Alissa O'Dell and Deniya Thornton from Loyola University New Orleans women's basketball received accolades from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association, with O'Dell named to the first team and Thornton to the second team. Their outstanding performances contributed significantly to the Wolf Pack's impressive 25-5 record and Southern States Athletic Conference championship. O'Dell averaged 16 points and 8.2 rebounds, while Thornton was notable for her all-around statistics including 15.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

By the Numbers
  • O'Dell averaged 16 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.
  • Thornton scored 15.8 points and grabbed 6.3 rebounds per game.
  • Thornton is the only Louisiana college player to achieve 450 points, 100 free throws, 175 rebounds, 60 assists, 70 steals, and 25 blocks in one season.
Yes, But

Despite individual accolades, there's the challenge of maintaining momentum for the next season to build on their current success. The team's strong record may face scrutiny on their performance in upcoming NAIA competitions.

State of Play
  • Loyola women's basketball concluded the season with a notable 25-5 record.
  • O'Dell and Thornton are both expected to return, potentially propelling the team further in next season's championship pursuits.
What's Next

The Wolf Pack will aim to capitalize on their successful season and the accolades received, focusing on player development and strategies to enhance their national standings in future tournaments.

Bottom Line

O'Dell and Thornton's honors exemplify the strength of the Loyola women's basketball program, setting a high bar for next season. Their performance not only earned them personal recognition but also bolstered the team's reputation in Louisiana college basketball.