Christopher Named NAIA All-American

From staff reports

PULASKI – After a four-year standout career full of awards and accolades, Martin Methodist senior Jessy Christopher can add one more title to her already-impressive resume.

All-American.

On Wednesday afternoon, Christopher was awarded for her achievements on the hardwood this season when she was named to the 2012-13 Division I Women's Basketball All-America Team.

A 5-foot-4 guard from Lebanon who prepped at Wilson Central after transferring from Mt. Juliet, Christopher helped lead the RedHawks to one of their most impressive finishes to a season in school history, achieving a 16-16 record and the school's first-ever TranSouth Conference runner-up and Conference Tournament runner-up finish.

As one of the team's main perimeter threats, Christopher averaged 12.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per contest. On the year, Christopher scored in double-figures in 21 of her 32 contests – including a career-high 28 points against Fisk on Oct. 29, 2012.

Christopher was also proficient beyond the arc this season, with her 74 made 3-pointers ranking 22nd in the NAIA. Her 2.31 triples per contest also ranked 22nd in the NAIA this season.

Despite serving as less of a facilitator this season compared to years prior, Christopher also still led the RedHawks in assists, handing out 2.31 helpers a night.

"I am so happy for Jessy," RedHawks head coach Jamy Bechler said. "She had a great career and really worked hard to achieve both individual and team success. The caliber of players at the NAIA level is top-notch and for her to be recognized with those other great players is a testament to her abilities and what she has done to elevate our program. I enjoyed coaching her and enjoy seeing her get rewarded for her efforts."