Stricklen named USBWA Freshman of the Year

Tennessee’s Shekinna Stricklen received an awards first on Wednesday.

The Lady Vols’ 6-foot-2 guard was named national freshman of the year by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association, becoming the first Lady Vol to receive the USBWA honor.

Stricklen was “very excited and honored” by the award. Based on other postseason awards, she pulled off an upset.

Stricklen wasn’t voted freshman of the year in her own conference. Arkansas’ Ceira Ricketts and LSU’s LaSondra Barrett shared the honor on the SEC coaches’ team. Ricketts was newcomer of the year on the Associated Press’ All-SEC team.

“I am extremely blessed to be able to play basketball at Tennessee, as it has always been my dream,’’ Stricklen said in a release. “There are so many great players in women’s collegiate hoops that this is truly a special honor.”

Stricklen, who was a unanimous pick to the SEC coaches’ all-freshman team and made second-team All-SEC, led the Lady Vols in scoring (13.3 points per game) and started 32 of 33 games. Her scoring high was 26 points against Auburn on Jan. 25.

“I cannot imagine us not having her this season as her offensive skill set was incredibly important to our success,’’ UT coach Pat Summitt said. “She is determined to get better, and I am very glad we have her at Tennessee.”

Spani’s Schedule: Lady Vols signee Taber Spani’s all-star week began Wednesday night with the McDonald’s High School All-America Game in Coral Gables, Fla.

Spani, a 6-1 guard who averaged 32.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game for Metro Academy in Olathe, Kansas, will play in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-America Game Saturday in St. Louis.

The game is held in conjunction with the Women’s Final Four.