NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State student-athletes Diamond Johnson and Kierra Wheeler have been named to the 2023 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Midseason Watch List by Her Hoop Stats, the website announced on Wednesday.
 
Of the 15 student-athletes selected to the list, Wheeler and Johnson are the only players from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Norfolk State is also the only school with more than one student-athlete on the list.
 
The 2023 MEAC Tournament Most Outstanding Player, Wheeler has taken the conference by storm thus far in her junior season. Through 15 games, she's averaging 18.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per contest, shooting 112-of-213 (52.6 percent) from the field.
 
After missing the first 10 games of the season, Johnson has adapted quickly into the Norfolk State offensive and defensive system. Through six contests, she's averaging 19.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.0 steals, and 3.5 assists per game.
 
Johnson, Wheeler, and the Spartans return to the court on Jan. 20 to face Howard in a rematch of the 2022 and 2023 MEAC Tournament title games. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m.
 
2024 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award Watch List
 
Izzy Higginbottom, Arkansas State, Jr., G
McKenna Hofschild, Colorado State, Gr., G
Abbey Hsu, Columbia, Sr., G
Katie Dinnebier, Drake, Jr., G
Meghan Andersen, Fairfield, Fr., F
Terren Ward, Georgia Southern, Sr.; G/F
Yvonne Ejim, Gonzaga, Sr.; F
Katelyn Young, Murray St., Sr., F
Diamond Johnson, Norfolk State, Jr., G
Kierra Wheeler, Norfolk State, Jr., F
Tess Heal, Santa Clara, So., G
Khari Clark, Stony Brook, Gr., F/C
Mia Moore, UAB, R-So., G
Desi-Rae Young, UNLV, Sr., C
Rachael Rose, Wofford, Jr., G