UNC’s DeShields earns ACC Rookie of the Week honor

UNC Athletics Communications
UNC Athletics Communications

GREENSBORO, N.C. – North Carolina Tar Heelsfreshman guard Diamond DeShields was selected Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Rookie of the Week as announced by the conference office on Monday.

With Shields’ selection, UNC has now won the award for three-consecutive weeks as Allisha Gray earned the award on Nov. 18 and Stephanie Mavunga was given the honor on Nov. 25.

DeShields averaged 23.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.7 steals last week over three games at the recent Cancun Challenge, helping lead the Tar Heels to a 2-1 record.

She set her season-high scoring total with 24 points against Arkansas State, before breaking that mark less than 24 hours later with 28 points the following day against Arizona State.

DeShields finished the weekend tournament with 18 points and eight rebounds in a win over Illinois last Saturday.

In three games, she shot 49.1 percent (27-of-55) from the field, distributed six assists and came up with eight steals, including five blocks against Arizona State.