Dec. 9, 2002

South Carolina senior Jocelyn Penn was named as the SEC Player of the Week Monday after her performances last week in South Carolina’s victories over Georgia Southern and Wofford.

“Winning the SEC Player of the Week Award is an honor and I am excited by the news,” said Penn. “I really worked hard over the summer to improve all areas of my game and this proves that my work and dedication paid off. Obviously, I couldn’t have scored 50 points without the help of my teammates and the coaching staff.”

Last week, the Naismith candidate averaged 38 points, 11 rebounds and over four steals per contest. Penn tied the South Carolina all-time record with 50 points against Wofford last Wednesday as she connected on 22-of-28 of her field goal attempts (78.6%) after starting the game on a 10-for-10 tear. The potential All-American scored 26 points in the first half and also grabbed 11 boards and made six steals on the night.

On Tuesday night, she led the Gamecocks to a victory over Georgia Southern, 75-54, with her 26 points, 11 rebounds and three steals. She connected on 11-of-13 field goal attempts in the game (84.6%).

With the two double-doubles, Penn now has four on the season and 13 during her career. She is now 13th on the USC all-time scoring list with 1,407 points and only needs 22 steals to break the all-time thefts mark at USC (298). She is already one of only six Gamecocks ever to score 1,000+ points, grab 500+ boards and make 200+ steals entering her senior year, Penn could soon be one of only four USC women to score 1,500+ points, grab 500+ boards and make 200+ steals.

Penn joins Gamecock teammates Cristina Ciocan, Shaunzinski Gortman and Kelly Morrone (from the 2001-2002 season), Teresa Geter (from 2000-2001 season), Annie Lester (1999-2000) and Shannon Johnson (1993-1994 & 1995-1996) as South Carolina players who have been honored as SEC Players of the Week.

The next USC home game is Monday, December 16th against Middle Tennessee with a 5:30 tipoff time.