Monday, January 08, 2007

Candace Parker Named SEC Player of the Week


KNOXVILLE, TENN. - The Southeastern Conference office announced Monday that Tennessee basketball star Candace Parker earned co-player of the week honors for her performances against Alabama and fifth-ranked Connecticut. She shares the accolade with Mississippi's Armintie Price.

The Lady Vol media relations office also tabbed Parker the Lady Vol Athlete of the Week on Monday.

Against Alabama on Jan. 3, Parker picked off a career-best five steals. She also added 15 points, five rebounds and five blocks; all in a limited 24 minutes of playing time. Tennessee took its 31st consecutive win against the Tide with the 72-36 routing.

On Jan. 6, the Lady Vols defeated No. 5 Connecticut, 70-64. In the victory, Parker was named the CBS and Lady Vol player of the game for her 30 points, 12 rebounds, six blocks and four assists in her first 40-minute game of the season. One of the many 6-4 sophomore's highlights was a dunk early in the second half to put UT up by 16.

The Naperville, Ill., native is quickly ascending the Tennessee record books. Through just 51 career games, Parker has 928 points, 432 rebounds and 127 blocks, ranking sixth all-time in the latter category. When she reaches the 1,000-point plateau, she will become just the 29th Lady Vol ever to do so. If she does it before her 57th career game, she will be the fastest Pat Summitt-coached player to amass 1,000 tallies. Chamique Holdsclaw did so in 57 games and Tamika Catchings in 58.

Parker previously captured player of the week honors on Nov. 20 and Nov. 27 of this season.

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