Walker named MIAA Player of Week

Jan. 28, 2002

Washburn forward Crystal Walker, a 6-foot junior from Osawatomie, Kan., was named MIAA Player of the Week Monday , averaging 25.5 points and 12 rebounds a game in two victories over in-state rivals Emporia State and Pittsburg State last week.

Walker tied a career-high with 25 points and grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds in WashburnÍs 70-61 victory Wednesday night over Emporia State, grabbing 11 offensive rebounds. She was 10-of-19 from the field and 5-of-6 at the foul line.

Walker had 17 points in the second half to help Washburn snap a nine-game losing against the Lady Hornets.

On Saturday Walker followed by notching a new career-high with 26 points and 12 rebounds in a 64-62 victory over Pittsburg State.

After scoring her second straight basket to put the Lady Blues up by two with 27 seconds, Walker had to pull some more magic after PSU tied it at 62. Walker took a pass near the free throw line, faked and scored a layup at the buzzer for the win.

She finished with 16 points in the second half and was 10-of-14 from the field and 6-of-6 from the foul line in the game. WashburnÍs win snapped a six-game losing skid to the Gorillas in Topeka.

Walker, who also won the MIAA Player of the Week award on Nov. 27, 2001 after winning MVP honors at the Nebraska-Kearney Thanksgiving Invitational, has now notched eight double-doubles this season.