Kansas City, Mo. - LaKendra Smith (Southwest Baptist) has been named the MIAA Women's Basketball Student-Athlete of the Week for the week of Jan. 16-22 as selected by a conference SID panel.

LaKendra Smith arguably had her best week of the 11-12 season last week, averaging a double-double with 17.5 points per game and 10.0 rebounds per game. In the thrilling 100-99 overtime victory over Missouri Western, Smith gave the Bearcats her third double-double of the season, scoring 14 points while grabbing 11 rebounds. In the second game of the week, Smith almost led the Bearcats to another upset victory, this time over Central Missouri. The senior from Mesquite, Texas, had game highs in both points and rebounds with 21 points and 9 rebounds. On the week, Smith shot 50.0% from the field.

"Our coaching staff is very proud of what LaKendra Smith has been doing for our team," head coach Todd Voss stated. "She had another great week.  LaKendra has taken her daily preparation and leadership to the next level and her game performance definitely shows it.  Consistency is the mark of a champion and over the last four games we know what LaKendra is going to bring to the court."