Rucker, a 6-4 freshman guard from San Antonio, Texas, was instrumental in two wins for Our Lady of the Lake,as the Saints climbed into a first-place tie in the Red River Athletic Conference at 10-2. He compiled 27 points, 16 rebounds and five steals in the 96-91 win over Bacone (Okla.) on Feb. 4. Two days later, Rucker finished with a career-high 28 points and 15 boards in the 100-75 victory against Langston (Okla.). He shot 78.6 percent (11-for-14) in the game.
In two wins last week, Rucker averaged 27.5 points, 15.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals. He shot 69.7 percent (23-for-33) from the field and 64 percent (9-for-14) from the foul line.
He now has posted four double-doubles this year and helped the Saints to six straight wins, after a 106-83 win Monday against Jarvis Christian (Texas).
In NAIA statistics, Rucker ranks sixth in field goal percentage (.623) and 37thin rebounding (7.8 rpg).
For more information on the national statistical leaders,click here.
National Nominees:
Marqise Wright, Shorter (Ga.); Nate Brumfield, Oklahoma Baptist; Robert Jones, Robert Morris (Ill.); Greg Truvillion, Union (Tenn.); Brenton Bell, MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.); Kellen Hasquet, Montana Tech; Brandon Roberson, Missouri Baptist; Drew Meyerchick, William Carey (Miss.); Hollis Giles, Georgetown (Ky.); James Lewis Jr., Fresno Pacific (Calif.).
2009-10 Composite Award Winners (Schedule):
WEEK 1:
Player: Robert Martinez, Our Lady of the Lake (Texas) - Fr., G
WEEK 2:
Player: Derrick Parker, Louisiana State-Shreveport - So., F
WEEK 3:
Player: Nick Aldridge, Mountain State (W.Va.) - Sr., F
WEEK 4:
Player: Brandon Springer, Cumberland (Tenn.) - Sr., F
WEEK 5:
Player: Ronnie Battle, Bacone (Okla.) - Sr., F
WEEK 6:
Player: Dionelle Rucker, Our Lady of the Lake (Texas) - Fr., G
Article written by Chad Waller, NAIA Director of Sports Information & Media Services
