. Jones averaged 13.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists, while shooting 52.4 percent from the field. Against Missouri-Rolla Jones scored nine of her game-high 15 points in leading a second half comeback. She also dished out the game-winning assist, a pass that Juanita Merchant put in with 2.2 seconds left in the game. She also pulled down six rebounds and dished out five assists. Against Hillsdale she hit on 5-of-7 shots from the field for 12 points and had three assists.

For the season Jones is averaging 10.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game, while shooting 47.3 percent from the field this season. She is second on the team in scoring and rebounding.

Jones award marked the fourth time in six weeks that a St. Mary’s player has earned Heartland Conference Player of the Week honors this season. Jones also was named POW for her play on Nov. 11-17. Natalie Gamez (Jr., San Antonio) has also earned the award twice this season.

The Rattlers have won six straight games and are 7-4 overall this season. St. Mary’s will return to action on Sunday, December 30 in the first round of the St. Mary’s New Year’s Classic against Southeastern Oklahoma State University at 6 p.m.

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