Women's Basketball | 1/15/2025 7:03:44 PM
NORFOLK, VA-- The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) standouts,
Diamond Johnson of Norfolk State University and
Laila Lawrence of Coppin State University, have been named to the 15-player midseason watch list for the 2025 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award, presented by Her Hoop Stats.
This prestigious award recognizes standout players from mid-major conferences across the country, highlighting their contributions to their institution's early success throughout the season. The midseason watch list features players from 15 teams across 10 conferences, with the MEAC, A-10, Mountain West, Missouri Valley, and Summit League each having two players representing their conference for this award.
Diamond Johnson (G, 5-5, Gr., Philadelphia, Pa.) is a dynamic guard for Norfolk State who has had an exceptional start to the season for a Spartans team enjoying a breakout year. The 2025 MEAC Preseason Player of the Year favorite is currently averaging 18.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, while ranking 8th nationally in steals with 3.35 per game. Johnson has been a key contributor in two major program wins, including a game against Missouri (SEC) where she finished with 17 points, four assists, and three rebounds, and another against Auburn (SEC) where she recorded a double-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists.
Laila Lawrence (F, 6-2, Sr., Lewisville, Texas) is a versatile forward for Coppin State that has had a dominant start to the season proving to be one of the nation's best two-way players. The senior from Lewisville, Texas is currently averaging 16.8 points per game, 9.3 rebounds and 2.7 steals for an Eagles team who have turned heads with a few noticeable non-conference wins. The biggest win for the Eagles came over Big 12 opponent Arizona State. In the game against Arizona State Lawrence finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, four assists and five steals. Lawrence currently leads the conference in double-doubles with 11, placing her 2nd nationally while leading the conference in rebounding and sitting second in scoring and steals per game.
Johnson and Lawrence are joined by 13 other athletes on 2025 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Midseason Watch List.
- Ally Becki, Ball St., Sr., G
- Emma Ronsiek, Colorado St., Gr., F
- Laila Lawrence, Coppin St., Sr., F
- Katie Dinnebier, Drake, Sr., G
- Megan McConnell, Duquesne, Sr., G
- Mia Jacobs, Fresno St., Jr., F
- Yvonne Ejim, Gonzaga, 5th, F
- Harmoni Turner, Harvard, Sr., G
- Diamond Johnson, Norfolk St., Gr., G
- Laura Ziegler, Saint Joseph's, Jr., F
- Grace Larkins, South Dakota, Sr., G
- Brooklyn Meyer, South Dakota St., Jr., F
- Kayla Cooper, UAlbany, Gr., F
- Maya McDermott, UNI, Sr., G
- Jordyn Jenkins, UTSA, R-Sr., F
The 25-player preseason watch list was revealed in October, and the field will narrow to 10 semifinalists in February. Five finalists will be announced in early March, with the winner crowned around the Women’s Final Four.