WICHITA, Kan. – Four Friends University Women's Basketball Falcons have been voted as All-KCAC selections, the conference office announced today (Feb. 25).
Highlighting the honorees were Rayland Garner and Lauryn McIver each earning first-team recognition. Abigail Barr was a third-team pick, while KK Peeler snagged honorable-mention recognition.
Garner, a unanimous first-team selection, finished her senior season tops on the Falcons and second in the KCAC in scoring (18.6 ppg) and first on the team and fourth in the league in rebounding (7.7 rpg). A native of Kingfisher, Okla., Garner eclipsed the 1,000 career point mark earlier this season and wraps up her career with 1,225 points, fourth on the program's modern-era career scoring list.
McIver has also etched her name in the program's modern-era record book, as the Phoenix, Ariz. native reached 1,000 career points this season and now stands right behind Garner with 1,199 career points. The senior guard made more history by becoming the school's all-time career assist leader this season and now has 392 assists and counting. McIver's 156 assists this season is also a single-season modern-era record and she's averaging an all-around stat line of 15.3 points per game, 6.4 rebounds and 5.6 assists. Her assists per game total is tied for second in the KCAC this season.
Barr, a senior forward, is averaging 14.9 ppg and 6.0 rpg while shooting a KCAC-leading 60.3 percent from the field. A native of Freeport, Ill., Barr recently scored a career-high tying 28 points on Senior Day in a big Falcon victory over McPherson College (Feb. 14).
Peeler, a sophomore guard from Edmond, Okla broke out this season with 6.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Peeler had a career-high six steals in the Falcons' last second 81-79 victory over Kansas Wesleyan University (Jan. 26).
"It has been a pleasure coaching all four of these young women," said Friends women's basketball Dean Jaderston. "On and off the court they have been the best representation of Friends University. Rayland is a dynamic athlete and her resilience and joy as she plays has lifted this team to new heights. Lauryn is an amazing playmaker, making all of her teammates better. She also has the ability to rise to the occasion in pressure-packed moments and make great plays. Abigail has been this consistent excellent presence, unstoppable in the low post, and unflappable on and off the court. I'm also very pleased KK received recognition as well. The relentless effort she brings to the defensive end has been the point of the spear of our defense this year. All four are amazing and I'm so glad the conference sees the same things in them that we do."
The Falcons, 23-5 overall and the third seed in the KCAC, are set to begin action in the KCAC Postseason Tournament later tonight vs. sixth-seeded Sterling College. Tip-off is set for 7 pm inside the Garvey Center and tickets can be purchased HERE.
