Peach Tree Times

University of Georgia graduate center Jenna Staiti was named the ESPN National Player of the Week and Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Week on Dec. 20 after her double-double in an 82-80 upset over North Carolina State.

Her performance capped off a stretch of four straight games where she scored at least 10 points and continues a terrific season for Staiti, who has helped lead No.12-ranked Georgia to an 11-1 record by averaging approximately 14.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, the Bulldogs reported on their site.

Staiti proved her ability to play against the best in the country when she totaled 21 points and 11 rebounds against the second-ranked Wolfpack, the Bulldogs reported.

Matched against 2021 All-American and preseason Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year Elissa Cunane, Staiti more than held her own, shooting approximately 60% from the field as well as three 3-pointers to go along with a season-high six blocks, the Bulldogs reported. She followed that with 16 points in a win over St. Francis and 17 points in beating South Alabama.

Staiti, a native of Cumming, was a 2021 All-SEC pick and was named a 2021 Women's Basketball Coaches Association All-America honorable mention, the Bulldogs reported. Staiti continues to improve her credentials for the Lisa Leslie Award for the nation's best center and the Naismith National Player of the Year.

The Lady Bulldogs resumed play Dec. 30, after a holiday break, the Bulldogs reported. They struggled against Louisiana State University, losing 68-62.