GREENSBORO — At the outset of last season, There were a few questions as to whether junior guard Jordyn Dorsey could be a "true" point guard. But over the past two seasons, Dorsey has not only proven her worth as a point guard but also a "true" baller, which allows her to perform multiple roles for the Aggies.
On Tuesday, the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) rewarded Dorsey's versatility with its postseason accolades. Dorsey made first-team All-CAA, the first player in program history to earn first-team honors from the conference. A&T had two additional postseason honors.
Senior guard Maleia Bracone earned all-defensive team honors from the league for the second straight season. In addition, Paris Locke earned all-rookie honors a year after Chaniya Clark earned all-rookie honors from the league.
"It's great to see our young women recognized in a conference with so many talented and well-rounded athletes," said A&T head coach Tarrell Robinson.
Dorsey enters this week's CAA Women's Basketball Championship Tournament in Washington, D.C., averaging 13.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals. From her guard position, she also averages an incredible 1.7 offensive rebounds per game. She is shooting 39.6 percent from the field and 28.4 percent from 3-point range.
"Watching Jordyn's development over the last three years and now being recognized as one of the best players in the CAA conference is something I am extremely proud of," said Robinson. "She has worked hard and trusted us every step of the way. We are not in the position to compete for a championship this year if Jordyn Dorsey doesn't raise her game to this level."
Dorsey is also a 78.4 percent free throw shooter. She leads the CAA in free throw attempts (162) and free throws made (127). She ranks 57th and 40th nationally in each statistical category, respectively. Dorsey is also the eighth-best free throw shooter in the CAA.
Dorsey had her first two career double-doubles this season, with the first coming on Feb. 2, when she scored a career-high 23 points to go along with 10 rebounds in a win over UNC Wilmington. She also had 21 points and 10 rebounds in a 73-58 victory over Hampton on Feb. 16. She came away with two CAA weekly superlatives this season, earning player of the week on Jan. 29 and co-player of the week on Feb. 5.
"She is the most versatile guard in the CAA because she can score at all three levels, set her teammates up, and is an above-average rebounder for a point guard."
Bracone came to A&T after transferring from Presbyterian College with the reputation of being an excellent shooter. That reputation still stands, but her ability to defend made the Aggies one of the best defensive teams in the nation. Bracone, who averaged 11.3 points and 3.0 assists per game, can not only score for the Aggies but also make the game difficult for opposing guards on the perimeter.
Nationally, the Aggies rank fourth in field goal percentage defense, 29th in scoring defense, and 41st in 3-point field goal percentage defense. Bracone played a significant role in those numbers. She ranks third in the conference in total steals (63) and fourth in steals per game (2.2). Bracone had five or more steals five times.
"She makes us one of the most versatile defensive teams in the CAA," said Robinson. Her instincts and grit give us confidence that our opponents' best offensive perimeter threat
is contained. She's the definition of a "two-way" player and doesn't sacrifice her defensive effort for her offense.
Locke had an outstanding freshman season, averaging 5.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 36 percent from the floor. She scored in double figures four times and started 14 straight games from Jan.7-March 3. She also earned CAA rookie of the week honors twice during the season. She had a season-high 18 points to go along with seven rebounds in a double overtime loss to Monmouth on Feb. 18.
"Paris is the most versatile player on our team as a true freshman," said Robinson. "I have had the luxury of playing her at the guard and forward positions, which gives our opponents fits. Her size and tenacity at the guard position make it hard to box her out, and we can post her up. Her versatility as a guard playing the forward position gives us another ball handler and playmaker. Her continued development in her offensive abilities will make her one of the most versatile players in the CAA for years to come."
After earning a double bye, A&T will play its first tournament game at the Entertainment & Sports Arena on Friday at 2:30 p.m. The Aggies will play either William & Mary, Hofstra or Hampton.
