Contact: Renee Adam
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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Following a standout senior season Cleveland State forward Shalonda Winton was honored by the Horizon League Monday (March 11), earning Defensive Player of the Year honors along with a spot on the All-Horizon League First Team and All-Defensive Team.
Winton becomes the third Viking to earn a spot on the all-league first team and all-defensive team at least twice throughout their career, while she is also the third Viking to be named Defensive Player of the Year.
The league office made the announcement of the all-league teams Monday afternoon.
Entering the league tournament, Winton leads the league in scoring (22.1 ppg) and ranks second in rebounding (10.6 rpg) - one of just two players in the league to average a double-double on the season. Winton, who averages a league-best 38.9 minutes per contest, also ranks first in blocked shots (1.3), second in defensive rebounds (7.2), third in steals (2.2), fourth in offensive rebounds (3.4) and sixth in assists (3.9) and free throw percentage (.775).
Throughout the regular season Winton has posted 17 double-doubles, including two triple-doubles - one of only three NCAA Division I players to achieve the feat this season. She has also recorded 29 double-digit scoring games and two 30-point games.
Winton leads the Vikings in all five major statistical categories this season; points (640), rebounds (308), assists (114), steals (65) and blocks (38) - the only player in the league to lead their team in all five categories.
The Pittsburgh, Pa. native has rewritten the Cleveland State record book during her final season as a Viking, becoming the all-time leader in rebounds (1,071), offensive rebounds (373) and games started (116), while ranking in the top-10 in 10 additional categories. Winton currently ranks third on the all-time scoring list (1,821) and is closing in on becoming the single season scoring leader - sitting just 15 points shy of the mark.
Winton and the Vikings will begin play in the Horizon League Tournament on Wednesday (March 13), facing Youngstown State in a quarterfinal matchup. Wednesday's contest is set for a 7:05 p.m. tip at the Beeghly Center on the YSU campus.
All-League First Team
Brandi Brown, Youngstown State (Sr., F)
Shalonda Winton, Cleveland State (Sr., F)
Shareta Brown, Detroit (So., F)
Adrian Ritchie, Green Bay (Sr., G)
Simone Law, Loyola (So., F)
All-League Second Team
Kim Demmings, Wright State (So., G)
Tabitha Gerardot, Valparaiso (Jr., F)
Sarah Eichler, Green Bay (Sr., F)
Taylor Johnson, Loyola (Fr., G)
Katie Hannemann, UIC (Jr., C)
All-Newcomer Team
Taylor Johnson, Loyola (Fr., G)
Rachel Story, UIC (Jr., G)
Ivory James, Wright State (Jr., G)
Shar'Rae Davis, Youngstown State (Fr., G)
Rosanna Reynolds, Detroit (Fr., G)
All-Defensive Team
Shalonda Winton, Cleveland State (Sr., F)
Adrian Ritchie, Green Bay (Sr., G)
Taylor Johnson, Loyola (Fr., G)
Sarah Eichler, Green Bay (Sr., F)
Yar Shayok, Detroit (Sr., F)
Player of the Year: Brandi Brown, Youngstown State (Sr., F)
Coach of the Year: Bob Boldon, Youngstown State
Newcomer of the Year: Taylor Johnson, Loyola (Fr., G)
Defensive Player of the Year: Shalonda Winton, Cleveland State (Sr., F)
Sixth Person of the Year: Yar Shayok, Detroit (Sr., F)