Trio of Eagles Named All-Conference Wednesday Night

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Not long after securing a spot in the AAC Championship semifinals on the hardwood, Reinhardt received word that three Eagles – Abi Haynes, Catherine Shope and Brittany Burnett – were named on the All-Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) annual awards.

Haynes, who gave the hometown squad a jolt of energy in the second part of the schedule, was tabbed AAC Newcomer of the Year along with being a First Team All-AAC member for her 17-point, 4.9-rebound average each time out on the floor.

The Ball State transfer wasn't done there, either, as she was named to the All-Defensive Team – along with Burnett – thanks to stifling defense and a knack for taking the ball away (28 steals in nine games).

Burnett added 25 thefts on the year and was one of the most hard-nosed defenders in the league this season.

One of the best all-around players in the AAC is Shope (First Team All-AAC), who has been a constant force on the court since her freshman campaign. The Woodstock, Ga., native was second on the team in scoring (13.5 points) and second on the squad in rebounding from the guard position at 6.2 boards per contest.

To view the complete All-AAC Team along with the All-Defensive and All-Freshmen teams, please click here.

Earlier Wednesday, Shope (18 points and 11 rebounds) combined with smothering defense helped the Eagles dismantle Montreat (N.C.) in the quarterfinal round of the AAC Championship, 88-45.

Another bright spot was Haynes, specifically on defense, as she was also in double figures scoring at 11 points to go along with 8 steals, 6 assists and 5 rebounds.

A spot in the Championship final is on the line tomorrow against Union (Ky.) at 4 p.m. 

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For more information on Reinhardt Women's Basketball, please click here.