NEW ORLEANS (JMU Athletics) – After consecutive strong performances on both ends of the floor that included a double-double and a win over Florida at the St Pete Showcase, Peyton McDaniel of James Madison women’s basketball has been named Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week, the league announced on Tuesday morning.

The weekly honor is the first by a JMU player in 2024-25 and the second for McDaniel since the Dukes joined the Sun Belt.

The redshirt junior turned in her third double-double of the season with 22 points and a career-high 15 rebounds in an 85-83 overtime loss to Northern Arizona on Thanksgiving. The next day, McDaniel finished with 20 points in a 77-72 triumph over the Gators, knocking down 6-of-15 (.400) from three and recording five steals on her way to being named to the St. Pete Showcase All-Tournament Team.

The Birdsboro, Pa. native is currently third in the conference in scoring (15.4 ppg) and fourth in rebounding (8.6 rpg). Nationally, McDaniel is tied for 19th in steals (23) and tied for 27th in double-doubles (3).

Up next, JMU will head to Richmond, Va. to take on VCU Thursday night in non-conference action. The opening tip inside the Siegel Center is scheduled for 6 p.m.

— JMU Athletics —