April 24, 2003
ATLANTA — Georgia Tech junior guard Alex Stewart was named the team’s most improved player while rookie Cheytoria Phillips was the recipient of the Mandy Miller Award at the annual women’s basketball banquet on Wednesday night at the Atlanta Marriott NW.
Tech finished its most successful season in program history in 2003, closing with a 20-11 overall record and an 8-8 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference play to tie with Florida State for fourth place. The Jackets also earned their fourth-straight postseason berth with the second NCAA Tournament bid in school history.
Stewart, a 5-5 guard from Norcross, Ga., opened the year as a reserve point guard for Tech, but following injuries to both senior Nina B?rlin and freshman Mallorie Winn, she was thrust into the starting role. She responded admirably, garnering third-team All-ACC honors after leading the conference with a .851 free throw percentage and 5.55 assists per contest. Stewart also added 5.6 rebounds and 8.6 points per game in 2003.
Phillips, who earned a spot on the Tech roster without the benefit of a scholarship, was given the Many Miller Award, which is given annually to the player that best exemplifies hard work and dedication to the program and is voted on by the players each season. Despite appearing in only 10 games this season, Phillips was a solid contributor on a daily basis in practice and in game preparation during the season.
Other special recognition was given to senior Sonja Mallory for joining the 1,000-point club, along with being a first-team All-ACC and ACC All-Defensive team selection, along with being an honorable mention WBCA All-American after earning All-District II honors. Junior Fallon Stokes was also recognized for garnering both third-team All-ACC and second-team ACC All-Tournament accolades.
The Yellow Jackets will return four starters and 12 letterwinners next year, while adding a pair of freshmen to the ranks as well in guard Stephanie Higgs and forward Kentrina Wilson.
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