DAYTON, TN – The National Christian College Athletic Association’s MidEast Region announced its’ women’s basketball awards today and four Lady Lions were honored.  Katie Davis (Harriman, TN/Oliver Springs HS) was voted Co-Region Player of the Year by the coaches in the NCCAA’s MidEast Region.  Karissa Walters of Oakland City (IN) University shared these honors with Davis.  Davis averaged 17.3 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 4.0 apg, while making 3.07 “three-point baskets” per game.  Last week, Davis received First-Team All-AAC honors.  Also receiving honors from the NCCAA were Amber Smith (Pompano Beach, FL/Highlands Christian Academy), Courtney Swanson (Tellico Plains, TN/Tellico Plains HS), and Jessica Southern (Winchester, TN/Franklin Co. HS).  The sophomore inside duo of Smith and Swanson earned Second-Team All-Region honors, while the freshman Southern earned Honorable Mention All-Region Status.  The 6’1” Smith joined the team after missing the first 8 games due to the volleyball team’s success and still had a very good year.  She ended up averaging 9.7 ppg and 5.4 rpg, while shooting 45% from the field.  The 5’11 Swanson averaged 9.2 ppg and 4.6 rpg while shooting 79% from the free throw line (which included a string of 21 straight makes).  Swanson also started every game for the Lady Lions this season.  Jessica Southern also started every game for the Lady Lions, which is a rare accomplishment for a freshman in any college program.  She averaged 6.8 ppg and 6.2 rpg.  She also shot 48% from the field.  She ended up ranked 15^th in the NAIA for offensive rebounds per game with 3.83/game.  “I am really proud of these girls and happy for them,” said head coach Jamy Bechler. “They worked hard and it is nice to see them get recognized by other coaches.  The NCCAA takes more than just on-court performance into consideration.  In order to be considered for these awards, each of these girls must have Christian character, in addition to displaying a high level of performance on the basketball court.  Each of these ladies are well-deserving of these honors.   Each of these girls are returning next year and make up a strong core of returners that will allow us to have a very successful season next year."